“Amazing car! Performs well, is safe and reliable, and looks great. It is a great value for the price”
2019 Lexus IS: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2019 Lexus IS is mostly a carryover. Its main change is revised engine and transmission tuning for the rear-wheel-drive IS 300, giving it quicker throttle response, faster shifts, and less turbo lag.
About the 2019 Lexus IS
3rd generation, later years after the 2017 styling update.
The 2019 Lexus IS is Lexus’ compact sport sedan for shoppers who want sharp styling, a driver-focused cabin, and strong standard safety tech without giving up the quiet, polished feel expected from the brand. Lexus markets it around aggressive design, precise control, and a cockpit-like interior. Compared with many rivals, the IS leans more toward dependable everyday luxury and confident road manners than all-out performance bragging rights.
The IS 300 is the everyday version, with a paddle-shift automatic, LED headlights, a moonroof, and a 7-inch multimedia screen. The IS 350 emphasizes performance with a 311-hp V6 and 18-inch wheels, while both trims include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and automatic high beams.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The rear-wheel-drive IS 300 received revised engine and transmission control programming for quicker throttle response, better-timed shifts, and less turbo lag. Other versions carried over without a major mechanical update.
2019 Lexus IS specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Direct Shift | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Direct Shift |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 20–21 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 28–30 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 241–260 hp | 311 hp |
| Torque | 236–258 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 10.8 cu-ft | 10.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 32.2 in | 32.2 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||
| 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 | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2019 Lexus IS redesigned?
No, the 2019 Lexus IS was not redesigned. It continued the third-generation design following the earlier 2017 styling update, with no major styling or structural changes for 2019.
What changed on the 2019 Lexus IS 300?
The rear-wheel-drive 2019 IS 300 received revised engine and transmission tuning. The update sharpened throttle response, sped up shifts, and reduced the delay in power delivery from its turbocharged engine; the all-wheel-drive version did not receive this change.
Did the 2019 Lexus IS get new safety technology?
No, the 2019 Lexus IS did not receive a major safety-system update. It retained a safety suite with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and automatic high beams.
How are the 2019 Lexus IS 300 and IS 350 different?
The IS 350 is the more powerful version, using a 311-hp 3.5-liter V6 and 18-inch wheels. The IS 300 serves as the more accessible everyday model, and only its rear-wheel-drive version received revised engine and transmission tuning for 2019.
2019 Lexus IS Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2019 Lexus IS.
4.1
2019 Lexus IS
(76 reviews)
“Great handling, love the choices of eco, normal or sport mode. My favorite is the Lexus app. Interior design is nice but they need to add a place for a large cellphone”
“Excellent quality... poor interior layout somewhat underpowered very good fit and finish.”