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2023 Lexus IS 500 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Lexus IS 500 highlights

Customer rating

(not yet rated)

RepairPal reliability rating

(data not available)

Pros

  • Powerful V8
  • Nimble
  • Tons of driver assist

Cons

  • Tight rear seat
  • Smallish trunk
  • No all-wheel drive

Mileage (EPA estimate)

17 city, 25 highway, 20 combined

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Luxury meets performance

Despite being known mostly for its elegant luxury cars, Lexus is known to work in the occasional performance car. The luxury automaker sneaks in a compact screamer in the 2023 Lexus IS 500. Despite its compact sedan proportions, the 2023 IS 500 boasts a mighty 5.0L V8 powerplant that pumps out 472 hp. Pair this with a sport-tuned suspension, limited-slip differential, and enhanced brakes, and you’ve got a legitimate performance sedan. However, it’s still a Lexus, so the IS 500 boasts all the upscale features you expect from a luxury rig.

All Lexus IS 500 years

What is new for the 2023 Lexus IS 500?

  • The F-Sport Performance and F-Sport Performance Launch Edition trims have been discontinued for 2023.
  • IS 500 trims have been upgraded with Rear Spoiler as standard equipment this year.

5 reasons to buy the 2023 Lexus IS 500

1. Big V8 power 

The Lexus IS 500 goes against the grain by sticking with the old-school all-motor 5.0L V8 powerplant that forgoes the forced induction and still pounds out 472 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque. This power heads through an eight-speed automatic transmission and out to the rear wheels. This delivers a 4.9-second zero-to-60 sprint time that’s sure to please your inner motorhead.  

2. Precise handling 

Though it boasts a raw V8 powertrain, the 2023 Lexus IS 500 is plenty advanced under the skin. It features a sport-tuned adaptive suspension that delivers precision handling on windy roads and adapts to the road conditions to ensure a smooth ride. It balances sportiness and comfort, making it great for all occasions, whether you're carving up the back roads or commuting to work.  

3. Stylish and comfortable interior 

Lexus ensures you never forget the IS 500 is still a luxury car with its upscale and well-equipped cabin. This all starts with a pair of well-padded front seats that offer loads of support on long hauls. The driver’s seat offers 10-way power adjustments, making it easy to find the perfect seating position. Add plenty of upscale synthetic leather and other premium materials, and you’ll feel pampered in this performance sedan.  

4. Loaded with features 

The 2023 Lexus IS 500 continues its luxurious ways with a long list of standard features. For the tech lover inside you, it boasts a standard eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlayⓇ and Android Auto™ integration, a 10-speaker audio system, BluetoothⓇ connectivity with streaming audio, HD Radio™, SiriusXMⓇ, and more. If you want more tech features, you can opt for a 17-speaker, 1,700-watt Mark Levinson audio system and navigation, which includes a 10.3-inch touchscreen. 

5. Driver-assist technology 

Lexus has become well known for its suite of driver-assist features it includes standard on most vehicles. The 2023 IS 500 was not left off this list. It comes standard with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, road-sign assist, lane tracing, full-speed adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, and more. While these features aren’t substitutes for alert driving, they can ease your daily commute.  

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

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Lexus IS 500 features and specs

Curious how Lexus IS 500 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

F-Sport Performance 2WD 4D Sedan

Standard Features

  • A/C Seat(s)
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Traction Control

Drive Wheels

Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

5.0L

Horsepower

472

Torque (ft-lbs)

395

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

17.4

Wheelbase

110.2"

Overall length

187.3"

Width

72.4"

Height

56.5"

Leg room

F 44.8"/R 32.2"

Head room

F 38.2"/R 36.9"

Front tires

P235/40YR19

Rear tires

P265/35YR19

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2023 Lexus IS 500 FAQ

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