What’s new and what’s familiar in the 2025 Lexus IS
The Lexus IS is often a top consideration among compact sport sedans, but you may want to learn more about how the model stands out within its class. While the IS isn’t Lexus’s most popular vehicle compared to other cars within its lineup, its sporty performance, agile handling, and luxury design elements — available at a relatively affordable price — have attracted fans. As a result, the IS has maintained ongoing production since its debut for the 1998 model year.
The 2025 IS is primarily a carryover model with minor equipment updates, which may be concerning to some, given that its last major redesign was in 2013 and its most recent facelift was in 2020. Below, we’ll walk you through the 2025 IS’s highlights, how it compares with competitors in areas like cargo space, and whether its design is overly dated.
Exterior spotlight
Besides some more aggressive lines, the 2025 Lexus IS’ exterior looks almost the same as it did a decade ago. The exterior design holds up well, but specific colors, such as Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0, which provide a more contemporary look, are limited to higher trims, including the IS F Sport and IS 500 F Sport Performance. Lexus Special Appearance Package for the 2025 IS is reserved for the peak IS 500 F Sport Premium, which is limited to 180 units and over $20,000 more than the entry-level IS 300’s $41,830 base cost. Wheel sizes across all grades range from 18 to 19 inches, but F Sport trims naturally feature flashier designs.
Expect some interior compromises
While the 2025 IS’s interior brings many standard features we’ve come to expect from Lexus, such as soft faux leather, power front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control, other desirable features, like a power sunroof, are optional. Adults generally won’t have issues sitting comfortably up front, but the rear row is notably less accommodating for taller passengers. The 2025 IS’s cargo space isn’t terrible for its segment at 10.8 cu ft — which is 0.3 cu ft larger than the 2025 Genesis G70’s — but this figure falls short of the 2025 Audi A4’s 12 cu ft, and the BMW 3 Series’s 16.9 cu ft.
Regarding digital displays, the 2025 Lexus IS features a relatively small 8” touchscreen as standard from the base trim up to the IS 350 F Sport Design all-wheel drive (AWD) grade. The optional 10.3” display becomes standard only on the pricier IS 500 F Sport Performance, but the interior is saved by its upscale-looking appearance.
Respectable base performance
The 2025 Lexus IS’s expansive trim lineup offers an array of power levels. Even if you select the base grade, you’ll receive a solid 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Moving into trims like the IS 300 AWD gives you 260 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, while entering IS 350 F Sport Design territory unlocks 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. If you’re willing to spend $60,815 on an IS 500 S Sport Performance, or $65,315 on an IS 500 F Sport Performance Premium, Lexus ups the ante to 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque.
Final thoughts
You likely anticipated that the 2025 Lexus IS would force some compromises, but whether or not these are a dealbreaker depends on your priorities. For those not concerned about a tight rear row, relatively limited cargo capacity, and a design that hasn’t changed much since 2014, the 2025 IS proves a quality vehicle, compensating with upsides like strong performance, decent efficiency (22 to 25 mpg combined in most trims), and a competitive price. Whether or not you’re iffy on any of this compact sport sedan’s drawbacks, be sure to test drive the model for a more thorough evaluation.
About the author
Cody Carlson
Contributing Writer, Autoblog