2023 Lexus IS 300 Sedan

　　

2023 Lexus IS 300 Review

byNick YekikianNews Editor

　　Nick Yekikian has worked in the automotive industry since 2019. He has written close to a thousand car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 200 vehicles over the course of his career. Nick is the News Editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Automobile Magazine and Super Street. When Nick isn't zipping around town in his latest used-car find, he's probably making digital art in Photoshop or playing disc golf with friends.

　　The IS 300 is the most affordable version of Lexus' smallest sedan, slotting in underneath the IS 350 and the V8-powered IS 500. Even though the 2023 IS has similar underpinnings to the 2014 model, a number of major revisions over the years have made the IS a more refined and competent option in a crowded segment. If you're looking for a compact luxury sedan, the IS could be for you, but if you're seeking more space, consider Lexus' ES and LS sedans for more headroom and legroom.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 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) - $40,085 MSRP4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $42,085 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　2023 brings with it no changes for the IS 300. While pricier models get new paint and package options, the base model IS will be exactly the same as it was in 2022. That's no bad thing since a number of significant updates over the past few years have made even the base IS a well-rounded daily companion. It may not be as riveting to drive as rivals like the BMW 3 Series and the Alfa Romeo Giulia, but it offers a long list of standard equipment that make for pricey options from its European competitors.

　　

Which IS 300 does zzdcar recommend?

We recommend going for the IS 300 RWD provided you live in a temperate climate. The turbocharged four-cylinder is nearly as powerful as the V6 in the all-wheel-drive model and is more fuel-efficient. You also get access to the same set of options and an eight-speed transmission instead of the AWD model's six-speed unit.

　　

Lexus IS 300 models

The 2023 IS 300 comes in two trim levels: IS 300 RWD and IS 300 AWD. The two cars share option packages and equipment levels, with the main difference coming in the form of different engines. The IS 300 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (241 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque) that's paired to an eight-speed automatic if you opt for rear-wheel drive. All-wheel-drive models are powered by a 3.5-liter non-turbocharged V6 (260 hp, 236 lb-ft) mated to a six-speed automatic.

　　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 Power-adjustable front seats 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 hotspot The 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 warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts 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 items 19-inch wheels Power-adjustable steering wheel Auto tilt-down exterior mirrors when in reverse Auto-dimming rearview mirror 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)

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