Pros: Cabin trim astutely blends luxury and sport; reasonably priced compared to German competition; powerful V8 performance model
Cons: Limited interior space; real leather upholstery not available; no hybrid powertrain offered
CG Says: The Lexus IS gets a new high-performance model for 2022, with more power, improved handling, and unique styling details. The IS line was heavily updated for 2021, so this premium compact car otherwise remains essentially unchanged for 2022.
Rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are offered, with four different engines available: a 241-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder powers rear-wheel-drive IS 300s. The all-wheel-drive IS 300 has a 260-hp 3.5-liter V6. The IS 350 has a 311-hp 3.5-liter V6 in both rear- and all-wheel-drive form. IS models with rear-wheel drive have an 8-speed automatic transmission, while all-wheel-drive cars have a 6-speed automatic.
The new IS 500 F Sport Performance model has rear-wheel drive, and is powered by a 472-hp 5.0-liter V8. In addition to its stronger engine, the IS 500 has 19-inch wheels with performance tires, limited-slip differential, performance exhaust system, trunk-lid spoiler, sport seats, and unique exterior trim.
The cabin of the 2022 Lexus IS has an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, or an optional 10.3-inch screen and a navigation system. Either system comes with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. Standard safety-tech features on all IS models include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and bicyclist detection, emergency steering assist, blind-spot alert, lane-departure warning, lane-tracing assist, rear-cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights.
Despite the recent refresh of the Lexus IS, beneath the skin it’s essentially still the same car it was back in 2013. So, in some respects, it lags behind the best cars in this very competitive class of vehicles. That said, the IS still gets high marks for style, comfort, overall refinement, and reasonable prices, making it a compelling blend that’s worth considering.
| 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: $39,700 IS 300: AWD $41,700 IS 350: $44,125 IS 350: AWD $46,125 IS 500: $57,575 IS 500 Launch Edition: $68,475 |
| 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) 31 |
| Optional Engine 5.0-liter V8 (IS 500 F) |
| Horsepower 472 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 17 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 25 |
| 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) 26-28 |
