2017 Lexus IS specs

Lexus IS 2016, Review, and Specs

Lexus has reconfigured its IS lineup for 2016, most notably with the new entry-level IS 200t. It's powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 that's being rolled out in numerous Lexus models, and which produces 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It comes only with rear-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and three drive modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport—though cars with the F Sport package gain an extra Sport S+ mode.

Lexus claims 0 to 60 mpg acceleration of 6.9 seconds, and the IS 200t feels reasonably strong in most situations. In a short initial drive, though, pressing the pedal to the floor resulted in a noticeable delay before the turbocharger and transmission decided to react. There was also fussy transmission performance in uphill driving, when slight variations in throttle produced nearly constant shifting—the only way to avoid this irritation was to shift manually with paddles.

Next up the ladder is the new all-wheel-drive IS 300 with a 255-hp version of Lexus's 3.5-liter V-6 mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Torque is rated at 236 lb-ft, and you can expect to reach 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. We haven't yet had the chance to drive an IS 300. The top-trim IS 350 carries over 2015 with a 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 306 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. It's available with rear-wheel drive and an 8-speed transmission (5.6 second to 60 mph) or all-wheel drive and 6-speed transmission (5.7 seconds to 60 mph). While the all-wheel drive's extra foul-weather traction is a nice feature, the rear-drive model's driving dynamics make it the enthusiast's pick.

Combined with the F Sport trim package and Adaptive Variable Suspension system—available across the range—the 2016 IS corners with very little body roll, and is well-controlled and fun-to-drive in all respects. At the outer limits, tuned-in understeer is noticeable, but it's a minor issue. Selecting from various drive modes—Eco, Normal, Sport and Sport S+—sharpen or soften the car's reactions at the driver's command. While the 6-speed automatic is smooth and perfectly functional, the 8-speed shifts quicker and smoother, improving both sporty and around-town driving.

Overall, the 2016 Lexus IS is a fun-to-drive car with well-balanced traits, but it's not quite enough to put the fear into the German, Japanese, and American competition.It's worth noting that all-wheel drive cars may be difficult to locate outside of areas that experience inclement weather. At the time of writing, for instance, we couldn't find a single all-wheel-drive IS on dealer lots in California.

Safety driver

The 2016 Lexus IS can be equipped with many of the most advanced safety features currently available, and boasts good crash test results. The IIHS gives the IS top "Good" marks in moderate overlap and side-impact crash tests. When equipped with an optional pre-collision system, the IS also receives an "Advanced" rating for front crash prevention.

The NHTSA gave the 2016 Lexus IS a five-star overall rating with four-star frontal results and top five-star results for side impact and rollover.

The 2016 Lexus IS offers many standard and optional features that enhance safety on the road, including subscription-free traffic and weather updates in the new infotainment system, 10 airbags, lane-departure warnings, blind-spot monitors, and rear cross-traffic warning.