I've got a 2016 IS350 F Sport (same gen 3 version). It's been an amazing little daily driver, responsive, reliable, and in Sport+ mode: still quicker than over 80% of all cars on the road today. It's not a race car, but it does everything VERY WELL and it has that Lexus / Toyota reliability. I certainly wouldn't be driving an off-warranty Beemer.
@@yungsaya the IS 500 doesn't get the recognition it deserves, but a few years from now people will realize it was the last of it's kind and nothing close to it can be bought brand new anymore, and they won't be coming back. If I could afford the payments and feeding the thirsty beast premium fuel on a weekly basis it would be my daily driver as we speak.
@@oshitomaha If bragging rights with your bros is important or you have easy access to a drag strip, sure. Otherwise 5.5 sec 0-60 is still faster than most cars on the road, but even so, thats not what Lexus is about. If you want the ultimate drag race machine even a Hellcat Redeye can get walked by a German car with less raw horsepower...but AWD and launch control. It's all about priorities.
@@jbm0866 it’s not about having a German and a retarded Hallcat with 800hp… hell I already have an Audi S5 doing 0-60 in 4.2 seconds… I’m talking about this beauty of a car with subtle performance in the 4 seconds. Dude there are Hondas this fast from 2015 wtf?
Saw one of the new models with the ultrasonic blue mica the other day…. Videos and pictures DO NOT do this car justice. Go see it in person. The exterior of this car is stunning
I gotta say I agree with you! I just picked up a 23 is 350 f sport a month ago in ultrasonic blue. I like the Grecian water and it made me dislike the ultrasonic. In person it is nuts like you said! So much metallic.
I missed my 2017 IS… it was a bit too small for me for long trips, but loved everything about it. Simple, clean and always got compliments. Now I drive a pickup truck, but this new gen body style looks amazing! Maybe I’ll get it again.
Some would say "right sized" lol. I have a Mazda 3 turbo hatch, so I know true tiny..but I prefer not dragging along more car than I need. Smaller cars are simply more fun to drive..#facts😊
Great video, as usual! Other things I would like to have learned more about would be the quality and fidelity of the sound system, the transmission, how is the ride and feel in a "touring mode". Most of us who would want a vehicle like this would be using it as a daily driver and wouldn't be using the sporty features with the wife in the passenger seat. Lol
Thank you for your input as always! To answer your questions, the stereo has the Mark Levinson stereo upgrade, it sounds pretty great but that stuff is tough to relay thru my mic and the video. The transmission is pretty fast and smooth. It’s an 8 speed because this is the RWD model. The AWD model gets a slower shifting 6 speed auto. Daily driving is awesome in this thing. Very comfortable. My wife loves it.
Owned my is350 2023 for 3 days and I love it. Isn’t crazy power but it’s enough, smooth drive and looks amazing! Interior is not “dated” it has everything you can possibly want. If it’s not broken don’t fix it.
I really wouldn’t consider this a “cheap alternative” with dynamic package. Dynamic package alone puts the car right at $50k, but at dealers you won’t find it for cheaper than $54k
Just got a 2023 is350- no performance package and no upgraded sound system. The sound system is a MUST- this 10 speaker premium is lacking for a 50k car. Aside from that it handles like a cloud- can't imagine what it would be like with that extra sport + mode. Anyhow- this car is a SPORTY luxury sedan. It is no longer a sport sedan like the 2 IS. It is not very fast. Even if it was tuned with 20 more horsepower it would make a difference. But 311 HP on a car that is almost 2 tons, well- its a bit lack luster. The F sport comes standard with a cold air intake so that's off the table and the ECU has not been cracked yet for a tune. I would have gone with the IS500 if it wasn't for the 20K mark up my California dealers are charging. Overall the car has super and I mean SUPER aggressive styling and is so comfortable to drive. But if you are not concerned with long term ownership and reliability, and want something that throws you back in your seat- this car is not for you. I don't see the complaints with the infotainment or technology aspect of the car- but I am coming from a 2IS. Personally I think this car is a great choice if speed is not your main priority. It is a quick head turner and a DREAM to drive on Cali roads. And if you have been to California that says something. TLDR- GET THE UPGRADED SOUND SYSTEM AND THE PREFORMANCE PACKAGE- IF SPEEFD IS YOUR NEED GET THE IS500 AND SPEND THE 20K ON MARKUP. Much love Lexus Family
I think you might have meant to type cheaper instead of cheap. A costing upwards of 50k certainly isn't cheap, even if the higher trim cost thousands more. Words have meaning.
Plenty of smooth NA power and the awd option would make it a great daily in the bad weather states. What it may miss in brand new interior design it makes up for with proven reliability and a highly regarded dealer / service experience.
This car is for people who don't care about having bragging rights among your buddies with similar sports sedans. This IS 350 is for people who recognize it's more than fast enough with handling that is better than 90+% of the cars and SUV's on the road with you..and most importantly quiet, comfortable and reliable day in and day out. With Lexus you don't have to get in an endless cycle of leasing just to avoid wallet draining repair costs after the warranty ends. You can actually buy one of these and keep it 10 years with nothing more than regular fluid changes and consumables. (tires, brake pads etc) All of this is why I'll look to Lexus when my financial situation improves in a couple years, in the meantime I'll happily continue driving my 2021 Mazda 3 turbo hatch...which is also one of those cars you can safely own instead of lease.
I think the new gen G70 with the 3.3t is a serious competitor for the IS 350, the G70 has better infotainment, very adjustable seats, and the engine is quick....though wished they had fitted the new 3.5t. The Lexus V8 though, changes the game!
Excellent video except you forgot to mention how much the car costs. Which is strange because that's something you normally are very clear on. Unless I missed it
You did not mention that the IS 350 F Sport has an AWD option not available on the IS 500 F Sport. That was a major determining factor in me choosing the IS 350 over the IS 500. I needed a daily driver that can handle winters in the Great Lakes.
I got a IS 350 S YESTERDAY .CHEAP I DON'T THINK SO . WHEN IS 5O.OOO CHEAP. DRIVE VERY WELL I WILL TEST IT OUT TODAY . BLACK WITH RED INTERIOR MY COLOR FOR A CAR I AM SATISFIED
Thanks for the great review. I have the IS 350 Fsport of this generation with dynamic handling package. Gorgeous car and very comfortable. In your opinion- would switching from the stock tires to Michelin 4S tires help with traction in sharp corners and initial throttle?
I checked it out, it kind of sits in a wierd spot. Its competitors are the 330i and the A4, with more power and kind of sits in the middle between them for price, plus it's Toyota. The head room in the rear SUCKS, and the excess glossy black plastic in the rear bumper and fake diffuser kinda kills it for me, the mismatched brake calipers front and rear make it seem like they aren't trying, and the fact that they're using the same reliability tuned (kneecapped) engine that they've been using for ten years across the entire fleet doesn't help sell the "sport" of the F sport badge.
Great looking car but the engine, transmission, suspension and infotainment is at least 2-3 generations behind its German rivals and that’s coming from someone who bought a 2021 IS350 F-Sport.
I like the 350 for the price but like the hood on the 500 I wonder if the 500 hood would fit on the 350 the 500 going to be very pricey $$$$ for the rich
I test drove both of these last week although it was the 4 cylinder g70, I did and I ended up choosing the IS350, I went into the test drive already planning on getting the genesis but when I sat in both the IS did feel a slight order but the fit and finish were top-notch, the g70 I tested was good but it had some mismatched panels and something in the interior was just rattling which was driving me crazy to see that a brand new car had rattling pieces, now I don't know if it was just my particular tester but it definitely set me off on the wrong foot with Genesis as a brand. On the performance front, they felt quite similar, I preferred the noise of the IS to the Genesis and the IS felt like it had more top-end pull but the Genesis felt more tourqey down low, overall I would say they are both rea;;y good cars and just go with the one you feel more comfortable with
That's true, but lexus is trying to make the best of both worlds. Power and mainly reliability because that's what they're known for. Imo the 2021 is350 is a nice looking and zippy car but it truly is underpowered for what it is.
That’s the only thing that’s keeping me from buying one, the car is nearly 50K and only pushing 300 HP, this thing should be around 450+ by now, especially being a fuel pig averaging the same MPG as a 5.0 Mustang 🤦🏽♂️
Have you tried test driving the BMW M340i? You can find a used one in about the same price range as this car, and in my opinion seems like a better value. It has more horsepower than this car (382 hp) and seems like it has a better interior.
I've got a 2016 IS350 F Sport (same gen 3 version). It's been an amazing little daily driver, responsive, reliable, and in Sport+ mode: still quicker than over 80% of all cars on the road today. It's not a race car, but it does everything VERY WELL and it has that Lexus / Toyota reliability. I certainly wouldn't be driving an off-warranty Beemer.
I second this, it’s a nice car but if someone would like an IS500 for the power etc they can’t go wrong
@@yungsaya the IS 500 doesn't get the recognition it deserves, but a few years from now people will realize it was the last of it's kind and nothing close to it can be bought brand new anymore, and they won't be coming back. If I could afford the payments and feeding the thirsty beast premium fuel on a weekly basis it would be my daily driver as we speak.
The new IS350 f sport is as fast as yous and it’s a fuckin shame. $50k csr still making 0-60 in 5.5 seconds…
@@oshitomaha If bragging rights with your bros is important or you have easy access to a drag strip, sure. Otherwise 5.5 sec 0-60 is still faster than most cars on the road, but even so, thats not what Lexus is about. If you want the ultimate drag race machine even a Hellcat Redeye can get walked by a German car with less raw horsepower...but AWD and launch control. It's all about priorities.
@@jbm0866 it’s not about having a German and a retarded Hallcat with 800hp… hell I already have an Audi S5 doing 0-60 in 4.2 seconds… I’m talking about this beauty of a car with subtle performance in the 4 seconds. Dude there are Hondas this fast from 2015 wtf?
Toyota/Lexus cruise control stalk is my favorite. Don't have to look at it. Just use muscle memory. Great review!
Agreed, its technically old but its dead simple to use.
@@JJS432 Not for this reviewer 😄
About 2 months ago i upgraded to a 21 is350 f sport, from a 03 LS430. Have to say, was the best decision I've made, such a fantastic car
Hey just curious, even with the premium gas prices, it’s still a great decision?
@@ratedsc1i dont own this vehicle but the difference in premium is only about 10-12 dollars more from an empty tank with 17 gallons.
Saw one of the new models with the ultrasonic blue mica the other day…. Videos and pictures DO NOT do this car justice. Go see it in person. The exterior of this car is stunning
Obviously I’m biased since I prefer lexus vehicles, but it’s such a head turner
I gotta say I agree with you! I just picked up a 23 is 350 f sport a month ago in ultrasonic blue. I like the Grecian water and it made me dislike the ultrasonic. In person it is nuts like you said! So much metallic.
I got an IS500 in USB last year. I agree that the color is amazing.
I cant ill be broke lmao
For the longest I have been trying to figure out why the front of the IS looks so cool... it almost looks like the face of Spawn
Holy crap you’re right!
BMW look like the face of a pig.
I missed my 2017 IS… it was a bit too small for me for long trips, but loved everything about it. Simple, clean and always got compliments. Now I drive a pickup truck, but this new gen body style looks amazing! Maybe I’ll get it again.
A pick up truck really over this car lmao
I bought a brand new 2021 IS350 in June 2021 and 6 months later on December 31, I traded it in for an IS500.
Worth the difference?
so jealous
I don't know man. Cheap is not what I would describe this car as.
Exactly
Yeah. I keep hearing cheap alternative.
Exactly. Not sure what kind of work this guy is living in
I have always been a Lexus fan, recently got my IS 350 and it makes me want to just drive again.
It’s a spectacular car. Very fun to drive
One of my neighbors has one of these, it’s beautiful. And tiny!
Same it’s my dream car
Some would say "right sized" lol. I have a Mazda 3 turbo hatch, so I know true tiny..but I prefer not dragging along more car than I need. Smaller cars are simply more fun to drive..#facts😊
Great video, as usual! Other things I would like to have learned more about would be the quality and fidelity of the sound system, the transmission, how is the ride and feel in a "touring mode". Most of us who would want a vehicle like this would be using it as a daily driver and wouldn't be using the sporty features with the wife in the passenger seat. Lol
Thank you for your input as always! To answer your questions, the stereo has the Mark Levinson stereo upgrade, it sounds pretty great but that stuff is tough to relay thru my mic and the video. The transmission is pretty fast and smooth. It’s an 8 speed because this is the RWD model. The AWD model gets a slower shifting 6 speed auto. Daily driving is awesome in this thing. Very comfortable. My wife loves it.
@@ShiftingLanes Thanks Cool Breeze! Now that I'm retired, I'm thinking about trading the '07 FJ for some kind of sedan.
Owned my is350 2023 for 3 days and I love it. Isn’t crazy power but it’s enough, smooth drive and looks amazing! Interior is not “dated” it has everything you can possibly want. If it’s not broken don’t fix it.
I got my 2022 350 IS on Jan 27. Went from a 2019 STI to an IS 350 F and love it no one drives pedal to the metal all the time trust me I know.
How are the ergonomics in the is350?
I really wouldn’t consider this a “cheap alternative” with dynamic package. Dynamic package alone puts the car right at $50k, but at dealers you won’t find it for cheaper than $54k
I agree not cheep at all for a naturally asperated vehicle.
I have a 2021 without Dynamic Handling Pkg, and it came in just under $50k. Pretty significant price difference.
Exactly. Cheap? Bullshit. But I know they paid Thier car first than pay Thier rent no wonder they behind on bills.
@@ARentz07 I also like the graphite wheels better on the F-Sport without the dynamic handling package
58
You didn’t even take us on a drive. It’s a car. It drives.
Just got a 2023 is350- no performance package and no upgraded sound system. The sound system is a MUST- this 10 speaker premium is lacking for a 50k car. Aside from that it handles like a cloud- can't imagine what it would be like with that extra sport + mode. Anyhow- this car is a SPORTY luxury sedan. It is no longer a sport sedan like the 2 IS. It is not very fast. Even if it was tuned with 20 more horsepower it would make a difference. But 311 HP on a car that is almost 2 tons, well- its a bit lack luster. The F sport comes standard with a cold air intake so that's off the table and the ECU has not been cracked yet for a tune. I would have gone with the IS500 if it wasn't for the 20K mark up my California dealers are charging. Overall the car has super and I mean SUPER aggressive styling and is so comfortable to drive. But if you are not concerned with long term ownership and reliability, and want something that throws you back in your seat- this car is not for you. I don't see the complaints with the infotainment or technology aspect of the car- but I am coming from a 2IS. Personally I think this car is a great choice if speed is not your main priority. It is a quick head turner and a DREAM to drive on Cali roads. And if you have been to California that says something.
TLDR- GET THE UPGRADED SOUND SYSTEM AND THE PREFORMANCE PACKAGE- IF SPEEFD IS YOUR NEED GET THE IS500 AND SPEND THE 20K ON MARKUP. Much love Lexus Family
I think you might have meant to type cheaper instead of cheap. A costing upwards of 50k certainly isn't cheap, even if the higher trim cost thousands more. Words have meaning.
Thank you for your honest review, where you consider pros and cons. Nice to listen and watch!
Plenty of smooth NA power and the awd option would make it a great daily in the bad weather states.
What it may miss in brand new interior design it makes up for with proven reliability and a highly regarded dealer / service experience.
I wish it had the ES interior
This car is for people who don't care about having bragging rights among your buddies with similar sports sedans. This IS 350 is for people who recognize it's more than fast enough with handling that is better than 90+% of the cars and SUV's on the road with you..and most importantly quiet, comfortable and reliable day in and day out. With Lexus you don't have to get in an endless cycle of leasing just to avoid wallet draining repair costs after the warranty ends. You can actually buy one of these and keep it 10 years with nothing more than regular fluid changes and consumables. (tires, brake pads etc) All of this is why I'll look to Lexus when my financial situation improves in a couple years, in the meantime I'll happily continue driving my 2021 Mazda 3 turbo hatch...which is also one of those cars you can safely own instead of lease.
Excellent video! Your voice is so soothing lol
I think the new gen G70 with the 3.3t is a serious competitor for the IS 350, the G70 has better infotainment, very adjustable seats, and the engine is quick....though wished they had fitted the new 3.5t. The Lexus V8 though, changes the game!
I’m definetly getting a used one when I’m ready to trade my Corolla in
Thats what im trying to do, a new one is MSRP $55,000+, for me the right price its $45,000
Excellent video except you forgot to mention how much the car costs. Which is strange because that's something you normally are very clear on. Unless I missed it
You did not mention that the IS 350 F Sport has an AWD option not available on the IS 500 F Sport. That was a major determining factor in me choosing the IS 350 over the IS 500. I needed a daily driver that can handle winters in the Great Lakes.
Beautiful car and review mine is coming in two weeks in Cloudburst with Circuit Red NuLuxe interior
I got a IS 350 S YESTERDAY .CHEAP I DON'T THINK SO . WHEN IS 5O.OOO CHEAP. DRIVE VERY WELL I WILL TEST IT OUT TODAY . BLACK WITH RED INTERIOR
MY COLOR FOR A CAR
I AM SATISFIED
When talking about luxury brand cars, $50k isn’t a lot of money.
Thanks for the great review. I have the IS 350 Fsport of this generation with dynamic handling package. Gorgeous car and very comfortable. In your opinion- would switching from the stock tires to Michelin 4S tires help with traction in sharp corners and initial throttle?
It's all I need, fun good car..👍🏽
Love the v6 IS but my 3uzfe has my heart 🥰
Great Review 👍
I am in the minority to like small cars. So definitely would pick this one over the IS500
great vehicle i love mine❤
I checked it out, it kind of sits in a wierd spot. Its competitors are the 330i and the A4, with more power and kind of sits in the middle between them for price, plus it's Toyota. The head room in the rear SUCKS, and the excess glossy black plastic in the rear bumper and fake diffuser kinda kills it for me, the mismatched brake calipers front and rear make it seem like they aren't trying, and the fact that they're using the same reliability tuned (kneecapped) engine that they've been using for ten years across the entire fleet doesn't help sell the "sport" of the F sport badge.
I have the 350. I’d get the 500. But it’s not AWD. I live in Boston.
nice color !🤙🏻
Great looking car but the engine, transmission, suspension and infotainment is at least 2-3 generations behind its German rivals and that’s coming from someone who bought a 2021 IS350 F-Sport.
I like the 350 for the price but like the hood on the 500 I wonder if the 500 hood would fit on the 350 the 500 going to be very pricey $$$$ for the rich
Hood will not fit. 500 is about two inches longer
Its a great car but not really affordable to a middle class person
Will you review the 22 Lexus NX?
Please and Thank you.
Will do!
Which color it is IS350 F Exterior ?
has anyone had problems either the dashboard making noise on the left side? close to the speaker
There are some rattles but nothing to crazy
What color is this? Why do people leave that out?
Iridium is the silver color
Where is the 240R project its been a while?
is the is350 f sport 22 worth it without the f sport dynamic package?
Iridium is beautiful 💎
Question should be”is the IS 500 an expensive alternative to the IS 350”
to many LOOKS AGGRESSIVE...it is a sport car
IS350 RWD is for me in iridium and red interior.
2IS gang rise up
the bright circuit red is a big no no. rioja's muted cranberry red is much better
Yeah I was bummed to see rioja red is only available for IS300
Car looks great but beyond the sheet metal, the competition has it beat. A genesis g70 is the better buy in this class, in my opinion.
I test drove both of these last week although it was the 4 cylinder g70, I did and I ended up choosing the IS350, I went into the test drive already planning on getting the genesis but when I sat in both the IS did feel a slight order but the fit and finish were top-notch, the g70 I tested was good but it had some mismatched panels and something in the interior was just rattling which was driving me crazy to see that a brand new car had rattling pieces, now I don't know if it was just my particular tester but it definitely set me off on the wrong foot with Genesis as a brand. On the performance front, they felt quite similar, I preferred the noise of the IS to the Genesis and the IS felt like it had more top-end pull but the Genesis felt more tourqey down low, overall I would say they are both rea;;y good cars and just go with the one you feel more comfortable with
@@alwaysiyi272 After 200k miles the interior of the IS350 will still be rattle free not sure if there's a Genesis out these that made 200k miles yet.
4th gen (is) not 3rd gen (is)
IS350 is not cheap!!!!! AND it has no real power , 280lbs of TQ is embarrassing in 2021.
That's true, but lexus is trying to make the best of both worlds. Power and mainly reliability because that's what they're known for. Imo the 2021 is350 is a nice looking and zippy car but it truly is underpowered for what it is.
They’re just keeping it reliable. It ain’t broke don’t try too fix it
That’s the only thing that’s keeping me from buying one, the car is nearly 50K and only pushing 300 HP, this thing should be around 450+ by now, especially being a fuel pig averaging the same MPG as a 5.0 Mustang 🤦🏽♂️
@MELLOW Ended up buying a RS5, Lexus IS str8 ass when it comes to anything other than reliability
@@TheseRightHereBitch
I mean if you want a money pit car. Not like you're driving that fast anyway.
4th gen
I diagree the red interior is awful.
Other than that the car is awesome.
Boooo !!How to not do a review …He doesn’t even drive it ? It’s a car review ..That’s what you do w cars , drive them . Ugh I want my 11 min back
Have you tried test driving the BMW M340i? You can find a used one in about the same price range as this car, and in my opinion seems like a better value. It has more horsepower than this car (382 hp) and seems like it has a better interior.
Americans calling this car tiny 😂😂😂
a cheap alternative???🤔since when anything named Lexus is cheap...😆
2021 still bad cheap interior
Yeah,a "cheap" alternative
Cheaper alternative...not cheap. Lol
Lol this isn’t a cheap car
i have one it's amazing. it fits in my garage with my fat ass wife. 😉✌🏻
“Sporty” sedan yes! The IS350 isn’t a true sports sedan.
This and the Infiniti Q50 are so out of date. Stale. I don’t see these cars on the road where I live. Boring cars.