The sporty, compact Lexus IS sedan blends comfort, luxury, and performance and provides space for five passengers. It’s one of the only luxury sedans to offer a V-8 engine, contributing to the impressive power of the IS 500 F SPORT Performance.
Three models are available for the 2025 Lexus IS, each offering a different powertrain. Let’s compare their features to help you determine which one is right for driving in El Monte, California.
Detailed Breakdown of the 2025 Lexus IS Trims and Costs
The 2025 Lexus IS comes in several trims. Most feature rear-wheel drive (RWD), but some offer all-wheel-drive (AWD) capability. The trim options for the three models and their starting MSRPs are as follows:
- IS 300: $41,610
- IS 300 F SPORT Design: $43,580
- IS 300 AWD: $43,610
- IS 300 F SPORT Design AWD: $45,620
- IS 300 F SPORT: $45,655
- IS 300 F SPORT AWD: $47,695
- IS 350 F SPORT Design RWD: $44,935
- IS 350 F SPORT Design AWD: $46,935
- IS 350 F SPORT RWD: $47,010
- IS 350 F SPORT AWD: $49,010
- IS 500 F SPORT Performance: $60,595
- IS 500 F SPORT Performance Premium: $65,095
Comparing Performance and Features Across Trims
Engine options for the Lexus IS vary depending on the model. The base IS 300 with RWD has a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine that produces 241 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque and works with an eight-speed automatic transmission. AWD models get a 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 260 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque and a six-speed automatic transmission.
The IS 350 F SPORT and F SPORT Design models get power from a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that puts out 311 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. You can choose between RWD and an eight-speed automatic transmission or AWD with a six-speed automatic transmission.
The IS 500 F SPORT Performance and IS 500 F SPORT Performance Premium trims are the most powerful in the lineup, with their 5.0-liter V-8 engine producing 472 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to the rear wheels. The features you get with a Lexus IS depend on your chosen trim level.
IS 300 and 350
The IS 300 and 350 have the following:
- 18-inch wheels
- Eight-way power-adjustable front seats
- A 60/40-split folding rear seat
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Simulated leather upholstery
These models also come standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, which includes a precollision system with pedestrian detection, lane-tracing assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure mitigation, and blind-spot monitoring.
IS 300 F SPORT Design and IS 350 F SPORT Design
The IS 300 F SPORT Design and 350 F SPORT Design models improve the features and include the following:
- 19-inch wheels
- F SPORT exhaust tips
- A heated, leather-trimmed steering wheel
- F SPORT exterior styling
- Black Metallic interior trim
IS 300 and 350 F SPORT
Choosing from the IS 300 F SPORT and 350 F SPORT models gives you the following features:
- Push-button start/stop
- Black Geometric interior trim
- A heated steering wheel
- A power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel
IS 500 F SPORT Performance
The IS 500 F SPORT Performance trim offers the following unique features:
- Quad exhaust tips
- A power tilt-and-slide moonroof
- An adaptive sport suspension
IS 500 F Sport Performance Premium
For the ultimate driving experience, the IS 500 F SPORT Performance Premium trim comes with the following:
- Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system
- An auto-dimming rearview mirror
- A Panoramic View Monitor
Several of the trims offer packages to add features. These include the Premium Package with a power-adjustable steering wheel, driver’s seat memory settings, and a power rear sunshade. The Navigation Package features a 10.3-inch touch screen and integrated navigation, while the Mark Levinson Premium Audio Package has a 17-speaker stereo and navigation.
Standard and Available Technology Features
The entry-level IS has a 10-speaker stereo system and an 8-inch touch screen with the Lexus Multimedia system that works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
A 10.3-inch touch screen is available, and you can get Amazon Alexa and satellite radio. Available Dynamic Voice Command lets you use your voice to access your contacts, make calls, and send texts, so you can leave your hands on the steering wheel.
Fuel Economy and Real-World Miles Per Gallon
The IS 300 with RWD is the most efficient model, getting up to 21 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. Opting for AWD drops these numbers to 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
Choose the IS 350 with the V-6, and the EPA ratings for the RWD drop to 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. AWD versions get 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
The V-8 under the hood of the IS 500 is the most powerful but the least fuel efficient, getting 17 mpg when driving in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. Some drivers report getting up to 30 mpg on the highway.
Buying Guide: Which 2025 Lexus IS Trim Should You Choose?
The ideal trim depends on what type of driving you like to do. If you want a high-performance vehicle, the IS 500 with its V-8 engine is the best choice, but the IS 350 offers the most versatility between being a rewarding daily driver and a performance machine.
The IS 350 F SPORT with AWD and the F SPORT Handling Package will get you the adaptive variable suspension and Torsen limited-slip differential for a sporty ride that still feels smooth on the highway.
Comparison With Competitors
The Lexus IS has several competitors, including the BMW 3 Series, Acura TLX, and Genesis G70, but stands out for its affordability and luxurious styling.
Is the 2025 Lexus IS Worth the Investment?
The 2025 Lexus IS offers an affordable way to get into a luxury sedan. Visit us at Longo Lexus in El Monte to learn more about our vehicle specials. Our sales team is here to answer your questions, and we’ll get you out on the road for a test-drive.
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