2023 Lexus IS Review

Luxury shoppers tend to expect performance, and Lexus offers it up four different ways in the IS and IS F Sport. US News and World Report calls this car perky and sprightly to drive on winding roads. Edmunds calls it athletic and nimble. Kelley Blue Book calls it agile.

First off, Lexus imbues the 2023 IS 300 sedan with European driving fun by giving it sporty rear-wheel drive. Owners will appreciate the quick steering response. The turbo engine generates 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, making sure this sedan is ready for any challenge.

The Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission (SPDS) is an 8-speed technologically advanced set-up. It uses G-Force Artificial Intelligence (G-AI) to optimize gear selection. As you know, precision gearing makes better use of every horse under the hood.

Next, the 2023 IS 300 AWD version has a V6 engine that generates 260 horsepower. The 236 lb-ft of torque rate is split 30:70 for rear-wheel bias until all-wheel drive is needed. At that point, it can split 50-50 for weather-related traction challenges. AWD models are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Even more fun, the Lexus IS 350 F Sport RWD has a 3.5-liter V6 engine. Output is 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. This speeds up the 0-60 mph sprint to just 5.6 seconds.

Like the IS 300 RWD, this engine is mated to the Sport Direct Shift automatic. An all-wheel drivetrain is available as well.

The 2023 Handling package adds more fun tools for sport driving. This includes an adaptive suspension and a Torsen Limited-Slip Differential. Drive mode select adds Sport, Sport Plus and Custom modes.

The 2023 IS 500 F Sport performance driver commands a 5-liter engine. The V8 generates 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque. This rear-wheel drivetrain provides a racy response especially on curves. The advanced SPDS automatic uses its artificial intelligence to provide the most accurate gear shifts possible. You are invited to take a test drive at your next convenience.

The IS cabin takes care of both front positions with a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s chair and an 8-way passenger chair. Touch sensitive controls help drivers operate the dual-zone automatic climate control system. Push button start and SmartAccess keyless entry ensure you won’t be digging out your key in a storm.

On the dash, an 8-inch touch screen provides extensive connectivity. Apple CarPlay syncs with iPhones, and Android Auto syncs with Google Android phones. The system also permits Amazon Alexa integration.

Stepping up to the 10.3-inch touchscreen, drivers can enjoy full navigational assistance. The top audio system has Mark Levinson surround sound. Equipment includes 17 speakers and a 1,800-watt amplifier. Audio technology includes Quantum Logic Surround and EQ Tuning.

The Black NuLuxe interior is widely available, but shoppers are free to choose Glazed Caramel or Rioja Red. F Sport models offer the excitement of Circuit Red or the classy look of a two-tone white-and-black color scheme. Favorite features include ventilated seats for our hot summer days.

Embossed intersecting lines form a fun graphic pattern on the F Sport doors. A decorative finish in black metallic paint or black geometric film further sets these cabins apart. Exclusive Satin Chrome is one of the fine details on the IS 500 F Sport.

With its provocative design and bold styling, the IS sets itself apart. The wide, low form is built for racy driving. The muscular fenders and sharp character lines add to its aggressive nature.

L shaped lights make their mark by day or night at the front and rear. A blade-style lightbar spans the back.

Taken as a whole, Kelley Blue Book has written that the IS has a “head-turning shape”. F Sport models update the grille, spoiler, rocker molding, and bumpers with aerodynamic and stylistic changes.

Ten exterior colors are on tap this year. Some speak to the car’s futuristic bent: Ultrasonic Blue Mica, Atomic Silver, Infrared, and Iridium. Shoppers may choose from Caviar, Grecian Water, Cloudburst Gray, and the exciting Matador Red Mica. Special packages offer more exterior color choices as Lexus seeks to give luxury shoppers the ability to shape their car to their own lifestyle and personality.

Limited to 480 units, the IS 350 Special Appearance Package dresses up the exterior with a special two-tone look. Incognito paint, a Lexus favorite, is the main color with the hood and roof in Obsidian black. Dark-finished 19-inch Enkei alloy wheels add to the two-tone look. The interior is dressed in black NuLuxe upholstery.

Limited to just 180 units, the IS 500 F Sport Premium offers a Special Appearance package. The body wears an extravagant Molten Pearl exterior color. Matte Black wheels are made of exclusive BBS forged alloy.

Creating a blanket around the vehicle, the 2023 Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 continues to evolve. This year the system includes recognizable features such as the frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking. This system has pedestrian detection and bicyclist detection.

Lexus has improved the camera and radar capability to do more. It can recognize certain actions happening around the vehicle during right- and left-hand turns. With Emergency Steering Assist and the autobrake, the system can respond to assist the driver.

There’s also a steering assist function as part of the lane departure alert. Steering wheel vibrations and audible warnings may preface any corrections. Blind spot monitoring and a rear traffic alert add more ways to avoid dangers on either side.

At speeds over 30 miles per hour, drivers can set the All-Speed Dynamic Radar Control to handle acceleration, deceleration and braking duties. It can slow all the way to stop if necessary and based on the car it is following. Lane Tracing Assist can work with the adaptive cruise control. For 2023, LTA now recognizes both the lane lines and the road’s edge.

IS drivers benefit from other standards such as the Intelligent High Beams and the Road Sign Assist functions.