Vehicle Tested
2014 Lexus IS 250 F Sport Sedan
Driven On
4/24/2013
Ratings Summary
The 2014 Lexus IS250 F Sport is a combination of high highs and low lows. Class-leading build quality and interior refinement are plagued by awkward, unintuitive controls. Superb steering is countered by low grip and a weak, inefficient engine.
B
Performance
Lexus may have taken the crown away from the 3-Series for best steering in the sport sedan segment, but a weak motor and low grip keep the IS250 from being anywhere near a class leader.
| Acceleration |
C
|
The 2014 IS's 2.5-liter engine provides adequate acceleration, but the engine feels reluctant to rev. Active sound enhancement makes this V6 sound better than it performs. |
| Braking |
B
|
Firm pedal with linear effectiveness. Panic-stop distances are comparable for the class. |
| Steering |
A
|
Lexus has transformed the IS into a machine that is highly responsive and incredibly communicative. Perhaps the best steering in the sport sedan segment. |
| Handling |
C
|
The IS250 F Sport is hampered by its stock tire option. Understeer arrives very early. |
| Driveability |
B
|
The Lexus IS250 F Sport is far more likeable as a daily-driver than a sport sedan. Everything works exceptionally well until you try to push it and have fun. |
B
Comfort
Hampered by the F Sport suspension tuning, this version of the IS250 rides like a sports car but lacks the benefits.
| Seating Comfort |
B
|
Once again, the IS250 F Sport sides with the comfort set. The seat is plush and comfortable for hours. Bolstering isn't terribly effective during hard driving. |
| Ride Comfort |
C
|
The F Sport's firm suspension roughs up the IS250's ride quality. Impacts are harsh, and the rear end can get bouncy. |
| Quietness |
B
|
Road noise from the summer performance tires is noticeable. The enhanced sounds from the V6 are, too, but they're quite nice. |
B
Interior
An eclectic mix of very good and very awkward keep the 2014 Lexus IS firmly in the middle of the pack when everything is put together.
| Ergonomics |
C
|
Lexus' Remote Touch Interface is difficult to use when the car is moving and requires looking away from the road for too long. Even early iDrive was more usable. |
| Ingress/Egress |
B
|
Still a mainstream IS at its core, this car is easy to enter and has a high seating position. |
| Space/Room |
B
|
Like early IS's, this generation has a very narrow cockpit that drivers will either find comforting or claustrophobic. |
| Visibility |
A
|
Outstanding seating position, low beltline and thin pillars add up to produce superb sight lines with virtually no blind spots or dead zones. |
| Cargo/Storage |
B
|
Average trunk space with limited interior storage options. |
B
Value
With a starting price of $36,845, the IS250 comes well equipped and with very good build quality. It's a competitive base price, but engine offerings are nil unless you step up to the IS350.
| Build Quality (vs. $) |
A
|
It takes a lot to stand out in this hugely competitive segment, but the IS does with gorgeous materials, fit and finish. Everything feels high quality. |
| Features(vs. $) |
B
|
The 2014 Lexus IS250 gets more standard features than last year, but the options it offers quickly raise the price. |
| Cost |
B
|
Again, the Lexus is simply competitive with others in the segment with a starting price of $36,845 or $39,960 for the F Sport. |
| MPG |
C
|
The IS250 is tentatively rated at 24 mpg combined and returned similar numbers during our testing. On our 116-mile evaluation loop, the IS managed 23.3 mpg. |
| Warranty |
B
|
Lexus offers a 4 year/50,000 mile basic warranty and a 6 year/70,000 mile powertrain warranty. |
| Ownership |
B
|
There is no free scheduled maintenance available on the Lexus IS250. Roadside assistance is available for 48 months. |
B
Fun To Drive
Thanks to highly precise steering, the IS250 F Sport is very rewarding to drive up to a point. A rough ride, low power and minimal grip hurt its sporting pretensions.
| Driving Experience |
B
|
The 2014 Lexus IS250 F Sport is a delightful car to drive until you want to drive it like a sport sedan. At that point, it simply can't match the class leaders. |
| Personality |
B
|
With a new one-piece front fascia the 2014 IS250 F Sport draws a lot of looks -- both good and bad. No one will accuse Lexus of aiming for the middle on this design. |
