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2020 Lexus IS

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Make
Lexus
Model
IS
Year
2020
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Expert Rating
3 (Good)

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2020 IS 300 Base 4dr Rear-wheel Drive Sedan
most popular
Price:   -  From $38,560
2020 IS 300 Base 4dr All-wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $41,010
2020 IS 350 Base 4dr Rear-wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $42,180
2020 IS 350 Base 4dr All-wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $44,345

Overview

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 TypeHorsepowerTorqueFuel Economy (Combined)
2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder241 hp258 lb-ft24 mpg
3.5L V6260 hp236 lb-ft21 mpg
3.5L V6311 hp280 lb-ft23 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.

Lexus IS

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.

Lexus IS

IS 300 - From $39,585

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.

IS 300 F Sport - From $42,780

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.

IS 350 - From $43,205

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.

IS 350 F Sport - From $46,400

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.

Compare IS Trims Side-By-Side

CarsDirect Tip

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.

author image
Automotive Editor
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Expert Review

Pros
  • Great V6 in IS 350
  • Strong safety
  • Handsome F Sport
Cons
  • Aged design
  • Uninspiring base engine
  • No Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Expert Rating
3 (Good)

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Contributing Editor

Power is a mixed bag. The 2020 Lexus IS is available in two trims: IS 300 and IS 350 – both of which also get an F Sport variant.

The IS 300 gets a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 241 horsepower (rear-wheel drive), or a 3.5-liter V6 with 260 hp (all-wheel drive). Neither matches the driving inspiration of its European competitors, including the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

On the other hand, the IS 350 makes a better argument for this sedan. Its 3.5-liter V6 is tuned to deliver 311 hp, which is the same as the larger Lexus GS. Choose the available F Sport, and the adaptive dampers reduce lean on the corners and manage choppy surfaces with ease.

The IS is also a rarity for the brand, as you won’t find a hybrid variant. The Lexus ES and Lexus LS sedans both offer hybrid models.

Tech falls short. The IS was last updated in 2014, and its age is showing. In the technology department, we found the infotainment interface frustrating, to say the least. The base 7-inch display seems small these days, but the available 10.3-inch screen brings the IS in line with the segment’s best.

What’s troubling is the interface itself, which utilizes a sloppy controller. The recently available Amazon Alexa compatibility helps matters, but we’re at a loss for why you still can’t get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration.

We’re guessing Lexus is waiting to overhaul the IS’ technology when a new model arrives next year. That is if Lexus decides to keep the slow-selling IS in the first place.

Lexus IS

A safe choice. One redeeming feature of the IS is its safety offerings. Lexus has long been ahead of the driver-assist safety curve, which benefits the IS.

It comes standard with automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are available, and will likely be found in most vehicles on dealer lots.

On the crash testing front, the IS earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

Difference-making F Sport. Despite its many weaknesses, the IS does shine in F Sport guise. We already mentioned why from a performance standpoint, but it does so in other areas.

The F Sport includes several important embellishments that clean up its appearance. Those details include a more distinctive front bumper along with upper and lower grille inserts.

This year, there’s also an F Sport Black Line edition, which is limited to 900 models and features blacked-out touches inside and out. The F Sport is already a $3,195 upgrade on the base model. The Black Line adds several thousand dollars more, so we can’t justify the extra cost.

Final thoughts. The 2020 Lexus IS is clearly outclassed in a shrinking segment and it shows. Its canvas dates to 2006 and not much has changed since a refresh in 2014. Competing models are much further down the road in design, engineering, and technology.

For Lexus faithful, the F Sport is the conciliation prize. It adds handling attributes that pair best with the IS 350. Save money by avoiding the Black Line upgrade, as its cost doesn’t justify the expense.

Check prices for The 2020 Lexus IS »

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Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.0L I-4 / 241 HP / 258 ft.lbs.
Transmission
Standard: 8-spd sequential shift control auto w/OD
Drive Type
Rear-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
21 / 30 / 25 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.0L I-4 / 241 HP / 258 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Rear-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
21 / 30 / 25 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension
Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Steel
Fuel Tank
17.4 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$66
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
10.8 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
90 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
184.3 "
Exterior Width
71.3 "
Exterior Height
56.3 "
Front Headroom
38.2 "
Rear Headroom
36.9 "
Front Legroom
44.8 "
Rear Legroom
32.2 "
Front Shoulder Room
55.9 "
Rear Shoulder Room
53.4 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
3,583 Lbs.
Wheel Base
110 "
Turning Radius
17.1 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
17.0 " Silver Aluminum / 18.0 " Painted Aluminum / 18.0 " Machined W/painted Accents Aluminum / 18.0 "
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone / Pearlcoat Monotone / Clearcoat Monotone With Badging / Metallic Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote Heated
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Black W/chrome Surround / Dark Chrome / Black
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel With Polished Tailpipe Finish
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Nuluxe Leatherette
Front Seat Type
Bucket / Sport Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Driver And Front Passenger Heated-cushion, Heated-seatback
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
(8-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
(8-way Power)
Front Armrests
(8-way Power)
Rear Armrests
Center
Rear Seats
60-40 Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Siriusxm Am/fm/hd/satellite, Seek-scan
Speakers
10 / 15 Mark Levinson
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt / Telescopic Tilt Sport / Power Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Express Open/close
Rearview Mirror
Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Front And Rear
Tinted Windows
Light
Vanity Mirrors
Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
2
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Driver And Passenger
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Rear Side-impact Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front And Rear
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Lexus Safety System+ Forward Collision Mitigation
Blind Spot Sensor
Blind Spot Monitor Blind Spot
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Departure Alert (lda) With Steering Assist Lane Departure
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Pre-collision System (pcs) W/pedestrian Detection Pedestrian Detection Prevention
Driver Attention Alert
Vehicle Sway Warning Driver Attention
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Intelligent High Beam Auto High-beam
Adaptive Headlights
Directionally Adaptive
Parking Sensors
Intuitive Parking Assist Front And Rear
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Major Components Months
72 Months / 70,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
12 Months / 10,000 Miles
Roadside Assistance Months
48 Months / Unlimited Miles
Corrosion Perforation
72 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months
48 Months / 50,000 Miles

Used 2020 Lexus IS for Sale

3 vehicles found within 100 miles of your area
Lexus
Base
Color: Silver
Price

$27,250

Mileage

38,407 mi

Map location icon

Mission Viejo Kia (50 mi)

Phone: (949) 359-4074
Lexus
Base
Color: Gray
Price

$29,998

Mileage

29,241 mi

Map location icon

Felix Chevrolet (10 mi)

Phone: (213) 290-1925
Lexus
F Sport
Color: Nebula Gray Pearl
Price

$30,900

Mileage

36,859 mi

Map location icon

South Bay Lexus (8 mi)

Phone: (866) 392-8969

Other Lexus IS Listings

We have expanded the search to include other Lexus IS years that you might be interested in.

Lexus
300
Color: Ultra White
Price

$29,000

Mileage

31,901 mi

Map location icon

Nissan of Torrance (6 mi)

Phone: (424) 257-0003
See All Used Car Listings

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