2020 Lexus IS 300 Review

Like a wall-mounted landline, the Lexus IS 300 is badly in need of an update. The luxury sport sedan debuted its third generation for the 2013 model year with very good ride comfort and a starting price that undercut German rivals. That much is still true today, but in other areas the IS 300 has grown stale in a class that is rapidly adding challengers with an eye toward modern performance and convenience.

At the top of the list is the IS 300's technology — or lack thereof. A 7-inch screen comes standard and buyers can opt up to a 10.3-inch screen with navigation, but it's packaged with a mouse-like controller that is clumsy to operate through the menu interfaces. Neither Apple CarPlay nor Android Auto is available. There are other drawbacks, including tight interior dimensions and small cargo space, that are easier to overlook. But it's difficult to recommend outdated tech in a competitive class of luxury cars.

The IS 300 can compete with the BMWs and Mercedes-Benzes of the world. Drivers will feel pampered with top-notch interior quality and fit and finish that seems to block out the rest of the world. Without much-needed updates in some critical areas, however, never mind the Germans. Lexus is quickly losing ground to offerings from Volvo, Genesis and even Acura.