Lexus IS

The redesigned for 2021 IS brings a mild update that doesn't stray much from the previous model. It is offered in rear- or all-wheel-drive with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine for rear-wheel-drive. AWD brings a V6 engine. Handling is said to be improved. The interior remains very snug and still suffers from a protrusion into the driver's legroom in AWD versions. The infotainment system still relies on a distracting touchpad but now the screen is touch enabled. There is a complete roster of advanced safety and driver assistance features that come standard, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and daytime bicycle detection, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assistance. An all-new IS 500 F Sport debuts for 2022, powered by a 472-hp 5.0-liter V8 engine. The ultra-sporty IS also gets a retuned suspension and upgraded brakes, as well as several interior and exterior styling changes. And there's big news for rear-seat passengers: a rear armrest with built-in cupholders is now optional.

The rear-wheel-drive IS300 arrived for 2001 to compete with cars like the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Power comes from a silky-smooth 215-hp inline six-cylinder mated to a five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. The ride is quite stiff and a bit jittery, and lacks the compliance found in the German models. Handling is very capable but falls a bit short of the 3 Series benchmark. The IS300's interior is quite snug, and its stark ambience is not to everyone's taste. Tire noise is noticeable but not unbearable. The rear seat is tight for two adults, and trunk space is meager. A hatchback came in 2002. Overall, it's a very good package. Ergonomics are correct, with all controls within easy reach. Luxury features include automatic climate control and plush interior furnishings but with a sporting edge. As expected for the class, rear seat legroom is tight, though the front seats are ideal for a sport sedan. However, with a taut suspension tuned more for handling performance than comfort, the ride lacks suppleness.

While this is arguably the most handsome version of the Lexus IS to date, it isn't very sporty, fun to drive, or luxurious. Handling is nothing special. Body roll is fairly well contained, but the car isn't particularly agile. The steering is appropriately weighted, but feels vague and doesn't telegraph much feedback. Worse, it still has a tight interior and mediocre fuel economy. F Sport models do have some sporty touches, but still fall short of the driving engagement of better compact sedans. If you're intent upon buying one, get the optional backup camera and blind-spot warning system, which were available individually or as part of option packages. Other driver assistance features include rear cross-traffic alert, active cruise control and lane departure warning.

Sold from 2014-15, the IS 250 used a 204-hp, 2.5-liter six-cylinder with a six-speed automatic. (Most rivals used seven- or eight-speed automatics.) Although this rather small V6 was very smooth, it was low on power, with 0-60 mph times lagging behind competitors by one to two seconds. Fuel economy was also gluttonous, achieving just 21 mpg. That's what you can expect from a good modern SUV; a compact luxury sedan typically returns 4-5 mpg more.

2016 brought a revamped range of engines including a new base turbocharged four-cylinder (dubbed IS 200t) and a lower-powered 3.5-liter V6 with all-wheel drive (dubbed IS 300.)

All 2017 models get Lexus Safety System+ as standard equipment, which includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert are optional. Other changes for 2017 include updated exterior styling, new cup holder design, and revised steering-wheel buttons.