2022 Lexus IS 300

　　

2022 Lexus IS 300 Review

byMichael CantuCorrespondent

　　Michael Cantu has worked in the automotive industry since 2014. He has written over 800 car-related articles and tested and reviewed over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Michael is a contributor at zzdcar and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Digital Trends and InsideEVs. Michael was featured on a few InsideEVs YouTube channel videos on the topic of electric vehicles. Michael was a MotorTrend Car of the Year judge for 2019 and was a driver in MotorTrend's World's Greatest Drag Races 7 & 8.

　　The 2022 Lexus IS 300 is the brand's small luxury sedan. It's the most affordable model in the IS lineup, which also includes the IS 350 and the V8-powered IS 500. If you're considering something larger, check out the ES and LS sedan lineups or the NX SUV, which has a similar starting price to the IS 300. These Lexus alternatives also offer hybrid versions that provide higher fuel economy.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 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 Base

　　IS 300 Base

　　4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $39,125 MSRP4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $41,125 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　IS 300 updates for the 2022 model year include a new Premium package and additional features for the Comfort package. Updates were light this year because of last year's refresh that consisted of improvements to the infotainment system, chassis and suspension, and exterior styling.

　　The IS 300 doesn't top the rankings of small luxury sedans, but it offers lots of standard features, including several advanced driver aids, and a relatively low starting price. As with most Lexus products, the IS 300 is very comfortable but also handles well during spirited driving. Other entry-level luxury sedan choices include the Acura TLX, BMW 3 Series and Volvo S60. These rivals have been recently redesigned, while the dated IS 300 hasn't received such an overhaul since 2014.

　　

Which IS 300 does zzdcar recommend?

If all-wheel-drive traction isn't needed, we recommend opting for the more affordable IS 300 RWD. Its turbocharged engine is nearly as powerful as the IS 300 AWD's V6 and is more fuel-efficient. You also get an eight-speed automatic transmission instead of the six-speed that comes equipped in the AWD trim.

　　

Lexus IS 300 models

The 2022 Lexus IS 300 is offered in two trim levels: IS 300 RWD and IS 300 AWD. Both come with the same standard features and options, and the difference lies underneath in the powertrain. The IS 300 RWD is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (241 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque) paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission and is rear-wheel-drive. The IS 300 AWD comes equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 (260 hp, 236 lb-ft) mated to a six-speed automatic and is all-wheel-drive.

　　IS 300

　　The IS 300 comes standard with:

　　18-inch wheels LED headlights Auto-dimming (driver's side) and heated outside mirrors Keyless entry and ignition Dual-zone automatic climate control Heated front seats (AWD only) Simulated leather upholstery 8-inch touchscreen 10-speaker audio system Satellite radio Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration Two USB ports Wi-Fi hotspotThe IS 300 is also equipped with a set of advanced driver aids, many of which are optional on rivals. These include:

　　Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane) Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Lexus and the car in front) Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing) Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)Packages and stand-alone options for the IS 300 include:

　　Comfort package Sunroof Heated steering wheel Heated and ventilated front seats Automatic windshield wipers Auto-dimming rearview mirror Premium package Comfort package 19-inch wheels Power-adjustable steering wheel Auto-dimming outside mirrors Driver's seat memory settings Wood trim Power rear sunshade Navigation package 10.3-inch touchscreen Navigation system Mark Levinson Premium Audio package Navigation package 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system Aluminum control knobs Upgraded headlights Sunroof Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking 360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the IS 300 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)

　　zzdcar Latest Lexus IS 300 News

　　Five New Cars We're Excited to Drive in 2024

　　How We'd Spec It: 2024 Lexus GX

　　The 2024 Lexus GX Starts at $64,250, GX Overtrail Costs Close to $70K

　　Lexus RX 450h+ First Drive: Not Enough or Just Right?