2018 Lexus IS 300 Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
byDan Frio
Reviews Editor
Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show).Pros
- Smooth and comfortable ride on bumpy roads
- Cabin is well isolated from noise
- Offers more features for the money than German rivals
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
What’s new
For 2018, the Lexus IS 300 gains a four-cylinder and rear-wheel-drive version in its lineup. In actuality, though, this is just last year's IS 200t renamed. The all-wheel-drive version still has a V6 engine, and it gets a 5-horsepower boost (to 260 hp). A few revisions to standard and optional features round out the changes to this year's IS 300.
Vehicle overview
Seeing 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 The rear-wheel-drive IS 300 uses an eight-speed transmission while the all-drive-wheel model retains the smooth, if outdated, V6 engine and six-speed automatic.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.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
7.2 / 10The 2018 Lexus IS 300 is a small luxury sedan that offers an appealing combination of comfort and style. You'll like the IS 300's hushed cabin and smooth ride. It's not the sportiest car in its class, but overall value and daily livability are impressive.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions, although trim levels share many aspects. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2016 Lexus IS 200t F Sport (turbo 2.0L inline-4 | 8-speed automatic | RWD). Note that the IS 200t has since been renamed the IS 300. The 2018 Lexus IS 300 V6 model produces slightly more power and has all-wheel drive, but our findings remain applicable.
Scorecard
| Overall | 7.2 / 10 |
| Driving | 7.0 |
| Comfort | 8.0 |
| Interior | 6.5 |
| Utility | 7.5 |
| Technology | 6.5 |
Driving
7.0The highlight of the IS 300 is the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, which is better than the V6. Handling dynamics aren't this car's strongest suit, though you can still have fun whipping this luxury compact around a bend or two.
Comfort
8.0Excellent ride comfort and the serene quietness of the IS 300's 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.
Interior
6.5The 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.
Utility
7.5The smallish trunk (10.8 cubic feet) doesn't fold flat. The unevenness limits what you can carry with the seats down. Small-item storage up front is limited to the armrest bin, the door pockets and the glovebox.
Which IS 300 does Edmunds recommend?
The IS 300 now offers a punchy turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It's the one we'd take. The turbo-four makes less horsepower than the V6, but its additional torque makes for better acceleration off the line. It also gets better gas mileage. To that we'd add the Comfort package for its, well, additional comfort and safety features. We'd skip the Navigation package since it comes with the frustrating Remote Touch interface; unfortunately for music fans, that package is the only way to get the Mark Levinson premium audio system.
2018 Lexus IS 300 models
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.