2022 Lexus IS 350: A Bolder Look For The Athletic Compact Sports Sedan

Highlight: There is a new IS 500 model which packs a 472-horsepower, V8 engine.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $55,385 (Base Model: $40,275)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: ABS; rear back up camera; pre collision system with pedestrian detection system; a lane departure alert system with steering assist; a radar activated cruise control system; first aid kit; a tire pressure monitoring system; a blind spot monitor system and a rear cross traffic alert system

Standard Equipment RX 350 F Sport: 18-inch wheels; an-8 speed automatic transmission; side mirrors with integrated turn signal; push button ignition system; rain sensing windshield wiper system; a variety of driving modes; a dual zone automatic climate control system; heated front seats; heated and trim F sport steering wheel; power driver’s seat with lumbar support; perforated leather-like interior; and an 8-inch infotainment screen

Options: active height control; cross bars; carpeted mats; wheel lock; premium paint; and Mark Levinson audio system; panoramic view monitor; 19-inch matted BBS wheels; F-Sport handling package; adaptive variable suspension system; torsen limited slip rear differential; heated wood trim steering wheel; a carbon fiber rear spoiler; 10.3-inch infotainment screen; a navigation system; a Mark Levinson 1800-watt premium surround system premium paint; and a power tilt and telescopic steering wheel

Other Trim Levels:

IS 300

IS 300 AWD

IS 500

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 10-speaker audio system with AM/FM/HD/CD with SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 70,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower- IS 350: 3.5-liter twin turbo, 6-cylinder engine/311-hp

Recommended Fuel: Premium

Standard Fuel Mileage: 20-city/28-hwy

What’s New: Last year’s sporty compact rear wheel drive sedan received a nip and tuck in terms of new headlights and other cosmetic changes. As a result of those changes, this year’s model includes a number of package and content adjustments.

Why:

Sporty design

An engaging driving experience with a variety of driving modes

Rear wheel drive configuration

All wheel drive available

3.5-liter engine delivers a powerful 6-cylinder engine

V8 packs close to 500-horsepower

18-inch and 19-inch wheels available

One of the last models available with a CD player

An optional high-end, crystal clear audio system

A host of standard safety driving aids

Heated and ventilated front seats available

A power tilt/telescopic steering wheel

A power rear sunshade available on select packages

A 4-cylinder powertrain available – helps to keep the base a hare over $40,000

But: 

Limited rear legroom

No manual transmission

No oversized sunroof

Navigation system isn’t standard

Verdict:  The bold looking entry level IS, with its athletic design, is one of the only Lexus that seems to have a grille that’s appropriate for the vehicle. The compact four door, which is available in a rear wheel or an all-wheel drive configuration has a starting price right at $40,000.

The IS, with its engaging driving experience, is available in three powertrains: a 4-cylinder, a 6-cylinder and an 8-cylinder. Our test model was outfitted with the model’s F-sport package, which not only altered the suspension system, but it was also powered by the brand's spunky 6-cylinder, 311-horsepower engine.

The IS can be outfitted with a host of features ranging from 19-ich wheels to a navigation system to a world class, high end audio system.

Overall for those looking for one of the few Lexus models that truly is designed for those seeking some driving excitement, the IS is worth considering, especially if you can afford to step up to the throaty V8.

Competition: Audi A4; BMW 3-Series; and BMW Infiniti Q50