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2017 Lexus IS: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2017 Lexus IS received a mid-cycle refresh, led by making the Lexus Safety System+ safety suite standard on every trim. It also gained sharper styling, standard LED headlights and revised cabin technology, while its engines and driveline layouts carried over.
About the 2017 Lexus IS
3rd gen (2014-2020), mid-cycle refresh year
Lexus positions the IS as a small luxury sport sedan with bold styling, a driver-focused cabin, and everyday comfort. The 2017 messaging leans on the idea of making a statement: sharp design, responsive powertrains, and standard safety tech, without giving up the quiet ride and upscale feel buyers expect from Lexus. The model’s main draw is choice within one body style: a turbo rear-drive version, a standard-AWD V6, or a stronger V6 for shoppers who want more performance.
The rear-wheel-drive IS 200t is the turbocharged entry point, pairing a 241-hp four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic. The IS 300 focuses on all-weather traction with standard AWD and a 255-hp V6, while the IS 350 is the stronger regular model with a 306-hp V6 and standard 18-inch wheels. Every version has power front sport seats, dual-zone climate control, LED headlights and the Lexus Safety System+ safety suite.
What changed, by category
Styling
The front and rear were refreshed with a reshaped grille, new bumpers and headlamps, revised taillights and reshaped exhaust finishers. LED headlights also became standard across the lineup.
Safety
Lexus Safety System+ became standard on every IS. It includes automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams.
Tech
The climate-control panel, steering-wheel switches, gauges and analog clock were revised. The optional navigation system gained a larger 10.3-inch display and an updated control interface.
2017 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 | Automatic, 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 | 28 mpg | 32 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 High Beams | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| 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
Is the 2017 Lexus IS a redesign or a refresh?
The 2017 Lexus IS is a mid-cycle refresh, not a full redesign. It remained part of the third generation but received updated exterior styling, cabin controls, lighting and standard safety technology.
What changed on the 2017 Lexus IS compared with the 2016 model?
The 2017 Lexus IS gained refreshed front and rear styling, standard LED headlights, standard Lexus Safety System+, revised interior controls and a larger 10.3-inch navigation display. Its engines and driveline layouts stayed the same.
Does every 2017 Lexus IS have automatic emergency braking?
Yes. Every 2017 Lexus IS has Lexus Safety System+ as standard equipment, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams.
Are LED headlights standard on the 2017 Lexus IS?
Yes. LED headlights became standard across the 2017 Lexus IS lineup, replacing the previous standard HID headlights.
Did the 2017 Lexus IS get new engines?
No. The 2017 Lexus IS kept the prior year’s engines: a 241-hp turbo four-cylinder in the IS 200t, a 255-hp V6 with AWD in the IS 300 and a 306-hp V6 in the IS 350.
2017 Lexus IS Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Lexus IS.
4.2
2017 Lexus IS
(159 reviews)
“It drives great, it isn't huge so I can maneuver it easily. I love the way it looks and it gets great gas mileage. I can put it in eco, sports or sports+ mode depending on where I am driving.”
“I am extremely pleased with both the comfort and the performance. While I would have preferred another hybrid, I have no regrets about the IS300. It is an enjoyable car to drive, even if it is not as gas efficient as my CT200 was.”