2019 Lexus IS 350 Review

Name: 2019 Lexus IS 350 Review
Brand: Lexus
Rating: 4.5 (34 reviews)

Price: $28,998

Lexus IS 350 F SPORT Sedan Exterior Shown

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$29,911 avg. price

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Lexus IS 350 model years

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by Dan Frio^{Correspondent
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). As a contributor to Edmunds, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.}

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

Optional Remote Touch infotainment system is distracting to use
Handling capabilities don't create much driver excitement
A tighter back seat than those of rivals

What's new

New upgraded LED headlights option
Amazon Alexa-integrated voice commands
Part of the third Lexus IS generation introduced for 2013

To reinterpret an old maxim about judging books, we recommend that you not judge a sport sedan by the size or shape of its grille. At rest, the 2019 Lexus IS 350 might look like an uncompromising sports car, with its pinched grille, prominent air intakes and aggressive body lines. But make no mistake: The IS prioritizes comfort and cruising over athletic performance, owing to a well-honed ride, hushed cabin and a generous set of features.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near San Antonio, TX

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2019 Lexus IS 350
F SPORT Sedan
$24,995
good price
- 108,201 miles
- 1 accident, 3 owners, personal use
- 20 City / 28 Hwy MPG
- Autos of Plano (269 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Plano, TX
Located in Plano, Texas, Autos of Plano is proud to serve our community by offering quality pre-owned vehicles at low competitive market pricing. Rega...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
23 Combined MPG (20 City/28 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JTHBZ1D2XK5034192
Stock: 034192
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 03-10-2025
2019 Lexus IS 350
F SPORT Sedan
$30,998
fair price
$598 above market
- 57,733 miles
- 1 accident, 3 owners, rental vehicle
- 19 City / 26 Hwy MPG
- Car Store USA (572 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Wichita, KS
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
21 Combined MPG (19 City/26 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JTHCZ1D29K5016951
Stock: 16149
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 03-19-2025

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With a punchy six-cylinder engine and either rear- or all-wheel drive, the IS is more suited to relaxed driving with an occasional rip through an empty back road than it is track-inspired daily driving. It's less sporty than its European rivals from Audi and BMW, and less feral than its fellow Japanese competitor, the Infiniti Q50.

But where some of those rivals feel and ride a bit stiffer, or separate desirable features onto a pricey options sheet, the IS offers an alternative: all-day comfort and a broad range of standard equipment.

For 2019, the IS carries over largely unchanged, but there are a few updates of note. Trick new three-beam LED headlights are the most noticeable new option, and there's also new voice command integration for Amazon Alexa devices. Sadly, however, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay still aren't available. And with a frustrating Remote Touch tech interface, infotainment is one of the areas where the IS may give you pause.

So, too, may its driving experience, which isn't quite as engaging as that of its sport/luxury sedan competitors. Nevertheless, the IS 350 delivers in many of the right areas. The interior stands out in both design and quality, the standard features are generous, and the convenience and safety tech is top-notch. It remains a smart, if subdued, pick among small luxury sedans.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Driving

Handling dynamics aren't this car's strongest suit, though you can have fun whipping this luxury compact around a bend or two. The IS 350's V6 is strong, but acceleration isn't as quick as what you'll get from rivals with turbocharged V6s.

Comfort

Excellent ride comfort and the serene quietness of the IS' cabin are big standouts in the comfort category. We were also happy with the seats until we sat in the saddle for a few hours, which took a small toll on our lower backs due to some mismatched lumbar ergonomics.

Seat comfort

There's adequate lateral support from the standard seats, with additional bolstering provided by the F Sport's more aggressive thrones. Lumbar support is adjustable, but the position is fixed and sits too high to provide long-distance comfort for an average-size driver.

Ride comfort

Great attention went into cabin soundproofing. Road and wind noise is sufficiently silenced, and you don't hear much even under full ABS braking. The engine sounds more refined at full throttle than BMW's comparable four-cylinder.

Climate control

On a cold and rainy day, the auto climate control failed to sufficiently warm the cabin with the temps set to 75 degrees. The front seats' heating and ventilation functions, however, work well and quickly reach optimal temperature. The heated steering wheel is also sufficiently toasty.

Interior

The IS struggles to find a balance between innovation and complication. Its low ride height and roofline require taller drivers to bend and duck to clear the doorways. This cabin has mediocre functional efficiency.

Ease of use

The armrests are positioned at a comfortable height for support while cruising. The controls are all within reach, and there's a padded surface to lay your arm on while using the infotainment system's Remote Touch interface. The touch sliders for the climate control look cool and work well.

Getting in/getting out

The IS 350's low height requires passengers to dip into the cabin. Even with the easy-entry retracting steering wheel, it's easy to graze a knee against the column climbing into the seat. The rear door openings are on the smaller side and could prove difficult to settle into for older passengers.

Roominess

Cabin space is not abundant. The wide center tunnel console and armrests can feel tight and claustrophobic. Rear-seat headroom is limited, especially in the center seat, and there's less legroom than the competition. The transmission tunnel will be especially uncomfortable for the middle passenger.

Visibility

Forward visibility is great, and rear headrests don't impede the view directly rearward, but the huge rear pillars and a high body slope create blind spots when reversing. A rearview camera is standard, with parking sensors and an auto parking system optional.

Quality

Other than the steering wheel's leather, which looks and feels like wrinkled skin around the thumb rest areas, this interior is done well. The seats have quality stitching, and all contact surfaces are soft with tight-fitting panels and solid door seals.

Utility

The IS 350's lack of roominess is echoed in its storage capabilities. The trunk is smaller than those of rivals, there's a significant step from the trunk floor to seatback when the rear seats are folded down, and interior storage space is sparse. LATCH anchors and tethers, though, are easily accessible.

Small-item storage

There are two small cupholders in front and one in each of the decently sized door pockets. Another two are in the back, thoughtfully concealed in a fold-out tray in the armrest. The rear doors don't have pockets, so storage in the back is limited to seatback pockets.

Cargo space

The cargo area measures 10.8 cubic feet, which is small for a sedan. The top of the trunk opening is only slightly inset compared to the bottom, so you have to bend over slightly and slide your bags in.

Child safety seat accommodation

Four LATCH anchors are hidden under wide leather covers at the base of the rear seat. Not only do these covers provide easy access to the anchors just underneath, but they also look like they are part of the seat itself. The three upper tethers are also easy to reach.

Technology

The IS 350 comes with an impressive list of standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning. It doesn't feature any of the latest smartphone integration tech, and the optional Remote Touch controller is unbearably distracting to use.

Audio & navigation

The optional navigation system brings with it a larger widescreen display with crisp graphics that are easy on the eyes. Unfortunately, it also adds a joystick-like controller that perpetually frustrates. Imprecise movements make it cumbersome to navigate a cluttered sea of virtual buttons.

Smartphone integration

Despite refreshes over the years, the IS hasn't kept up with trends in mobile device integration. There's no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. An auxiliary input and two USB ports are located under the front armrest, but there's no cord pass-through.

Driver aids

A rearview camera, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and mitigation, automatic high beams and adaptive cruise control now come standard. Blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems are optional.

Voice control

Voice controls follow a logical menu structure, with users sticking to top-level commands such as "Navigation." The nav system will allow you to modify individual aspects that it misunderstood during the input process. Overall vocal recognition is good, but Siri Eyes Free would feel more natural.

Compare 2019 Lexus IS 350 trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2019 Lexus IS 350 models

The 2019 Lexus IS 350 is a five-passenger small luxury sedan that tops the IS lineup. It's only available with a 3.5-liter V6 engine (311 horsepower, 280 pound-feet of torque). It can be paired with rear-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission or all-wheel drive and a six-speed auto.

Standard features include 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, a sunroof, heated side mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats, simulated-leather upholstery (NuLuxe), 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth, Lexus Enform Remote vehicle controls, two USB ports, a 7-inch color display, and an eight-speaker sound system with an auxiliary audio input, satellite radio and HD radio. The IS 350 AWD comes with heated front seats.

Standard driver assistance technology 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 350 offers a handful of option packages. The Comfort package adds automatic wipers, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, a power-adjustable steering wheel, driver-seat memory settings, and blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems (available separately). A Premium package includes heated and ventilated front seats.

The Navigation package replaces the standard infotainment control dial with Lexus' Remote Touch joystick-type controller, a 10.3-inch display and a navigation system. A 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system can be added to this package.

For those who want to dial up the sporting factor, the F Sport package adds revised styling, staggered-width 18-inch wheels (with either summer or all-season tires), a sport-tuned suspension, a limited-slip rear differential (RWD only), upgraded brakes, an intake sound generator that amplifies engine noise during acceleration, heated and ventilated front sport seats, and a special sport-oriented gauge cluster.

Stand-alone options include upgraded LED headlights (triple-beam), a power rear sunshade, front and rear parking sensors, an automatic parking system, and a heated steering wheel.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2019 Lexus IS 350 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 $3.53 per gallon for premium unleaded in Texas.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Texas

$187/mo

$141/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

Calculate my fuel costs

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4/5Excellent

#11 out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Lexus IS 350 from 2008-2022.}

$481/yr

vs. $607/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize Car

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

1x/yr

vs. 1.36x/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize Car

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

5.6%

vs. 10.5%
for Average Luxury Midsize Car

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Lexus IS 350 Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.5

34 reviews

5(70%)

4(18%)

3(6%)

2(2%)

1(4%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2016 IS350 F Sport

Tim, 03/30/2016

2016 Lexus IS 350 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)

I hesitated to buy this car because of Consumer Reports rating. They did not like the car very much. Later I found their review was based on the entry level IS. My opinion is that this car is awesome. I have owned over fifty cars in my life. I am hard to please. This car accomplishes what it is supposed to do. When you factor in reliability it wins the class with little competition.

My second IS and it's nice

G$, 10/14/2015

2015 Lexus IS 350 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)

Pros: - The car performs perfectly for the US. It easily accelerates to speed (and for passing on the highway) and it handles like a dream when the roads get twisty. - You're going to play with the guage cluster a lot. It's cool and fun. - The seats are probably the most comfortable I've ever had in a luxury sports sedan (owned or ridden in is300, bmw 328xi, audi s4). This vehicle is …

Great car, with a few exceptions

Tom B, 03/02/2017

2014 Lexus IS 350 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)

I lease a Lexus IS350 with the F-Sport option, and for the past 3 years it has been a lot of fun to drive. I turn mine in this May so I figured I have enough experience with it to write an honest review. First of all, I'm not a race car driver, so I don't much to compare against. But this car feels very sporty to me, has plenty of pickup, good handling, and a snappy suspension. The …

Love my IS350

LexusLover, 03/17/2017

2014 Lexus IS 350 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)

Love the feel and handling of this car. It's so fun to drive. Only qualms: Car vents for air conditioning could be stronger, I have to turn air all the way up to feel anything and then it's loud and annoying. Also, I should have opted for the better quality sound system. However, I feel confidant that it will always take me to and from wherever I have to go...safely. Previously I had …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2019 Lexus IS 350, so we've included reviews for other years of the IS 350 since its last redesign.

See all 34 reviews of the Lexus IS 350

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2019 IS 350 Highlights

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$42,180
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$187/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

Safety

Our experts like the IS 350 models:

Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist: Monitors lane markings, warns you if you are drifting, and can even 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.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover5 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover9.5%

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
Not Tested
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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