@@j4559 It is a fabulous car. Best I have ever driven. But a manual, rear-biased Lexus with the Toyota 3.5 V6 would still be a lot of fun, last longer, and be more usable in many situations (e.g. passengers). Watch the dealers, on delivery they left my tires at 45 psi and had overfilled the oil by about a quart. Basically had to do an oil change at 100 km. Maybe Subaru dealers know the car better; not sure.
For me, the most confidence comes when I keep the IS300 in manual mode as that eliminates the possibility of delays in passing power. If I'm just hitting corners on a road alone then sport mode is sufficient in holding higher revs.
These are much better than turbo 4 poppers, naturally aspirated V6s have instant throttle response, are more reliable (especially Lexus V6s) and also sound way better.
Is there a big difference in suspension stiffness between the is300f and the is350f? Will the suspension in the is350f be more tiring than the is300f on longer highway trips?
@@imnotusingmyrealname4566 yea but not the F-Sport AWD, in the US its the 4 cyl im pretty sure? They've done a great job confusing everybody once they switched from 250 to 300.
@@kbc8090 Just looked it up and in the US every 300 is the 2.0L turbo, RWD, AWD, F-Sport, every 300. I've noticed powertrains in Canada are slightly more conservative than in the US. Maybe it's the climate up North.
so you’re telling me I'm a tune away from a car that is 5k more and I can take that 5k and buy a supercharger or turbo?? im looking for a 2017 is300 (2017 and under is easier to tune/supercharge vs the Direct Injection) used market is ab 18-23k for a decent is300, sub 30k awd 420hp 3800 pound reliable luxury car, im in + even tho its awd its rwd biased, so much better than similar awd systems (WRX, Golf, RS3, Acura TLX, etc)
Great video, in the UK the whole range is 4 cylinder hybrids. Apart from one model, the LBX, with a 3 cylinder hybrid. No 6 cylinders or 8. We dont even get the IS or LS.
The is350 is 1000 lbs heavier then the is300 because of the all wheel drive that makes it heavier. I have the is300 turbo and it’s 284 hp stock lighter then the 350 . Saves gas and a bit faster then the v6
The transmission in this isn’t better than that in the isf at all. That was the first aggressive 8 speed and the gear ratios made it more fun than the 8 speed today, which hunts for gears.
@@ttis3701 again everything cost more in Canada.....an IS 300 with an F Sport 2 package with tax is like $65k CAD an IS 350 loaded with the F sport 3 package is like almost $75k CAD...all my local Lexus dealerships charge this much
@Chris-ms8qz no way it does? What? For real omg I had no idea m. Wow.... I know dude I know. It's called exchange rates, you clearly don't understand what my comment was regarding
I drive around NYC every single day. About 30,000 miles each year. I do not see any lexus IS on the street. Literally, no one is buying them. I see tons of competition to this car. Tons of Mercedes and BMW cars in the same price range.
@@RoadsUntraveled savagegeese compared 500, 350 RWD, 350 AWD, 300 AWD and 300 RWD and they said the RWD were all substantially better than the AWD ones.
How about driving the car in the snow? That should be another comparison. The 300 is better than the 350, too much power in the 350 when driving in the snow with proper winter tires?
Depends on the level of access inside the ECU your tuner could get to. Theoretically it's possible though, yes. As far as I know they're mechanically identical.
It’s a great $40k (US) car. There’s much faster and more luxurious cars to be had for what they price it at. Really you’re paying the premium for the reliability peace of mind.
That interior is waaay past due for a change. We have seen this since 2014. And the power delivery is just not good enough. Lexus has better powertrains for the IS like the 2.4T, what makes this worse is detuning an already underwhelming 3.5L V6 engine….
The 4 cylinders in the German products ARE faster because they produce lots of torque at lower RPM - plus they getter better MPG, handle better, brake better and are just more fun to drive. But, the Lexus IS more reliable….personal choice, I’d take a BMW 330I or a C -Class. This 6 cylinder does not wake up until 4,000 rpm, at which time the turbo 4’s have left this in the dust.
@@RoadsUntraveled The fours produce a big, fat, torque band down low and in the middle, where most people drive most of the time. This is far better than running up to 5,000 in order to get up to speed. Most people don’t spend much time pushing an engine over 5,000 rpm, either.
@@RoadsUntraveled Everything in life is a compromise…I’d prefer more power at lower RPM rather than constantly running any engine over 5,000, which is not very practical in day-to-day driving.
@@paulevans240at low rpms you're just cruising. If you don't like to rev up your engine for unlocking its real power, you're just "racing" from street light to street light like a poser
Such a great looking car. But it is just so, so slow. I have had the following cars with the same motor: 2006 Is350, 2007 GS350, 2008 GS350, 2009 IS350, 2014 IS350. As it relates to performance, the 2006 was the quickest to 60 and through the quarter. The 2014 was the worse on gas. The 2007 and 2008 GS is the best on gas, most most fun to drive and most comfortable. The 2014-2024 Is 350 are very slow off the line and to 60. They, however, really really pull hard up top. Every generation gets slower. They used to be 13.7-13.9 seconds cars. Now, they are 14.2-14.4. Either way, incredibly reliable and great resale. I still have the 2014 is350 f sport. but it is a back up car now to my BMWs. Lol
Yes u are correct tbh I have a 22 is350 it is dog shit off the line even with a tune but top end after 112 mph it start to pull hard and trap around 150 in 6th gear unless u in manual mode I have a d3 tune on it tbh it’s worth getting a tune but the 4gen is350 is definitely slower off the line compare to others tbh
The V6s on the IS are smooth but so antiquated. It's essentially a dressed up V6 Camry, which isn't a complement. Had a TL Type-S that was down on power and less gears that would outperform and drive better than the 350. The 300 makes little sense for something that weak. Combined with the slow transmission, the boaty feel and the decade old interior, other sedans are definitely not missing out. It's a shame because the IS actually looks incredibly handsome.
I will never be able to buy one of those. But is still my dream car. Lexus should make a 4 cyl twin turbo ls300 design for 25000 usd. Happy trade my 2023 rav 4 for one of those. Dreams are for free.
That’s very terrible advice, because it’s better to just get IS300 in AWD and get a tune for $500 that’s the exact one in the IS350. You save money on insurance just by owning the IS300. Plus, 260hp, is definitely enough power as is for everyday driving.
If manual was an option, I would trade my GR86 for one. Not kidding.
really?! i'm thinking about a stick gr86 premium next, any reason why you're not nuts about it?
@@j4559 It is a fabulous car. Best I have ever driven. But a manual, rear-biased Lexus with the Toyota 3.5 V6 would still be a lot of fun, last longer, and be more usable in many situations (e.g. passengers). Watch the dealers, on delivery they left my tires at 45 psi and had overfilled the oil by about a quart. Basically had to do an oil change at 100 km. Maybe Subaru dealers know the car better; not sure.
@@morgandrives good insight, thanks a bunch! & yeah that's not the first time i've left a shop like why do they put the damn tire pressure so high!
I also would have got an IS350 here in AU but it is auto only so went for a 370z.
For me, the most confidence comes when I keep the IS300 in manual mode as that eliminates the possibility of delays in passing power. If I'm just hitting corners on a road alone then sport mode is sufficient in holding higher revs.
Just purchased a is 300 very quiet and fast couldn’t ask for anything better than this 💨 !!
Agree, until I go up a hill with AC on. I got the 350 and it's got plenty of power, especially in Sport mode. The turning radius is impressive.
I've had my is500 for a bit over a year now, I love it so much I wish I could buy one of these to drive during our canadian winters.
I’ve noticed a lot of 4th gen GSs are popping up on the cdn market. I’d get this as a beater for our winters.
Such a beautiful car. I think both previous and current gen IS are the most beautiful cars on road.
It's such a good looking car too
I just got my 07 350 and I been loving it. 2IS350 Got some serious performance. Seems like they've gotten heavier and slower with the new ones.
These are much better than turbo 4 poppers, naturally aspirated V6s have instant throttle response, are more reliable (especially Lexus V6s) and also sound way better.
Fuel efficiency sucks though. I wasn't even getting 19 mpg.
No…the 4 cylinders are much quicker..they hit 60 in about 5.4 because they produce torque at much lower RPM
Thats definitely a good take, love the videos!
Glad you're here. Thanks!
In Canada can you get the chesnut brown interior instead of red.
I feel too old for a blood red interior.
Love the new IS. I traded my 2021 IS350 for a 2022 IS500. I wanted more power and haven’t regretted it for a second.
so jealous ... the 500 is great
Is there a big difference in suspension stiffness between the is300f and the is350f? Will the suspension in the is350f be more tiring than the is300f on longer highway trips?
So canada gets the detuned 3.5L in the 300 and the US gets the turbo 4, thats weird.
It's because it's AWD. the AWD 300 gets the V6. The US also has AWD but also has the RWD which is the turbo 4. All in all,
get the 350 RWD.
@@imnotusingmyrealname4566 yea but not the F-Sport AWD, in the US its the 4 cyl im pretty sure? They've done a great job confusing everybody once they switched from 250 to 300.
@@imnotusingmyrealname4566 350 RWD not available in Canada
@@kbc8090 Just looked it up and in the US every 300 is the 2.0L turbo, RWD, AWD, F-Sport, every 300. I've noticed powertrains in Canada are slightly more conservative than in the US. Maybe it's the climate up North.
@@kbc8090 Also yeah Lexus messed this up. They had Mercedes and BMW as an example but fumbled still.
so you’re telling me I'm a tune away from a car that is 5k more and I can take that 5k and buy a supercharger or turbo??
im looking for a 2017 is300 (2017 and under is easier to tune/supercharge vs the Direct Injection)
used market is ab 18-23k for a decent is300, sub 30k awd 420hp 3800 pound reliable luxury car, im in
+ even tho its awd its rwd biased, so much better than similar awd systems (WRX, Golf, RS3, Acura TLX, etc)
Great video, in the UK the whole range is 4 cylinder hybrids. Apart from one model, the LBX, with a 3 cylinder hybrid. No 6 cylinders or 8. We dont even get the IS or LS.
Love this. What are your opinions on 2025 ES 300/350 F Sport? Including the exterior back.
The is350 is 1000 lbs heavier then the is300 because of the all wheel drive that makes it heavier. I have the is300 turbo and it’s 284 hp stock lighter then the 350 . Saves gas and a bit faster then the v6
He's in Canada.
They're all AWD, 300 & 350
The transmission in this isn’t better than that in the isf at all. That was the first aggressive 8 speed and the gear ratios made it more fun than the 8 speed today, which hunts for gears.
First 8 speed to what ?
that 6spd is soooooo old, basically from 2006. The 8spd on the IS500 is basically same as ISF
Yeah you would think they would change something lol
50k USD for a is300 f sport? No bro no... my local lexus has 2 IS350 F Sport AWD for 50 lol, the 300 is like high 30s low 40s
Its CAD (just look at the plate) everything cost more in Canada btw
@@Chris-ms8qz he said 50k USD... go re watch it
@@ttis3701 again everything cost more in Canada.....an IS 300 with an F Sport 2 package with tax is like $65k CAD an IS 350 loaded with the F sport 3 package is like almost $75k CAD...all my local Lexus dealerships charge this much
@Chris-ms8qz no way it does? What? For real omg I had no idea m. Wow.... I know dude I know. It's called exchange rates, you clearly don't understand what my comment was regarding
@@ttis3701 see..told ya so
How do these manufacturers come up with the idea that buyers like red interiors? Black? Tan? Gray? Nope! Red!
ive seen the black interior with the red inserts in seats that looks sharp,..agree the all red is too much
White is the best interior color
I drive around NYC every single day. About 30,000 miles each year. I do not see any lexus IS on the street. Literally, no one is buying them. I see tons of competition to this car. Tons of Mercedes and BMW cars in the same price range.
It's a huge shame Canada doesn't get the RWD one. The AWD apparently has horrendous handling compared to the RWD.
I'd love to drive them back to back!
@@RoadsUntraveled savagegeese compared 500, 350 RWD, 350 AWD, 300 AWD and 300 RWD and they said the RWD were all substantially better than the AWD ones.
You know what really sucks? The all wheel drive is open diff…. ⚙️ 🤦♀️
@@DiaperSNiFFER yeah it was never intended for performance. Sadly Lexus puts zero effort into the IS.
Man. Cool car. Definitely old but still a good car. Just slow. Fast for most people but for over $40k I’m expecting more power.
How about driving the car in the snow? That should be another comparison. The 300 is better than the 350, too much power in the 350 when driving in the snow with proper winter tires?
If is the last v6 they should just put a v8 engine in there or just leave the v6 and just put a v6 twin turbo
The is500 has the v8
Hopefully you get a chance to drive an is500
Yeah it's unlikely, I was scheduled for the press car but the car was damaged just before I was going to drive it.
@@RoadsUntraveled that's unfortunate
@@RoadsUntraveled if you are looking for a IS500 to test let me know, can probably lend u my 23 model, not much change between 23 and 24 anyways
Japanese sports sedans really taking a downgarde lately.
I'm really love this car.
Go for the IS350. 👍
Hopefully it'll be available in Europe.
These things look so good but it's so outdated at the same time. And the mpgs aren't great either
Can you tune it to the 350 settings? If it’s the same engine ?
Depends on the level of access inside the ECU your tuner could get to. Theoretically it's possible though, yes. As far as I know they're mechanically identical.
@@RoadsUntraveled wow, someone could potentially save tons of money!
Yes I have a 22 is350
@@dennistv598 nice! You saved a ton of money! Idk why they just don’t tune them all at 350 settings
@@jimmytovar2844 I haven’t had a issue with it
IS350 AWD is only 160 lbs heavier than the IS300 4 cyl turbo, which only makes 241.
The 350 is a lot faster.
It’s a great $40k (US) car. There’s much faster and more luxurious cars to be had for what they price it at. Really you’re paying the premium for the reliability peace of mind.
That interior is waaay past due for a change. We have seen this since 2014. And the power delivery is just not good enough. Lexus has better powertrains for the IS like the 2.4T, what makes this worse is detuning an already underwhelming 3.5L V6 engine….
They should really put the b58 in one of these newer Lexus 😓
No German junk in Lexus
@@bigdaddyslick4961 you sound drunk it’s a Toyota engineered motor, so it would make sense
yeah any excuse for bmw to make more b58s is a good one imo. i want one of those engines so bad.
@@rikXsavagenope
@@bigdaddyslick4961 lol the junk is this slow glorified turd
Red interior looks so much better over black.
Its always a good idea to buy 350 instead of 300 tbh
Why its the same engine?
@@MartinFire13 even if you have the awd which has the same engine down tuned, you have the worse 6 AT instead of the 8
@@JamesBrown-ny2dw why is the 8 speed better
Love the look.
But at the price point horsepower, power train and interior are all to dated.
It’s really not that bad tbh all it needs is a tune and intake it will do 0-60 in 4.7 seconds with the d3 performance tune
The 4 cylinders in the German products ARE faster because they produce lots of torque at lower RPM - plus they getter better MPG, handle better, brake better and are just more fun to drive. But, the Lexus IS more reliable….personal choice, I’d take a BMW 330I or a C -Class. This 6 cylinder does not wake up until 4,000 rpm, at which time the turbo 4’s have left this in the dust.
The problem with the 4s is they're generally fairly disappointing above 5,000 RPM. It's a give and take.
@@RoadsUntraveled The fours produce a big, fat, torque band down low and in the middle, where most people drive most of the time. This is far better than running up to 5,000 in order to get up to speed. Most people don’t spend much time pushing an engine over 5,000 rpm, either.
@@RoadsUntraveled Everything in life is a compromise…I’d prefer more power at lower RPM rather than constantly running any engine over 5,000, which is not very practical in day-to-day driving.
@@paulevans240at low rpms you're just cruising. If you don't like to rev up your engine for unlocking its real power, you're just "racing" from street light to street light like a poser
What's that Being slow ?
Exhaust opening look so whimsy.
Whimpy
Car sucks for the money. Anyone who can afford to buy one can afford the extra 5% it costs to maintain an M2 or M340
Such a great looking car. But it is just so, so slow. I have had the following cars with the same motor: 2006 Is350, 2007 GS350, 2008 GS350, 2009 IS350, 2014 IS350. As it relates to performance, the 2006 was the quickest to 60 and through the quarter. The 2014 was the worse on gas. The 2007 and 2008 GS is the best on gas, most most fun to drive and most comfortable. The 2014-2024 Is 350 are very slow off the line and to 60. They, however, really really pull hard up top. Every generation gets slower. They used to be 13.7-13.9 seconds cars. Now, they are 14.2-14.4. Either way, incredibly reliable and great resale. I still have the 2014 is350 f sport. but it is a back up car now to my BMWs. Lol
Yes u are correct tbh I have a 22 is350 it is dog shit off the line even with a tune but top end after 112 mph it start to pull hard and trap around 150 in 6th gear unless u in manual mode I have a d3 tune on it tbh it’s worth getting a tune but the 4gen is350 is definitely slower off the line compare to others tbh
That’s a very intelligent decision to keep it back up to your bmw if you have bmw you should always have a back up car that’s not going to fail.
The V6s on the IS are smooth but so antiquated. It's essentially a dressed up V6 Camry, which isn't a complement. Had a TL Type-S that was down on power and less gears that would outperform and drive better than the 350. The 300 makes little sense for something that weak. Combined with the slow transmission, the boaty feel and the decade old interior, other sedans are definitely not missing out. It's a shame because the IS actually looks incredibly handsome.
Get the is500.
It's too slow even is350 slow. Is500 is the one to get or lc500. $50K for 240 hp and it's not a wheel hp. It's even less. I'd rather get G70 3.3T
F sports always whooping scat packs ass 😂
The Toyota Camry still has a v6 emgine
The new ones are all Hybrid.
Nope they don’t.
@@MrMustangrick 2024 smart one
I will never be able to buy one of those. But is still my dream car. Lexus should make a 4 cyl twin turbo ls300 design for 25000 usd. Happy trade my 2023 rav 4 for one of those. Dreams are for free.
Doesn't look as sleek/badass/sexual as the older models 😓
OLD engine…poor power for the size, low MPG…there are many better choices.
No Yamaha engine, not interested.
First getting rid of V8s not V6s. I guess I will no longer buy anything from Lexus since they are caving to the green and climate nut jobs!
It’s slow
its not a performance sports car why are you driving one as such? this is such a ridiculous and absurd review.
The last Honda V6 Ex is the best 2016
I have the 2022 IS350 f sport, only paid 4 thousand more then the car your testing. Get the IS350.. the IS 300 is too slow.
That’s very terrible advice, because it’s better to just get IS300 in AWD and get a tune for $500 that’s the exact one in the IS350. You save money on insurance just by owning the IS300. Plus, 260hp, is definitely enough power as is for everyday driving.