Lexus IS 300 2020 review

The Lexus IS is a sports sedan that is older than most its rivals – cars like the new BMW 3 Series, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Audi A4. However, you can pick up a new IS 300 with a turbo engine for less than the competition, despite the Japanese luxury saloon having more power. There's also a hybrid engine and a V6 option. Does it merit consideration? In this video, a review of the 2020 Lexus IS 300, Tom drives this Lexus sedan, looking into its dynamics, luxury, practicality and value for money.

Watch our other new Lexus content:

What do you think of the Lexus IS? Is the hybrid option a good offer? Or the naturally aspirated V6? Is a new 3 Series better in every way?

Let me know all of your thoughts in the comments.

Covers the exterior, interior, engine and handling of the Lexus IS 2020 / 2019 IS 300.

[andrewforbes]

Great video. I absolutely love our IS 300h (UK hybrid model)!
Personally I think the IS is a fabulous looking car. Plus, none of the German rivals can compete on reliability.
I'll only ever buy Lexus!

[reesharris]

I’ve driven all three engines of the current generation, I also own a previous gen IS250C (and before that had the sedan) so I’m no stranger to the Lexus brand. The turbo just didn’t do it for me, I felt it was missing the smoothness and quietness of the other two engines, really didn’t live up to the Lexus brand in my opinion. I agree that the 3.5 V6 is a stunning machine especially in F-Sport guise, but the Hybrid really surprised me and would be my pick if I was buying another one today.

[gilmoskovich]

in addition, Lexus is much more reliable than the German rivals.

[Junior]

Thanks for the comprehensive review. I’d go for the 350 too.
We had an IS250 Sports Luxury that we drove for 6 years and gave us trouble free motoring.
Lexus certainly know how to make vehicles that are reliable and easy to live with.

[mingyuhuang]

This Lexus literally looks like an angry samurai wtf 😂😂 I love the looks doe Lexus never stops impressing great review Tom love your work mate great personality and nicely shot and detailed "real-life" review!!!!

[cruxae]

Was a bit shocked when he said $65k and then I realized this was upside down dollaroos not freedom bucks

[Aperez]

I absolutely love my 2018 Lexus IS300 F sport RWD with Red Rioja Interior. i Picked up a used one at 11K Miles for $30.5K USD

I have modified it to have Android auto/Apple Carplay, Custom Sequential DRL + Sequential Mirror Lights, Air Suspension and now swapping to the new triple headlight Beams soon!

As my first car purchase coming from an old 2006 Suzuki Forenza with no AC I love this car so much and got a killer deal for it in my opinion.

[lukeson]

Personally most lexus models looks beautiful, even the old 1998-2004ish Is model looks ageless

[mesafto]

cheers TB, looking to buy lexus IS, timing was perfect!

[Kiarax]

You do a great job of conveying ‘real world’ driving impressions, thanks Tom.

I do like the fact that you also mention the existence (or otherwise) of a spare tyre - which is of particular importance to a number of us, here in Australia.

[jackryder]

Yes Lexus, that is why I stick to this brand for luxury and reliability. Amazing brand. All German brands good for after that, your money is done. You get nothing back and issues start.

[unknowntraveller]

Love the Lexus beautiful car, bit of an old man's car, but then again I have been a bit of an old man since I was 21, oh well. Love the review

[johnpalmer]

Cracking review, & thanks for reviewing a base model... base model LEXUS, but still a nice and surprising change :-)

[charliemontero]

A good entry level Lexus is not the most powerful or the most luxurious but is reliable

[bskimpful]

I have a 3 yr old Is300h best car i ever owned. I aint bothered about Appleplay or Android auto! German cars u are just paying for the premium badge with fanciful gadgets and great infotainment system. But these cars start falling bits and frequent visits to the garage once they hit 100k miles!!! With Lexus at least u kno u will be buying quality and reliability!! U get u moneys worth end of!

[ladybugs]

I was wondering if anyone else is having this problem with their IS 300 2020. While using the navigation and listening to my music, the navigation speaker does not speak over the music. Therefore I have to drive with the music either off or turned down very low. The dealership told me this is common with the newer models. Anyone else experiencing this?

[fchow]

The IS is far too old, it needs a new chassis and new electronics in order to keep up with it's rivals.

[aaronday]

Thanks Tom for another excellent review. You and John produce the best quality content in this country and I watch your videos religiously. Question: what would be your choice between 2017 IS300 or a 2017 320i?

[aldorivera]

I was waiting for the 0/60 and stuff😂😂

[zenat]

Can you give me feedback on the tires? Ive never had low profile tires before. Are they good for commuting 2 hours on a highway at high speeds a day? Are they dangerous on bumpy pavement? I think the car im looking at has 18 inch rimms. Thanks.