New 2023 Lexus IS 350 Sedan (Overview). HIGHS
– Head-turning looks, well-appointed cabin, supportive front seats.
LOWS
– Rear seat isn’t adult-friendly, base four-cylinder feels underpowered, a German sports sedan it is not.
VERDICT
– The Lexus IS has the looks to stand out among small sports sedans but lacks the moves of its more excitable rivals.
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.
– 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
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.
