LexusIS

　　

2024 Lexus IS Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　The 2024 Lexus IS line is the company's entrant in the small luxury sport sedan class, supporting the larger and more luxurious ES and LS models. The IS lineup includes the competent IS 300, the midrange IS 350 and the V8-powered IS 500. A significant refreshening in the 2021 model year gave the IS a new lease on life with updated technology and improved handling as well as a few style tweaks. With that in mind, we don't expect any significant changes for 2024.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$185/mo  for IS 300

　　IS 300

　　300 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $40,085 MSRP300 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $42,085 MSRP300 F SPORT Design 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $41,905 MSRP300 F SPORT Design 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $43,945 MSRP300 F SPORT 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $43,155 MSRP300 F SPORT 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $45,195 MSRP350 F SPORT Design 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $43,260 MSRP350 F SPORT Design 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $45,260 MSRP350 F SPORT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $44,510 MSRP350 F SPORT 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $46,510 MSRP500 F SPORT Performance 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 8A) - $58,870 MSRP500 F SPORT Performance Premium 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 8A) - $63,370 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　

zzdcar spotlight: Value but with a catch

On the surface, the 2024 Lexus IS lineup is priced similarly to other sport sedans in its class. Upon closer inspection, you'll notice that you get more standard features. Options are more affordable than the competition, too. But the IS was last redesigned in 2014 and it has fallen behind newer competitors. Compared to other sedans, the IS has cramped rear seats, for example, and the infotainment system isn't as advanced. Even performance, which is often touted by Lexus, trails the rest of the class. We point out all of the IS' advantages and drawbacks in our Expert Rating below.

　　

Competitors to consider

The 2024 Lexus IS is at a disadvantage against its German rivals. Its aging platform is certainly one reason, but even in its earlier years, the IS fell short of expectations set by the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. You'll likely pay more for these alternatives to get all of the Lexus IS features, but for some buyers the added cost will be worth it.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Please note that this rating is based on a prior year and may change slightly once complete information about the 2024 Lexus IS becomes available.

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.6

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the IS drive? We tested the Lexus IS 350 F Sport. It's a fun and nimble sport sedan that's let down by an underpowered engine. In zzdcar' testing, our rear-wheel-drive test car accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. That's well off the pace of even the base four-cylinder variants of the class leaders. On the upside, this naturally aspirated V6 is silky smooth and builds power evenly from idle to redline. The transmission shifts gears a lot, but at least it's quick and smooth while doing it.

　　The IS' steering, brakes and overall handling are much more impressive than the engine. This luxury sedan is athletic and nimble, with responsive steering and a suspension that's firm enough to keep the car planted without feeling so stiff that midcorner bumps unsettle it. Our test vehicle included the optional adaptive suspension and limited-slip differential, both must-have options if you want to maximize the sportiness of your IS 350.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the IS? Our IS 350 F Sport test car had the optional adaptive suspension. It gives the IS a taut ride quality but it's not so stiff that it will beat you up when going over bumps. The front seats don't have as many available adjustments as the seats in some other luxury sedans, but the basic shape is so good that you settle in quickly. The climate control system and the heated and ventilated seats work well to keep you comfortable. The car is quiet, too, though the F Sport's optional summer tires produce a bit more noise than we expect from a Lexus.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below