The 2022 Lexus IS sedan comes in three models: IS300, IS350, and IS500 with several variations. The IS300 rear-wheel drive is powered by a 2.0L twin-scroll turbocharged 4-cylinder, which produces 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque that's mated to a Sport Direct-Shift 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.
The IS300, when optioned with all-wheel drive, features a 3.5L V6 making 260 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and paddle shifters. The IS350 variants benefit from an even more potent 3.5L V6 that delivers 311 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Power is put to the rear wheels through the Sport Direct-Shift 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Both transmissions feature Sport, Normal and Eco modes and will match downshift revs when set in Sport mode.
The all new IS500 adds to the performance with a naturally aspirated V-8 pushing the performance to 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque, the tire burning power is delivered to the rear wheels paired with the eight-speed automatic transmission.
All engines feature variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) to help boost economy and efficiency. As a result, the highway figures for the IS300 RWD offers 32 mpg, the IS300 AWD 26 mpg, the IS350 28 mpg, and the IS500 is 25 mpg.
Suspension across the lineup is fully independent, courtesy of double wishbones up front and a multilink setup in the rear. The IS300 RWD and IS300 AWD ride on 18-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels, while the IS350 and IS500 sit on 19-inch alloys.
All IS sedans come nicely equipped with standard features like full LED headlights, LED daytime lights, LED fog lights, dual-zone climate control, next-generation Remote Touch Interface with 8-inch display, 10-speakers audio system, HomeLink universal transceiver, leatherette seats, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Wi-Fi hotspot, and satellite radio. Additionally, each IS benefits from a suite of 10 airbags.
The packages available, which include a handful of features in the IS300 are Comfort, Premium, Navigation, and Mark Levinson Premium Audio. The stand-alone options are upgraded headlights, sunroof, front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking, and 360-degree camera system.
The IS 350 is only available as the F Sport, which improves handling with unique 19-inch wheels, high-friction brakes, rain sensing wipers, heated mirrors, proximity entry and push-button start, power sport front seats, heated steering, and aggressive suspension tuning. Exterior and interior design elements are also upgraded, including special instrumentation, and F Sport heated and ventilated front seats. IS350 rear-wheel drive models so-equipped feature a limited-slip differential. On IS300 all-wheel drive and IS350 F Sport models, the intake sound is more aggressive, which creates a more sporting engine note.
The packages and options in this trim level are Memory, Navigation, F Sport Dynamic Handling. Also, several stand-alone options to choose from including triple beam LED headlights, sunroof, power rear sunshade, 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound, surround view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, and rear automatic braking.
The IS500 will offer three variations, Performance, Performance Premium, and Performance Launch Edition. Some of the features available in this trim starting with the performance equipment are a mechanical limited slip differential, enhanced exterior appearance including a bigger hood to accommodate the V8 engine, stacked quad tailpipes, adaptive sport suspension with automatic with driver control, painted calipers, sunroof, heated and ventilated power front sport seats, and simulated suede interior (Launch Edition only). The Performance Premium gets a few extra tech equipment such as 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound, 10.3 infotainment touchscreen, voice-activated navigation, surround view camera system, and power rear sunshade.
Safety features across the lineup include an active lane departure system, forward collision mitigation, rear collision warning, pedestrian detection system, blind spot monitor, driver attention alert and traffic sign information.
Attractive Styling
Build Quality And Refinement
All-wheel Drive Availability
Technology Options
Excellent Range Of Engines
Comfortable Seats
The Lexus IS rolls into 2022 with a few changes, but major changes to the lineup. A new family member has arrived, the IS 500 F Sport Performance. Both the IS 300 and IS 350 will get a Premium package and the IS 350 gets a Memory Package that controls the exterior mirrors, driver's seat, and steering column. Now, the power rear window sunshade is stand-alone option.
The compact performance sedan segment is well-populated, and the Lexus IS sedan more than holds its own among the offerings from Infiniti, BMW and Cadillac. With an impressive set of powertrains, continual refinement and Lexus' unbeatable build quality, the IS remains undeniably appealing among driver's cars.
