2025 Lexus IS 300 Review: The Best Priced RWD Compact Luxury Sedan?

Exterior Design and Features

• 🎨 The Matador Red exterior is highlighted as a favorite Lexus color, with a clean and timeless design.
• 💡 Features include 19-inch multi-spoke wheels, dual-outlet exhaust, a sunroof, and signature Lexus LED projector beam headlights.
• 💨 Aerodynamic elements like a flat black sill extension are noted, contributing to a sporty yet luxurious profile.

Powertrain and Performance

• ⚙️ This IS-300 model is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 engine producing 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
• 🚀 It's paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, achieving 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds.
• ⛽ Fuel economy is rated at 21 MPG city and 31 MPG highway, with a top speed of 143 mph.

Interior Comfort and Technology

• 🛋️ The interior features a two-tone baseball glove tan and black color scheme with contrast stitching and soft-touch materials.
• 🔊 The infotainment system is an 8-inch touchscreen with a trackpad, though noted as dated, it offers basic functionality and a grainy backup camera display.
• 🎛️ Physical buttons control dual-zone climate, heated/ventilated seats (3 stages each), and drive modes (Sport, Eco, Normal).
• 🔌 The center console offers two USB-C ports, a 12V outlet, and ample storage space.

Driving Experience and Handling

• 🛣️ The suspension is described as a 'Goldilocks spec', striking a balance between comfort and sportiness without being too harsh or too soft.
• 🔊 The cabin is exceptionally quiet, with excellent sound deadening and minimal road or wind noise.
• 🕹️ The steering is praised for its thickness and responsiveness, with paddle shifters for manual control of the 8-speed automatic transmission.
• 💨 The rear-wheel-drive platform provides a distinct handling advantage over front-wheel-drive sedans, and the 2.0L turbo engine is surprisingly peppy and smooth.

Practicality and Value

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The rear seat offers adequate room for a compact sedan, feeling more spacious than a BMW 3 Series, with AC vents but no rear connectivity ports.
• 📦 The trunk provides 12 cubic feet of space, with a low floor and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for expanded cargo capacity.
• 💰 With an MSRP around $47,000 for this configuration, the IS-300 is positioned as an entry-level luxury sports sedan, with the reviewer questioning if it's the most affordable option compared to German competitors.