2017 Lexus IS 300 | CarGurus Test Drive Review

The 2017 Lexus IS 300 could not be more different than the ES 300 hybrid. While the ES is a boring commuter, the IS feels fun. The base IS 200t features a turbocharged 2-liter inline 4-cylinder making 241 horsepower; our IS 300 test car features a 3.5-liter V6 with 255 hp; and the range-topping IS 350 has the same 3.5-liter V6, tuned to put out 306 hp. Our IS 300 is quick off the line, but move into the middle of the power band, and power is lacking.

The base 2017 Lexus IS 200t starts at $37,825. The IS 300 AWD F Sport starts at $43,345; with the $3,800-plus navigation and Mark Levinson sound package, it can grow to $49,000 with options. An AWD IS 350 F Sport can exceed $50,000. That puts it in BMW territory price-wise, but unlike the 3 Series, the Lexus includes a bunch of safety tech. The IS originally aimed at the Germans, then became a slightly sleepy option compared to the 3 Series or A4. But times have changed, and the IS is back to being a solid performer with looks to match.

For 2017, Lexus gives its popular IS 350 luxury sport sedan a mid-generation refresh, with a minor exterior update and interior tech improvements. The 350 is the most powerful model in Lexus’ IS lineup, which includes the turbocharged 4-cylinder IS 200t and the all-wheel-drive (AWD) V6-powered IS 300. While the latter two sedans are relatively new models, the 350 traces its history back to 2006, when it made its debut as part of the IS's second generation. Now 4 years into its third generation, the 350 remains the anchor of the IS lineup.

Presenter: George Kennedy
Producer: Andrew Zubatkin

Subscribe to the CarGurus Channel:

Subscribe to the CarGurus Channel:

[Zooooooooooom]

I don't care what anyone says; this is a beautiful car.

[TheJohn]

No longer a German ruled category.. sport as well as luxury.. and probably the sexiest appearance of any mid range road car.. make way for Lexus. Truly incredible step up!

[rexlupis]

I'm a fair bit shorter than you, and I still find it to be a tight fit... but once I'm in the seat, it's so comfortable I don't want to leave.

[swanblake]

this is a car with such sporty potential. If they gave the IS200T a manual transmission I would enter that market segment. RWD, manual, LSD, with Lexus reliability would be a dream

[abrahamd-ecyo]

I've test driven so many luxury sedans (including this one) in the last two months as I'm looking to buy one, and as far as interior goes, the Lexus IS300 is far superior. When you sit in the drivers seat, it actually feels like you're sitting IN the seat and not on it. The cockpit layout makes it feel so much sportier. I just am not crazy over the exterior design. Hopefully over time it grows on me because I would buy this car in a second if it did.

[lovelyrita]

I have this car and I’m very happy with it.

[danger_in_the_middle]

M my dad has a I S 2017 300 and he always goes sport mode and goes like halfway on the throttle and it is amazing and it sounds great in the lake room I’ve driven one and it’s pretty cool

[giomerlino]

I love mines, same white color same red interior but mines is private tinted jet black An the windshield is also tinted dark drives beautiful

[josephlim]

I like the searing position. I know some find it tight and I’m 6ft. But the high large console and lower seating makes it feel like your in a cockpit. I don’t mind not having power at the higher range because I do mostly city driving where it thrives. What I don’t like is the fuel consumption. Think it has to do with the weight, Lexus needs to find a way to lower the weight and go with a 4 banger with turbo, like BMW 430i where they get around 10 Litres per 100kms in city. This thing uses more gas than my RX350 and it’s a SUV.

[danger_in_the_middle]

I love the I S 300 because it’s not too sporty not too fast is perfect 301 Horsepower in 200 something it’s just perfect

[davidwolf]

Hi, George... I've only just discovered your reviews here on YouTube. Even though you posted this review 4 months ago, I still found it interesting. Particularly since I've previously owned an IS, actually the 2008 IS250. The engine was a base 205 hp motor, which was just okay. I had that vehicle for about 7 years before I purchased my current 2015 GS350, which has the 3.5 at 306hp. I've driven the newer 2016 IS350 and was quite impressed with the higher hp (I believe it was at 306hp). The lateral seat bolstering was a little snug for my frame, but still fun to tool around in. I'll take a look at your review of the Audi A4 shortly and will provide feedback. Nice job on this review.

[Savere]

I still prefer the ES over the IS. ES has way more room.

[princea]

It is I have the exact car 2018 IS but 350 awd engine I’m 5, 7 and I love the size and the driving feel I feel comfortable and in control at all times. Go cart handling makes driving secure and confident. The 300 is underwhelming and falls on its face with no stamina. The 350 how ever has so much power that it will scare you if your not careful around a turn or bend.

[dnguyen]

Nice video of the car spec'ed out how I'd like but incorrect info here and there

[dmitryfedosov]

Around 44k car cost and no memory seats option for fsport

[joelcleare]

I bought my IS 350 F with the help of CarGuru 👍🏽

[duytran]

stop being jealous if you can't afford to buy it :))

[travisl]

Shoulda just kept it as IS200t and IS350, IS300 almost doesn't make any sense

[Kanoemirate]

We can't access your website from Nigeria 🇳🇬. Your ✋ is always there sending us away. Always using a VPN.
Nice review. I'll consider this car above a 2017 Mercedes C300 4matic.

[loganh]

this guy is wearing two of the same jacket