Lexus IS 300, IS 350, IS 500 Trims & More

Last updated August 4, 2026

Lexus IS

The Lexus IS lineup starts with the IS 200t, IS 250, and IS 300 family, which delivers the core compact luxury-sport experience; the IS 250C adds a retractable-hardtop convertible branch. IS 300 F SPORT Design emphasizes the sporty look, while IS 300 F SPORT adds the more driver-focused seats and suspension. The IS 350 family is the stronger V6 step, ranging from understated models to full F SPORT versions and the open-air IS 350C. The IS F and IS 500 F SPORT Performance models form the V8 branch, while the 2015 IS 250 Crafted Line is a separate anniversary edition focused on distinctive styling and bundled equipment.

What each trim is known for

Lexus IS Base Model

Base Model

IS 200tIS 250IS 250 SportIS 250CIS 300

The Base Model trim level — IS 200t, IS 250, IS 250 Sport, IS 250C, and IS 300 — is the everyday entry to the IS, with luxury basics, sporty road manners, and several engine and body-style variations across the years.

Best for: Drivers who want the core Lexus IS experience without making F SPORT styling or maximum power the priority.

Highlights

  • Four-cylinder or V6 power, depending on the member and year
  • Rear-wheel-drive-based handling, with all-wheel drive on some models
  • Power front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control
  • Three-piece retractable hardtop on the IS 250C
72 in stock
Lexus IS Sport Styling

Sport Styling

IS 300 F SPORTIS 300 F SPORT Design

The Sport Styling trim level — IS 300 F SPORT and IS 300 F SPORT Design — gives the IS 300 a more athletic look, with the full F SPORT adding a sportier cabin and suspension.

Best for: Shoppers who like the F SPORT appearance but prefer the IS 300 powertrains over the stronger IS 350 or V8 models.

Highlights

  • F SPORT exterior styling
  • Heated front seats and heated steering wheel
  • Rear-wheel-drive turbo four-cylinder or all-wheel-drive V6 configuration
  • Sport-tuned suspension and ventilated bolstered seats on the full F SPORT

Compared with the Base Model, this level adds F SPORT exterior details and heated comfort features. The full IS 300 F SPORT also adds sport-tuned suspension, bolstered heated and ventilated seats, performance-style gauges, memory controls, and folding mirrors.

2 in stock
Lexus IS Premium Sport

Premium Sport

IS 350IS 350 F SPORTIS 350 F SPORT DesignIS 350 SportIS 350C

The Premium Sport trim level — IS 350, IS 350 F SPORT, IS 350 F SPORT Design, IS 350 Sport, and IS 350C — is the stronger V6 branch, offered in understated, F SPORT, and retractable-hardtop forms across the years.

Best for: Drivers who want smoother, stronger V6 performance without moving to the V8-powered IS models.

Highlights

  • Naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6
  • Regular and F SPORT appearance choices, depending on the member
  • Sport-tuned suspension and more supportive seats on the full F SPORT
  • Three-piece retractable hardtop on the IS 350C

This level moves beyond the IS 300-based styling branch to the stronger 3.5-liter V6. Full F SPORT versions add driver-focused seat and suspension upgrades, while the IS 350C turns the same V6 theme into an open-air grand tourer.

61 in stock
Lexus IS Performance

Performance

IS 500 F SPORT PerformanceIS 500 F SPORT Performance Launch EditionIS 500 F SPORT Performance PremiumIS 500 F SPORT Performance Ultimate EditionIS F

The Performance trim level — the IS 500 F SPORT Performance editions and IS F — is the rear-wheel-drive V8 branch, built around stronger braking and more serious chassis hardware.

Best for: Drivers who want the sound and response of a naturally aspirated V8 in an IS that remains usable for everyday driving.

Highlights

  • Naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8
  • Rear-wheel drive with an eight-speed automatic
  • Limited-slip rear differential, performance-focused suspension, and stronger brakes
  • Specialized technology, styling, or braking upgrades on Premium and limited editions

Compared with Premium Sport, this level adds the 5.0-liter V8, rear-wheel-drive performance hardware, a limited-slip differential, stronger brakes, and more specialized suspension tuning.

1 in stock
Lexus IS Special Editions

Special Editions

IS 250 Crafted Line

The Special Editions trim level — the 2015 IS 250 Crafted Line — is a limited 25th-anniversary model that combines an IS 250 F SPORT foundation with exclusive black-and-white styling and a red-and-black cabin.

Best for: Shoppers who value a distinctive, limited-run IS 250 with sport styling and extra comfort, navigation, and parking-awareness equipment.

Highlights

  • Ultra White exterior with contrasting black trim and black F SPORT wheels
  • Black and Scarlet synthetic leather cabin with a black headliner
  • F SPORT suspension tuning with heated and ventilated sport seats
  • Navigation, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert

This is a separate 2015 anniversary branch rather than a performance step above the V8 models. It builds on the IS 250 F SPORT theme with exclusive colors, cabin trim, navigation, and added driver-assistance equipment.

0 in stock

Trim comparison

FeatureBase ModelPerformancePremium SportSport StylingSpecial Editions
Includes
IS 200t, IS 250, IS 250 Sport, IS 250C, IS 30072 in stock
IS 500 F SPORT Performance, IS 500 F SPORT Performance Launch Edition, IS 500 F SPORT Performance Premium, IS 500 F SPORT Performance Ultimate Edition, IS F1 in stock
IS 350, IS 350 F SPORT, IS 350 F SPORT Design, IS 350 Sport, IS 350C61 in stock
IS 300 F SPORT, IS 300 F SPORT Design2 in stock
IS 250 Crafted Line0 in stock
Engine identityTurbo four-cylinder or V6; varies by member5.0-liter V83.5-liter V6IS 300 turbo four-cylinder or V62.5-liter V6
Horsepower by member204–260 hpIS 500: 472 hp; IS F: 5.0L V8306 hp older; 311 hp newer241 hp RWD; 260 hp AWD204 hp
Sport appearanceStandard IS lookIS F or F SPORT Performance themesRegular or F SPORT, by memberF SPORT exteriorExclusive black-and-white F SPORT look
Suspension focusEveryday sport-sedan tuningAdaptive or track-focused performance tuningSport-tuned on full F SPORTStandard on Design; sport-tuned on full F SPORTF SPORT tuning
Front-seat treatmentPower seats; upholstery variesSport seats; materials vary by editionComfort or F SPORT seats, by memberHeated; heated and ventilated on full F SPORTHeated and ventilated sport seats
Retractable-hardtop modelIS 250C—IS 350C——
Limited-edition focus—Launch Edition and 500-unit edition——Crafted Line anniversary edition
Notable cabin technologyRecent IS 300: 8-inch touchscreenPremium and 500-unit edition: 10.3-inch screen and premium audio2026: 12.3-inch touchscreen and gauges8-inch touchscreenNavigation system

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between the IS 300 and IS 350?

In recent lineups, the IS 350 is the stronger V6 step above the IS 300. The IS 300 used a turbo four-cylinder with rear-wheel drive or a lower-output V6 with AWD, while the IS 350 used a 311-hp V6. Equipment still varies by year and package.

What's the difference between F SPORT Design and F SPORT?

In recent years, F SPORT Design is mainly the sporty-looking version. Full F SPORT adds the more meaningful driver upgrades, including a sport-tuned suspension, more supportive heated and ventilated front seats, performance-style gauges and memory features.

Does F SPORT always mean more power?

No. F SPORT often changes styling, seats, suspension and cabin details without changing the engine. For example, recent IS 350 F SPORT Design and F SPORT models share the same 311-hp V6. F SPORT Performance identifies the V8-powered IS 500 branch.

What's the difference between a rear-wheel-drive and AWD IS 300?

On newer IS 300 models, the rear-wheel-drive car uses a 241-hp turbo four-cylinder and eight-speed automatic. The AWD version uses a 260-hp V6 and six-speed automatic. AWD favors added traction, while the two versions also feel different because their engines and transmissions differ.

Which IS trim makes sense for everyday driving?

For many used shoppers, the regular IS 300 is the straightforward everyday trim. In newer examples it has power front seats, dual-zone climate control, smartphone integration and a broad safety suite without the firmer sport suspension or V8 hardware of higher trims.

What does the IS 300 F SPORT add over the regular IS 300?

On newer models, the IS 300 F SPORT adds a sport-tuned suspension, bolstered heated and ventilated front seats, performance-style gauges, driver memory and power-folding mirrors. It keeps the regular IS 300 engine and drivetrain choices.

Should I pick an IS 300 F SPORT Design or IS 300 F SPORT?

Pick F SPORT Design if the sporty exterior and heated comfort features are the main draw. Pick full F SPORT if you also want the sport-tuned suspension, more supportive ventilated seats, performance-style gauges and memory controls. This split applies to newer IS 300 lineups.

How is the IS 500 different from the IS 350 F SPORT?

The IS 500 is the V8 performance model. It uses a 472-hp 5.0-liter V8, rear-wheel drive, adaptive suspension, stronger brakes and a limited-slip rear differential. The IS 350 F SPORT uses a 311-hp V6 and has been sold with rear-wheel drive or AWD, depending on year.

What does the IS 500 F SPORT Performance Premium add?

On IS 500 lineups that offer it, Premium adds cabin and convenience equipment to the same 472-hp V8 hardware. Highlights include a 10.3-inch touchscreen, Mark Levinson audio, triple-beam LED headlights, a panoramic camera and a power rear sunshade.

What is the IS 500 Launch Edition?

It is the limited first-year version of the IS 500. The 472-hp V8 and rear-wheel-drive layout remain, while matte-black forged BBS wheels, black-and-gray Ultrasuede trim, special steering-wheel trim, unique gauge graphics and a serialized badge set it apart.

What's the difference between the IS F and IS 500?

Both are rear-wheel-drive V8 sport sedans, but they belong to different eras. The IS F is the older dedicated F model with track-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes. The newer IS 500 F SPORT Performance pairs a 472-hp V8 with adaptive suspension and modern IS cabin and safety technology.

What's the difference between the older IS 250 and IS 350?

The IS 250 is the lower-output V6 version, while the IS 350 uses a stronger 3.5-liter V6 and larger brakes in the older lineup described here. Both retain the same basic compact luxury-car character, and some sedan years offered rear-wheel drive or AWD.

What's the difference between the IS 250C and IS 350C?

Both are four-seat convertibles with a three-piece power-folding hardtop. The IS 250C uses a 204-hp 2.5-liter V6, while the IS 350C uses a stronger 306-hp 3.5-liter V6. Their core comfort and convertible equipment is otherwise similar.

What is the IS 250 Crafted Line?

It is a limited 25th-anniversary edition built from the IS 250 with F SPORT suspension and cabin hardware. Its defining touches include a black-and-white exterior, red-and-black interior, heated and ventilated sport seats, navigation and blind-spot monitoring.

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