2022 Lexus IS
2022 Lexus IS
2022 Lexus IS

2022 Lexus IS

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.

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: $39,700
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

2022 Lexus IS
2022 Lexus IS 350
2022 Lexus IS
2022 Lexus IS 500 F
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.

Share this: