“I have discovered that the cup holders are not positioned very ergonomically. It is a bit of an irritation.”
2015 Lexus IS: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2015 Lexus IS is the addition of the limited IS 250 Crafted Line. Otherwise, this is a light-update year: the sedans gain a few convenience features, the IS F is dropped, and the IS C convertibles receive only a revised accelerator pedal.
About the 2015 Lexus IS
3rd-generation IS sedan (2014-2016 pre-facelift), second year; the IS C convertible stays on the prior-generation platform for its final US-market year.
For 2015, Lexus positioned the IS as a driver-focused compact luxury car that mixed sharp styling and rear-drive feel with the brand’s usual comfort, quietness and build quality. The sedan was the core model, aimed at shoppers who wanted a sport sedan with everyday usability, while the IS C offered the same Lexus luxury feel in a retractable-hardtop convertible. Across the range, Lexus leaned on V6 power, strong design, and an upscale cabin rather than stripped-down sport-sedan harshness.
The IS 250 is the comfortable entry point, while the 306-hp IS 350 provides stronger V6 performance. The Crafted Line adds F SPORT suspension tuning, distinctive black-and-white exterior details, a red-and-black cabin, navigation and blind spot monitoring. The IS 250C and IS 350C remain four-seat convertibles with power-folding hardtops.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The IS F performance trim was dropped. Engines and transmissions in the remaining models carry over, while the IS 250C and IS 350C receive a revised accelerator pedal.
Styling
The sedans gain LED fog lights. A limited IS 250 Crafted Line joins the lineup with F SPORT hardware, an Ultra White body, black exterior details, black 18-inch wheels and a black-and-red cabin.
Safety
The sedan’s backup-camera display gains dynamic guidelines that move with the steering wheel. The Crafted Line also bundles blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
Tech
The sedans add Siri Eyes Free smartphone voice control as standard equipment, along with small multimedia and cabin-detail updates. The Crafted Line includes navigation.
2015 Lexus IS specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 2.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 2.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 8-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 | 21 mpg | 19 mpg | 21 mpg | 19 mpg | 21 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 30 mpg | 27 mpg | 30 mpg | 27 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Horsepower | 204 hp | 306 hp | 204 hp | 306 hp | 204 hp |
| Torque | 185 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft | 185 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft | 185 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 13.8 cu-ft | 13.8 cu-ft | 10.8 cu-ft | 10.8 cu-ft | 13.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 32.2 in | 32.2 in | 25.9 in | 25.9 in | 32.2 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Adaptive Headlights | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Hill Start Assist | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Park Assist | |||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| HID Headlights | |||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Power Retractable Hard Top | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Bluetooth | |||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Subwoofer | |||||
| USB Ports | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Folding Rear Seat | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||
| Memory Front Seats | |||||
| Memory Steering Wheel | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Rear Window Shades | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2015 Lexus IS a redesigned model?
No. The 2015 IS sedan is the second year of the third-generation design introduced for 2014, so its changes are limited to trim, styling, safety and technology updates. The IS C convertible remains on the older platform.
What is the 2015 Lexus IS 250 Crafted Line?
The 2015 IS 250 Crafted Line is a limited special edition that combines F SPORT suspension tuning with an Ultra White body, black exterior details, black 18-inch wheels and a black-and-red cabin. It also includes navigation, heated and ventilated front sport seats, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
Was the Lexus IS F offered for 2015?
No. The IS F was dropped from the 2015 IS lineup. The regular IS 250 and IS 350 sedans continued, along with the IS 250C and IS 350C convertibles and the new IS 250 Crafted Line.
What technology changed on the 2015 Lexus IS sedan?
The 2015 IS sedan adds standard Siri Eyes Free smartphone voice control and dynamic guidelines for the backup-camera display. It also receives small multimedia and cabin-detail revisions rather than a major interface overhaul.
What changed on the 2015 Lexus IS C convertible?
The 2015 IS C receives only a revised accelerator pedal. Its engines, six-speed automatic transmission and three-piece power-folding hardtop otherwise carry over.
2015 Lexus IS Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2015 Lexus IS.
4.4
2015 Lexus IS
(143 reviews)
“The car is very nice looking. A little underpowered especially for how much gas is consumed. Wish there were more aftermarket parts for the vehicle for styling. The headlights are very expensive $1000 apiece.”
“Great vehicle, could be a little better on gas mileage. It just does everything well. Remote start is okay, but shuts off when you open the car door. GM system is better.”