What's New
The 2020 Lexus IS is back with no significant changes. The Blackline Special Edition returns, but this time it's available on both rear- and all-wheel-drive IS 350 models, in addition to the IS 300 F Sport. Limited to 900 units in the U.S., the special edition brings dark exterior trim pieces and blue interior components.
Despite having an available V6 engine, an edgy exterior design, and a well-furnished cabin, the IS falls behind newer and more modern competitors. Options like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class are more plush, the BMW 3-Series is more engaging to drive, and the Audi A4 comes with more cutting-edge technology. Among its rivals in the compact segment, the Lexus IS struggles to stand out.
Choosing Your Lexus IS
Lexus offers the IS in four trims: IS 300, IS 300 F Sport, IS 350, and IS 350 F Sport. Pricing starts at $39,585 including destination for the IS 300 and rises to $46,400 for the IS 350 F Sport.
Engine Choices
There are two available engines – one with two states of tune – for the IS. IS 300 and IS 300 F Sport models get a turbocharged four-cylinder, while they get the less powerful version of the available V6 with all-wheel drive. IS 350 and IS 350 F Sport are available exclusively with the more powerful V6.
Engine Type | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel Economy (Combined) |
2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder | 241 hp | 258 lb-ft | 24 mpg |
3.5L V6 | 260 hp | 236 lb-ft | 21 mpg |
3.5L V6 | 311 hp | 280 lb-ft | 23 mpg |
Rear-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available on every model for between $1,335 and $2,450, depending on the trim. RWD variants come with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while AWD models feature a six-speed automatic.
Against competitors that have more powerful turbocharged engines, not even the IS’ available 3.5-liter V6 feels powerful. With that being said, we’d skip the base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and go with one of the V6 engines. For performance seekers, the V6 in the IS 350 models is the way to go.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
All Lexus IS models have seating for up to five and have a trunk that measures in at 10.8 cubic feet of cargo space. The Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and BMW 3-Series all have larger trunks. The 3-Series has the most of the four vehicles with 16.9 cubic feet of cargo space.
Safety Features
The IS comes with an excellent list of standard safety features. The Lexus Safety System Plus suite is standard on the sedan, which includes automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams.
Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are a no-cost standalone option on all models, while parking sensors are available for $500.
Connectivity
A 7-inch display, two USB ports, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth, an HD Radio, satellite radio, and voice command are standard. A 10.3-inch display with navigation is available on all trims through the Navigation Package ($1,745).
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are noticeably missing from the list of equipment. Also, the way the infotainment system is controlled – via a rotary knob for the 7-inch display and Lexus’ Remote Touch mouse-like controller for the 10.3-inch display – is unintuitive and infuriating.
The standard IS 300 comes with 17-inch wheels, a moonroof, and LED lighting. Synthetic leather, remote start, dual-zone climate control, a universal garage door opener, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror are included on the inside.
The Premium Package ($1,510) brings more luxury features like auto-dimming exterior mirrors, heated and ventilated front seats, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and memory functionality.
The IS 300 F Sport adds an F Sport suspension, performance-oriented gauges, heated and ventilated F Sport front seats, aluminum pedals, an F Sport body kit, and 18-inch wheels.
Triple-beam LED headlights are a $1,160 standalone option, as is a heated steering wheel for $150.
Over the IS 300, the IS 350 adds 18-inch alloy wheels and the more powerful V6 engine. Otherwise, standard and available features mirror those found on the IS 300.
Over the IS 300 F Sport, the 350 F Sport model brings adaptive suspension, Sport S and S Plus driving modes, a limited-slip rear differential (RWD trims only), and 18-inch wheels.
Despite having better styling, the 2020 Lexus IS F Sport trims don’t add a whole bunch of features for the extra money, so we’d stick to the standard variants. Because of the lack of power from all three of the available engines, we’d go with the most powerful motor found in the IS 350. The Premium Package adds a good amount of features for the price, so we’d tick that box.