2025 Lexus IS 350 review
The Lexus IS 350 is a compact luxury sport sedan meant to compete with the BMW 3 Series. The convertible version was discontinued after the end of the second generation, leaving only the sedan for the current third-generation IS 350. This generation has grown long in the tooth, as it debuted for the 2014 model year. But the IS remains appealing, with sporty driving dynamics, high-quality interior materials, and engaging power. That power comes from a V6 engine in the IS 350, which offers rear- or all-wheel drive. Turbocharged four-cylinder and V8 versions of the IS are also available and are reviewed separately.
Explore the evolution of the Lexus IS 350
Get our expert take on used Lexus IS 350 models, or view year-by-year changes.
Third generation Lexus IS 350
The Lexus IS 350 serves as the Japanese luxury automaker’s sporty rear-wheel-drive compact car, though it also offers all-wheel drive.
The 350 moniker in the name indicates that this model is powered by a 3.5-liter V6. The IS lineup also includes the turbocharged four-cylinder-powered IS 250 and the V8-powered IS 500. The V6 is backed by an eight-speed automatic transmission when teamed with rear-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic with all-wheel drive.
Every IS 350 carries an F Sport badge, which indicates a sporty character, but the sportiest are the models that add the F Sport Handling package that debuted in 2024.
While front-seat occupants enjoy supportive seats and sufficient space, the IS is a small car by current standards, with a rear seat to match. Drivers are surrounded by high-quality cabin materials and an effective technology interface, in the form of an eight-inch or a 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen.
Model highlights
Sport compact sedan on a rear-wheel-drive architecture
All-wheel drive offered
3.5-liter V6
Eight-speed automatic transmission with rear-wheel drive; six-speed automatic with all-wheel drive
All models are F Sports
Styling updates for 2017 and 2021
Changes by year
Latest generation from 2014 - 2025
2025 Lexus IS 350
Highlights
Limited-edition package available for the car’s 25th anniversary
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2024 Lexus IS 350
2023 Lexus IS 350
Highlights
Limited-edition Special Appearance package
F Sport Design trim debuted
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2022 Lexus IS 350
2021 Lexus IS 350
Highlights
Revised infotainment system
Styling updates to front and rear fascias
Changes to chassis and suspension for improved handling
Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ debuted and were standard on all models
F-Sport only trim available
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2020 Lexus IS 350
2019 Lexus IS 350
Highlights
Software updates improved engine response on rear-wheel-drive models
New upgraded LED headlight option
Amazon Alexa-integrated voice commands
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2018 Lexus IS 350
Highlights
Slight horsepower bump
Standard rear-facing camera
Torsen limited-slip reward differential standard on IS 350 RWD F Sport
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2017 Lexus IS 350
Highlights
New front and rear ends
LED headlights newly standard
New 10.3-inch display screen for available navigation system
Lexus Safety System+ became standard
Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert newly available
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2016 Lexus IS 350
2015 Lexus IS 350
Highlights
Enform Remote mobile app newly offered
Limited-edition Crafted Line with specialized paint and interior touches added
Heated steering wheel available on all-wheel-drive models
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Reliability
RepairPal gave the Lexus IS 350 an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Lexus IS 350 11th out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Cars.
RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Lexus IS 350 is $481, compared to an average of $617 for Luxury Midsize Cars and $591 for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
According to RepairPal, Lexus IS 350 owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 1.0 times per year, compared to an average of 1.4 times for Luxury Midsize Cars and 1.3 times for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 6% for the Lexus IS 350, compared to an average of 13% for Luxury Midsize Cars and 14% for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
Kirk Bell has been an automotive journalist since 2001, doing stints at Motor Authority, MSN Autos, and Consumer Guide. He's currently a freelance journalist with an interest in luxury and performance cars.
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