2019 Lexus IS 300 Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　

What's new

Software updates improve engine response on rear-wheel-drive modelsNew upgraded LED headlight optionAmazon Alexa-integrated voice commandsPart of the third Lexus IS generation introduced for 2013

　　To reinterpret an old maxim about judging books, we recommend that you not judge a sport sedan by the size or shape of its grille. At rest, the 2019 Lexus IS 300 might look like an uncompromising machine, with its pinched grille, prominent air intakes and aggressive body lines. But make no mistake: The IS prioritizes comfort and cruising over athletic performance, owing to a well-honed ride, hushed cabin and a generous set of features.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 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

　　$189/mo  for IS 300 Base

　　IS 300 Base

　　4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $38,560 MSRP4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $41,010 MSRPF SPORT 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $41,755 MSRPF SPORT 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $43,805 MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　Available with a turbocharged four-cylinder or a slightly more powerful six-cylinder engine, the IS 300 is best suited to relaxed driving with an occasional rip through an empty back road. Either engine makes the IS less sporty than its European rivals from Audi and BMW, or even its fellow Japanese competitor, the Infiniti Q50.

　　But where some of those rivals feel and ride a bit stiffer, or separate desirable features onto a pricey options sheet, the IS offers an alternative: all-day comfort and a broad range of standard equipment.

　　For 2019, the IS carries over largely unchanged, but there are a few updates of note. Trick new three-beam LED headlights are the most noticeable new option. Software updates reportedly deliver snappier engine response in the four-cylinder engine (though we haven't had a chance to confirm this ourselves), and there's also new voice command integration for Amazon Alexa devices. Alas, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay still aren't available.

　　While the IS 300 isn't as dynamic or powerful as its luxury sport-sedan peers, it still delivers in the right areas. The interior stands out in both design and quality, standard features are generous by any measure, and the convenience and safety tech are top-notch. It's a solid pick in this segment.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

7.2 / 10

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions, although trim levels share many aspects. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Lexus IS 200t F Sport (turbo 2.0L inline-4 | 8-speed automatic | RWD).

　　NOTE: Since this test was conducted in 2017, Lexus has renamed the IS 200t to be the IS 300 and introduced a few minor updates. Our findings remain applicable to this year's IS 300.

　　

Scorecard

Overall	7.2 / 10
Driving	7.0
Comfort	8.0
Interior	6.5
Utility	7.5
Technology	6.5

　　

Driving

7.0

　　Handling dynamics aren't this car's strongest suit, though you can still have fun whipping this luxury compact around a bend or two. The turbocharged engine's acceleration is acceptable but a tad slow for the class, while the AWD model's V6 is strong but a tad inefficient.

　　

Acceleration

7.0

　　The turbocharged four-cylinder makes good power but doesn't provide the enjoyable thrust achieved by some competitors. The 0-60 mph sprint is achieved in 6.8 seconds, a bit slow for the class.

　　

Braking

7.0

　　Brake pedal travel is surprisingly short and stiff for a Lexus and lacks a sense of stopping power. ABS pulses are isolated out, which is good for abating panic but bad for brake feel. Stopping from 60 mph required 111 feet with summer tires, on par with other luxury sport compacts.

　　

Steering

6.5

　　The electric steering builds effort that provides a natural and direct response but lacks road feel, which is important if your front tires ever lose grip. The IS fails to ensure confidence in an area that's critical for spirited driving.

　　

Handling

6.5

　　Even with the stickier 18-inch summer tire option, the IS tends to push over the limits of front tire grip. Quick directional changes are more to its liking than sweeping sustained corners, so choose your back roads accordingly.

　　

Drivability

7.0

　　Power is more than sufficient, but the eight-speed automatic transmission exhibits slow responses if you're not in the Sport driving mode. Full-throttle downshifts take about a second to select the right gear, which is too long if you're trying to merge, overtake or perform emergency maneuvers.

　　

Comfort

8.0

　　Excellent ride comfort and the serene quietness of the IS' cabin are big standouts in the comfort category. We were also happy with the seats until sitting in the saddle for a few hours, which took a small toll on our lower backs due to some mismatched lumbar ergonomics.

　　

Seat comfort

6.0

　　There's adequate lateral support from the standard seats, with additional bolstering provided by the F Sport's more aggressive thrones. Lumbar support is adjustable, but the position is fixed and sits too high to provide long-distance comfort for an average-size driver.

　　

Ride comfort

8.5

　　The IS delivers ride quality that combines solid body control with smooth compliance at all the right times. Bumps and impacts are absorbed without issue and the marshmallow-like float indicative of an overly soft suspension. The F Sport's sport-tuned suspension produces a noticeably harsher ride.

　　

Noise & vibration

8.5

　　Great attention went into cabin soundproofing. Road and wind noise is sufficiently silenced, and you don't hear much even under full antilock braking. The engine sounds more refined at full throttle than BMW's comparable four-cylinder.

　　

Climate control

8.0

　　On a cold and rainy day, the auto climate control failed to adequately warm the cabin with the temps set to 75 degrees. The front seats' heating and ventilation functions, however, work well and quickly reach optimal temperature. The heated steering wheel is also nice and toasty.

　　

Interior

6.5

　　The IS struggles with finding a balance between innovation and complication. Its low ride height and roofline require taller drivers to bend and duck to clear the doorways. The cabin is mediocre in its functional efficiency.

　　

Ease of use

8.0

　　The armrests are positioned at a comfortable height for support while cruising. The controls are all within reach, and there's a padded surface to lay your arm on while using the infotainment system's Remote Touch interface. The touch sliders for the climate control look cool and work well.

　　

Getting in/getting out

6.5

　　The IS 300's low height requires passengers to dip into the cabin. Even with the easy-entry retracting steering wheel, it's easy to graze a knee against the column climbing into the seat. The rear door openings are on the smaller side and could prove difficult to settle into for older passengers.

　　

Roominess

5.5

　　Cabin space is not abundant. The wide center tunnel console and armrests can feel tight and claustrophobic. Rear-seat headroom is limited, especially in the center seat, and there's less legroom than the competition. The transmission tunnel will be especially uncomfortable for the middle passenger.

　　

Visibility

7.0

　　Forward visibility is great, and the rear headrests don't impede the view directly rearward, but the huge rear pillars and a high body slope create blind spots when reversing. A rearview camera is standard, with parking sensors and an auto parking system optional.

　　

Quality

8.0

　　Other than the steering wheel's leather, which looks and feels like wrinkled skin around the thumb rest areas, this interior is done well. The seats have quality stitching, and all contact surfaces are soft with tight-fitting panels and solid door seals.

　　

Utility

7.5

　　The IS 300's lack of roominess is echoed in its storage capabilities. The trunk is smaller than those of rivals, there's a significant step from the trunk floor to seatback when the rear seats are folded down, and interior storage space is sparse. LATCH anchors and tethers, though, are easily accessible.

　　

Small-item storage

7.0

　　There are two small cupholders in front and one in each of the decently sized door pockets. Another two are in the back, thoughtfully concealed in a fold-out tray in the armrest. The rear doors don't have pockets, so storage in the back is limited to seatback pockets.

　　

Cargo space

6.0

　　The cargo area measures 10.8 cubic feet, which is small for a sedan. The top of the trunk opening is only slightly inset compared to the bottom, so you have to bend over slightly and slide your bags in.

　　

Child safety seat accommodation

9.0

　　Four LATCH anchors are hidden under wide leather covers at the base of the rear seat. Not only do these covers provide easy access to the anchors just underneath, but they also look as if they are part of the seat itself. The three upper tethers are also easy to reach.

　　

Technology

6.5

　　The IS 300 comes with an impressive list of standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning. It doesn't feature any of the latest smartphone integration tech, and the optional Remote Touch controller is unbearably difficult to use.

　　

Audio & navigation

4.0

　　The optional navigation system brings with it a larger widescreen display with crisp graphics that are easy on the eyes. Unfortunately, it also adds a joystick-like controller that perpetually frustrates. Imprecise movements make it cumbersome to navigate a cluttered sea of virtual buttons.

　　

Smartphone integration

6.0

　　Despite refreshes over the years, the IS hasn't kept up with trends in mobile device integration. There's no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. An auxiliary input and two USB ports are located under the front armrest, but there's no cord pass-through.

　　

Driver aids

8.0

　　A rearview camera, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and mitigation, automatic high beams and adaptive cruise control now come standard. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems are optional.

　　

Voice control

8.5

　　The voice controls follow a logical menu structure, with users sticking to top-level commands such as "Navigation." The nav system will allow you to modify individual aspects that it misunderstood during the input process. Overall, vocal recognition is good, but Siri Eyes Free would feel more natural.

　　

Which IS 300 does zzdcar recommend?

　　The turbocharged four-cylinder IS 300 is the one we'd take. Sure, the all-wheel-drive IS 300 with its V6 makes more horsepower but not enough to sway us. The turbo-four delivers more useful low-end torque for better acceleration off the line and gets better gas mileage, too. We'd add the Comfort package for its extra creature comforts and safety features, but pass on the Navigation package since the Remote Touch interface is frustrating to use. Unfortunately, that package is the only way to get the Mark Levinson premium audio system.

　　

2019 Lexus IS 300 models

　　The 2019 Lexus IS 300 is part of the IS sedan lineup that includes the more powerful IS 350. The IS 300 is available with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), which come with different engines. There is also an F Sport version that adds exterior elements and hardware that improves the IS 300's performance.

　　The IS 300 RWD has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (241 hp, 258 pound-feet of torque) and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Standard features include 17-inch wheels, LED headlights, a sunroof, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats, simulated-leather upholstery (NuLuxe), 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth, Lexus Enform Remote vehicle controls, two USB ports, a 7-inch display, and an eight-speaker sound system with an auxiliary audio input, satellite radio and HD radio.

　　Standard driver assistance technology features include a rearview camera, automatic high beams, lane departure warning and intervention, adaptive cruise control, and a forward collision warning system with pedestrian detection and automatic braking.

　　The IS 300 AWD substitutes a 3.5-liter V6 engine (260 hp, 236 lb-ft of torque) and a six-speed automatic transmission. Heated front seats also come standard.

　　The IS 300 offers several option packages. The Comfort package adds automatic wipers, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, a power-adjustable steering wheel, driver-seat memory settings, and blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems (available separately). A Premium package includes heated and ventilated front seats.

　　The Navigation package replaces the standard infotainment control dial with Lexus' Remote Touch joystick-type controller, a 10.3-inch display and a navigation system. A 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system can be added to this package.

　　For those who want to dial up the sporting factor, the F Sport adds revised styling, staggered-width 18-inch wheels (with either summer or all-season tires), a sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, an intake sound generator that amplifies engine noise during acceleration, heated and ventilated front sport seats, and a special sport-oriented gauge cluster.

　　Stand-alone options include upgraded, triple-beam LED headlights, a power rear sunshade, front and rear parking sensors, an automatic parking system, and a heated steering wheel.

　　

2019 IS 300 Highlights

Trim: BaseF SPORTBase

　　

Base MSRP	$38,560
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	26 MPG
Cost to Drive	$189/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	10.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles