Introduction

Serving for two decades as the smallest Lexus sedan, the compact 2020 Lexus IS continues as the brand's entry-level model. The IS is less compelling compared to the competition compared to its early years, yet the current model promises decent value strong available V-6 engines as an alternative to the turbo-4. 

Last redesigned as a 2017 model, the IS 300 and IS 350 largely carry over into the 2020 model year, except for addition of a limited-production F Sport Blackline Special Edition. Only 900 will be produced, available with any IS model. Black trim replaces some of the customary chrome, including a blacked-out grille and wheels, complemented by black synthetic leather inside. 

Both IS 300 and IS 350 configurations are available, with each available with an F Sport variant. Among other features, the F Sport versions substitute adaptive dampers that help smooth the ride on choppy pavement, while restricting body lean in corners. 

Model nomenclature is a bit confusing. The base IS 300 sedan makes use of a 2.0-liter turbo-4, engine yielding 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission sends power to the rear wheels. With all-wheel drive selected, the IS 300 substitutes in a 3.5-liter V-6 with 260 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque paired with a 6-speed automatic. 

For additional vigor when accelerating, the IS 350 adopts a more powerful 3.5-liter V-6 that delivers 311 hp and 280 lb-ft. The all-wheel-drive version uses a 6-speed automatic, but the rear-drive IS 350 gets an 8-speed transmission. 

A console knob selects Comfort, Sport, and Eco modes. Each F Sport version adds a sharper Sport+ mode. A limited-slip differential is available, for even sharper roadholding. 

Considering their modest power outputs, no IS engine is particularly thrifty, falling well short of rivals. The IS 300 with the turbo-4 is EPA-rated at 21 mpg city, 30 highway, and 24 combined. It gets 18/24/21 mpg with AWD and the V-6. Producing greater power, the IS 350 is rated at 20/28/23 mpg with RWD, or 19/26/21 mpg with AWD. Every Lexus IS uses premium gasoline. 

Mostly good crash test ratings and a welcome array of collision-avoidance technology combine to make the IS a reasonably strong safety choice. 

The NHTSA gave the IS a five-star overall safety rating, while it earned the top score of 'Good'? in each IIHS crash test. However, it hasn't yet been put through the challenging passenger-side small-overlap test. Headlights were judged “Acceptable,” while frontal crash prevention was rated “Superior.”

A number of active safety features that are optional on some rivals come standard on the IS, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warnings, active lane control, lane-departure warnings, automatic high-beam headlights, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitors with rear cross-traffic alert are optional. 

Lineup

The Lexus IS is available in two trims: IS 300 and IS 350. Prices include a $1,025 destination charge. 

The base IS 300 starts at $39,585 and comes with the 2.0-liter turbo-4. Standard features include synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, a 7.0-inch touchscreen, a 10-speaker audio system, dual-zone climate control, a moonroof, LED headlights, 17-inch wheels, and the active safety features. The IS 300 ($42,035) substitutes a 260-hp V-6 for the turbo-4 and brings all-wheel drive. 

For a sportier ride, the $42,780 IS 300 F Sport includes tighter suspension tuning, performance-inspired instruments, five-spoke 18-inch wheels, distinctive exterior accents, special seat bolstering, and dark grey interior trim. 

The IS 350 is priced from $43,205 and gets the 311-hp version of the V-6. Outside of 18-inch wheels, it's equipped identically to the IS 300. The $46,400 IS 350 F Sport is also equipped similar to IS 300 F Sport, but with the 311-hp engine. 

Walkaround

Sharp IS body lines are finally looking outmoded. The basic design is loaded with intersecting lines, not all of which are clean and crisp. 

Massive front intakes, positioned below jagged LED running lights, contrast with pinched L-shaped taillights that sag into the rear fenders. Unlike some Lexus models, the F Sport version looks substantially cleaner than the regular IS. 

Interior

Though not especially spacious, the Lexus IS is nicely appointed inside, using good-quality materials. The cockpit-like interior, with a low dashboard and a wide center console, complements the sedan's sharp exterior lines. 

Soft-touch materials dominate the dashboard and door panels. Window lines are somewhat high. Slim roof pillars help make most cabin colors feel sufficiently bright and airy. On the whole, the IS interior still qualifies as classy, with an upscale feel that's appropriate to the sedan's price. 

Standard front seats are firm and comfortable, upholstered in synthetic leather that's both reasonably convincing and durable. Seats in F Sport models are snugly bolstered, which might not please occupants with broader physiques. 

Most adult back-seat riders can expect to be short on space, burdened with scant leg and shoulder room. Door openings are small at the bottom, which doesn't help with entry and exit. 

Precise-looking analog instruments and a center-mounted clock look especially clean, suggesting the past at a time when digital screens have become the norm. Most controls are well marked, though the touch-sensitive climate adjustments can be hard to use when wearing gloves. 

The standard 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen can be replaced by a 10.3-inch widescreen. Unfortunately, they work with a troubled operating system and a distracting, mouse-like controller. Amazon Alexa compatibility helps a bit. So would Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but neither is available. Not many other cars lack smartphone compatibility. 

Trunk volume measures a skimpy 10.8 cubic feet, which is among the smallest in its class. 

Driving Impression

Despite wearing a compact four-door sedan body, the Lexus IS maneuvers with sports car agility. Depending on its powertrain, the IS appears to change personalities, topped in sharpness by the IS 350 F Sport model. 

No engine delivers especially exhilarating performance. Acceleration ranks around average with the base turbo-4, which isn't particularly refined. The 260-hp V-6 in the IS 300 model consumes considerable fuel, and its 6-speed automatic transmission can't match most competitors. This leaves the 311-hp V-6 in the IS 350, which delivers ample thrust and functions well with either transmission. Still, gearchanges from the 8-speed can be clunky. 

Because of its sporty nature, the IS has a firm suspension, which can sometimes result in choppiness over harsher pavement. With F Sport models, adaptive dampers largely yield greater ride comfort than the base suspension, while sharpening handling. 

Firm ride quality suggests sporty handling, which the IS can usually deliver. Steering feel is fairly ordinary, though the thick-rimmed steering wheel satisfies. 

Summary

Polished and poised, though no longer fresh, the 2020 Lexus IS has a good set of features. Depending upon its configuration, the IS can still be compelling while providing good value, though it's marred by its troublesome infotainment interface. To take advantage of the IS's sports sedan potential, the rear-wheel-drive IS 350 F Sport would be the wise and logical choice. 

-by James M. Flammang, with driving impressions from The Car Connection.