2018 Lexus IS 300
Pros
- Ride quality is smooth and comfortable on bumpy roads
- Cabin is well-isolated from noise
- Offers more features for the money compared to German alternatives
Cons
- Handling capabilities do little to create driver excitement
- V6 power compares to smaller turbo engines, but isn't as efficient
- Optional Remote Touch infotainment system is distracting to use
2018 Lexus IS 300 pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Which IS 300 does Edmunds recommend?
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
7.2 / 10Seeing a 2018 Lexus IS 300 at rest, you might take its aggressive style — the pinched grille, prominent air intakes and sweeping body lines to the back — as the sign of an uncompromising performance car. But don't let its looks fool you. The IS 300 is foremost a cruise and comfort machine, with a well-honed ride, hushed cabin and generous feature set.
For 2018, the IS 300 lineup gains a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with rear-wheel drive. This isn't entirely a new development, however; Lexus has simply renamed last year's rear-wheel-drive IS 200t as a 300. The rear-wheel-drive IS 300 uses an eight-speed transmission while the all-drive-wheel model retains the smooth, if outdated, V6 engine and six-speed automatic.
The V6 puts out 260 horsepower this year, although this still pales in comparison to the IS' European six-cylinder rivals. The IS 300's overall handling capabilities also fail to deliver the robust driving excitement of some other sport luxury sedans. But overall we think you'll like the IS 300. The interior stands out in both design and quality, the standard features included on the base level trim are generous by any measure, and the convenience and safety tech is top-notch.
2018 Lexus IS 300 configurations
The 2018 Lexus IS 300 is a five-passenger small luxury sedan that slots below the more powerful IS 350. The IS 300 is available with a four-cylinder engine and rear-wheel drive or a V6 engine with all-wheel drive. There are no actual trim levels, only stand-alone options and trim packages, although the F Sport package adds exterior elements and hardware that improve the IS 300's performance.
The IS 300 rear-wheel-drive model starts with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (241 hp, 258 pound-feet of torque) and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Standard features include 17-inch wheels, LED headlights, a sunroof, heated side mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats, premium vinyl upholstery, 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks, Bluetooth, a 7-inch color display, and a 10-speaker sound system with dual USB ports and an auxiliary audio input.
Standard tech and safety features include a rearview camera, automatic high beams, lane departure warning and intervention, adaptive cruise control, and a forward collision warning system with pedestrian detection and automatic braking.
The IS 300 all-wheel-drive model substitutes a 3.5-liter V6 engine (260 hp, 236 lb-ft of torque) and a six-speed automatic transmission. Heated front seats also come standard.
The IS 300 offers a few options packages, among them the Comfort package, which adds automatic wipers, a power-adjustable steering wheel, driver-seat memory settings, and blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. A Premium package includes heated and ventilated front seats.
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 is also available, but only when bundled with the navigation system.
For those who want to dial up the sporting factor, the F Sport package adds 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 and a special sport-oriented gauge cluster.
Other stand-alone options include 18-inch wheels, adaptive headlights, a power rear sunshade, and front and rear parking sensors.
Trim tested
Driving
7.0Acceleration
7.0Braking
7.0Steering
6.5Handling
6.5Drivability
7.0Comfort
8.0Seat comfort
6.0Ride comfort
8.5Noise & vibration
8.5Climate control
8.0Interior
6.5Ease of use
8.0Getting in/getting out
6.5Roominess
5.5Visibility
7.0Quality
8.0Utility
7.5Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2018 Lexus IS 300.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Features & Specs
Safety
Our experts’ favorite IS 300 safety features:
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Monitors lane markings, warns if you are drifting, and can even actively help steer the vehicle back into the lane of travel.
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Helps drivers maintain a preset distance by adjusting the vehicle's speed in relation to the vehicle directly ahead.
- Intelligent High Beam
- Switches between high and low beams automatically by using cues from a camera that helps detect when other vehicles are present.
People who viewed this also viewed
2018 Lexus IS 300 for Sale
Get more for your trade-in
Edmunds shoppers get on average $235 more for their trade-in.
Receive offers from our dealer partners fast.
See your car's valueDrivers seeking a small luxury sedan with eye-catching style and exceptional comfort need look no further than the 2018 Lexus IS 300. Although considered Lexus' entry-level lineup, the IS 300 is rife with appeal, offering the nameplate's signature reputation for quality, comfort and reliability while remaining a relatively affordable choice.
Lexus refreshed the IS lineup last year with upgrades including LED headlights, restyled front and rear bumpers, and standard safety tech including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning with steering assist. Changes for 2018 are minimal but include a now-standard rearview camera, optional adaptive headlights, and a 5-horsepower increase for the IS 300's optional V6 engine. More significant is that Lexus has renamed its former IS 200t as the IS 300, bringing with it a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed transmission.
That's good news for buyers who balked at the earlier IS 300 and its only available combination of a V6 and all-wheel drive. That's still available, of course, and at 260 horsepower it's an attractive choice, especially for those in wet weather climates. But for overall performance and fuel economy, the turbo-four is the smarter choice.
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.
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 stand-alone options let buyers 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 2018 Lexus IS 300 that best meets your needs.
2018 Lexus IS 300 Overview
The 2018 Lexus IS 300 is offered in the following submodels: IS 300 Sedan. Available styles include 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A), and 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A).
What do people think of the 2018 Lexus IS 300?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Lexus IS 300 and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 IS 300 4.5 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 2018 IS 300.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Lexus IS 300 and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 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 2018 Lexus IS 300?
2018 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
The 2018 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 $43,730. The average price paid for a new 2018 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) is trending $5,744 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $5,744 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$37,986.
The average savings for the 2018 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) is13.1% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 36 2018 Lexus IS 300 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
Which 2018 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) 2018 Lexus IS 300 for sale near. There are currently 37 new 2018 IS 300s listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $43,985 and mileage as low as 0 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 2018 Lexus IS 300. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $5,878 on a used or CPO 2018 IS 300 available from a dealership near you.
Can't find a new 2018 Lexus IS 300s you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new Lexus IS 300 for sale - 8 great deals out of 13 listings starting at $9,230.
Find a new Lexus for sale - 2 great deals out of 14 listings starting at $15,662.
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 2018 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.
Check out Lexus lease specials
Related vehicle information
2018 Lexus IS 300 Information
- 2018 Lexus IS 300 Build and Price TMV®
- 2018 Lexus IS 300 Incentives & Rebates
- 2018 Lexus IS 300 Consumer Discussions
- 2018 Lexus IS 300 Consumer Reviews
- 2018 Lexus IS 300 Features & Specs
- 2018 Lexus IS 300 Pictures
- 2018 Lexus IS 300 Review
- 2018 Lexus IS 300 Dealer Price Quotes
- 2018 Lexus IS 300 Used For Sale Near Me
- 2018 Lexus IS 300 Ownership Costs