Lexus IS 300
The Lexus IS 300 is a compact sport sedan designed to compete with the best from European luxury brands. With a 3.5-liter V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission driving all four wheels, the IS 300 offers performance and signature Lexus luxury. For the 2018 model year and beyond, the rear-wheel-drive IS 300 got a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the all-wheel-drive model continued using the V6. Regardless of engine choice, the IS 300 is known for a comfortable ride and engaging handling.
Explore the evolution of the Lexus IS 300
Get our expert take on used Lexus IS 300 models, or view year-by-year changes.
First generation Lexus IS 300
The IS 300 was the mid-range model for the Lexus IS compact sport sedan platform. With the more powerful IS 350 and the less powerful IS 200t on either side of it, the IS 300 offered V6 power and standard all-wheel drive when it launched in 2016. In 2018, Lexus dropped the V6 in rear-wheel-drive models and renamed the four-cylinder IS 200t the IS 300. It's a little confusing, but with rear-wheel drive, an eight-speed automatic, better fuel economy, and almost as much power as the V6, the four-cylinder became a popular option within the IS family. All-wheel drive models were still powered by the V6, however.
The strong points of the IS 300 include its generally sporty looks and handling, designed to compete directly with European sport sedans. However, Lexus also delivers an extremely comfortable and quiet cabin, along with infotainment and driver-assistance technology that keeps pace with the industry's constant evolution.
Model highlights
V6 or turbocharged four-cylinder engine
Rear-wheel or all-wheel drive
Automatic transmission
Crisp handling
Comfortable interior
Changes by year
Latest generation from 2016 - 2023
2023 Lexus IS 300
2022 Lexus IS 300
2021 Lexus IS 300
Highlights
Updated infotainment system
Exterior styling updates
Chassis and suspension updates
F Sport package discontinued
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2020 Lexus IS 300
2019 Lexus IS 300
Highlights
Improved throttle response
Available updated LED headlights
Available Amazon Alexa™ support
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2018 Lexus IS 300
Highlights
Available four-cylinder engine
Available rear-wheel drive
All-wheel-drive V6 model got a five-horsepower boost
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2017 Lexus IS 300
Highlights
Exterior styling updated
LED headlights became standard
Available navigation system got a larger screen
Advanced driver-assistance features became standard
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2016 Lexus IS 300
Highlights
First year of the all-new Lexus IS 300
All-wheel drive standard
3.5-liter V6 engine standard
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Jeff Zurschmeide has been an automotive journalist for more than 20 years, covering the new car business as well as motorsports and industry news. He lives in Tillamook, Oregon, at the confluence of great roads, nice weather, and plenty of space for a collection of strange old automobiles.
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