2017 Lexus IS 200t Review

Though V6-powered IS 300 and IS 350 versions are available, we'll assume you're interested in the four-cylinder IS 200t. There is just the one trim level, so the real decision-making occurs when faced with how to equip the IS 200t. Ultimately it just comes down to which optional features you wan...

Power is more than sufficient, but the eight-speed automatic transmission's shifting can feel languid at times. It takes about a second to select the right gear if you mat the gas for a big downshift, which is too slow if you're trying to get out of the way.

The turbocharged engine is eager at low revs and sounds more refined than BMW's 2.0-liter engine. In our testing, a 200t accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds. That's not great, but the engine feels strong in real-world driving.

Brake pedal travel is surprisingly short and stiff for a Lexus and lacking a sense of stopping power. In our emergency panic-braking test, the IS 200t stopped from 60 mph in 117 feet, which is below average for a car on summer-rated tires.

The steering feels natural and direct when you turn the wheel but lacks road feel, which is important if your front tires ever lose grip. The IS 200t fails to provide confidence in this area, and that's critical for spirited driving.

Even with the stickier optional 18-inch summer tires, the IS 200t's grip and balance around turns don't really impress. Quick directional changes are more to its liking than long, sustained corners.

Power is more than sufficient, but the eight-speed automatic transmission's shifting can feel languid at times. It takes about a second to select the right gear if you mat the gas for a big downshift, which is too slow if you're trying to get out of the way.

Excellent ride comfort and the serene quietness of the 2017 IS' cabin are the big standouts in this area. We are also happy with the seats, though sitting in the saddle for a few hours can take a small toll on your lower back due to some mismatched lumbar ergonomics.

There's adequate lateral seat support, and the optional ventilation and heating work well. The amount of lumbar support is adjustable, but the position is fixed and sits too high to provide long-distance comfort for an average-size driver.

The IS delivers combines solid body control with smooth compliance at all the right times. Bumps and impacts are absorbed without issue, yet there's no hint of a marshmallowy ride or overly soft suspension tune. Very good.

Great attention went into the IS' cabin soundproofing. Road and wind noise is sufficiently silenced, and you don't hear much of the engine. Quiet cabins are more comfortable and can promote calmer reactions in emergencies.

The IS struggles with finding a balance between innovation and complication. The infotainment system interface lacks user-friendly qualities, and basic cupholder ergonomics seem like afterthoughts. This is a cabin with mediocre usability.

Lexus' haptic joystick interface for the infotainment system is cumbersome to use, and it snags smartphone charger cords with ease. The touch sliders for the climate control — which look cool and work well — are the best cabin features.

Even with the easy-entry retracting steering wheel, it's not difficult to graze a knee against the column climbing into the driver seat. The rear door openings are on the smaller side and could prove difficult for less flexible passengers.

Cabin space is not abundant. For an average-size driver, the center tunnel console seems needlessly wide, and the armrests can feel intrusive. The rear bench has less legroom than in some competitors, and the center seat has marginal headroom.

Forward visibility is great. Rear headrests don't impede the view directly rearward, but huge rear pillars and a high body slope create blind spots when reversing. The optional parking sensors and rearview camera are recommended.

Other than the steering-wheel leather that looks and feels like wrinkled skin by the thumb holds, this interior is done well. The seats have quality stitching, and all contact surfaces are soft with tight panel fit and solid door seals.

The smallish trunk that doesn't fold flat and limited interior storage conspire against the IS 200t's utility.

Storage up front is limited to the armrest, door pockets and glovebox.

At 10.8 cubic feet, cargo space is on the small side for the class. The rear seatbacks fold forward, but hardly flat. The unevenness limits what you can carry with the seats down.