2023 Lexus IS 350

MSRP Range: $43,160 - $46,410 ^{Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.}

2023 Lexus IS 350 F SPORT Sedan Exterior

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The Lexus IS 350 falls short of rivals when it comes to interior space and technology refinement. And while we do like the way the IS 350 rides and handles, the underpowered V6 engine limits how much fun you can really have driving. Still, ample comfort and lots of standard features help keep the IS 350 a viable pick for a small luxury sedan.

Rank #5

10 Small luxury sedans

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Total MSRP^{This price includes a $1,150 destination fee charged by the manufacturer.}	$44,310
Edmunds suggests you pay	$42,036

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2023 Lexus IS 350 Review

byNick Yekikian^{News Editor
Nick Yekikian has worked in the automotive industry since 2019. He has written close to a thousand car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 200 vehicles over the course of his career. Nick is the News Editor at Edmunds and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Automobile Magazine and Super Street. When Nick isn't zipping around town in his latest used-car find, he's probably making digital art in Photoshop or playing disc golf with friends.}

Pros

Ride quality is smooth and comfortable on bumpy roads
Nimble and secure handling
Comfortable seats
More features for the money compared to German alternatives

Cons

Back seat is tight for the class
Lackluster acceleration for a six-cylinder luxury sedan
Limited storage and cargo space

What's new

IS 350 gets a Special Appearance package limited to 480 units
New F Sport Design trim slots underneath F Sport model
Part of the third Lexus IS generation introduced for 2014

Overview

The Lexus IS 350 is an enticing proposition on paper. It's a compact sport sedan that looks the part and comes with Lexus' reputation for reliability, and a major refresh in 2021 brought it in closer contention with its rivals. The current IS is more athletic and better to drive than ever, yet its excellent ride quality and quiet cabin make it an excellent everyday companion too.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2023 Lexus IS 350 F SPORT Design 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.92 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$208/mo

$170/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

Calculate my fuel costs

For 2023, Lexus has made some light changes to the exterior. There is a new Special Appearance package that blends cement-gray paintwork with a black roof, a blacked-out hood and 19-inch black Enkei wheels. There is also a new F Sport Design trim level that serves as the new entry point to the IS 350 range. Essentially, it looks like a full-on F Sport model but doesn't have access to that trim level's performance-enhancing goodies like the limited-slip differential or the adaptive suspension.

That said, the IS is based on an 8-year-old platform, and there are some key areas where its age shows. While the IS 350 is more dynamic than IS models that came before, its 3.5-liter V6 lags behind the more powerful, turbocharged options found in the BMW M340i and the Genesis G70. Even so, a refined interior and a long list of standard equipment make the IS 350 a relevant contender in the compact luxury sedan space. Check out our Expert Rating for all the details on where the IS 350 hits, or misses, the mark.

Edmunds Expert Rating

good

7.7/10

Edmunds Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

8.0/10

How does the IS 350 drive? The Lexus IS 350 F Sport is a fun and nimble sport sedan that's let down by an underpowered engine. In Edmunds' testing, our rear-wheel-drive test car accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. That's well off the pace of the class leaders, even the base four-cylinder variants. On the upside, this naturally aspirated V6 is silky smooth and builds power evenly from idle to redline. The transmission shifts gears a lot, but at least it's quick and smooth doing it.

The IS' steering, brakes and overall handling are much more impressive than the engine. This luxury sedan is athletic and nimble, with responsive steering and a suspension that's firm enough to keep the car planted without feeling so stiff that midcorner bumps unsettle it. Our test vehicle included the optional adaptive suspension and limited-slip differential, both must-have options if you want to maximize the sportiness of your IS 350.

Comfort

8.0/10

How comfortable is the IS 350? The IS 350's optional adaptive suspension is well tuned. You feel the road, but it won't beat you up. Comfort is bolstered further by the seats. Adjustment is limited, but the basic shape is so good that you settle in quickly. The climate control system as well as the heated and ventilated seats all work well to keep you comfortable, though the temperature adjustment slider is more cumbersome than necessary. It's quiet too, though the F Sport's optional summer tires produce a bit more noise than we expect from a Lexus.

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2023 Lexus IS 350 pricing

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Interior

7.5/10

How’s the interior? The interior had a handful of updates for the 2021 model year, most notably to the infotainment system. The much-maligned touchpad is still present, but you can avoid it completely by using the touchscreen. The user interface is generally the same, but it's much easier to navigate through the on-screen menus. Thankfully, Lexus has left the physical controls for the climate and media systems intact.

The carryover interior has some downsides. The driving position is excellent, with decent all-around visibility and easy-to-reach controls, but the back seat remains one of the smallest in the class. Getting in and out is a squeeze for adults, and passengers approaching 6 feet tall will feel cramped.

Technology

7.5/10

How’s the tech? The infotainment system uses a touchscreen interface, so controlling features such as the audio, navigation or standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is relatively simple. The IS features voice commands, too, though they're limited compared to some rival systems.

The IS comes with a suite of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance and automatic high beams. Blind-spot warning is standard too. That's a good lineup of features, but their operation lacks the polish of the class leaders. For example, the adaptive cruise is slow to respond and leaves large gaps between you and the car in front.

Storage

6.5/10

How’s the storage? The IS 350's 10.8-cubic-foot trunk is near the bottom of the class for volume, though the space is wide and tall, making it more usable than the cargo areas in some rival sedans with superior on-paper specs. The rear seats fold in a 60/40 split, so you can expand the space further if you don't need the rear seats. Storage inside the cabin is really lacking. There's no good place to set your phone or sunglasses besides under the armrest.

The tight rear seat hurts when it comes to car seats too. There's not much space to move around when you anchor a seat in, and larger rear-facing seats will likely force front passengers to scoot forward.

Fuel Economy

7.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? The rear-wheel-drive Lexus IS 350 F Sport, which is what we tested, gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in combined city/highway driving. That's better than most rivals with six-cylinder engines. The IS 350's combined figure drops to 22 mpg with all-wheel drive.

Value

7.5/10

Is the IS 350 a good value? The Lexus IS 350 offers a lot of features at a relatively affordable price. There are a few buttons and controls inside that feel a bit cut-rate, but most of the car is solidly constructed. It's slower than most of the competition, but the V6-powered IS 350 is significantly less costly than other six-cylinder small luxury sedans.

Lexus' warranty and ownership experience are slightly above average too. Lexus includes a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, and the powertrain gets a small improvement with six years/70,000 miles of coverage. If you do get stuck, the IS 350 comes with four years of roadside assistance. The first year of maintenance is also included.

Wildcard

9.0/10

The IS 350 F Sport has a distinct Japanese flair that helps it stand out in a crowd. The grille is still divisive, but we think it works well with the other design updates to the car's front and rear. The F Sport's styling does enough to give the IS 350 some purpose without looking gaudy or overwrought. The interior, too, features a design that you won't find on anything coming out of Germany.

The design is backed by a generally fun-to-drive nature. Yes, it's slower than most rivals, but the IS 350 is pretty enjoyable on a winding road where raw horsepower is less of a factor.

Which IS 350 does Edmunds recommend?

For 2023, the IS 350 is available in two flavors. We recommend springing for the F Sport model. The base F Sport Design trim merely looks the part, while stepping up to the full-on F Sport model grants access to the F Sport Dynamic Handling package that we deem a must-have. It includes an adaptive suspension, grants access to more drive modes, and adds a limited-slip differential, all of which elevate the IS 350's handling.

Lexus IS 350 models

For 2023, the IS 350 is available in two trims: IS 350 F Sport Design and IS 350 F Sport. Both trims come standard with a 3.5-liter V6 (311 horsepower, 280 lb-ft of torque) and are available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The RWD IS 350 includes an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the AWD version uses a six-speed automatic. Edmunds reviews the related IS 300 (turbocharged four-cylinder) and IS 500 (V8) models separately.

IS 350 F Sport Design
Major features on the IS 350's standard equipment list include:

F Sport exterior styling
19-inch wheels
Sport-tuned suspension
Rain-sensing windshield wipers
Heated exterior mirrors
Hands-free keyless entry with push-button start
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Simulated leather upholstery
Power-adjustable sport front seats
8-inch infotainment touchscreen
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Lexus Enform connected services
10-speaker sound system

All IS 350s feature these standard driver assist and collision avoidance systems:

Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
Traffic sign reader (sees road signs including speed limits and displays them to the driver)

There are just two option packages for the F Sport Design model. They are:

Navigation package

10.3-inch touchscreen display
Navigation system

Sunroof

IS 350 F Sport
The IS 350 F Sport adds some standard features and optional equipment. Additional standard features include:

Heated and ventilated front seats
Heated steering wheel
Aluminum sport pedals

Additional F Sport options include:

Memory package

Power-adjustable steering wheel
Outside mirrors that tilt down for a curb view when reversing
Memory for the driver's preferred settings

F Sport Dynamic Handling package

19-inch black-painted forged alloy BBS wheels
Adaptive suspension dampers
Limited-slip rear differential (for RWD models only, helps maximize available traction during hard acceleration)
Additional Sport driving modes
Card key access to the vehicle and engine starting

A number of stand-alone options are also available for the IS 350 F Sport:

Triple-beam LED headlights
Sunroof
Power rear sunshade
17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the IS 350 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
Rear automatic braking (applies the brakes automatically to avoid an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)

Lexus IS 350 Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.6

27 reviews

5(70%)

4(26%)

3(0%)

2(0%)

1(4%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Dumped my Tesla.

CalRecCenter, 03/21/2021

2021 Lexus IS 350 F SPORT 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)

Dumped my model 3 for the 2021 Lexus IS 350 with dynamic handling. For roughly the same price, the Lexus is hands down the better, nicer, sportier, and more luxurious ride. 5k miles so far an zero problems. Only complaint is that there’s no seat memory. Each time my wife drives my car, I find myself spending a few extra seconds trying to get my seat right. I’d buy again if I had the …

10's across the board...

DaddyG, 01/23/2022

2022 Lexus IS 350 F SPORT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)

First I must say that I am a huge Lexus fan after having owned multiple Mercedes and BMW's. I have owned 2 GX460's and 2 ES350's and a first generation IS300. This time I wanted something sportier. I have probably owned 50+ cars in my lifetime and this is hands down my favorite ever. Its sporty, comfortable and a huge value for the price compared to the german brands. I have Atomic …

badass is fsport 350 2021

john m, 01/18/2021

2021 Lexus IS 350 F SPORT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A)

initially i was wondering if i’d like-but i love it-great looks and handling....who cares that it isn’t an audi , mb or bmw....it’s a lexus and it is an excellent car!

Love it!!

Anna-Kay Pinnock, 01/02/2021

2021 Lexus IS 350 F SPORT 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)

You will fall in love with your purchase of this car. Drives smoothly to my liking and I feel very comfortable inside with the space.

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 Lexus IS 350, so we've included reviews for other years of the IS 350 since its last redesign.

See all 27 reviews of the Lexus IS 350

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2023 Lexus IS 350 Features Specs

Trim:

F SPORT Design

Total MSRP	$44,310
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$208/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	10.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Compare the Lexus IS 350

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Compare selected vehiclesCompare Lexus IS 350 to any vehicle See full list of Small luxury sedans rankings

Lexus IS 350 vs. BMW 3 Series

The BMW 3 Series has been looked to as the segment benchmark. It blends a powerful six-cylinder engine with rock-solid build quality, excellent handling, and a long list of optional extras in a handsome package. That list of features does mean the 3 Series can get pricey, though, and the IS presents a much better value.

Compare Lexus IS 350 & BMW 3 Series features

Lexus IS 350 vs. Genesis G70

The G70 was the new kid on the block just a few years ago, but it came storming into the field with handsome looks and a value proposition similar to the IS 350's. The Genesis has just as many standard features as the Lexus but offers more modern underpinnings and, when equipped with the optional turbocharged V6, it's much quicker.

Compare Lexus IS 350 & Genesis G70 features

Lexus IS 350 vs. Mercedes Benz C-Class

The C-Class was completely redesigned for 2022, and even though it doesn't offer a six-cylinder engine anymore, it's the pick of the litter. It might be expensive, but its blend of comfort, technology and a class-leading interior all make it the default choice in this category.

Compare Lexus IS 350 & Mercedes Benz C-Class features

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At a Glance:

$41,235starting MSRP

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Safety

Our experts’ favorite IS 350 safety features:

Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: Helps you maintain a safe distance behind traffic ahead by adjusting the IS 350's speed in relation to the vehicle directly ahead.
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist: Monitors lane markings, warns you if you are drifting out of your lane, and can help steer the IS 350 back into its intended lane of travel.
Lane Tracing Assist: When active, it helps the driver keep the IS 350 centered within the lane of travel.

NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	4 / 5
Driver	4 / 5
Passenger	4 / 5
Side Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Driver	5 / 5
Passenger	5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings	Rating
Front Seat	5 / 5
Back Seat	5 / 5
Rollover	Rating
Rollover	5 / 5
Dynamic Test Result	No Tip
Risk Of Rollover	9.5%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test	Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test	Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original	Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated	Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original	Good
Side Impact Test – Updated	Not Tested
Roof Strength Test	Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint	Good

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FAQ

Is the Lexus IS 350 a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 IS 350 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.7 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2023 IS 350 gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 27 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the IS 350 has 10.8 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Lexus IS 350. Learn more

What's new in the 2023 Lexus IS 350?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Lexus IS 350:

IS 350 gets a Special Appearance package limited to 480 units
New F Sport Design trim slots underneath F Sport model
Part of the third Lexus IS generation introduced for 2014

Learn more

Is the Lexus IS 350 reliable?

To determine whether the Lexus IS 350 is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the IS 350. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the IS 350's 5-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2023 Lexus IS 350 a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Lexus IS 350 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 IS 350 and gave it a 7.7 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 IS 350 gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 27 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 IS 350 is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2023 Lexus IS 350?

The least-expensive 2023 Lexus IS 350 is the 2023 Lexus IS 350 F SPORT Design 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $43,160.

Other versions include:

F SPORT Design 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $43,160
F SPORT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $44,410
F SPORT Design 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) which starts at $45,160
F SPORT 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) which starts at $46,410

Learn more

What are the different models of Lexus IS 350?

If you're interested in the Lexus IS 350, the next question is, which IS 350 model is right for you? IS 350 variants include F SPORT Design 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A), F SPORT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A), F SPORT Design 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A), and F SPORT 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A). For a full list of IS 350 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

2023 Lexus IS 350

Pricing

2023 Lexus IS 350 Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Lexus IS 350 F SPORT Design 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.92 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.

Performance

Comfort

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2023 Lexus IS 350 pricing

Edmunds suggests you pay

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which IS 350 does Edmunds recommend?

Lexus IS 350 models

Lexus IS 350 Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Dumped my Tesla.

10's across the board...

badass is fsport 350 2021

Love it!!

2023 Lexus IS 350 Features Specs

Compare the Lexus IS 350

Lexus IS 350 vs. BMW 3 Series

Lexus IS 350 vs. Genesis G70

Lexus IS 350 vs. Mercedes Benz C-Class

Safety

Our experts’ favorite IS 350 safety features:

NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars

IIHS Rating

People who viewed this also viewed

2023 Lexus IS 350 First Impressions

FAQ

Is the Lexus IS 350 a good car?

What's new in the 2023 Lexus IS 350?

Is the Lexus IS 350 reliable?

Is the 2023 Lexus IS 350 a good car?

How much should I pay for a 2023 Lexus IS 350?

What are the different models of Lexus IS 350?

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2023 Lexus IS 350 F SPORT Design 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.92 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Save as much as $3,037 with Edmunds ^{Click on the model you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal.}