“Don't buy it. First year with a lot of new electronics, including pcs. Too many problems with a lot of electrical stuff”
2016 Lexus IS: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2016 Lexus IS is its expanded three-engine sedan range, led by the new turbocharged, rear-wheel-drive IS 200t and all-wheel-drive IS 300. It is not a redesign; the IS 350 largely carries over but gains standard 18-inch wheels.
About the 2016 Lexus IS
3rd generation, third model year; last year before the 2017 mid-cycle styling and safety update
Lexus positioned the IS as a driver-focused compact luxury sport sedan that blends responsive handling with everyday comfort. Its identity centered on rear-drive-based proportions, GS-derived rear suspension, paddle-shift automatic transmissions, a cockpit inspired by the Lexus LFA, and bold exterior styling. Compared with harder-edged sport sedans, the IS emphasized a balance of precise steering, a comfortable ride, solid cabin materials, and practical five-passenger use.
The IS 200t serves as the fuel-conscious sport sedan, pairing a 241-hp turbo four-cylinder with rear-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic. The IS 300 emphasizes all-weather traction with a 255-hp V6 and full-time AWD, while the 306-hp IS 350 remains the strongest-performing version and comes in rear- or all-wheel drive. All three have a driver-focused cabin, dual-zone climate control, a 7-inch multimedia display, and paddle shifters.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The rear-wheel-drive IS 200t joins the range with a 241-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and eight-speed automatic. The new IS 300 pairs a 255-hp 3.5-liter V6 with full-time AWD and a six-speed automatic. The IS 250 and IS 250 Crafted Line were dropped, while the IS 350’s 306-hp V6 carried over without a major change.
Styling
The IS 350 gains standard 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels. There is no model-wide exterior redesign.
Structural
The IS 250C and IS 350C convertibles were dropped, leaving a sedan-only range. The sedan itself received no major body or chassis redesign.
2016 Lexus IS specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Auto, 8-Spd w/Multi-Mode |
| Drivetrain | AWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 33 mpg |
| Horsepower | 255 hp | 306 hp | 241 hp |
| Torque | 236 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 13.8 cu-ft | 13.8 cu-ft | 13.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 32.2 in | 32.2 in | 32.2 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Side Steps | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2016 Lexus IS?
The biggest change is the expanded three-engine range. Lexus added the rear-wheel-drive IS 200t with a 241-hp turbo four-cylinder and the all-wheel-drive IS 300 with a 255-hp V6 alongside the 306-hp IS 350.
Was the 2016 Lexus IS redesigned?
No, the 2016 Lexus IS was not redesigned. It remained part of the third generation and was the final model year before the styling and safety update introduced for 2017.
What is the difference between the 2016 IS 200t, IS 300, and IS 350?
The IS 200t has a 241-hp turbo four-cylinder, rear-wheel drive, and an eight-speed automatic. The IS 300 has a 255-hp V6, full-time AWD, and a six-speed automatic. The IS 350 has the strongest engine at 306 hp and was sold in rear- and all-wheel-drive forms.
Did Lexus discontinue the IS 250 for 2016?
Yes, the IS 250 and IS 250 Crafted Line were dropped for 2016. The new IS 200t and IS 300 filled out the lower and middle parts of the sedan range beneath the IS 350.
What changed on the 2016 Lexus IS 350?
The 2016 IS 350 gains standard 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels. Its 306-hp 3.5-liter V6 and rear- or all-wheel-drive layouts carry over without a major powertrain change.
2016 Lexus IS Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Lexus IS.
4.4
2016 Lexus IS
(176 reviews)
“I would tell them that my car is very enjoyable to drive. It has a lot of power and looks great! It is very reliable and I'm very comfortable either in the driver's seat or as a passenger.”
“I've never had a Lexus but friends have I love it. I wish I would have got the sport too with credit of 800 I have options”
Sources
- pressroom.lexus.com — Lexus 2016 Is Sport Sedan Three Available Engines
- lexus.com — Models / 2016 / Lexus IS Brochure
- pressroom.lexus.com — Lexus Restyles 2017 Is350 Is200 Sedan Bolsters Safety Tech
- pressroom.lexus.com — Lexus Third Generation Is Sport Sedan 2014
- pressroom.lexus.com — Lexus 2016 Is Sedan Product Specs