2022 Lexus IS 300 Review
2022 Lexus IS 300 Review
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2022 Lexus IS 300 Review
byMichael Cantu
Correspondent
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 Edmunds 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.
Pros
- Smooth and comfortable ride on bumpy roads
- Cabin is well isolated from noise
- Offers more features for the money than German rivals
Cons
- Subpar fuel economy with all-wheel-drive powertrain
- Rear seats can be a tight fit for adults
What's new
- Minor changes to feature availability
- Part of the third Lexus IS generation introduced for 2014
Overview
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 $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$218/mo for IS 300 Base
IS 300 Base
vs
$181/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 Edmunds 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.
2022 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 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 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)
The Toyota Tacoma's In-Dash Speaker Is an Industry First
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4.5 out of 5 stars4.5/5Excellent
#5 out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Lexus IS 300 from 2008-2022.$519/yr
vs. $607/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).0.53x/yr
vs. 1.36x/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).5.1%
vs. 10.5%
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2022 Lexus IS 300.
5 star(70%)
4 star(22%)
3 star(3%)
2 star(5%)
1 star(0%)
27 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4 out of 5 stars
Fun 2 drive, poor technology
Jason burgos, 08/08/2018
2018 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Only 3,000 miles in but the navigation and Lexus Enform is terribly unreliable. I wasted money upgrading to this option. Seat cooling and heating has a mind of its own.
4 out of 5 stars
IS 300Fsport FUN FUN
John Eversole, 07/13/2018
2018 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
There are only a few nagging issues but in the big scheme of things, they may be minor to many. First, the car is very nimble, quick steering, brakes and acceleration. I could get better than 19.5 mpg but I drive it very fast and hard. A little hard to get in, but once in, very comfortable. But a car at this level should have memory seats! Very little storage in the large (on the … outside) console. I did not order, or want, the navigation. One of the reasons I bought this model was the fold down rear seats, and most Lexus models do not and I did not want another SUV. It is a fun car that feels very solid and safe and would be close to perfect if these few areas were corrected.
4 out of 5 stars
Back to Lexus
DG, 11/22/2020
2020 Lexus IS 300 F SPORT 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
I bought this because my 2020 Ford Explorer just wasn’t cutting it. I went with the IS because I wanted something a little smaller and sporty.
I love the interior. It feels just like a Lexus. The one disappointing thing is no Apple Car Play. That’s a head scratcher for a 2020 model. The seats are very comfortable, and the site lines are on point. I’ve driven it on a three hour trip … already and comfort was not an issue.
The car drives well. It has the acceleration I need and handles corners very well. It rides really smoothly. The transmission shifts easily, and there is little noise from outside the cabin.
The infortainment system is an issue. Previously noted was lack of Apple Car Play. I also am not a huge fan of the knob in this one instead of the pad that controls everything. Have driven Lexus and Toyota cars in the past I’m very familiar with the display screen and menu options.
Overall this is a very good car. It is comfortable, quick, and performs well. It loses points for technology, but everything else is really superb.
5 out of 5 stars
Lady in hot Blue Lexus
Kathy, 08/07/2018
2018 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
First Lexus, fun to drive, great handling on curves, brakes excellent. Comfortable seats, lacks storage next to driver. Love it!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2022 Lexus IS 300, so we've included reviews for other years of the IS 300 since its last redesign.
2022 IS 300 Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $39,125 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 25 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $218/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 10.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the IS 300 models:
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position.
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your path while you're in reverse.
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover5 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover9.5%
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