Lexus IS

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There are several four-door sedans that dabble in performance, but the 2024 Lexus IS can truly be called a sport sedan that borders on luxury. Originally called the Altezza when it was released in 1998 while the Lexus IS appeared in Europe in 1999 and was launched globally in 2000. By the way, the IS stands for "Intelligent Sport". 

Hail the Sport Sedan

Originally rated at 153 horsepower with a top speed of 134 miles per hour, the IS appeared stateside with a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. Having gone through several generations since its debut, the IS had a major redesign in 2020 for the 2021 model year. This included larger and more stylish bodywork, restyled headlights, larger front grille, new suspension, and an updated interior including a new infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Driver Assist features are impressive as standard including blind-spot monitoring. 
A new IS 500 F Sport Performance model bumped up the horses with a V8 under the hood bulge and special appearance packages. Now available for 2024 in an IS 300 F Sport trim, the F Sport Design trim gives you the sinister looks of the F Sport without the mechanical upgrades. The IS 350 includes a blackout package and matte black wheels. The IS 500 comes in a Special Appearance package in dazzling Blue Vector and faux leather upholstery.   

There are seven trim variations of the IS from the base IS 300, F Sport Design, and F Sport Performance, to the IS 350 F Sport design and F Sport Performance, to the top-of-the-line IS 500 F Sport Performance and F Sport Performance Premium. 

Lexus Safety System

Lexus offers its Safety System+ 2.5 suite of driver assist features for the IS which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control all as standard. The back seat of this four-door sedan is not very spacious but will accommodate six-foot-tall passengers so long as they're not wearing hats. The trunk space is very reasonable for a sport sedan. There's enough room to fit two large pieces of luggage for a weekend getaway. 
Under the Hood 
The Lexus IS presents you with three engine options for 2024: the IS 300 comes with a 241-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, the IS 350 sports a 311-hp V-6, and the IS 500 pumps up the power with a 472-horse V8 in rear-wheel drive. The 300 and 350 versions can also be had in all-wheel drive. All versions feature a six-speed automatic transmission. We like the IS 350 F Sport with the V6 offering brisk performance for just two grand and change more than the base model. Zero to 60 miles per hour happens in 5.6-seconds. For those into high performance thrills, the IS 500 with the V8 carved that zero to 60 time down to just 4.3 seconds. Of course, that extra speed will cost you at the gas pump. 

As you might expect the IS 300 with rear-wheel drive proves to be the most fuel-efficient version, with an EPA estimated 21 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. All-wheel drive takes its toll at the pump with an estimated 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway. The V6 powered IS 350 in rear-wheel drive brings an EPA estimated range of 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway. The IS 500 with its V8 sucks more gas at an estimated 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway. 
In the Cabin 
With its updated and posh interior, the IS is pure Lexus. You'll find power heated and ventilated front seats, push button start, and dual-zone automatic climate control as standard. The faux leather seats are soft and super comfortable. There's even an optional power sunroof. So, while the cockpit is luxurious and offers the latest infotainment, safety, and driver assist features, keep in mind that this is a compact sport sedan and that means it is not especially comfy for tall passengers. Cubby space is at a minimum and it is rather a tight fit in the back seating area. 

Speaking of infotainment, an 8-inch touchscreen is standard, and a larger 10.3-inch display screen is an option including in-dash navigation. Another upscale option is the 17-speaker, 1,800-watt Mark Levinson premium sound system that places you right in the orchestra pit. When it comes to the Lexus Safety System 2.5 suite of driver assist features, the IS comes standard with adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist.

On the Road

We managed to take out the V6 version of the IS 350 and found the six-speed transmission to be the perfect combo. It shifts quickly and the V6 is a smooth and peppy engine choice. We think you'll find the IS the perfect blend of sporty performance and comfort offering a great everyday driver. 

In Sport Mode, the steering is precise and perfectly weighted, and the adaptive variable suspension takes handling to a new level. The overall IS platform is very solid and capable. The F Sport package refines the handling and suspension even more. Hit the gas and the V6 launches you with a throaty rumble. It feels sure-footed and secure… a nice balance. 
Overall, the look of this Lexus feels elegant and timeless. Its low, wide stance is classic for a sport sedan and the F Sport's 19-inch wheels adds to the bad boy image. We'd have to say that this is a stylish and sporty daily driver that is extremely reliable and easy to live with. Starting MSRP $41,235.Â