2024 Lexus IS Expert Review
Reviewed by Duncan Brady
In the competitive small luxury sedan segment, the 2024 Lexus IS is a middling competitor at best. This current generation has been around in some form since 2013, though a major overhaul for 2021 brought considerable improvements. Potential buyers may also consider the BMW 3 Series, Acura TLX, Genesis G70, and Alfa Romeo Giulia.
What's New
- F Sport Design and F Sport packages are now available on the IS300
- Blackout package now available for the IS350 with the Handling package
- Incognito gray paint now available for IS350 and IS500 F Sport Performance
- Black side mirrors with dark chrome trim now standard on IS500 F Sport Performance
- IS500 F Sport Performance Premium offers a limited-production Special Appearance package
What We Think
When we first got behind the wheel of the updated IS, we were a bit underwhelmed. The Lexus drove well, delivering a coveted blend of luxury and performance, and we appreciated the addition of an infotainment touchscreen. Despite a noticeable jump in refinement, the IS still felt older than its peers.
The powertrain lineup is a bit perplexing, as the RWD IS300 employs a turbo-four, but AWD variants wearing the same badge get a detuned V-6, a hotter version of which can be found under the hood for the IS350. If you can swing it, the IS500 F Sport Performance is a gem, stuffing the automaker's largest engine into one of its smallest cars. The V-8 IS is more comfort-oriented and not nearly as sharp as an M3 or an Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, but it's a balanced and entertaining option nonetheless.
Buyers will still notice a tight rear seat, and it doesn't feel as refined as some of its peers. The IS is competent, but it didn't capture our hearts unless we were driving the one that delivers great noises and big slides. We wouldn't blame folks for looking toward the Lexus, but we'd likely opt for a BMW, Genesis, or Alfa Romeo compact sedan.
Performance and Efficiency
The IS engine lineup is something of a head scratcher. Seeing the same badge on the rear doesn't necessarily mean the same engine under the hood, and versions of the same engine can be had with different transmissions. Performance enthusiasts will be happy to know the IS offers a V-8, and it's the only vehicle left in its segment to do so.
2024 Lexus IS300 RWD
- Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4
- Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
- Horsepower/Torque: 241 hp/258 lb-ft
- Efficiency (city/highway): 21/31 mpg
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 7.0 seconds
2024 Lexus IS300 AWD
- Engine: 3.5-liter V-6
- Transmission: Six-speed automatic
- Horsepower/Torque: 260 hp/236 lb-ft
- Efficiency (city/highway): 19/26 mpg
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 5.7 seconds
2024 Lexus IS350
- Drivetrain: RWD or AWD
- Engine: 3.5-liter V-6
- Transmission: Eight-speed or six-speed automatic
- Horsepower/Torque: 311 hp/280 lb-ft
- Efficiency (city/highway): 19-20/26-28 mpg
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 5.7 seconds
2024 Lexus IS500 F Sport Performance
- Drivetrain: RWD
- Engine: 5.0-liter V-8
- Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
- Horsepower/Torque: 472 hp/395 lb-ft
- Efficiency (city/highway): 17/25 mpg
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 4.3 seconds
Safety Ratings and Features
The IS earns a NHTSA five-star overall safety rating and a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, although it doesn't qualify for more recent awards from the latter agency as it hasn't been evaluated in new updated side test. Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 is standard. That means all models include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane centering, automatic high-beams, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Compared to two rival small sedans, the 2024 Lexus IS is a bit short on rear legroom. Cargo space is on par with the Genesis G70 but notably smaller than that of the Acura TLX.
Technology
The IS comes standard with an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 10.3-inch system that adds navigation is an option for all trims but the IS500 F Sport Performance Premium, for which it's standard. Pioneer 10-speaker audio is included, though audiophiles can upgrade to a 17-speaker Mark Levinson setup.
The Limited-Production Special Appearance Package
For 2024, Lexus is offering a Special Appearance package limited to 150 units in North America. It's only available on the IS500 F Sport Performance Premium. The package includes exclusive Blue Vector paint, matte black 19-inch BBS wheels, and blue contrast stitching throughout the cabin.
Recommended Trim
The IS300 and IS350 might be more sensible choices, but we have to recommend the IS500 F Sport Performance Premium. Not only does the IS500 provide the best driving experience, engine note, and design, it's also the only V-8 sport sedan left and you don't give up much compared to some lower variants in terms of fuel economy. Plus, the price point compared to high-performance alternatives like the BMW M3, Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, or Mercedes-AMG C63 makes the Lexus seem like a bargain.
