Lexus IS 350 F Sport
Lexus IS 350 F Sport
Lexus IS 350 F Sport

2018 Lexus IS 350 F Sport

Pros: Athletic handling; numerous options and option packages; Cabin trim astutely blends luxury and sport

Cons: Limited interior room; V6 fuel economy not outstanding

CG Says: For 2018, the Lexus IS changes the name of its base model from IS 200t to IS 300. The rear-wheel drive IS 300 retains its 241-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. However, the all-wheel-drive IS 300 is powered by a 260-hp 3.5-liter V6. The IS 350 offers both rear- and all-wheel drive and both have a 311-hp 3.5-liter V6. The V6 engines have slight horsepower gains: the AWD IS 300 increases from 255 to 260 and the IS 350 rises from 306 to 311. Rear-wheel-drive cars have an eight-speed automatic transmission, while all-wheel-drive models have a six-speed automatic. Available safety features include autonomous emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot alert, and cross-traffic alert. Other available features include park assist, heated steering wheel, heated/ventilated front seats, power rear sunshade, and power tilt/telescopic steering wheel. The IS’s nimble handling is a highlight, but its aging V6 mean it doesn’t trounce any of its competitors in terms of performance. If you’re in the market for an athletic compact sedan with a convincingly luxurious feel, check out the 2018 Lexus IS that suits you best, but be sure to scope the Cadillac ATS, BMW 3-Series Sedan, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class as well.

The Facts
Class Premium Compact Car
Body Style(s) 4-door sedan
Passenger Count 5
Drive Wheels rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Manufacturer Lexus
Nation of Manufacture Japan
Base Prices IS 300: $39,205
IS 300 F Sport: $42,400
AWD IS 300: $41,655
AWD IS 300 F Sport: $44,450
IS 350: $42,825
IS 350 F Sport: $46,020
AWD IS 350: $44,990
AWD IS 350 F Sport: $47,355

Base Engine
turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (IS 300)
Horsepower
241
Std. Transmission
8-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
22
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
32

Optional Engine
3.5-liter V6 (AWD IS 300, IS 350)
Horsepower
260 (311 in IS 350)
Std. Transmission
8-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
6-speed autoamtic
EPA City Range (mpg)
19-20
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
26-28

Lexus IS 300
2018 Lexus IS 300
NHTSA Ratings
Overall - 5
100%

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Crash - 4
80%
Side Crash - 5
100%
Rollover - 5
100%

For complete ratings click here.

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