Lexus' rival for the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class received a new generation in 2013, which debuted in the U.S. dealerships as a 2014 model. One of the first vehicles to feature the brand's new design language, the third-generation Lexus IS combines sporty looks with smooth powertrains and a beautiful interior. Lexus' smallest sedan is not as sporty as it looks, though, so if you want a premium model with sharp handling the 3-Series is a better choice. The lineup lacks a diesel engine (even in Europe), but Lexus says the hybrid delivers similar fuel efficiency.
PROS & CONS
Pros
Strong Points
- Attractive Design
- Well-Built Interior With Top-Quality Materials
- Plenty Of Standard Features
- Quiet, Economical Hybrid Version
- Good Reliability
Recommended Versions
- Is 200T
- Is 300H (Europe)
- Is 300H (Europe)
Cons
Weak Points
- Thirsty V6 Engine
- Not Very Fun To Drive
- Navigation System's Remote Touch Interface Is Distracting To Use
Stay Away From
- Is 300 (Less Powerful And Insignificantly Cheaper Than The More Powerful And Fuel-Efficient Is 350)
Attention
Known Problems & Recalls
- There Have Been No Recalls For The Third-Generation Lexus Is So Far.
CAR DETAILS
Drive
Powertrain
Lexus offers three powertrain choices in the United States for the IS sedan: the new-for-2016 IS 200t powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine rated at 241 hp, the IS 300 with a 255 hp 3.5-liter V6 and the IS 350 with a 306 hp 3.5-liter V6. The 2.0-liter turbo replaces the old-fashioned 2.5-liter V6 engine as the entry-level model. Only available as a rear-wheel drive model with a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission, the IS 200t delivers decent performance and better fuel economy than the unit it replaces. In Europe, Lexus also offers the IS 300h hybrid, which pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 223 PS.
Handling
The suspension has conventional springs and dampers on all models, favoring comfort above all. However, F Sport versions feature slightly sportier settings and come with an optional adaptive damping system. F Sport models deliver sharper handling capabilities, but the trade-off is a bumpier ride (unless the optional adaptive dampers are chosen). Still, even in F Sport configuration, the Japanese premium sedan is not as fun to drive as the BMW 3-Series or the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The IS delivers balanced, neutral handling, with a well-tuned steering.
Safety
The third-generation Lexus IS has been assessed in North America by both the IIHS and NHTSA. IIHS gave the sedan the top "Good" rating for moderate overlap front impact and side impact while front crash prevention was rated as "Advanced" thanks to the optional Pre-Collision System with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The NHTSA rated the IS with five stars overall, but frontal crash results were rated at four stars. Finally, Euro NCAP gave the Lexus IS five stars overall as well, with the sedan also getting the "Best in Class" label for the Large Family Car category in 2013.
Interior
Comfort
The Lexus IS delivers a very comfortable ride that is almost as supple and refined as what the larger GS sedan offers. Wind noise does never bother the passengers, and the hybrid's silent operation in all-electric mode is a great thing to experience. There's some road noise over rougher surfaces, but overall the IS has a quiet cabin.The driving position is good for drivers of all sizes, and the front seats are comfortable and supportive under most circumstances. However, some drivers may prefer better lateral support. The controls are easy to use, and the dash is clear and easy to read.
Quality
The Lexus IS has a modern dashboard design, and the interior feels well-built throughout, with remarkable attention to detail. The buttons, knobs and materials feel high-quality, although some of the plastics look out of place near the beautiful leather and metal trim that adorns the cabin. The dense padding of the dashboard, armrests, steering wheel and sides of the center console is a nice touch as well. The optional F Sport digital instrument panel inspired by the LFA supercar looks hi-tech and features a motorized circular gauge that slides side to side, as well as a configurable display.
Practicality
The third-generation Lexus IS is more practical than its predecessor thanks to a longer wheelbase and wider body. Both front and rear passengers benefit from a respectable amount of legroom. In the back, the IS offers more legroom than the Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. However, headroom is rather limited for people six feet tall and above. Furthermore, the tall transmission tunnel does not make trips comfortable for the central rear passenger. The trunk can swallow 13.8 cubic feet of luggage, which is above average for the segment. The rear seat backs fold down 60/40 when additional space is needed.
Infotainment
All Lexus IS models come with an 8-inch color display with a console-mounted control dial, voice command functionality, Siri Eyes Free, and an 8-speaker sound system with a CD player, HD radio, satellite radio and dual USB ports. The optional Navigation package replaces this system with the Remote Touch mouse-type controller, which also adds a navigation system, rearview camera, enhanced Bluetooth and the smartphone-based Enform App Suite. The Remote Touch interface is not very pleasant to use, though. Cursor control is imprecise, especially when you're on the move, there's no hard "back" button, and all the icons have the same color.
Budget
Efficiency
The most fuel-efficient model in the U.S. Lexus IS lineup is the rear-wheel drive IS 200t, which returns 26 mpg combined (22 mpg city/33 mpg highway). That's better than the outgoing IS 250's 24 mpg combined rating but can't compare with the European-spec Lexus IS 300h. Lexus claims the hybrid averages 4.2 l/100 km according to the NEDC cycle. The most economical of the V6-powered models is the rear-wheel drive IS 350, with a combined rating of 22 mpg (19 mpg city/28 mpg highway).
Equipment
All Lexus IS models are well-equipped, regardless of the engine choice. Standard features across the range include 17-inch alloy wheels (18-inch on the IS 350), xenon headlights, LED DRLs, fog lights and taillights, a sunroof, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power front seats with driver power lumbar, "NuLuxe" premium vinyl upholstery, and more. Lexus also offers optional packs such as the Premium, Premium Plus, Navigation, Luxury, and F Sport packages.
Acquisition
The base 2016 Lexus IS 200t starts from $37,325 in the United States (excluding a $950 destination charge). Compared to equivalent German rivals, the IS 200t is slightly less expensive. The 2016 BMW 328i costs $38,350 (excluding $995 destination), while the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300 is priced at $38,950
(excluding $925 destination). The Lexus IS remains an underdog in this race, as it can't compete with either of its rivals for handling, and the level of comfort and luxury offered is not superior either. Still, it's a good choice for those who want a comfortable and luxurious sedan that also looks great.