“This is a great car. People complain that they don't have enough power, but to me there is plenty.”
Lexus IS: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Lexus IS is a compact luxury sport sedan known for responsive handling, a driver-focused cabin, and everyday comfort. Older IS families also included a power-folding hardtop convertible, and many sedan years were sold in both rear- and all-wheel-drive forms.
The IS has long been Lexus’s smaller, more driver-focused alternative to the comfort-oriented ES. Through its redesigns and updates, it has kept the same basic theme: engaging road manners, a premium cabin, and enough comfort for daily use. All-wheel-drive models, the IS C convertible, F SPORT trims, and V8 performance versions have broadened that formula at different points in its history.
Strengths
- Its responsive steering and handling give it a more driver-focused feel than Lexus’s larger, comfort-oriented sedans.
- The cabin combines a cockpit-like layout with the premium finish expected from a Lexus.
- The IS balances sporty road manners with the comfort and usability needed for daily driving.
- Many used model years were sold with all-wheel drive, which broadens its appeal in wet or snowy climates.
- Later used examples gained useful technology in stages, including standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for 2021 and standard 12.3-inch displays for 2026.
Who it's for
The IS suits someone who wants a compact premium sedan that feels more engaging than a typical comfort-first luxury car but is still easy to use every day. Used-car shoppers who need extra foul-weather traction can look to the many earlier model years sold with all-wheel drive.
Lexus IS lineup
Across much of the used market, the IS 300 is the entry model, while the IS 350 is the stronger V6 choice. F SPORT versions lean further into sport-themed styling, cabin details, and, depending on the year, handling hardware. F SPORT Design, introduced on the IS 350 for 2023 and the IS 300 for 2024, sits below the full F SPORT and emphasizes the sportier appearance. The 2022–2025 IS 500 F SPORT Performance is the V8 branch for shoppers seeking much more power. For 2026, the lineup narrows to the 311-hp IS 350 F SPORT Design and F SPORT.
Lexus IS generations
From 2009 to 2026, the IS spans two generations. The current 3rd Generation arrived for 2014, following the 2nd Generation — XE20 (2006–2013).
3rd Generation (2014–Present)
This generation brought a longer-wheelbase sedan with more passenger and trunk space, new rear suspension, revised steering, and a new cabin. It stayed on the same basic platform through major updates for 2017, 2021, and 2026.
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2026Mid-cycle update
Redesigned front styling and a reworked cabin arrived with standard 12.3-inch dashboard and instrument displays, a newer safety suite, and revised steering and suspension. The U.S. range narrowed to V6-powered IS 350 models in two grades.
2025Trim changes
A 500-unit IS 500 special variant joined with stronger front brakes, forged wheels, and distinct cabin details. Other trims received minor convenience updates.
2024Trim changes
F SPORT Design and F SPORT versions joined the IS 300 range. The engines, rear- or all-wheel-drive layouts, and core safety equipment carried over.
2023Trim changes
The IS 350 F SPORT Design joined the lineup with V6 power and sport-themed exterior styling. IS 500 models also received darker wheels and updated cabin trim.
2022Trim changes
The IS 500 F SPORT Performance joined with a 472-hp 5.0-liter V8. The IS 300 and IS 350 otherwise changed little.
2021New generation
A major rework brought wider bodywork, a stiffer structure, revised steering and suspension, a standard touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an updated safety suite.
2020Trim changes
The final year before the 2021 rework carried over with the same engines, cabin technology, safety equipment, and core trim structure.
2019
Rear-wheel-drive IS 300 models received revised engine and transmission tuning for quicker response. The rest of the range saw no broad changes.
2018Trim changes
The rear-wheel-drive IS 200t continued under the IS 300 name. V6 models gained 5 horsepower.
2017Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front and rear styling, standard LED headlights, revised cabin controls, and a standard safety suite arrived across the lineup.
2016Trim changes
The turbocharged rear-wheel-drive IS 200t and all-wheel-drive V6 IS 300 joined, creating a broader three-engine range.
2015Trim changes
The limited Crafted Line IS 250 joined with F SPORT equipment and distinct exterior and cabin trim. Other changes were minor feature updates.
2014New generation
The all-new IS 250 and IS 350 sedans gained a longer wheelbase, more interior and trunk space, new rear suspension, revised steering, and updated styling and cabin technology. The IS C convertible and IS F remained on the older platform.
2nd Generation — XE20 (2006–2013)
The XE20 generation centered on a compact V6 sedan and also supported the V8-powered IS F. During its later years, the family expanded with the IS C power-folding hardtop convertible and received styling, technology, and all-wheel-drive updates.
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2013
The sedan and IS F carried over, while the convertible received only minor updates. This was the final year for the second-generation core sedan.
2012Trim changes
The sedans and hardtop convertibles returned without meaningful model-wide changes. The IS F received only minor trim-specific updates.
2011Mid-cycle update
The sedans received refreshed front and rear styling, new wheels, and small cabin revisions. All-wheel drive joined the IS 350 sedan for the first time.
2010
The IS 250C and IS 350C power-folding hardtop convertibles joined the family. Sedans also gained standard USB and iPod connectivity plus Bluetooth audio streaming.
2009
The sedan received small styling revisions, retuned steering and suspension, and a more advanced stability-control system as standard across the range.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Lexus IS.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of car is the Lexus IS?
The Lexus IS is a compact luxury sport sedan. It is smaller and more driver-focused than the Lexus ES, with rear-wheel-drive-based handling, a premium cabin and a balance of responsive road manners and everyday comfort.
Was the Lexus IS sold as a convertible?
Yes. The IS C was a four-seat convertible sold from 2010 through 2015 with a power-folding hardtop. Most other used IS models are four-door sedans, and the IS C remained on the older platform after the third-generation sedan arrived.
Does the Lexus IS come as a hybrid?
No. The U.S. Lexus IS models covered here use gasoline engines. Depending on year and version, those include a turbo four-cylinder, several V6 engines and a 5.0-liter V8.
Does the Lexus IS have all-wheel drive?
Yes, on certain IS 250, IS 300 and IS 350 sedans. The exact engine paired with AWD varies by era. The refreshed 2026 IS 350 lineup is rear-wheel drive, so verify the drivetrain on the specific used car.
Who is the Lexus IS a good fit for?
The IS suits someone who wants a compact luxury sedan that feels engaging without being harsh or track-focused. Its driver-oriented cabin and everyday comfort make it a natural fit for commuting and winding-road driving.
How many generations of the Lexus IS are covered here?
Two main sedan generations are represented. The second-generation sedan ran through 2013, and the third generation arrived for 2014 and continues today. The third generation received major reworks for 2021 and 2026 rather than a completely new platform.
What is the Lexus IS known for?
The IS is known for combining rear-wheel-drive sport-sedan handling with Lexus cabin finish and daily comfort. Many versions also stand out for smooth V6 power, while the IS F and IS 500 add naturally aspirated V8 engines.
Lexus IS Reviews
What owners are saying about the Lexus IS.
4.3
Lexus IS
(1,212 reviews)
“It's reliable smooth and comfortable ride especially on interstate roads traveling at speeds of 70mph.”
“I think this is my all time favorite car! The drive is fantastic and I am so comfortable in it.”
“It's a beautiful car inside out. It's easy to use the interior controls. It grips the road and maneuvers well. A premium car with all the premium features. It's a little more sluggish / clunky than I was hoping power wise, but the car boogies when you need it to!”
“To be aware of a rattling noise in the engine. Also, a loud sound when turning on AC. Other than that, the vehicle is great.”
“An excellent value for a V8 touring sedan with the reliability and comfort only Lexus can provide.”
Sources
- pressroom.lexus.com — 2026 Lexus Is Perfecting The Sport Sedan
- pressroom.lexus.com — 2026 Lexus Is 350 Makes Public Debut At Petit Le Mans Imsa Race
- pressroom.lexus.com — 2025 Lexus Is A Silver Anniversary With Flare
- pressroom.lexus.com — Whats New 2024 Lexus Is 300 350 500
- lexus.com — Models / 2025 / MY25 Lexus IS Brochure
- pressroom.lexus.com — 2025 Lexus Is 500 Ultimate Edition The Culmination Of Greatness
- lexus.com — Models / 2024 / MY24 Lexus IS Brochure
- pressroom.lexus.com — Whats New 2023 Is 300 350 500
- lexus.com — Models / 2023 / MY23 Lexus IS Brochure
- pressroom.lexus.com — Whats New 2022 Lexus Is 300 350
- pressroom.lexus.com — 2022 Lexus Is 500 A New Breed Of F Sport Performance
- pressroom.lexus.com — Whats New For 2023