2022 Lexus IS Review, Prices, Trims, Features, Specs + Photos

Overview

The 2022 Lexus IS back with more power, more luxury, and improved driving dynamics.

When this model debuted it was celebrated as one of the best sports sedans in its class. Over the years it’s followed the family trend of focusing on comfort.

It’s full of excellent technology, uses a rear-wheel-drive platform, and has some of the sharpest styling around. Today, it stands out as one of the most well-rounded values in the segment.

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New For 2022 Lexus IS

Lexus hasn’t made any major changes to the IS300 or the IS350. Each one has access to a new premium package with 19-inch wheels and door jamb protectors. IS350 buyers can also add a memory package that includes memory settings for the steering wheel, mirrors, and driver’s seat. The biggest news is that a new flagship, the IS500, is now on sale. It features a powerful V8.

Trims And Prices

Starting at just $40,200, the IS300 comes standard with 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, faux-leather upholstery, and an 8-inch infotainment system. Forward collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist are standard across the entire lineup.

The IS350 F Sport has 19-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, heated and ventilated front seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and unique F Sport trim.

Above that, the new IS500 F Sport Performance is a raucous good time in a fairly small package. It gets its own unique 19-inch wheels, quad exhaust tips, an adaptive sport suspension, a sunroof, an 8-inch driver information display, and parking sensors.

The Premium sub trim adds a 17-speaker premium audio system, upgraded LED headlights, a larger 10.3-inch infotainment screen, and integrated navigation. Go for the Launch Edition and you’ll get black and grey imitation suede upholstery, a special Launch Edition interior badge, and Launch Edition-only 19-inch wheels.

Engines And Transmissions

Lexus starts the IS300 off with a punchy little 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 241-hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Those who add AWD will actually get the same motor but with 260-hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. It uses an eight-speed automatic gearbox too.

Bump up to the IS350 and you’ll get a 3.5-liter V6 that churns out 311-hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. Like the IS300, it can be had in rear or AWD configurations but unlike the IS300, the IS350 uses a six-speed automatic.

Finally, the IS500 comes with a 472-hp 5.0-liter V8 with 395 lb-ft of torque. Much like the IS300, it uses an eight-speed automatic but in this case, AWD is not available. That’s ok though because the charm of the V8 is that you can have even more fun behind the wheel. All-wheel-drive might nerf that opportunity.

Fuel Economy Ratings

Regardless of how important fuel economy is to you personally, there’s likely an IS to fit your tastes. The base IS gets an EPA-estimated 21 MPG in the city and 31 on the highway. The thriftiest V6 configuration gets 20 and 28 respectively. Finally, the V8 pretty much throws fuel savings to the wind and gets 17 MPG in the city and 25 on the highway. It’s a reasonable price to pay we think.

Looking At The Outside 2022 Lexus IS

The entire Lexus family is known for its harder creases and sharp edges. With that in mind, it should be no surprise that the IS falls right in line. Lexus wants this to be a provocative car on the road that will turn heads and we think they’ve pulled that off. Very few sedans in this segment look as aggressive or sporty.

The front of the car is heavily emphasized with a long hood that blends seamlessly into the body before the car terminates with a short rear decklid. Regardless of trim level, every IS looks low to the ground and quite wide. Those who go for the V8-powered IS500 will also get a power bulge on the hood that clearly signifies its performance capability.

Looking Inside 2022 Lexus IS

Perhaps the first thing buyers will notice about the IS is how much bigger it is inside than they might have guessed. Both the front and rear seats offer plentiful headroom and legroom compared to other cars in the segment. In addition, Lexus has nipped and tucked this interior over the years and it’s a real winner.

Ergonomics plays a large role inside. To that end, you’ll find that most controls are intuitively placed which makes the IS feel just that much more comfortable. Drivers will appreciate the excellent visibility and the direct feedback provided through the wheel and pedals.

Infotainment And Connectivity

The standard infotainment system in the IS is just 8-inches but it’s excellent to use. Since it’s a touchscreen those who want to avoid using the trackpad navigation can do just that. In addition, buyers can add an optional 10.3-inch infotainment system which includes integrated navigation. Android Auto along with Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa are all standard regardless of which screen you get.

Safety And Driver-Assistance

Every IS comes with adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward collision mitigation, pedestrian detection, and lane-departure warning. In addition to those excellent features, the NHTSA has given the IS a five-star crash test rating. Finally, the IS also scored the highest award possible from the IIHS, a Top Safety Pick+. It’s one of the most comprehensive safety packages on the market.

Warranty And Maintenance Coverage

Lexus offers a four-year or 50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year or 70,000-mile powertrain on every IS. In addition, it’ll cover routine maintenance for the first year or 10,000-miles.

 

• compact,
• IS,
• Lexus,
• luxury,
• sedan,