The 2023 Lexus IS offers snarling performance at a reasonable price in IS 350 and IS 500 versions. The IS is a compact luxury sedan. Shop it against the BMW 3-Series and Audi A4, among myriad high-end rivals. While not perfect, the IS delivers the goods when it comes to sharp handling, a quality cabin, and especially in the rowdy IS 500 form, strong power. The IS lineup mostly sees minor feature tweaks for 2023, though F Sport styling is now standard with IS 350 versions.
The IS comes only as a four-door sedan, though it’s a close sibling to the striking RC coupe that we review separately. Both models were revised for 2021, but they wear styling themes going on a decade old now. That’s not to say that the IS lacks verve, but its spindle-style grille and scalloped haunches lack the elegance of, say, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
The 2023 IS serves as a reminder that Lexus is due for an updated family look. It’s a Lexus, that’s for sure. The IS wears the same spindle-style grille and curvy flanks that have become perhaps too familiar in the brand’s lineup over the last decade or so. Today’s IS doesn’t look much different than 2014’s, which, frankly, was only a spindle update from the year before. The hourglass-like shape gives the IS a plumper look than its relatively taut proportions would otherwise suggest. There’s a lot of business from every angle, but we like the thin strip of taillights across the rear. All but the base models now come in F Sport guise, which means bigger wheels and upsized intakes in the front bumper.
Lexus sells several different IS models, each of which has its own personality. The IS offers all-wheel drive on the IS 300 and IS 350. The IS 500 is a rear-drive model. The base IS 300 uses a somewhat gruff 2.0-liter turbo-4 rated at 241 hp, which is enough for decent acceleration. With all-wheel drive, the IS 300 includes a 3.5-liter V-6 that puts out 260 hp. That’s a modest bump, but the V-6 is smoother all around. Better yet is the IS 350, which uses an uprated 3.5-liter V-6 with 311 hp regardless of drive wheels. This version is quick, smooth, and luxurious, though it lacks the turbo punch found in most competitors.
Regardless of engine, rear-drive models make use of a somewhat dated 6-speed automatic transmission that fires off quick upshifts and downshifts. We like it more than the theoretically more sophisticated 8-speed automatic that comes with all-wheel-drive models. A $1,200-or-so package on IS 350 F Sport versions includes a limited-slip rear differential (with rear-wheel drive) and adaptive dampers that help make the most of a poised chassis. They’re worth the upcharge to help quell a ride that can be a bit stiff with the biggest wheel options.
Step up to the IS 500 and you’ll find a 1970s Detroit-style performance recipe. The big 5.0-liter V-8 eschews turbos and instead thrusts 472 hp rearward with authority. Lexus didn’t leave handling alone, though the IS 500 lacks the hard edge of the BMW M3. That’s just fine if you don’t happen to live on a race track. The V-8 doesn’t weigh much more than the IS 350’s V-6, so handling is unspoiled. This engine loves to rev all the way to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, too. It’s by far the best IS.
The 2023 Lexus IS will have you on a first-name basis with your local gas station attendant since it’s not a particularly frugal choice. The base IS 300 earns 21 mpg city, 31 highway, 25 combined estimates. Things go downhill from there. The IS 300 with all-wheel drive slurps fuel at a dismal 19/26/22 rate. IS 350s are about the same. Figure 23 mpg combined with rear-wheel drive and 22 mpg combined with all-wheel drive. The IS 500 is rated at just 20 mpg, which really isn’t all that bad given its V-8 thrust. Although we averaged 22.6 over the week with our IS500.
The 2023 Lexus IS has a terrific crash-test record and it comes with lots of safety tech. Lexus fits a lot of crash-avoidance tech to its smallest sedan, which has also earned top marks from testers. Every IS comes with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, and active lane control. Most rivals charge more for at least some of those features. The IIHS says the IS is a Top Safety Pick+, while the NHTSA rates this lineup at five stars overall.
Lexus fits a pretty and petite cabin to the IS. You’ll find an 8.0-inch touchscreen on lower-end versions, which can be swapped out for a 10.3-inch display when upgraded speakers are included. There are more buttons and knobs in the IS than in most rivals, but they’re nicely integrated. Even the most expensive IS wears synthetic leather inside, though.
The Lexus IS has a nicely done interior, so long as you find yourself up front. The front seats have good support and lots of power adjustment. Rear-seat passengers will fight over limited leg room, especially in all-wheel-drive models that have even less foot space. The 11-cubic-foot trunk is coupe-like, too. On the upside, the IS has nice materials that help disguise the fact that Lexus doesn’t even offer leather on this model. All IS sedans come with convincing synthetic hides, which should wear well over time, too.
The 2023 Lexus IS makes a strong value play among small luxury sedans. Though not every version of the Lexus IS earns our recommendation, those with more powerful engines are offered at reasonable prices given their features and power output. The IS earns big marks for a big touchscreen, plenty of standard equipment, and a good warranty. All models are covered by a 4-year, 50,000-mile warranty that includes a year of free servicing.
The IS 300 runs $40,585 to start, or $3,000 more with all-wheel drive. You’ll find an 8.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, plus synthetic leather upholstery and LED headlights. A $2,400 package adds heated and cooled front seats, a sunroof, and a few other niceties, while the standard 18-inch wheels can grow to 19-inchers for another grand.
The IS 350 offers enough extra performance that its $43,660 price seems like a no-brainer over the base car. It also includes a slightly stiffer suspension and F Sport styling elements, though the full-on F Sport version runs a heftier $44,910. That model is also the gateway to the worthwhile Handling Package that adds a limited-slip rear differential and adaptive dampers that take the edge off of its 19-inch wheels. Even so equipped, a rear-drive IS 350 comes in at less than $47,000.
The IS 500 starts at $58,270, while the IS 500 F Sport Performance Premium is a mouthful at $62,770. It includes the upsized 10.3-inch screen, 17 Mark Levinson speakers, and a few more niceties. Forged wheels run another $2,500, but even a loaded-up model still runs less than $66,000. BMW won’t even build you an M3 for that money.
The Lexus IS is an even better vehicle than it was before with its 2021 nip and tuck. Luckily the slew of changes and updates address a lot of the IS’s previous shortcomings. The newly invigorated IS still has impressive handling dynamics and value but now sports a chiseled new look and better technology. Adding in Lexus reliability and resale value only make the IS a must see.
