2023 Lexus IS, with its chiseled structure and premium interior, makes it a part of a compact sports sedan. Offered with three engines: a turbo four-pot, a V6, or a V8, with the latter two delivering aggressive F Sport styling and chassis enhancements. Regardless of its appearance, the IS has a refined ride, but those seeking accurate handling may find it too soft. Competitors such as the Audi A4, the BMW 3-series, and the Genesis G70 offer more driving engagement and fluffed powertrains. Still, the IS offers an all-rounded entry-luxury package with eye-catching styling and desirable features, teasing buyers seeking curb appeal. While it is not nearly as spacious as Lexus’s flagship LS sedan, but still the compact IS offers a premium experience. Power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and push-button start are all standard features, while a power sunroof and leather upholstery are options.
Contents
What’s New?
A top-of-the-line IS500 F Sport Performance model joins the lineup for 2023, which houses a 472-hp 5.0-Liter V8 engine and meaner exterior styling elements. The bulged hood, quad exhaust tips, rear diffuser, and subtle trunk-lid spoiler are all unique to the IS500. A new Premium package is now available in IS300 and IS350 trims, which adds 19-inch wheels with either all-season or summer tires and door jamb protectors. On the IS350, the Memory package adds memory settings for the exterior mirrors, power-adjustable steering column, and driver’s seat.
Engine & Performance
As stated earlier, 2023 IS has three engine options: a 241-hp turbocharged 2.0-Liter four-pot in the IS300, a 311-hp V6 in the IS350, and now a 472-hp V8 in the IS500 F Sport Performance model. There aren’t many fans of the four-cylinder of the IS300, as its dull character isn’t well matched to the car’s athletic chassis. Opting for the V6 allows the IS to shine and unlocks the F Sport package, which brings a plethora of performance upgrades such as a limited-slip rear differential, unique 19-inch wheels, and an optional adaptive suspension. Upon testing the rear-wheel-drive IS350 F Sport, it recorded a brisk 5.6-sec for 0-60-mph time. If someone is looking for the ultimate IS, with the extreme performance it can offer as stock, the V8-powered IS500 model is the one to consider. On test tracks, it pulls off a heroic 4.3-sec 0-60-mph run.
Fuel Economy
| 2023 Lexus IS Mileage | City | Highway |
| IS300 | 21 mpg | 31 mpg |
| IS350 | 19 mpg | 28 mpg |
| IS500 | 17 mpg | 25 mpg |
The most efficient IS as per the EPA is the four-cylinder, RWD IS300 model. Its fuel-economy estimates are 31 mpg highway and 21 mpg city. The V6 IS350 is rated as high as 28 mpg highway and as low as 19 mpg city. While the IS500 is rated for 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.
Dimensions & Airbags
| 2023 Lexus IS Dimensions | |
| Length | 187.3 in |
| Width | 72.4 in |
| Height | 56.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 110.2 in |
| Cargo Volume | 11 ft3 |
| Airbags | 8 Airbags |
An 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard and also uses a dashboard-mounted touchpad. A larger 10.3-inch display is optional and comes bundled with navigation. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa are compatible with either system. As for the previous-gen IS, a Mark Levinson premium stereo system is available as an option but with 17 speakers and 1800 watts of power.
Pricing
| 2023 Lexus IS Trims | Price (USD) |
| IS300 | $40,275 |
| IS350 F Sport | $44,700 |
| IS500 F Sport Performance | $58,000 |
| IS500 F Sport Performance Premium | $62,500 |
| IS500 F Sport Performance Launch Edition | $68,550 |
The high-performance IS500 model is quite intriguing, but its price may put it out of the reach of many shoppers. So, we’d recommend the mid-range IS350 F Sport with rear-wheel drive, as it offers most of the IS’s performance charms. The F Sport package not only offers more aggressive exterior styling but also comes with unique 19-inch wheels, a cold-air intake system, a limited-slip rear differential, an F Sport exhaust, and sports seats with heat and ventilation.
Specifications & Top-Speed
| 2023 Lexus IS Specifications | Specs |
| Engine | DOHC 32-valve V8 |
| Drivetrain | RWD |
| Horsepower | 472 hp |
| Torque | 395 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | 4.3 sec |
| 0-100 MPH | 10.4 sec |
| 1/4 Mile | 12.8 sec |
| Top Speed | 149 mph |