2011 Lexus IS: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The biggest change for the 2011 Lexus IS is the addition of all-wheel drive to the IS 350 sedan for the first time. This is a mid-cycle update rather than a full redesign.

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About the 2011 Lexus IS

2nd-generation IS sedan (2006-2013), mid-cycle refresh year; 1st-generation IS C retractable-hardtop convertible (2010-2015), second model year with minor updates.

Lexus markets the IS as its compact luxury sport line: sharp, racing-inspired styling and rear-drive character blended with the brand’s usual quiet cabin, solid build quality, and day-to-day comfort. In sedan form, it targets shoppers who want a smaller premium car with strong V6 choices and available AWD. In convertible form, it adds open-air driving without giving up the security and hush of a folding hardtop. The overall appeal is style, craftsmanship, and refinement first, with sporty flavor layered in.

The 2011 IS range covers compact luxury sedans and folding-hardtop convertibles, with 204-hp IS 250 models focused on comfort and 306-hp IS 350 models providing stronger acceleration. Sedans feature leather trim, a moonroof, and a 13-speaker audio system, while the IS 250C and IS 350C pair an aluminum folding roof with cabin systems designed for top-down driving.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

All-wheel drive joins the IS 350 sedan for the first time. The V6 engines, transmissions, and underlying platform otherwise carry over.

Styling

The sedans receive revised front and rear details, new wheel designs, and small cabin-trim changes. The convertibles get lighter exterior and interior trim updates.

Tech

The IS 350 sedan gains standard high-intensity headlights with LED daytime running lights.

Structural

The 2011 trim lineup adds the IS 250C and IS 350C retractable-hardtop convertibles. There is no underlying platform redesign.

2011 Lexus IS specs and features by trim

Feature	2011 Lexus ISIS 2503 in stock	2011 Lexus ISIS 3500 in stock	2011 Lexus ISIS 250C3 in stock	2011 Lexus ISIS 350C0 in stock
Engine	V6, 2.5 Liter	V6, 3.5 Liter	V6, 2.5 Liter	V6, 3.5 Liter
Transmission	Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive	Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive	Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive	Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive
Drivetrain	RWD	RWD	RWD	RWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	21 mpg	20 mpg	21 mpg	20 mpg
MPG Highway	30 mpg	27 mpg	30 mpg	27 mpg
Horsepower	204 hp	306 hp	204 hp	306 hp
Torque	185 lb-ft	277 lb-ft	185 lb-ft	277 lb-ft
Trunk/Cargo	13 cu-ft	13 cu-ft	10.8 cu-ft	10.8 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	30.6 in	30.6 in	25.9 in	25.9 in
Seats	5	5	4	4
Doors	4	4	2	2
Safety & Security
Adaptive Headlights
Alarm System
Hill Start Assist
Park Assist
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
HID Headlights
LED Daytime Running Lights
Power Moonroof
Power Retractable Hard Top
Rear Spoiler
Entertainment & Electronics
Bluetooth
Navigation System
Premium Audio
USB Ports
Comfort & Convenience
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Leather Seats
Memory Driver's Seat
Memory Front Seats
Proximity Keyless Entry
Push-Button Engine Start
Rear Window Shades
Ventilated Front Seats

How the 2012 Lexus IS compares

The main change for the 2012 Lexus IS is the addition of the V8-powered IS F performance sedan to the lineup. Otherwise, the IS 250 and IS 350 sedans and IS 250C and IS 350C hardtop convertibles carry over without major changes.

See the full 2012 changes

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest change to the 2011 Lexus IS?

The biggest change is that the IS 350 sedan gains an all-wheel-drive version for the first time. The sedans also receive refreshed styling, but the engines and basic platform remain largely unchanged.

Does the 2011 Lexus IS 350 have all-wheel drive?

Yes. The 2011 IS 350 sedan is the first model year offered in an all-wheel-drive version, while the rear-wheel-drive version continues.

Was the 2011 Lexus IS fully redesigned?

No. The 2011 IS is a mid-cycle update with refreshed sedan styling, new wheel designs, and small cabin-trim revisions rather than a new generation.

What changed on the 2011 Lexus IS convertibles?

The 2011 IS 250C and IS 350C receive minor exterior and cabin-trim updates, not major mechanical changes. Both retain their power-folding hardtops and V6 engines.

Is the 2011 Lexus IS substantially different from the 2010 model?

No, unless the all-wheel-drive IS 350 sedan or refreshed sedan styling matters to you. The engines, transmissions, and overall platform remain largely the same, while the convertibles receive only light trim updates.