2025 Lexus IS 350 F Sport: A Reliable Compact Luxury Sport Sedan Review

Exterior Design and Features

• 🎨 The Cloudburst gray exterior is a standout color, complemented by a sporty and aggressive front fascia with LED daytime running lamps and headlights.
• 🖤 The F Sport trim features gloss black accents throughout, including the spindle grille, lower lip splitter, and functional cooling ducts.
• 🚀 The rear boasts a gloss black trunk lid spoiler and a full-width LED tail light design, with dual outlet functional exhaust tips.
• ⚙️ Notable exterior details include 19-inch dark chrome multi-spoke wheels, large black calipers with nearly 14-inch rotors, and F Sport badging.

Powertrain and Performance

• 💨 Under the hood is a 3.5L naturally aspirated V6 engine producing 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.
• 🕹️ Power is delivered through an 8-speed automatic transmission to a rear-wheel-drive platform, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds.
• ⛽ Fuel economy is rated at 20 MPG city and 28 MPG highway, with a curb weight of 3,814 pounds.
• 🔊 The naturally aspirated V6 offers a smooth and linear torque delivery, distinct from turbocharged alternatives.

Interior Comfort and Technology

• 🟥 The interior features a striking two-tone red and black scheme with soft-touch materials and red stitching, creating an engaging atmosphere.
• 📱 An optional 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system is available, offering full touch functionality, a significant upgrade from the standard 8-inch display.
• 🎶 The center console includes a real volume knob, tuning knob, and a CD player, alongside three-stage heated and ventilated seats.
• 💡 A unique feature is the digital gauge cluster with a physical bezel that slides with the screen, offering customizable information displays including a G-meter.

Driving Dynamics and Practicality

• 🏎️ The F Sport steering wheel with red stitching and paddle shifters, combined with the digital gauge cluster, enhances the sporty driving experience.
• 🛣️ The rear-wheel-drive platform and specially tuned suspension contribute to excellent handling and a balanced feel, with steering feedback praised over some BMW competitors.
• 💺 The compact sedan offers ample headroom in the rear seats for a 6-foot tall passenger, though a high driveshaft tunnel impacts the center seat.
• 📦 The trunk provides approximately 12 cubic feet of space, with 60/40 split-folding rear seats and a spare tire located underneath the cargo area.

Final Thoughts and Competition

• 🏆 The 2025 Lexus IS 350 F Sport is positioned as a highly reliable compact luxury sport sedan, competing with vehicles like the BMW 3 Series and the now-discontinued Acura TLX.
• 💰 The MSRP for the reviewed model is around $52,500, offering a compelling package of performance, luxury, and reliability.
• ⚠️ A minor drawback noted is the lack of rear USB ports for passengers.