MSRP: From $40,185
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Overview
The 2025 Lexus IS is a compact luxury sport sedan with three powertrains. The IS 300 RWD uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 241 hp and an 8-speed automatic. The IS 300 AWD switches to a 3.5-liter V6 with 260 hp and a 6-speed automatic. The IS 350 uses the same V6 tuned to 311 hp with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. At the top, the IS 500 features a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 with 472 hp and 395 lb-ft, paired with an 8-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. Trims include base, F Sport Design, and F Sport for IS 300 and IS 350, plus base, Premium, and Ultimate Edition for IS 500. Lexus Safety System+ is standard.
What’s New for 2025
To mark its 25th anniversary, the 2025 IS lineup adds two limited-run versions of the IS 500 F Sport Performance. The Special Appearance model limits production to 180 units, all finished in Flare Yellow with 19-inch BBS wheels. The Ultimate Edition caps production at 500 units and includes matte-black 19-inch BBS wheels, unique badging, a Wind exterior paint color, and a red and black two-tone interior.
Elsewhere, the IS 300 F Sport and IS 350 F Sport gain additional standard features, including power-folding side mirrors with auto-dimming, a power-adjustable steering column, driver memory settings, and dark chrome window trim. F Sport Design trims now include a heated steering wheel as standard.
Exterior
The Lexus IS compact luxury sport sedan carries a familiar design with a Lexus spindle grille, slim LED headlamps, and a low, planted stance. Base models ride on 18-inch wheels. F Sport trims add mesh grille inserts and unique wheel designs for a sharper look. The IS 500 stands apart with staggered 19-inch Enkei forged wheels, a pronounced hood bulge, quad exhaust outlets, and wider rear fenders. The sedan measures 185.4 inches in overall length and sits on a 110.2-inch wheelbase.
Interior
The interior of the Lexus IS includes an 8.0-inch touchscreen, while F Sport trims and the IS 500 use a 10.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, along with a touchpad controller. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system is offered on higher trims. Base models use NuLuxe synthetic leather, while F Sport versions add bolstered sport seats. The IS 500 Premium includes semi-aniline leather, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera. Rear seat space is tight for adults, and the trunk measures 10.8 cu-ft, the smallest in its class.
Price Range and Best Value Trim
The 2025 Lexus IS’s price spans a wide range depending on configuration. Key models shown below exclude the $1,175 destination charge.
| Model | Price |
| Base Trim: IS 300 RWD | $40,185 |
| Top Trim: IS 500 Performance Ultimate Edition | $70,320 |
| Best Value: IS 350 F Sport (RWD) | $45,585 |
The IS 350 F Sport strikes us as the best value overall.
2025 Lexus IS Key Specs
Powertrain Options
| Model | Engine | HP | Torque | Drive | Transmission |
| IS 300 (RWD) | 2.0L Turbo I4 | 241 hp | 258 lb-ft | RWD | 8-speed auto |
| IS 300 (AWD) | 3.5L NA V6 | 260 hp | 236 lb-ft | AWD | 6-speed auto |
| IS 350 | 3.5L NA V6 | 311 hp | 280 lb-ft | RWD/AWD | 8-spd / 6-spd |
| IS 500 | 5.0L NA V8 | 472 hp | 395 lb-ft | RWD | 8-speed auto |
Fuel Economy (MPG)
| Config | City | Highway | Combined | Range |
| IS 300 RWD (2.0T) | 21 | 31 | 25 | 435 mi |
| IS 350 RWD | 20 | 28 | 23 | 400 mi |
| IS 300/350 AWD | 19 | 26 | 22 | 383 mi |
| IS 500 RWD | 17 | 25 | 20 | 348 mi |
Seating: 5
Fuel: Premium gasoline
| Headroom Front / Rear | 38.2 / 36.9 in |
| Legroom Front / Rear | 44.8 / 32.2 in |
| Cargo Capacity | 10.8 cu-ft |
Warranty
| Coverage | Term |
| Basic Vehicle | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 6 years / 70,000 miles |
| Complimentary Maintenance | 1 year / 10,000 miles |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- IS 500’s naturally aspirated 472-hp 5.0-liter V8 is unique in this class
- Sharp chassis delivers engaging handling, among the best in segment
- Lexus reliability and a 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty
- 25th anniversary heritage adds collectibility to the IS 500 Ultimate Edition
Cons:
- 10.8-cu-ft trunk and 32.2 inches of rear legroom are small
- IS 300 AWD’s 6-speed automatic feels outdated compared to newer rivals
- Touchpad infotainment controller is less intuitive than touchscreen-based systems
- No hybrid or electrified powertrain appears in the lineup
Verdict
The IS lineup is best understood from the top down, starting with the Lexus IS 500. Its naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 produces 472 hp, a rare configuration in this segment. At $60K, it delivers a distinctive driving experience.
For most buyers, the IS 350 F Sport at $45,935 with rear-wheel drive is the better fit. Its 311-hp V6 and F Sport suspension improve handling over base models. The interior shows its age, with the touchpad interface and limited rear space as drawbacks. Rivals such as the BMW 3 Series and Genesis G70 offer more modern cabins. Strong reliability, a generous warranty, and engaging chassis tuning keep the IS relevant.
Competitors
- BMW 3 Series
- Genesis G70
- Audi A4
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class
About the author
Cobus F. Potgieter
Reviews and Features Editor