2013 Lexus IS: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2013 Lexus IS is a carryover with no major changes from 2012. It is the final year of the second-generation IS sedan before the redesigned 2014 sedan arrives.
About the 2013 Lexus IS
Second-generation IS platform. For the sedan, 2013 is the final year before the all-new third-generation 2014 IS sedan. The IS C convertible and IS F are still based on the second-generation architecture and do not switch to the new sedan design for 2014.
The 2013 Lexus IS is Lexus’s compact rear-drive luxury car family, aimed at shoppers who want a smaller, more driver-focused Lexus without giving up the brand’s quiet cabin, strong build quality, and upscale feel. In this era, the IS leans more toward comfort, craftsmanship, and sharp styling than pure athleticism, while the range stretches from everyday V6 sedans to retractable-hardtop convertibles and the much more serious V8-powered IS F.
The lineup ranges from the comfort-focused IS 250 sedan to the quicker IS 350, while the IS 250C and IS 350C use a power-folding hardtop for open-air driving. The IS F is the performance model, with a 416-horsepower 5.0-liter V8, an eight-speed automatic transmission, upgraded brakes, and a limited-slip rear differential for better traction during hard acceleration.
2013 Lexus IS specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 5.0 Liter | V6, 2.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 2.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 8-Spd w/Manual Mode | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 16 mpg | 21 mpg | 19 mpg | 21 mpg | 19 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 23 mpg | 30 mpg | 27 mpg | 30 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Horsepower | 416 hp | 204 hp | 306 hp | 204 hp | 306 hp |
| Torque | 371 lb-ft | 185 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft | 185 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 13.3 cu-ft | 13 cu-ft | 13 cu-ft | 10.8 cu-ft | 10.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 30.6 in | 30.6 in | 30.6 in | 25.9 in | 25.9 in |
| Seats | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Adaptive Headlights | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | |||||
| Hill Start Assist | |||||
| Park Assist | |||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| HID Headlights | |||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | |||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Power Retractable Hard Top | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Bluetooth | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| USB Ports | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||
| Memory Front Seats | |||||
| Memory Steering Wheel | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Rear Window Shades | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2013 Lexus IS compared with 2012?
Nothing major changed for 2013. The sedan, hardtop convertible, and IS F carried over without a model-range redesign or a new powertrain.
Is the 2013 Lexus IS the final year of this sedan generation?
Yes. The 2013 model is the final year of the second-generation IS sedan before the fully redesigned 2014 sedan arrives. The IS C convertible and IS F remain on the older architecture beyond this model year.
Did the 2013 Lexus IS get new engines?
No. Its engine lineup carried over, including the 2.5-liter V6, 3.5-liter V6, and the IS F's 5.0-liter V8.
Which 2013 Lexus IS models have a folding hardtop?
The 2013 IS 250C and IS 350C have a power-retractable three-piece hardtop. The IS 350C pairs it with the stronger 306-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, while the IS 250C uses the 2.5-liter V6.
What makes the 2013 Lexus IS F different from the regular IS sedans?
The 2013 IS F is the high-performance version. It has a 416-horsepower 5.0-liter V8, an eight-speed automatic transmission, larger Brembo brakes, a limited-slip rear differential, and selectable driving modes.