Aggressive styling, refined ride and handling, upscale interior - 2017 Lexus IS Review
0Overview
The Lexus IS has a statement-making design and distinguished dynamics. Its fierce face and sculpted sheetmetal are supported by refined road manners and athletic moves. An optional F Sport package adds a tuned suspension and exclusive bodywork. Engines are determined by trim, and power transfers through a six- or eight-speed automatic transmission to rear- or all-wheel drive. Although bold looks and a capable chassis are highlights, the IS suffers from subpar infotainment, below-average fuel economy, and mediocre acceleration.
What's New for 2017?
The 2017 IS features a more dramatic spindle grille, new headlights, larger air intakes, and a sculpted hood. The interior has revised steering-wheel controls and more color choices, among other minor changes. There are a slew of the latest active safety features. And rounding out the 2017 additions are an available 10.3-inch infotainment screen and two new paint colors—Caviar and Nightfall Mica.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
200t: $38,820
300: $41,195
350: $42,365
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Engines are predetermined by trim level on the IS, all paired with either a six- or eight-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive. Unfortunately, even the most energetic engine feels slow when compared with less powerful rivals, some of which also offer a manual transmission. The IS200t has a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four that makes 241 horsepower. The IS300 has a 3.5-liter V-6 producing 255 horses, and on the IS350, that same V-6 is tuned to make a 306 horsepower. The four-cylinder is outmatched by quicker rivals and emits an irritating engine noise with heavy throttle applications. We haven’t tested an IS300 recently, but we prefer the V-6 in the IS350. It responds immediately to throttle inputs and sounds wonderful. We only wish that it accelerated quicker and the eight-speed gearbox had increased intensity when called upon. A willing chassis that combines serene steering and refined road manners stands out as much as the IS’s bold styling. Mediocre acceleration and long braking distances are all that stop it from greatness. The F Sport package, available on all trims, brings a specially tuned suspension that improves handling without increasing punishment.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Up front, sport seats and copious switchgear make the IS’s interior feel like a fighter-jet cockpit. While materials are high quality, the dashboard design looks decades old, and rivals have more rear-seat legroom. The standard dual-zone climate control features touch controls that are cool to use in theory but inconsistent in practice. The steering wheel feels appropriately thick, and the aluminum paddle shifters are well sized. F Sport models have an awesome digital gauge cluster. Surrounded by fuel-level and engine-temp readouts, the circular display includes a tachometer, speedometer, gear selection, drive mode, and other information. Using the IS to transport luggage is hindered by a tight trunk and a rear seat that doesn’t fold completely flat. Meanwhile, the front row is ill equipped to store small items conveniently.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Interacting with Lexus’s infotainment system can be frustrating at best, distracting at worst. While its response times are fair, neither Apple CarPlay nor Android Auto are available. The standard infotainment system features a 7.0-inch display, a 10-speaker stereo, and a GPS app that uses your smartphone for navigation. The base unit is also operated by a rotary dial versus the finicky touchpad controller on upgraded packages. These packages add a 10.3-inch center screen, integrated navigation, and a 15-speaker, Mark Levinson surround-sound system.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
View Crash Test Results
For more information about the Lexus IS’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.