2010 Lexus IS 350 Review
2010 Lexus IS 350 Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Smooth and swift V6, comfortable ride, capable handling, top-notch interior quality.
Cons
- Tiny backseat, less engaging to drive than other sport sedans.
What’s new
The 2010 Lexus IS 350 receives new input sources for its audio system and an upgraded navigation system.
Edmunds says
The 2010 Lexus IS 350 is a well-built entry-level luxury car with attractive styling and solid reliability -- just don't expect much practicality or personality.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2010 Lexus IS 350 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A) 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
$263/mo for IS 350 Base
IS 350 Base
vs
$181/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
How do you take your Lexus? Would you like it Tall or Venti? Should it be Skinny or Dolce Latte? Lexus thinks having choice is good and therefore provides not one, but two distinct styles of entry-level luxury sedan. That Venti Dolce Latte would be the ES 350, a refined and comfortable luxury sedan. The 2010 Lexus IS 350, however, is the Tall Skinny Café au Lait -- a small luxury sedan with a powerful engine and just enough excitement to get the blood pumping.
Actually, the IS 350 sedan is one of several available flavors. There's also a less powerful sedan (the IS 250), a pair of convertibles (the IS C) and an ultra-high-performance version (the IS F). Of the two mainstream sedans, the 250 and 350, the 350 is our preferred choice, as its 3.5-liter V6 provides considerably more thrust and seems to more closely match the intended sporting mission of the IS.
For 2010, Lexus adds some welcome electronics features to the IS. The company's new Safety Connect telematics service adds peace of mind with its automatic collision reporting, stolen vehicle locator and emergency on-call service. The stereo has also been upgraded with two additional means of attaching your personal music device -- Bluetooth streaming and a USB audio port. For IS 350s equipped with the navigation system, real-time traffic, weather and other information is now included along with enhanced voice-recognition software.
These changes certainly add to the IS 350's appeal, but there are a few downsides to be aware of. The most notable is that the backseat is cramped and headroom is limited, making it a less-than-ideal vehicle for frequent transportation of more than two adults. The other issue is a lack of driver involvement -- the IS 350 simply doesn't move the excitement meter as much as one might hope based on the car's looks.
When it comes to entry-level luxury sport sedans, there are plenty to choose from. The Audi A4, Cadillac CTS and Mercedes C-Class provide more space and a bit more sporting flair. The BMW 3 Series and Infiniti G37 are the best choices if you want the sort of performance and handling that the IS 350 only hints at. Yet there's no arguing with the Lexus reputation for reliability and peerless craftsmanship. If its diminutive size still fits your needs, the 2010 Lexus IS 350 may very well be your cup of coffee.
Performance & mpg
The rear-wheel-drive 2010 Lexus IS 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that cranks out 306 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. The sole transmission choice is a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters. The IS 350 accelerates from zero to 60 mph in a swift 5.2 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined.
Safety
Standard safety equipment includes antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and Safety Connect. The latter is a traditional telematics service with automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle locator and emergency assistance button. Optional is the Pre-Collision System that comes packaged with adaptive cruise control. It determines when an accident is unavoidable and pre-emptively stiffens the suspension, retracts the front seatbelts and initializes brake assist. In Edmunds brake testing, the 2010 Lexus IS 350 with the Sport package came to a stop from 60 mph in a short 114 feet.
In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash testing, the IS 350 earned a perfect "Good" rating for its performance in both frontal-offset and side-impact tests. In government crash testing, the IS 350 managed four stars (out of a possible five) for both frontal crash protection and rear side-impact protection. Front passenger side-impact protection received a five-star rating.
Driving
The 2010 Lexus IS 350's creamy-smooth V6 whisks you toward the horizon at the slightest provocation of the throttle. It's just a shame that such a brilliant engine is paired to a slow-witted automatic transmission and relatively uncommunicative steering. The car's handling capabilities are formidable, but the IS 350 is not nearly as engaging to drive as segment benchmarks like the BMW 335i and the Infiniti G35. The Lexus does offer a compliant ride, however.
Interior
The IS 350 boasts a finely wrought interior, with top-notch materials and an attractively sporty design. Fit and finish is generally excellent. Lexus also offers one of the best electronics interfaces in the business, with easy-to-use controls all around. The optional navigation system and accompanying touchscreen are particularly user-friendly, though the new iPod interface can be frustrating to use.
Most compact luxury sedans aren't generous with rear-seat legroom, and this is particularly true of the IS 350. Adults or even large children may not be happy in the rear seat on long road trips -- even with average-sized drivers up front. This is not a great candidate for family use.
2010 Lexus IS 350 models
The 2010 Lexus IS 350 is a compact luxury sedan available in a lone trim level. Standard equipment on the IS 350 includes 17-inch wheels, foglamps, a sunroof, keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, eight-way power front seats, leather upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, the Safety Connect telematics system, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and a 13-speaker stereo with a six-CD changer, auxiliary and USB audio jacks and satellite radio.
The Premium Plus package adds heated and ventilated front seats and wood trim. The Luxury package adds 18-inch wheels, adaptive HID headlamps, auto-dimming outside mirrors, automatic wipers, a power rear sunshade, driver and front-passenger memory functions, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and the Premium Plus package items.
Opting for the Sport package will get you 18-inch wheels, summer tires, a sport suspension and most of the equipment from the Luxury package. The optional navigation system also includes a rearview camera, voice commands, real-time traffic and other information and Lexus Enform enhanced telematics features. A 14-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system can be added to the navigation system.
Stand-alone options include headlamp washers, an automatic parking system and adaptive cruise control that includes the Lexus Pre-Collision System. A wealth of Lexus F-Sport performance accessories is also available.
The Toyota Tacoma's In-Dash Speaker Is an Industry First
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Excellent
#11 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 350 from 2008-2022.$481/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).1x/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).5.6%
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 2010 Lexus IS 350.
5 star(73%)
4 star(20%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(2%)
44 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Very fine vehicle
Oregonhiker, 04/18/2009
2008 Lexus IS 350 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
I just bought a 2008 loaded Lexus IS350 w/7,000 miles...this is my 5th Lexus, the others being SUV's, but have also owned 3 BMW's, including a wonderful M3. The IS350 is a great car. 98% of my driving is city, suburb or highway and it performs flawlessly. If I drove major "twisties" everyday, maybe I would have bought another BMW, but few of us have the "true" abilities to push either … Lexus or BMW to their honest limits... It has 90% of the BMW capabilities, IMHO, plus a quieter ride, better interior, better exterior, more reliability and at least an equal resale value. It doesn't scream "look at me"...hey, even the engine and muffler are quiet, but power is vastly available when you want it.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Smooth Operator
SK, 02/18/2010
2010 Lexus IS 350 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
The title says it all: it is one smooth luxury sports sedan! After owning this vehicle for about three months now, it's easy to see why Lexus always gets such high marks in the luxury segment. My wife and I considered the 335i and the G37 sedan as well. Since we keep our cars on average about 8-10 years, we were uneasy about the 335's future reliability and high cost of maintenance and … repairs. The G37 was superb, but definitely lagged in terms of interior finish behind the Lexus. The interior is beautifully crafted, and the vehicle lines flow seamlessly. The ride is taut, but not harsh. The vehicle has plenty of power for all but most demanding, and handling is very capable. It's a keeper!
5 out of 5 stars
First Impressions
Sport Sedaner, 10/20/2010
2010 Lexus IS 350 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
I just picked up my new IS 350 with Nav and 18" wheels. Love the exterior styling. Tons of options are standard and fully loaded comes in considerably under the competition (328i, A4 and G37). Drove all three, driver feedback seemed to rank out with the BMW and Audi with a very slight edge the G37 was comparable in driving feel. All 4 were nice and decision was tough. It came down to … bang for the buck, reliability, and maintenance costs and the Lexus was the clear winner in these vital areas. For the record 2nd choice, BMW 328 or 335i but cost for comparably equipped car was not realistic for me.
4.88 out of 5 stars
IS350!!!
kevindan123, 01/14/2013
2008 Lexus IS 350 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
This car is beyond words. I just purchased this car and I can not stop driving this thing. It is my first luxury sports sedan and first car I am owning. I have to say I am very impressed with the overall quality of this car. It is 4 years old now (2008 model) but shows terrific condition and durability. The car has a stunning look and turns heads everywhere I go. The interior is Lexus … quality at its finest. They put top notch materials in this car and the cabin is a pleasure to be in. Waking up every morning to this car is like a dream come true. Get this car you will not regret it!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2010 Lexus IS 350, so we've included reviews for other years of the IS 350 since its last redesign.
2010 IS 350 Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $37,595 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 20 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $263/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 13 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the IS 350 include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover5 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintAcceptable
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