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The Car Guide › Manufacturers › Lexus › IS › 2012

Lexus IS

Year

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The Car Guide rating 4.0/5 78% Detailed ratings

Price $32,900 – $69,950 Payments

Fuel consumption 6.4 – 13.0 L/100km

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The most popular of all Lexus vehicles, the IS, is back practically unchanged for 2012. It is still offered with FWD, RWD or AWD. The three main variants include the IS250 with a 2.5L V6, the IS350 with a 3.5L V6, and the high-performance IS-F with a 5.0L V8 that produces 416 hp. This model is expected to be refreshed very soon. The IS is a very agile car.

Tests and Features

All Lexus IS reviews

2025 Lexus IS 500: The Last of Its Kind

The last major update to the Lexus IS dates back to the 2021 model year. It mostly involved cosmetic revisions and some tightening of nuts and bolts. Almost nothing has changed since then, making the current IS a very old car. Heck, it’s one of the few that still have …November 13, 2025

12 Vehicles That Will or Could Get the Axe Soon

Welcome to another edition of the “Doomed Dozen.” Every year, automakers collectively launch and discontinue dozens of vehicles. It’s always the same story: cars give way to SUVs, new hybrid and electric models keep coming, and the high development costs of a new generation send aging models into retirement. At …May 31, 2025

Top 10 Longest-Running Vehicle Designs in 2025

Not all automakers are in a hurry to redesign their vehicles, especially when demand is still strong. Likewise, not all car shoppers want the latest or most cutting-edge products on the market. With the discontinuation of the Mitsubishi Mirage , Nissan GT-R , Infiniti Q50 and more, plus a redesign …March 22, 2025

Top 10 Longest-Running Vehicle Designs in 2024

2014-2020 Lexus IS: What You Need to Know Before You Buy

Pre-owned vehicles

Lexus' entry-level Lexus IS compact sedan has undergone an important redesign for the 2021 model-year. However, many elements were carried over from the previous generation, which remains a very interesting choice for buyers. Thinking about it? Here’s what you need to know about the 2014-2020 Lexus IS. An Attractive Look …May 13, 2022

10 Sports Sedans Proving That Cars Aren’t Dead Yet

November 12, 2021

2022 Lexus IS 500: The V8 Isn't Dead Yet

From 2008 to 2014, Lexus released a particularly radical version of the IS , one gifted with an impressive V8 engine. Alas, all good things come to an end and this model was erased from the catalogue. Last February, Lexus informed us last that the 5.0 L V8 engine was …October 7, 2021

2021 Lexus IS: One Step Forward, The Other Won’t Follow

For 2021, two compact luxury sedans from Japan introduced new generations to hopefully catch up with the German rivals and also ward off Korea’s impressive Genesis G70 . The Acura TLX and Lexus IS are now sportier and more skilled in their respective ways. But when we tested the latter …June 10, 2021

2021 Lexus IS: In the Shadow of the Germans

Lexus has no plans to tap out as it fights to stay relevant in the compact luxury car segment. Despite sales of the IS falling 21 percent from 2018 to 2019, the company is back with a redesigned model. The all-new 2021 Lexus IS has its work cut out for …December 14, 2020

2021 Lexus IS: Five Things to Know

The new, fourth-generation 2021 Lexus IS was unveiled recently and will arrive at dealerships in late fall. While pricing, fuel economy ratings and full equipment details have yet to be announced, it’s reasonable to assume the car will attract more potential customers, even though the evolution is quite subtle. If …June 22, 2020

2019 Lexus IS 300 Black Line: Too Little, Too Late

While certain cars beautifully withstand the test of time, the 2019 Lexus IS struggles to make a good case when pitted against newer compact luxury sedans on the market. In fact, it’s the oldest in the segment along with the Infiniti Q50 as both models date back to 2014. Lexus …October 31, 2019

2018 Lexus IS 350 F SPORT: The 3 Series BMW Used to Build

The compact luxury sports sedan segment is a copycat game. At the top of the food chain lies the BMW 3 Series. The other two German carmakers, Audi and Mercedes-Benz, keep gnawing at its ankles, and in some cases, beat it at its own game with the A4 and the …July 6, 2018

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News

All Lexus IS news

2026 Lexus IS Gets Another Update, But Only One Model Survives

The Lexus IS isn't done yet, as it turns out. While we thought for a while that it would retire with the Ultimate Edition of the IS 500 , the luxury compact sedan is back for the 2026 model year. Units will arrive at dealerships early next year and further …September 9, 2025

This Ultimate Edition Sounds Like the Lexus IS’ Swan Song

The current generation of the Lexus IS dates back to 2014, with a major update for 2021. Despite having a foot stuck in the past, the compact Japanese sedan continues to win over customers thanks to excellent reliability. However, we’re now left to wonder if it’ll return next year. Officially, …May 20, 2025

The Most Dependable Makes and Models in 2024 According to J.D. Power

February 9, 2024

2024 Lexus IS Proves You Can’t Have Too Much Selection

The Lexus IS received a major overhaul for the 2021 model year, but the current generation (third) actually dates back to 2014—and it shows when you look at the cabin. A decade later, the sporty luxury sedan offers more selection than ever, always with the hope of challenging Germany’s big …November 24, 2023

Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Adds Launch Edition With Unique Features

Lexus made quite a few compact sports sedan enthusiasts happy last month when it announced the new 2022 IS 500 F Sport Performance . A special Launch Edition is also planned and we can now tell you that it will be limited to just 50 units in Canada. This model …March 23, 2021

All-new 2022 Lexus IS 500 Marks the Return of the 5.0L V8

Building on the next-generation 2021 Lexus IS , the company is adding a new high-performance model with a 5.0-litre V8 engine for the 2022 model year. Directly inspired by the IS F from the late 2000s, the new IS 500 F Sport Performance becomes the first member of the F …February 22, 2021

Lexus Rumoured to Unveil Three F Models Later in 2021

While continuing to focus on hybrid vehicles, Lexus is reportedly on the verge of injecting a serious dose of power and performance into its lineup. According to Japanese publication Best Car Web , the brand will unveil three new F models in November. The one we’re most interested in is …February 4, 2021

How Much Does the New 2021 Lexus IS Cost?

Lexus has officially announced Canadian pricing for the redesigned and slightly re-engineered 2021 IS compact luxury sedan, which also benefits from the new Lexus Safety System+ 2.5. The base IS 300 RWD F SPORT Series 1 starts at $42,950. It features a 2.0-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder engine (241 horsepower, 258 pound-feet …October 1, 2020

Chevrolet, BMW Have the Best Car Seats, Study Finds

Chevrolet and BMW top J.D. Power’s 2020 Seat Quality and Satisfaction Study released a few days ago. Surprised? The former leads all mainstream car brands with four award-winning vehicles. The Sonic, Impala and Equinox are segment winners, while the Silverado is among the three best pickups/vans. On the luxury side, …August 27, 2020

All-new 2021 Lexus IS Actually Doesn’t Change Much

The current-generation Lexus IS dates back to 2014, so the new 2021 model unveiled today in a virtual premiere was kind of a big deal. However, it turned out to be kind of a dud. Before going any further, you need to know that Lexus and parent company Toyota last …June 15, 2020

Lexus IS gets aggressive mid-cycle refresh

Lexus has given the IS an aggressive mid-cycle refresh while ensuring while ensuring it "has kept the essence of car's exterior appearance intact." The car's first design overhaul since the third-generation IS was introduced in 2013, the new look includes a completely reworked front fascia with larger air intakes accenting …April 30, 2016

Here is the 2017 Lexus IS

As we previously reported, Lexus was on the verge of unveiling their new IS sedan; they did so at the Beijing Auto Show. Most of the changes are focused on the bodywork, but the manufacturer also took the time to modernize the equipment list. First of all, the front fascia …April 25, 2016

Videos

All Lexus IS videos

Motoring TV 2000 Episode 18

Humber College car design 2001 Mazda Tribute ES Opel Speedster cold air intake important to car's performance Lexus IS300 faulty power windows Ford's curtain airbag.

Motoring TV 2000 Episode 20

Drive 55 seniors refresher driving course 2001 Lexus IS300 Jaguar F-Type steering wheel can alert you to tire or brake issues 2000 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion air filters Jim Kenzie on senior citizens behind the wheel.

Feature: Ice racing with a 2001 Lexus

Russ would prefer a warm beach to winter, however he has found a way to make the best of it and have fun in his winter beater. ***Watch full episodes of Motoring TV at motoringtv.com*** …

Throwback Thursday: 2001 Lexus IS 300

There was a time when many people might have spelled Lexus, B.O.R.I.N.G! However, back in the year 2000, that all changed, meet the IS 300. (This segment originally appeared on Motoring TV 2000 episode 20) …

Two Minute Test Drive - Lexus IS 350 F Sport

Our crazy man Russ Bond takes the new Lexus on the track. Motoring 2014, Episode 10 …

2013 Lexus IS Dynamic Trailer

See Lexus' new entry-level luxury cars / compact executive cars in this trailer.

2010 Lexus IS350

Our review of the 2010 Lexis IS350

The Car Guide rating 78%

Pros

Quiet ride
Safe and precise handling
Meticulous assembly
Very reliable
Variety of versions

Cons

Average front seats
Firm suspension
Unresponsive steering
Rear seats are pretty tight
Limited trunk space (convertible)

Driving	7/10
Safety	8/10
Interior	7/10
Reliability	9/10
Winter driving	8/10
Comfort	8/10

What's new in 2012

No major change

Competitors

Recalls

Airbag
January 9, 2019
Fuel Supply
June 26, 2018
Visual System
January 30, 2013

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