

Sedan
|
5 Seats
|
21 MPG
(Combined)
|
Key specs of the base trim
—
Compare 1 trims
|
Overview
The Good
- Smooth-revving powertrains
- Composure over hilly roads
- Precise steering
- Large multimedia system
- Strong brakes
- Reliability for current generation
The Bad
- No Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- Still slower than German rivals
- Some cheap cabin finishes
- Limited front-seat room
- Modest gas mileage
- Unintuitive climate controls
What to Know
-
Updated styling for 2017
-
Five-seat sport sedan
-
Larger multimedia system
-
V-6 or turbo four-cylinder
-
Available F Sport package
-
Rear- or all-wheel drive
We’re looking for the best deals on a Lexus near you…
Are you looking for more listings?
— OR —
See all local inventory
2017 Lexus IS 300 Review
from the Cars.com expert editorial team
Vehicle Overview
The latest IS enters its fourth model year with carryover drivetrains but a number of styling tweaks that aim to keep things fresh against a host of luxury sport sedans from Europe, Detroit and Japan.
The 2017 IS goes on sale this fall.
ExteriorThe revised sedan wears updated headlights, which sport a flatter appearance than last year’s wavier design. Below them, the bumper forms a single piece with large new vertical air intakes instead of the layered horizontal intakes that characterized the 2014-2016 IS. Lexus’ hourglass-shaped “spindle” grille narrows a little higher than it did before, with new horizontal inserts top to bottom. Around back, Lexus rejiggered the taillight reflectors and reshaped the tailpipes, but the overall look carries over.
As before, the IS will offer an F-Sport version with more-aggressive styling, including a mesh grille with functional brake ducts around the lower sides, plus matching dark garnishes on the vertical air intakes that flank them.
InteriorChanges inside are relatively minor. The IS’ multimedia screen grows to 10.3 inches from its previous 7 inches. Lexus’ available Remote Touch Interface, a knob-based controller on the center console, gets some new buttons to aid usability. Ahead of it, the climate and stereo controls are a little more sunken now to fit between the IS’ knee bolsters.
Under the HoodUpdated for the 2016 model year, the IS’ engines carry over for 2017. The I...
Vehicle Overview
The latest IS enters its fourth model year with carryover drivetrains but a number of styling tweaks that aim to keep things fresh against a host of luxury sport sedans from Europe, Detroit and Japan.
The 2017 IS goes on sale this fall.
ExteriorThe revised sedan wears updated headlights, which sport a flatter appearance than last year’s wavier design. Below them, the bumper forms a single piece with large new vertical air intakes instead of the layered horizontal intakes that characterized the 2014-2016 IS. Lexus’ hourglass-shaped “spindle” grille narrows a little higher than it did before, with new horizontal inserts top to bottom. Around back, Lexus rejiggered the taillight reflectors and reshaped the tailpipes, but the overall look carries over.
As before, the IS will offer an F-Sport version with more-aggressive styling, including a mesh grille with functional brake ducts around the lower sides, plus matching dark garnishes on the vertical air intakes that flank them.
InteriorChanges inside are relatively minor. The IS’ multimedia screen grows to 10.3 inches from its previous 7 inches. Lexus’ available Remote Touch Interface, a knob-based controller on the center console, gets some new buttons to aid usability. Ahead of it, the climate and stereo controls are a little more sunken now to fit between the IS’ knee bolsters.
Under the HoodUpdated for the 2016 model year, the IS’ engines carry over for 2017. The IS 200t gets a 241-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, while the IS 300 and IS 350 have a 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 255 hp (IS 300) or 306 hp (IS 350).
Rear-wheel drive is standard on the IS 200t and IS 350. All-wheel drive is unavailable on the IS 200t, standard on the IS 300 and optional on the IS 350. Rear-drive cars employ an eight-speed automatic transmission, while all-wheel-drive models have a six-speed automatic.
SafetyThe IS will get Lexus’ Safety System Plus as standard equipment. That includes a forward collision warning system with automatic emergency braking, as well as a lane departure warning system with steering assist, adaptive cruise control and automatic high-beam headlights.
Consumer Reviews
What drivers are saying
I love it!
I just bought this 2017 IS300 AWD, and it's got a very comfortable ride. The suspension is well-sorted out. It does have some lean in corners. A certain amount of road noise is to be expected in a car... Read full review
Luxury and sport meet To create a great Car
Great exterior and interior design. Soft plush leather and the V6 turbo charged F-Sport engine gets the job done. When I’m sport mode and with the leather seats gripping your sides it feels like your ... Read full review
Safety
Recalls and crash tests
Recalls
The 2017 Lexus IS 300 currently has 0 recalls
Crash and Rollover Test Ratings
Warranty
New car and certified pre-owned programs by Lexus
New Car Program Benefits
-
Bumper-to-Bumper
48 months / 50,000 miles
-
Powertrain
72 months / 70,000 miles
-
Roadside Assistance
48 months / unlimited distance