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: The 2020 Lexus IS is unchanged. The IS is a premium compact sedan that was last redesigned for 2014. The rear-wheel drive IS 300 is powered by a 241-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. However, the all-wheel-drive IS 300 has 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. Rear-wheel-drive cars have an 8-speed automatic transmission, while all-wheel-drive models have a 6-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 IS that suits you best, but be sure to scope the BMW 3-Series Sedan and Mercedes-Benz C-Class as well.
| 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: $39,585 AWD IS 300: $42,035 IS 300 F Sport: $42,780 AWD IS 300 F Sport: $44,830 IS 350: $43,205 AWD IS 350: $45,370 IS 350 F Sport: $46,400 AWD IS 350 F Sport: $47,735 |
| Base Engine turbocharged 2.0-liter (IS 300) |
| Horsepower 241 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 21 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 30 |
| Optional Engine 3.5-liter V6 (AWD IS 300, IS 350) |
| Horsepower 260 (311 in IS 350) |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic (RWD) |
| Avail. Transmission 6-speed automatic (AWD) |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 19-20 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 24-28 |
