2023 Lexus IS 300

There are several models under the IS range with different sets of specs and features and they have improved performance as well. The Lexus IS 300 is the standalone trim but it comes with two options for drivetrains. The IS 300 which is the RWD is priced at $40,585 and the AWD version has a price tag of $42,585 in the US market. The 8-speed sports-tuned automatic gearbox with paddle shifters offers incredible performance in the entry-level premium sedan. The 8-way power-adjustable driver and passenger seats come with optional heated and ventilated aspects along with NuLuxe interior trim. The infotainment with an 8.0-inch Touchscreen display is equipped with the latest technology and the safety features are incredible as well. 

Packages

Comfort Package - $2,375

• Power tilt-and-slide moonroof
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Black Geometric interior trim
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink system

Premium Package - $4,020

• Includes Features from Comfort Package

• 19-inch split-10-spoke alloy wheels
• Power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel
• Outside mirrors with auto tilt-down in reverse
• Lexus Memory System for driver's seat, outside mirrors and steering wheel
• Black Open-Pore Wood trim
• Front door-sill scuff plates
• Rear armrest with cupholders
• Power rear sunshade

Navigation Package - $1,670

• Navigation System with 10.3-inch high-resolution touchscreen multimedia display
• Lexus Enform Dynamic Navigation
• Dynamic Voice Command
• Lexus Enform Destination Assist

Navigation/Mark Levinson Premium Audio Package - $2,750

• Includes Features from Navigation Packages

• Mark Levinson 17-speaker, 1,800-watt, 7.1-channel Premium Surround Sound with Quantum Logic Surround
• Machined-aluminum control knobs

We Recommend

The Lexus IS 300 has only two options and we recommend you go for the RWD with better torque and mileage. The AWD might have slightly better horsepower output but the higher price tag and lower fuel economy do not make it a good choice. The Premium Package is a great option with a lot of exclusive features to go for if you can afford it. 

Release Date

The 2023 Lexus IS 300 is expected to be available in the US market in late 2022.

The Lexus IS 300 comes with a 2L turbocharged inline-4 engine but the AWD version is equipped with a V6 instead. You can find an 8-speed Sport Direct-Shift Automatic transmission in the IS 300 and it provides smooth shifting. The engine is capable of generating 241 hp of power and the maximum torque output is 258 lb.-ft. The IS 300 AWD however, comes with a 6-speed transmission and has a higher power output of 260 hp. The 0 to 60 MPH acceleration is also different for the two variants as the RWD has a figure of 6.9 seconds while the AWD offers a better figure of 6.1 seconds. The top speed of the Lexus is 143 MPH which is definitely among the best figures in this category in the current market.

All the competitors come with the same engine size and the Volvo is the only one that is equipped with an FWD instead of an RWD. The Mercedes-Benz and the BMW generate the same amount of power and torque, making their figures the best in the market. The Lexus IS 300 has the lowest power output here. The BMW takes slightly less time to reach 60 MPH from a stop compared to the parallelly powerful Mercedes. BMW also has the best top speed among its rivals. The Volvo has a considerable 0 to 60 acceleration but it comes with the lowest top speed. 

Ride and Handling

The ride is smooth and comfortable in the 2023 IS 300 and you will mostly enjoy your time being the wheel. However, with the rear seats being a little cramped, you might feel a bit uncomfortable during long rides. The overall handling is satisfactory as the Electronic Power Steering offers good response and you can have good control of the vehicle. The turning circle for the IS 300 is 34.2 ft which makes it easier to move along the corners. The independent suspension on both front and rear offers great stability with the help of shock absorbers and stabilizer bars. It is expected that the higher models from the Lexus IS range will have better ride qualities and smoother handling but the performance of the IS 300 is quite competent. 

Braking Performance

The braking performance is efficient but we admit that it is not the best in the market. The brake rotors are standard and considering the curb weight of the sedan, the discs offer acceptable results. In the front, they come with four-piston calipers while in the rear you will find two-piston calipers with ventilated rotors. The power-assisted discs with four sensors apply the brakes almost immediately and the pedal feels smooth and accurate as well. The four-channel Anti-lock Braking System is standard and the Lexus also comes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution which transfers power to specific wheels to provide the most accurate outcomes. 

The Volvo S60 has the largest brake rotors in both front and rear wheels. The Mercedes-Benz has the smallest rotors in the front while the Lexus comes with the smallest ones on the rear wheels. However, it is necessary to mention that the Mercedes-Benz has the heaviest body which means the braking efficiency is lower. On the other hand, the Volvo comes with a slightly lower curb weight and the larger brake rotors result in a more efficient braking system. The braking distance from 60 to 0 MPH is the best for the BMW with only 103 ft.

The Lexus IS 300 does not offer great fuel economy for a luxury sedan. The EPA-certified mileage in the city is only 21 MPG while the same on the highway is 31 MPG. The combined mileage has a figure of 25 MPG. The AWD version is a bigger disappointment here as it only has 19 MPG and 26 MPG in the city and highway respectively. The fuel capacity, however, is better as the Lexus can afford to carry 17.4 gallons at a time. However, due to the lower mileage, the resultant range is not very satisfactory as the figure of 365 miles in the city is exceptionally low. The IS 300 AWD is much worse as it only offers 330 miles on the city streets and 452 miles on the highways. 

The Mercedes-Benz comes with the best fuel economy in the market. It has a mileage of 25 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The Volvo has a slightly better figure in mileage but the S60 comes with a smaller fuel capacity. As a result, the Mercedes-Benz delivers a much better range than the Volvo. The BMW has the same issue as it has similar mileage as the Mercedes but falls short in the range due to a smaller fuel tank. The Lexus is quite the opposite as it has a large fuel capacity but it has lower mileage and hence a lower range as well.

The Lexus IS 300 falls in the luxury sedan category which means that you can expect a lot of advanced features and comfort aspects. At the same time, the quality of the materials used and the overall design are really attractive. The sporty accent inside the cabin is impressive and the driver has a wide view of the road as well. The 8-way power adjustable bucket seats with NuLuxe leather upholstery for optimum comfort. You can also upgrade to the heated and ventilated seats for a few extra bucks. The front row is spacious but the rear one has a smaller space around it. The cargo area is acceptable but if you are looking for more space, you can fold the 60/40 Split seats in the rear. The dual-zone automatic climate control comes as standard for both variations. 

All the vehicles having the same seating capacity come with very similar figures. The Lexus is spacious in the front and has the largest legroom available but the BMW has slight advantages in the head and shoulder area. The second row is significantly spacious for the Mercedes-Benz while the Lexus offers the smallest area. The Volvo comes with a standard area in both rows. In the case of trunk space, the BMW offers the highest area with a figure of 17.0 cu.-ft. The rest of the sedans have considerably smaller cargo space. The Volvo comes with the second smallest cargo space after Lexus. 

• 8-way power-adjustable front bucket seats
• Optional heated and ventilated front seats
• Leather heated steering wheel
• NuLuxe leather upholstery
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• 60/40 Split fold-down rear seats

Infotainment System

The infotainment system is very intuitive and comes with a standard 8-inch touchscreen display. You can also avail of the 10.3-in high-resolution touchscreen multimedia display separately or from the package list. The Lexus Apps and Enform Wi-Fi come as standard features in both RWD and AWD models. It has great smartphone connectivity and two USB ports. The SiriusXM is a great addition and you also have a remote touchpad for easy access. The integrated Apple CarPlay is standard and the Lexus is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Android Auto. The Voice Command with Bluetooth makes access to several features look even cooler. The Auto-dimming rearview mirror with the HomeLink system can be availed through packages as well. 

• Lexus multimedia system with 8.0-in touchscreen color display
• Available 10.3-in high-resolution touchscreen multimedia display
• Optional Mark Levinson 17-speaker, Premium Surround Sound with Quantum Logic Surround
• Lexus Enform Dynamic Navigation
• Dynamic Voice Command
• Voice Command with Bluetooth
• Apple CarPlay integration with Amazon Alexa and Android Auto compatibility

The ingenious design can be found in the exterior as well with a lot of style statements. The sharp-looking compact sedan makes sure that it can compete against the German giants in the market. The detailed exterior design comes with a large grille in the front that allows a lot of air intake and at the same time, a unique look with the brand signature. The slim hood paired with the sleek and aggressive headlights is certainly the best aspect in this case. The redesigned front bumpers add an aerodynamic touch and help you distinguish the car from the crowd. The side profile of the IS 300 is gorgeous and the shoulder line is impressive as well. It is understandable that the IS 300 is simpler than the F Sport models but the sporty appearance has a solid fanbase. 

The Volvo comes with the largest dimension in case of length and width but the BMW has a better height in this case. The length of the Lexus is the smallest among the rivals while the Mercedes-Benz comes with the lowest figure in width. The wheelbase of the Volvo is the largest and the same for the Lexus is the smallest. However, Lexus has a considerable ground clearance and only the Volvo has a slight advantage here. The Mercedes-Benz is the lowest to the ground. It also has the heaviest body whereas the BMW comes with the lowest curb weight among its rivals. 

• 18-inch dual 5-spoke silver-painted alloys
• Chrome exterior accents
• Sand clock signature grille
• Automatic LED headlamps
• Full-length LED tail lamp
• Rain sensing wipers

The 2023 Lexus IS 300 has received five-star ratings in all the crucial aspects of the safety and crash tests from the NHTSA authorities. The IIHS is yet to test the model from this year but the previous year's model only has the highest scores. The model even received the Top Safety Pick Plus award and it is expected to achieve the same this time. The Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 comes with all the advanced technologies to ensure the highest safety aspects for the passengers. The All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Traction Control, and Road Sign Assist make it superbly easy and safe for the driver. Basic features like Forward collision warning and Blind-spot monitoring come as standard for the Lexus. It also has a surround-view parking camera system and front and rear parking sensors for better parking in order to avoid any scratches or graze. 

• Lexus Safety System+ 2.5
• Adaptive cruise control
• Forward collision warning with Pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Road sign recognition
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Surround-view parking camera system

2023 Lexus IS 300 vs. 2023 Mercedes-Benz C 300

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz C 300 has the same engine and drivetrain but transmission is swifter for the Lexus. Both the power and torque output is at advantage in the Mercedes and it also has a great 0 to 60 acceleration. However, the top speed is lower than the IS 300 model and the ride and handling experience is also better for the same. The braking is adequate and the overall performance is satisfactory for the Mercedes-Benz. More importantly, the C class comes with one of the best fuel economies in the market with high mileage and range. The interior of the Mercedes is spacious enough and it also has a slightly larger cargo space. The two models have a close competition without a clear winner here. 

2023 Lexus IS 300 vs. 2023 BMW 3-Series 

The BMW 3-Series offers great performance with better power and maximum torque. The acceleration is significantly better than the Lexus and it has a higher top speed as well. The riding is smooth and BMW has great control as well. Its braking system is incredible and it has the lowest figure in braking distance. The 3-series offers better mileage but due to smaller fuel capacity, it delivers almost the same range as the IS 300. The style and practicality of the interior are commendable and it comes with the largest cargo area available. The exterior section of the BMW is attractive but the safety section is not as advanced as the Lexus. However, we would understand if you choose the BMW over the Lexus. 

2023 Lexus IS 300 vs. 2023 Volvo S60 Core

The 2023 Volvo S60 comes with the same engine as the Lexus IS 300 and there is hardly any difference between their performance. The top speed of the Volvo is lower than the Lexus but it has a better 0 to 60 acceleration. The ride and handling are much better for the IS 300 but the S60 has more efficient braking. The EPA-certified mileage is considerably better for the Volvo and despite a smaller fuel tank, it offers a better range than the Lexus. The interior features are almost the same as its rival and the space around the seats is similar as well. The exterior design is attractive but not as appealing as the Lexus. The Volvo S60 is a good alternative but we would not choose it over the Lexus.

The Lexus IS 300 is a great option in the compact luxury sedan category with appreciable engine performance. It has good power output and great acceleration. The top speed is commendable and the ride quality is incredible even at high speed. The overall control and braking prowess make it a good bargain in the competitive market. The fuel economy might be the only segment that it lags behind its primary competitors but it is acceptable nonetheless. The luxury sedan offers a spacious cabin and the advanced features make it special. The cargo area is not too impressive but the seating is comfortable. The exterior design is illusive and the overall appearance makes it look agile and aggressive. The safety system is top-notch and it has a lot of advanced safety features that make it one of the most reliable cars in the market. The competitive pricing makes the Lexus IS 300 an easy choice and we recommend the RWD version. However, you should also take a look at its potential rivals in the current market.