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2018 Lexus IS 300 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Lexus IS 300 highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

(data not available)

Pros

  • Comfortable ride
  • Two engine options
  • Stylish design

Cons

  • Small trunk
  • Optional navigation controls aren't intuitive 
  • Handling less sporty than some rivals

Mileage (EPA estimate)

19 city, 26 highway, 22 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

Price
Year

A lively luxury sedan with style 

If you want a sporty sedan with plenty of energy and even more style, the 2018 Lexus IS 300 won't disappoint. Its broad profile and unique design lines give the IS 300 an aggressive stance. But don't worry, inside, it's all comfort. Standard luxuries include a sunroof and leatherette seats, and you'll have plenty of control at the wheels thanks to the available all-wheel drive option. With large 17-inch wheels, you'll have no problem finding this five-seat beauty in the parking lot. Just try not to stare too much.

All Lexus IS 300 years

What is new for the 2018 Lexus IS 300?

  • The IS 300 is available in a new trim called the F-Sport.
  • IS 300 trims have been upgraded with Rear View Camera, A/C Seat(s), Parking Sensors, and Turbo Charged Engine as standard equipment this year.
  • Rear Spoiler features are now available as options on select trims.

2018 Lexus IS 300 trims

Curious how Lexus IS 300 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Base:

  • 241-hp, 258-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
  • 260-hp, 236-lb-ft of torque 3.5L
  • Cruise Control
  • Rear View Camera
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seats
  • View our Lexus IS 300 inventory

F-Sport:

5 reasons to buy the 2018 Lexus IS 300

1. Two exuberant engine options  

No matter which IS 300 you find, you're bound to love what's under the hood. The 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder generates 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque with a zero-to-60 time of 6.9 seconds. Meanwhile, the 3.5L six-cylinder pumps out 260 horses with 236 lb-ft and has a zero-to-60 time of just 6.1 seconds.  

2. All-wheel drive availability  

The four-cylinder engine comes standard with both stability control and traction control to keep the rear wheels on track. But if you want even more capability, shop for the available AWD trim. Lexus' all-wheel drive system sends power between the front and rear axles and adjusts the distribution when extra traction is needed.  

3. Abundant creature comforts  

All 2018 Is 300s have creature comforts you'd expect to find in a luxury sports sedan. Get some fresh air with the IS 300's standard sunroof and adjust the cabin temperature to your specific taste with dual-zone climate controls. Eight-way power front seats will get you in the proper position, and you can look out for the AWD trim if you want standard heated front seats. 

4. Style and substance 

The IS 300 catches your attention with its bold design lines and 17-inch wheels. Keep an eye out for the available F Sport package to add even more exterior flair with a sportier front bumper and grille, large 18-inch wheels, and sport-tuned suspension. The IS 300 has plenty of substance, too, with standard lane departure warning and assistance, adaptive cruise control, and a forward collision mitigation system. 

5. Tune out  

The sedan's serene cabin transforms into your personal concert hall in a flash. The IS 300's standard Bluetooth® connectivity and USB ports help you connect to your favorite music, and infotainment information can be viewed on IS 300's seven-inch display. With a standard 10-speaker sound system on all IS 300s, you'll tune out the traffic noise in no time.  

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.9 out of 5

7 customer reviews

Lexus IS 300 features and specs

Base 2WD 4D Sedan

Standard Features

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

Drive Wheels

Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.0L

Horsepower

241

Torque (ft-lbs)

258

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

17.4

Wheelbase

110.2"

Overall length

184.3"

Width

71.3"

Height

56.3"

Leg room

F 44.8"/R 32.2"

Head room

F 38.2"/R 36.9"

Front tires

P225/45VR17

Rear tires

P225/45VR17

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2018 Lexus IS 300 FAQ

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