2016 Lexus IS 200t

The rear-wheel drive 2016 Lexus IS 200t is powered by a two-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The enthusiast-inspired F Sport model adds aggressive styling touches inside and out, eighteen-inch wheels, and enhances the IS 200t’s stock suspension.

Base pricing ranges from $37,325* for the IS 200t to $40,870* for the IS 200t F Sport.

*MSRP does not include delivery, processing and handling fee of $950.

Standard feature highlights include:

• Seven-inch touchscreen
• Ten-speaker 265-watt Audio
• Wireless Bluetooth and USB connectivity
• Leatherette seating
• Dual-zone climate control

The 2016 Lexus IS 200t is equipped with a 241-horsepower 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. Thanks to the Lexus twin scroll turbocharger the IS 200t has an extremely wide powerband that provides peak torque from 1,650 rpm to 4,400 rpm.

• Acceleration is excellent, especially considering the five-passenger sedan's luxurious nature, abundant utility and outstanding fuel efficiency of 22 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. Zipping from zero to 60 mph only takes 6.9 seconds.
• Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters augment a drive mode select system dial in a driver's preference toward economy, comfort, or performance and handling.
• The IS 200t offers excellent handling and comfortable cruising thanks to Lexus’ refined suspension. While not the fastest sedan in the Lexus arsenal, the new turbocharged engine provides more than adequate power for the IS 200t, making the smaller engine appealing, especially if fuel efficiency is important.

Lexus has decided not to offer the IS 200t with all-wheel drive. Consumers looking for the superior handling and all-weather capability will want to investigate the IS 300 AWD.

The F Sport trim certainly adds some eye-popping style and enhanced handling but horsepower, torque, acceleration and top speed numbers remain unchanged.

The well-designed, driver-centric cabin provides excellent access to the IS 200t’s controls and features. Lexus has a knack for building interiors that exude restrained luxury, even in their entry-level vehicles and the IS 200t is a prime example. The stock leatherette seats are comfortable and only get better when buyers opt for the F Sport package.

• The 2016 Lexus IS 200t is one of the rare compact sedans that actually provides enough room in the back seat for adults. If you are looking for an efficient luxury sedan that works well for families with older children, the IS is a great place to start your search.
• The Lexus infotainment system is easy to use and provides "real button" redundancy for most features. The base audio system is clear and powerful and features USB and wireless Bluetooth 3.0 connectivity.
• The Lexus Enform Remote Mobile App allows owners to remotely view information about certain aspects of their Lexus vehicle by configuring a mobile application that virtually tethers the IS 200t to a smartphone.

• While the leatherette is attractive and will arguably last longer and wear better, I wish premium brands would get back to putting real leather back on the seats.
• The navigation uses a mouse-like interface that can be a little tricky to use.

When you look at the IS 200t and then climb inside and realize that Lexus really has built a sedan that seats four—or, even, five—adults comfortably, you can’t help but realize that 33 mpg on the highway is incredible.

The IS 200t deserves an all-wheel drive model. Fuel economy and optimal all-weather driving shouldn’t be mutually exclusive.

The Lexus IS has always been a strong competitor in the compact luxury sedan marketplace. With the addition of the fuel-efficient and powerful turbocharged 2016 Lexus IS 200t, the formula is only improved. For families looking for an upscale vehicle that is backed by Lexus’ long-standing reputation for reliability and quality, the IS 200t makes an excellent choice.