2017 Lexus IS Arrives in the U.S. with Updated Styling, New Equipment

Only the eagle-eyed will spot the changes, though

Following its world debut at the Beijing Auto Show in April, the facelifted 2017 Lexus IS has now reached U.S. shores carrying a similar set of styling and equipment upgrades.

Design-wise, the 2017 Lexus IS gains a more dramatic version of the brand's signature spindle grille, restyled LED headlights and daytime running lights, larger air intakes in the front bumper, as well as a reshaped hood.

At the rear, the IS sports a refreshed nighttime signature with more pronounced "L"-shaped LED lights and new rectangular chrome exhaust tips for a more aggressive look. Finally, the 2017 Lexus IS 350 gains new five-spoke 18-inch wheels while two new colors join the lineup: Caviar and Nightfall Mica.

Moving on to the interior, the 2017 Lexus IS sports a revised climate control panel, analog clock, redesigned speedometer and tachometer, as well as refreshed steering wheel switches. New interior colors are available as well, with Lexus also adding revised multimedia systems.

The 2017 Lexus IS continues to be available with three engine options: a 241 hp 2.0-liter turbo in the IS 200t (RWD), a 255 hp 3.5-liter V6 in the IS 300 AWD, and a 306 hp 3.5-liter V6 in the IS 350 (available in RWD and AWD).

Equipment upgrades include the standard Lexus Safety System+, which includes Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, Intelligent High Beam (IHB), and High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The sedan also offers the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) as an option.