The 2023 Lexus IS premium compact sedan is the ideal small sedan for people who appreciate luxury and performance but also want reliability and excellent resale value. In the IS, Lexus provides everything from a modestly priced luxury sedan to a tire-scorching performance machine equipped with a 472-horsepower V8. You’ll find several rear-wheel-drive (RWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD) models with varying degrees of performance and luxury between the two.
An available V8 engine sets the IS apart from most competitors, but still worthy of a look are the similarly priced Genesis G70 and Audi A4, the less expensive Cadillac CT4 and Acura Integra, and the pricier BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
A quick note to shoppers: Lexus now includes the $1,150 delivery fee in the price of the vehicle, so when you build your IS on the company’s website, the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) is the actual price of the car before taxes and title.
2023 Lexus IS 300 RWD (starting at $40,585)
The least expensive IS is the 300 RWD. Powered by a 241-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed Sport Direct shift automatic, the RWD IS 300 offers a comfortable level of performance, luxury, fuel economy, and affordability.
In a nod to driver safety, Lexus makes its most effective driver-assist systems standard. Packaged into the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 suite is forward collision warning with pedestrian and bicyclist detection, left-turn intersection alert, low-speed automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning with steering assist.
Also in the mix is adaptive cruise control with a lane-tracing feature that keeps the vehicle centered between lane markers. Automatic high-beam headlights dim or activate when needed, while Road Sign Assist detects relevant road signs and displays them in the instrument cluster. You’ll never have to worry about not knowing the posted speed limit.
Other safety systems include a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic detection, a rearview monitor, a tire pressure monitor, and 10 airbags, including rear side-impact and front knee airbags.
The IS 300 features bi-LED headlights, LED taillights, 18-inch alloy wheels, power heated side mirrors with auto-dimming driver’s mirror, and the Lexus SmartAccess keyless entry system that unlocks the doors when you touch the handle.
The IS 300’s cabin comes nicely equipped and includes dual-zone automatic climate control, 8-way power front seats, a push-button starter, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, and NuLuxe synthetic leather upholstery.
Also in the mix are an illuminated entry system, black metallic interior trim, and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with paddle shifters.
The IS 300’s infotainment system consists of an 8-inch color touchscreen monitor, Apple CarPlay integration, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio (3-month trial subscription).
Lexus apps include remote start, vehicle location, and service schedules. Additional apps such as Lexus Enform Safety Connect summon help in the event of an accident. At the same time, Lexus Enform Remote lets owners use their smartphones to lock or unlock the vehicle, set the climate control, and check the fuel level.
The IS 300’s infotainment system can also be controlled by voice commands or a remote touchpad interface.
Optional equipment includes the Comfort Package that adds heated and ventilated front seats, a heated leather-trimmed steering wheel, a power moonroof, rain-sensing wipers, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
The Premium Package builds off the Comfort Package with a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, automatic tilt-down (in reverse) side mirrors, Open Pore Black interior trim, a rear seat armrest with cup holders, a power rear sunshade, and memory for the driver’s seat, mirrors, and steering wheel.
Buyers can also opt for a 10.3-inch touchscreen with Dynamic voice-activated navigation (it understands millions more phrases than conventional voice recognition), a 1,800-watt 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, adaptive Triple Beam LED headlights, a panoramic view monitor, and Intuitive Parking Assist with rear automatic emergency braking.
With the $1,150 delivery fee already added, the 2023 Lexus IS 300 RWD costs $40,585. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $729. See 2023 Lexus IS 300 RWD models for sale
2023 Lexus IS 300 RWD includes:
- Android Auto/Apple CarPlay – Allows seamless smartphone integration with the car’s infotainment system, granting access to your music, maps, messages, and apps.
- 8-way power front seats – Allows driver and passenger to enjoy the same range of motion to help find the perfect seating position.
- SmartAccess – With the proximity key fob in your pocket, all you have to do is touch the door handle to unlock the car and push a button to start it.
2023 Lexus IS 300 AWD (starting at $42,585)
The IS 300 AWD copies the IS 300 RWD’s standard and optional equipment, then adds a 260-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine, a 6-speed automatic transmission, and standard AWD.
With the $1,150 delivery fee already added, the 2023 Lexus IS 300 AWD costs $42,585. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $765. See 2023 Lexus IS 300 AWD models for sale near you
2023 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Design (starting at $43,660, RWD) ($45,660, AWD)
The Lexus IS 350 F Sport Design gets a more powerful 311-hp 3.5-liter V6 and the option of rear-wheel-drive (RWD) or AWD. Rear-drive models retain the 8-speed automatic transmission, while AWD cars get a 6-speed automatic.
Building off the IS 300, the 350 F Sport Design adds many of the exterior styling bits found on the F Sport, including a unique grille and fascia, an F-Sport tuned suspension, and an F Sport rear spoiler and exhaust tips.
The F Sport Design includes heated front seats and 19-inch F Sport split 5-spoke alloy wheels.
The F Sport Design has fewer upgrades than the IS 300 and IS 350 F Sport, offering only a power moonroof and the upgraded 10.3-inch touchscreen with navigation.
With the $1,150 delivery fee already added, the 2023 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Design costs $43,660. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $785. See 2023 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Design models for sale near you
2023 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Design includes:
- F Sport suspension – Includes stiffer shocks and springs to lessen body lean in tight curves.
- 19-inch wheels – These stylish 19-inch wheels look amazing and come with larger tires for better grip.
- Available AWD – Provides year-round traction, ideal for when it snows but also a bonus when carving up curves on dry pavement.
2023 Lexus IS 350 F Sport (starting at $44,910, RWD) ($46,910, AWD)
The F Sport builds off the F Sport Design, adding an LFA-inspired F Sport digital instrument cluster with a sliding bezel and a heated F Sport leather-trimmed steering wheel. F Sport bolstered heated and ventilated front seats include a 10-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support.
Aluminum pedals add to the F Sport ambiance, as does the Black Geometric interior trim, embossed interior door trim, and G-force display.
Also standard are rain-sensing wipers, a cool air intake, and an F Sport exhaust.
Options beyond the IS 300’s offerings include a Memory Package that adds a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, automatic tilt-down (in reverse) side mirrors, and memory settings for the driver’s seat, mirrors, and steering wheel.
The F Sport Handling Package adds an enhanced Drive Mode Select with Sport S, Sport S+, and Custom modes. Also included are an adaptive variable suspension and a Torsen limited-slip rear differential.
F Sport buyers can enhance their car with an attractive set of matte-black finish 19-inch BBS alloy wheels.
With the $1,150 delivery fee already added, the 2023 Lexus IS 350 F Sport costs $44,910. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $807. See 2023 Lexus IS 350 F Sport models for sale near you
2023 Lexus IS 350 F Sport includes:
- F Sport instruments – Designed for the enthusiast driver, the F Sport includes a digital instrument cluster with a sliding bezel that expands and reduces digital readouts as needed.
- F Sport seats – These thickly bolstered sport seats grip tightly during aggressive driving. They are also heated and cooled.
- Available adaptive variable suspension – The F Sport’s available adaptive suspension automatically adjusts to varying road conditions, ensuring maximum performance.
2023 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance (starting at $58,270)
The IS 500 F Sport Performance is the trim to pick if you’re looking for blistering sprints to 60 mph and plenty of muscle whenever you press the throttle.
Building off the IS 350 F Sport, the IS 500 F Sport gains a 472-hp 5.0-liter V8 engine, an adaptive suspension, high-performance Yamaha rear shock absorbers, 2-piece aluminum brake rotors (14 inches in front and 12.7 inches in the rear), stacked quad exhaust tips, and 19-inch Enkei alloy wheels.
The IS 500 F Sport gets a raised hood, outside mirrors with auto tilt-down in reverse, the Intuitive Parking Assistant with rear emergency braking, and a power moonroof.
Interior upgrades include a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, driver’s seat memory (with mirror and steering wheel positions), and satin chrome interior trim.
As the IS 500 F Sport Performance is a purist’s car, Lexus offers only one option: the 19-inch matte-black BBS wheel upgrade.
With the $1,150 delivery fee already added, the 2023 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance costs $58,270. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $1,047. See 2023 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance models for sale near you
2023 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance includes:
- 5.0-liter V8 – This impressive powerplant produces 472 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, enabling the IS 500 to hit 60 mph in 4.4 seconds.
- F-Sport Performance upgrades – From its larger brakes to its Yamaha performance rear shock absorbers, every component on the 500 F Sport Performance has the enthusiast in mind.
- Auto tilt-down mirrors – Placing the transmission in reverse causes the outside mirrors to tilt down, helping the driver better see low objects close to the vehicle.
2023 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Premium (starting at $62,770)
Find yourself loving the idea of a V8-powered IS but missing some cool optional upgrades not offered on the IS 500 F Sport Performance? Never fear! The Premium version adds them all back.
That’s right. Every available upgrade comes standard, from the 10.3-inch touchscreen with navigation to the Triple Beam LED headlights to the 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio.
The only option for the Performance Premium is the 19-inch matte-black BBS alloy wheels.
With the $1,150 delivery fee already added, the 2023 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Premium costs $62,770. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $1,128. See 2023 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Premium models for sale near you
