2019 Lexus IS Test Drive Review: Outgunned But Not Outstyled

In an effort to pull buyers away from the established German luxury brands, Lexus introduced the IS (a rebadged version of the Toyota Altezza) was back in 2001. Now in its third generation, the IS faces its stiffest competition yet from an all-new BMW 3 Series, recently refreshed Audi A4 and Mercedes C-Class, and new entrants to the segment such as the Alfa Romeo Giulia, Genesis G70, and Volvo S60.

Without a major refresh in the third-generation, the IS is starting to lag behind its competitors in terms of powertrain and interior technology. But can its interesting styling and fabled reliability keep it competitive against newer rivals? We tested the top-trim 2019 IS 350 F Sport mode to find out.

What's the Price of the 2019 Lexus IS?

Of the available configurations, the cheapest Lexus IS is the RWD IS 300, which carries a base MSRP of $38,560, excluding license, tax, registration, and a handling fee of $1,025. All-wheel-drive adds an extra $2,450 for the IS 300. The IS 300 F Sport is the first to breach the $40k mark, priced from $41,755, with the AWD model priced at $43,805. The IS 350 starts at $42,180 in RWD format with a price bump to $44,345 in AWD guise. The most expensive model is the IS 350 F Sport, which starts at an MSRP of $45,375, but adding AWD pushes that number to $46,710.

2019 IS Exterior

Dimensions

2019 IS Performance

Handling and Driving Impressions

Opting for the F Sport package doesn't add any power to the IS but it does add an adaptive suspension and limited-slip differential. We weren't expecting the smallest Lexus sedan to cuddle us with a soft ride but the suspension tuning is excellent over all road surfaces. The body lean isn't too pronounced though there are other cars in this segment more inclined to tear up a back road. We have to give credit to Lexus for the steering in the IS, which carries a nice weight and engages the drive when the road gets twisty.

When we asked the car to drive aggressively through the bends, the IS felt like a 30-year-old parent being dragged through an amusement park by their child. It can handle the task but feels more at home taking a brisk walk in the mall. The IS is targeting a market with standout driver's cars like the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Genesis G70, so just being "OK" at the fun stuff isn't enough to rise to the top of a crowded segment. With "only" 311 hp on tap, turbocharged rivals can make quick work of the Lexus in a straight line and continue to pull away through the corners. Of course, if you never plan to take your compact luxury sedan to a track or an empty canyon road, you probably won't notice any of these shortcomings.

2019 IS Interior

2019 IS Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

US NHTSA Crash Test Result

Verdict: Is the 2019 Lexus IS A Good car?

Asking whether or not the IS is a good car really depends on perspective. In a vacuum, the IS feels comfortable, well-built, quick, and surprisingly capable on fun roads. But when you start to look at competitors like the 3 Series, G70, S60, and Giulia, they can all do the "luxury" job as well as the Lexus but easily trounce the IS in the "fun" activities.

For buyers who favor reliability, running costs, and price over all else, the IS 350 is still a nice option. It is far cheaper than its European rivals and comes from one of the most reliable brands around. But for those who desire the best technology, class-leading acceleration, and the ultimate driving experience, the Lexus IS just feels outgunned.

What Lexus IS Model Should I Buy?

Choosing the right Lexus IS can seem like a daunting task with three engine options, two drivetrain choices, and the decision of whether or not to get the F Sport package. As enthusiasts, we'd skip right to the IS 350 F Sport with RWD for $45,375, pick a bold exterior color, then opt for the Navigation/Mark Levinson Audio package for $2,845, power sunshade for $200, and adaptive front lighting for $300, bringing the as-tested price for $49,505.

2019 Lexus IS Comparisons

2019 Lexus IS vs Lexus ES

Lexus isn't the only luxury brand to find close competition within their own ranks, as the IS finds itself regularly pitted against stablemate, the Lexus ES. Both bear similar styling attributes, and both are similarly priced, with the ES starting at $1,190 more than the nase IS. But with the ES you receive a 302 horsepower V6 as standard, compared to the base 241 hp turbo-four in the IS, and to equip the IS with a similar powertrain you'd need to opt for a more expensive IS 350, which does net you a little more power. The biggest difference, however, is that the IS is rear-wheel-driven (AWD optional) while the ES is exclusively FWD. This gives the two distinct characteristics, with the IS being the sportier alternative compared to the ES's luxurious demeanor. The trade-off means the IS is more fun to drive aggressively, while the ES benefits from a softer ride and more space for both front and rear occupants, as well as a substantially larger trunk. Considering the IS isn't exactly the best sports sedan to start with, the ES is the smarter choice, giving you more bang for your buck.

2019 Lexus IS vs Lexus GS

The difference between the Lexus IS and GS is a little more clean-cut, with the GS rivaling the BMW 5 Series in a larger vehicle segment. Despite this, there's some overlap between the two models, price-wise. Both vehicles can be had with the same choice of engines in near-identical states of tune, but due to the smaller footprint and lower weight of the IS, it's quicker and more economical. But the GS gets an F version with more performance, while the IS is limited to a maximum of 311 hp in IS 350 guise. Being larger, the GS is more spacious, but both vehicles provide similarly luxurious interiors and high levels of standard specification. So which is better? Well if you prioritize space and comfort, the GS is worth the extra spend over a comparably-specced IS, but if its the driver in you that you're trying to satiate, an IS 350 F Sport will hit the spot for the same money.