2017 Lexus IS 300
Pros
- Smooth and comfortable ride quality on bumpy roads
- Cabin is well isolated from noise
- More features for your money compared to German alternatives
Cons
- V6 power is comparable to smaller turbo engines but not as efficient
- Short on trunk space and small item in-cabin storage
- Handling capabilities do little to create driver excitement
- Optional Remote Touch infotainment system is distracting to use
2017 Lexus IS 300 pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Which IS 300 does Edmunds recommend?
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
3.5 / 5The 2017 Lexus IS 300 is one of the more aggressively styled luxury compacts, even if performance isn't a primary focus. But considering its all-wheel drive, well-honed ride, ample features and low noise levels, it's got enough going for it to be a convincing choice.
The IS 300 is the midgrade model introduced just last year, slotting in between the turbocharged IS 200t and range-topping IS 350. The IS 300 gets a slightly detuned version of the 350 model's 3.5-liter V6 engine and comes solely with all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission. There are some drawbacks, such as lackluster performance and a lack of storage and rear legroom. But overall we think the IS 300 will appeal to many shoppers looking for a small luxury sedan.
Trim levels & features
The 2017 Lexus IS 300 is the midlevel model in the IS lineup, between the turbocharged IS 200t and top trim IS 350. There are no actual trim levels, only packages, though the F Sport package adds exterior design elements and more performance-tuned hardware that would certainly alter the character of the IS 300. The IS 300 comes with a detuned version of the 3.5-liter V6 engine (255 horsepower, 236 pound-feet of torque) in the IS 350, plus standard all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission.
Standard equipment highlights for the IS 300 includes 17-inch wheels, LED headlights, a sunroof, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats, premium vinyl upholstery, 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks, Bluetooth, an 8-inch color display, voice commands and an eight-speaker sound system. Lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and a forward collision warning system with automatic braking are also standard this year.
A number of packages are available for the IS 300. The smaller ones are the Premium and Premium Plus packages. The former includes heated and ventilated front seats and a rearview camera, and the latter adds automatic wipers, a power-adjustable steering wheel and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The Luxury package, which is one we recommend for this IS model, includes all of the above items plus auto-dimming exterior mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel rim and driver-seat memory functions.
The Navigation package replaces the standard infotainment control dial with Lexus' Remote Touch mouse-type controller and adds a navigation system with a larger 10.3-inch display. A 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system can be specified, but it must include the Navigation package.
Finally, there's the F Sport package for those who want to up the sporting factor of their car. It includes a full-mesh front grille, a revised front bumper, twin-projector LED headlights, staggered-width 18-inch wheels (with either summer or all-season tires), a sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brake pads, an intake sound generator that amplifies engine noise during acceleration, heated and ventilated front sport seats with enhanced bolstering, perforated leather trim and a special sport-oriented gauge cluster. Because the IS 300's primary focus isn't performance, the F Sport package seems a little misplaced here.
A few other stand-alone options, in addition to some of the above items, include a power rear sunshade, and remote vehicle control function (door locking and unlocking, cabin ventilation, vehicle finder, etc.) via a smartphone app through the Lexus Enform system.
Trim tested
Driving
3Acceleration
Braking
2.5Steering
3Handling
3Comfort
4Seat comfort
2.5Ride comfort
5Noise & vibration
4.5Climate control
4.5Interior
2.5Ease of use
2Getting in/getting out
3Roominess
2.5Visibility
3Quality
4Utility
2Small-item storage
2.5Cargo space
2Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2017 Lexus IS 300.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Features & Specs
Safety
Our experts’ favorite IS 300 safety features:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Helps drivers maintain a preset distance by adjusting the vehicle's speed in relation to the vehicle traveling directly in front of them.
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Monitors lane markings and warns you if you are drifting and can even actively help steer the vehicle back into the lane of travel.
- Intelligent High Beam
- Switches between high and low beams automatically by using cues from a camera that helps detect when other vehicles are present.
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2017 Lexus IS 300 for Sale
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See your car's valueShoppers in the market for a small luxury sedan with eye-catching style, a host of standard features and all-wheel-drive versatility might want to check out the 2017 Lexus IS 300. The IS series is the Lexus entry-level sedan lineup, but that doesn’t mean the IS 300 is short on appeal. It maintains the nameplate's reputation for quality, comfort and reliability while remaining a relatively affordable choice for buyers on a budget.
Refreshed for 2017, the IS 300 gets such updates as LED headlights, revamped front and rear bumpers and a more aggressive-looking grille. Interior changes are few but include a restyled center console, some revision to the controls, and a larger display for the available navigation system. Perhaps the biggest change is that the formerly optional Lexus Safety System+ package is now standard equipment, providing such driver aids as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning with steering assist.
Power for the IS 300 comes from a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 255 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. It drives all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission with standard paddle shifters. Fuel economy for the 2017 IS 300 is EPA-rated at 21 mpg combined (19 city/26 highway).
The IS 300 is styled like a sport sedan, and it can be fun to drive, but its forte really is delivering a smooth, quiet ride, whether hitting the open road or running errands around town. Acceleration is acceptable but lags a bit behind most competitors, and handling is more tuned for comfort than performance. Buyers looking for firmer suspension and a bit more cornering prowess might want to consider adding the F Sport package.
Inside, the IS 300 boasts a modern, attractive design highlighted by quality materials and a wealth of standard or available comfort and convenience items. Cabin space is not abundant, however. Front seat occupants may find the wide center console intrusive, and those in back won’t find as much legroom as in many rival models.
There's only one trim level, but the IS 300 comes well-equipped with standard keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity and a premium sound system. A number of packages and standalone options allow buyers to add technology and luxury appointments as they see fit. And then there's the F Sport package, with such performance goodies as larger wheels and tires, stiffer sport-tuned suspension and upgraded brakes. Whatever your preference, let Edmunds help you find the 2017 Lexus IS 300 that best meets your needs.
2017 Lexus IS 300 Overview
The 2017 Lexus IS 300 is offered in the following submodels: IS 300 Sedan. Available styles include 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A).
What do people think of the 2017 Lexus IS 300?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Lexus IS 300 and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 IS 300 4 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2017 IS 300.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Lexus IS 300 and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 IS 300 featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2017 Lexus IS 300?
2017 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
The 2017 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $43,368. The average price paid for a new 2017 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) is trending $1,420 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $1,420 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$41,948.
The average savings for the 2017 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) is3.3% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 10 2017 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
Which 2017 Lexus IS 300s are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2017 Lexus IS 300 for sale near. There are currently 10 new 2017 IS 300s listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $42,368 and mileage as low as 10 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2017 Lexus IS 300. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $2,679 on a used or CPO 2017 IS 300 available from a dealership near you.
Can't find a new 2017 Lexus IS 300s you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new Lexus IS 300 for sale - 9 great deals out of 14 listings starting at $24,459.
Find a new Lexus for sale - 4 great deals out of 9 listings starting at $18,649.
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Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2017 Lexus IS 300?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
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Related vehicle information
2017 Lexus IS 300 Information
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- 2017 Lexus IS 300 Consumer Reviews
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- 2017 Lexus IS 300 Review
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- Used 2017 Lexus IS 300 For Sale Near Me
- 2017 Lexus IS 300 Ownership Costs