Benefits of
Smooth and comfortable driving on rough roads
Cabin is well insulated from noise
Offers more features for the money than its German rivals
Disadvantages
Low fuel economy with four-wheel drive
Rear seats can be cramped for adults.
What's new?
The IS 300 will not have any major changes for 2023
Part of the third generation Lexus IS introduced in 2014.
The IS 300 is the most affordable version of Lexus's smallest sedan and sits below the IS 350 and IS 500 with a V8 engine. Although the 2023 IS has a similar base to the 2014 model, a number of major changes over the years have made the IS a more refined and competent option in a crowded segment. If you're looking for a compact luxury sedan, the IS may suit you, but if you're looking for more space, consider the Lexus ES and LS sedans, which have more head and legroom.
The year 2023 means no changes for the IS 300. While the more expensive models get new color and equipment options, the base model IS will be exactly the same as it was in 2022. That's not bad, as a number of significant upgrades over the past few years have made even the base model IS a well-equipped everyday companion. It may not be as exciting to drive as rivals such as the BMW 3 Series and Alfa Romeo Giulia, but it offers a long list of standard equipment that makes it an expensive option from its European rivals.
Which IS 300 we recommend?
We recommend choosing the IS 300 RWD if you live in a temperate climate. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine is almost as powerful as the V6 in the four-wheel drive model and is more economical. You also get the same set of options and an eight-speed transmission instead of the six-speed in the AWD model.
Lexus IS 300 models
The 2023 IS 300 is available in two trims: IS 300 RWD and IS 300 AWD. These two cars have common option packages and equipment levels, with the biggest difference coming in the form of different engines. The IS 300 comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (241 hp, 258 lb-ft of torque), which is mated to an eight-speed automatic if you choose rear-wheel drive. The all-wheel drive models feature a 3.5-liter non-turbocharged V6 engine (260 hp, 236 lb-ft) that is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
IS 300
Standard equipment on the IS 300 includes, among other things:
18-inch wheels
LED headlights
Automatically dimmable (driver's side) and heated exterior mirrors.
Keyless start and ignition
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Electrically adjustable front seats
Heated front seats (AWD only)
Faux leather upholstery
8-inch touchscreen
Audio system with 10 speakers
Satellite radio
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration for smartphones
Two USB ports
Wi-Fi hotspot
The IS 300 is also equipped with a range of advanced driver assistance systems, many of which are optional for competitors.
These include, among others:
Forward Collision Avoidance System (warns of an impending collision and brakes in certain scenarios).
Lane Keeping System (makes minor adjustments to the steering to help the car stay in its lane).
Adaptive Cruise Control (maintains the driver-specified distance between the Lexus and the vehicle in front).
Blind Spot Warning System with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (warns when a vehicle is in the blind spot when changing lanes or reversing).
Lane Departure Warning System (warns when a lane departure occurs if no turn signal is used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position).
Packages and individual options for the IS 300 include:
Comfort Package
Sunroof
Heated steering wheel
Heated and ventilated front seats
Automatic windscreen wipers
Automatic rear view mirror that prevents glare
Premium package
Comfort package items
19-inch wheels
Electrically adjustable steering wheel
Rear view mirrors with automatic tinting when reversing
Door mirrors with automatic anti-glare function
Memory settings for the driver's seat
Wooden panel
Electrically operated rear sunshade
Navigation package
10.3" touchscreen
Navigation system
Premium Mark Levinson audio package
Navigation Package
Mark Levinson premium sound system with 17 speakers
Aluminum steering wheel buttons
Upgraded headlights
Sunroof
Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking
360-degree camera system (provides a top-down view of the IS 300 and its surroundings to facilitate parking).