Review: 2022 Lexus IS500 - Going Out With a Bang

I spend a week with the 2022 Lexus IS500 F Sport Performance and bask in the fun of what is likely the last V8-powered luxury sport sedan. And it's not just an V8, it's a glorious-sounding screamer of a V8 that's also reliable. The rest of the IS500 is also pretty good, with great handling and comfort. It might not be the animal that the Dodge Charger is, but if you're looking for a more mature V8 sedan, the IS 500 is it. And with a starting price around $57,000 and this one's fully-loaded as-tested price of $62,670, it's also a great bargain considering the performance you get. What do you think about the Lexus IS500? Thanks to Lexus for providing this car to review!

Time stamps:
0:00 Exterior
2:59 Interior
4:04 Initial impressions
6:31 First acceleration
8:30 Handling
10:16 Transmission
12:42 More handling thoughts
16:06 Highway driving and safety tech
17:13 Thoughts after a week
20:15 Fuel economy
21:33 Pricing and competitor comparisons
24:32 Final thoughts

Twitter @mattmaran
Instagram @mattmaranmotoring
Business inquires can be directed to mattmaranmotoring (at) gmail (dot) com
Matt Maran Motoring is a participant in the Amazon Influencer Program.
is 500 f sport

[ChadHargis]

Given Lexus' stellar reliability this will be a sweet pick up in 4 or 5 years.

[zhila]

just the fact this car exists puts a smile on my face

[ynet]

The best channel to explain about cars. This episode was eagerly awaited. My best car

[leon__feinstein]

I’m praying that Gasoline Powered Cars stay alive forever. Cars like this CANNOT Die.

[Vayetsii]

A screaming deal at 56K. A car this size with a V8 is a great combo.

[ToyotaLife]

This is hands down the MOST beautiful car in its class and the most beautiful new sedan on sale IMO. This looks magnificent

This is a legit sleeper. A pretty car with a badass roar.

[uz]

As a GSF onwer and as someone who onwed a isf in the past incannot stress how insane the deal this car is. The engine and sound here is like no other.

[franzvanjulio]

Ready for Friday’s episode! I dig the IS500; I don’t really mind some of it’s dated characteristics. I love that color, too. It hasn’t occurred to me that it is the color from the LC500. Those seats look comfortable. I’m far more of a GT car fan than a pure sports car fan and I just realized how this car fits the bill perfectly. I’m never going to be one to go to the track or auto cross, but having access to that ample power and acceleration and great interior comfort as I eat up the miles is definitely seductive.

[massluca]

I really hope the car community takes to this vehicle more, even though it doesn't have a manual. the IS is so good looking. Toyota literally has everything in their lineup now from a hot hatch, 4 sports cars, and now a sports sedan and soon a 4 door hatch. and with the romors that the next gen IS sharing a i6 with the next Mazda 3, i'm READY

[smilepermile]

Really well thought out review Matt 👍 You guys are lucky to have this USDM exclusive IS500 - there seems to be no plans for these to be available in Japan, let alone Europe! That induction noise is sonorous, reminds me of the M3 E90 generation with its V8.

[CodeXana]

People can say whatever, but I love the interior then and still now lmao

[josephhaney]

I appreciated the Charger Scat Pack comparison to this car. In June I sold my daily driver 2016 Scat Pack with over 100k miles to take advantage of the supply/demand opportunity. I loved the car but love money more. The car had zero issues and put a smile on my face every time I drove it.

IMO the 500 is a polished, upscale, high quality Charger. I am ordering this car because it is a V8, rear wheel drive, comfortable, GT that sounds great. Sound sells. Compared to the Charger (my reference point) I am expecting greater refinement, reliability and a resale value when I sell it.

I visited two local Lexus dealerships and was told they can order the car for me at MSRP with zero markup. They have the Limited Edition versions on the floor at MSRP.

Matt, thanks for the quality video and keep up the good work!

[stillwaters]

I went to a dealership to check out this car and they had a 20k markup over MSRP. Outrageous.

[dr.jasonfielding]

Great review Matt. Thanks so much for covering the IS500. We are so fortunate that this car exists.

I had a 2011 ISF for several years, and absolutely loved it. After upgrading the intake, headers, and exhaust, it sounded like a cross between an AMG and a muscle car. I do miss that car sometimes.
Have a great weekend.

[ynet]

I've been following you from Yemen for five years

[JoeSmith-nuoo]

I might have to trade the Camaro for this thing.I've owned 2 Lexus and they really are top notch cars!

[harrydaniels]

thanks for the review, , , thinking about getting one of of the v/8, , , i'm 73 and grew up on them, , , thanks again, , , , matt

[DukeGaGa]

I would seriously consider this if I'm looking for a RWD sport sedan.

[Philmoscowitz]

If only Lexus would sharpen up the transmission so there's less lag between the paddle shift and the actual gear shift, and make the breaks and accelerator travel less, and, of course, replace the track pad with a dial or a small storage space, this car would be so much improved. I was seriously considering it, but I ended up going for the BMW M440 xDrive Coupe because of the flaws with the Lexus I just mentioned. Lexus, I hope you're reading these comments from potential customers. YouTube is a goldmine of feedback for designers.

[mkamizono]

Matt, your reviews are solid and I really enjoy watching your reviews!!
I was waiting for this review to come out and just like every other videos, amazing job.
Keep up the good reviews!! I hope you have a happy new year!