Lexus IS

Which Lexus IS version to buy

Buy the Lexus IS by the job, not by the badge. Across eight named generations the catalogue holds Sedan and Cabrio rows, Gasoline, Diesel and Hybrid engines, Manual, Automatic and Variable gearboxes, and RWD or AWD. The fastest measured 0–100 km/h is 4.4 s on IS500 (472 hp) in 3 generation, restyling 2; the slowest is 11.2 s on 2.0 AT (155 hp) in 1 generation.

Buy the Lexus IS by the job, not by the badge. Across eight named generations the catalogue holds Sedan and Cabrio rows, Gasoline, Diesel and Hybrid engines, Manual, Automatic and Variable gearboxes, and RWD or AWD. The fastest measured 0–100 km/h is 4.4 s on IS500 (472 hp) in 3 generation, restyling 2; the slowest is 11.2 s on 2.0 AT (155 hp) in 1 generation. The lowest measured mixed consumption is 4.4 L/100 km on 2.5 CVT (181 hp) in 3 generation; the highest is 11.2 L/100 km on several 3.5 AT and 3.0 MT rows. There is no price in this dataset, so “what the extra money buys” is read as extra kilograms, extra litres, extra seconds, extra gears, and extra drive wheels.

Generations as buying windows

Eight generations are listed. Each heading is the catalogue name, used once.

3 generation, restyling 3 (from 2025-10-01; end date not measured), Sedan, three versions: 2.5h CVT 223 hp Hybrid Variable RWD; 3.5 AT 311 hp Gasoline Automatic 6 AWD; 3.5 AT 311 hp Gasoline Automatic 8 RWD.

3 generation, restyling 2 (2020-01-01–2026-01-31), Sedan, six versions: IS350, IS350 4WD, IS300, IS300 4WD, IS500, IS300h 2.5 CVT.

3 generation, restyling (2016-01-01–2020-01-01), Sedan, six rows. Two of them are both named 2.0 AT and both 245 hp with identical figures in this dataset — treat them as one mechanical choice duplicated, not as two different cars. The others are 3.5 AT 258 hp AWD, 3.5 AT 306 hp RWD, 3.5 AT 306 hp AWD, 2.5 CVT 223 hp Hybrid.

3 generation (2013-01-01–2017-01-31), Sedan, six versions: 2.0 AT 245 hp; 2.5 AT 208 hp RWD (2500 cm³); 2.5 AT 208 hp AWD (2499 cm³); 3.5 AT 306 hp AWD; 3.5 AT 306 hp RWD; 2.5 CVT 181 hp Hybrid.

2 generation, restyling 2 (2010-01-01–2013-12-31), Cabrio, nine versions including two 3.0 AT 230 hp rows, 3.5 AT 306 hp, 3.5 AT 310 hp, three 2.5 AT 208 hp rows (RWD/AWD/RWD), 2.2 MT and 2.2 AT Diesel 177 hp.

2 generation, restyling (2008-01-01–2010-12-31), Cabrio, ten versions: the same Diesel pair, 2.5 MT 208 hp, 2.5 AT rows, two 3.0 AT 230 hp, 3.5 AT 306 hp and 3.5 AT 310 hp.

2 generation (2005-01-01–2008-12-31), Sedan, seven versions: Diesel 2.2 MT / 2.2 AT, 2.5 MT, 2.5 AT AWD, 2.5 AT RWD, 3.0 AT 230 hp, 3.5 AT 310 hp.

1 generation (1999-01-01–2005-12-31), Sedan, ten versions: 2.0 MT 155 hp (two kerb weights), 2.0 AT 155 hp, 2.0 MT 186 hp Compressor, 3.0 MT 210 hp (two rows), 3.0 MT 214 hp, 3.0 AT 218 hp, 3.0 AT 214 hp (two rows). All RWD. No AWD, no Diesel, no Hybrid.

What changed, in the numbers: 1 generation is the only window with a 4-speed Automatic and with Compressor boost. 2 generation is the only window with Diesel and with a 6-speed Manual on Gasoline. 3 generation drops Diesel and Manual, adds Hybrid 2.5 CVT and the 8-speed Automatic on 2.0 AT / 3.5 AT RWD. 3 generation, restyling raises Hybrid from 181 hp to 223 hp. 3 generation, restyling 2 is the only window with an 8-cylinder row (IS500, 4969 cm³, 472 hp) and with catalogue names IS350 / IS300 / IS500 / IS300h 2.5 CVT. 3 generation, restyling 3 trims the live list to three rows and puts 311 hp on both 3.5 AT drivetrains.

Engine and specs comparison

Use the exact names. Same name, different power or drive: keep both.

Power per litre (hp ÷ displacement in litres), from these figures: IS350 / IS350 4WD 311 hp / 1.998 L = 155.7 hp/L — the densest row in the file. 2.0 AT 245 hp / 1.998 L = 122.6 hp/L. IS500 472 / 4.969 = 95.0 hp/L. 2.0 MT 186 hp Compressor / 1.988 L = 93.6 hp/L. 3.5 AT 306 hp / 3.456 L = 88.5 hp/L. 3.5 AT 258 hp / 3.456 L = 74.7 hp/L. IS300 241 / 3.456 = 69.7 hp/L — the least dense Gasoline row among the late cars. The 258 hp 3.5 AT has 30 Nm less torque than the 245 hp 2.0 AT (320 vs 350) despite 1 458 cm³ more swept volume.

Performance and mpg

0–100 km/h, measured. Fastest: IS500 4.4 s. Next cluster is the 306/310/311 hp 3.5 AT family: 5.6 s (306 hp RWD in 3 generation and in 3 generation, restyling), 5.7 s (306 hp AWD there, and 311 hp AWD in 3 generation, restyling 3), 5.8 s (306 hp in 2 generation, restyling / restyling 2), 5.9 s (311 hp RWD in 3 generation, restyling 3), 6.0 s (310 hp). Arithmetic: AWD on the 306 hp restyle costs 0.1 s (5.7 vs 5.6) and 66 kg (1697 vs 1631). In 3 generation, restyling 3 the AWD 3.5 AT is 0.2 s quicker than the RWD 3.5 AT (5.7 vs 5.9) despite 40 kg more (1760 vs 1720).

2.0 AT 245 hp: 7.0 s in both 3 generation and 3 generation, restyling. Versus 2.5 AT 208 hp RWD at 8.1 s, the turbo four is 1.1 s quicker with 37 hp more and 35 kg more (1590 vs 1555). Versus 3.5 AT 258 hp AWD at 6.1 s, the four is 0.9 s slower, 13 hp down, 107 kg lighter.

Hybrids: 2.5 CVT 181 hp 8.3 s; restyle 2.5 CVT 223 hp 8.4 s — +42 hp and +0.1 s. 2.5h CVT 223 hp in 3 generation, restyling 3: 8.5 s. IS300h 2.5 CVT 0–100 km/h not measured. IS350 and IS350 4WD 0–100 km/h not measured.

1 generation Automatic penalty: 2.0 AT 155 hp 11.2 s versus 2.0 MT 155 hp 9.5 s — +1.7 s for the 4-speed Automatic. 2.0 MT 186 hp Compressor matches 3.0 MT 210 hp at 8.0 s. Fastest first-generation row: 3.0 AT 218 hp 7.3 s.

Top speed, measured. Highest: IS500 240 km/h. 3.0 AT 218 hp: 235. 2.0 AT 245 hp and several 3.5 AT RWD rows: 230. Hybrids 2.5 CVT / 2.5h CVT / IS300h 2.5 CVT: 200. AWD caps some 2.5 AT and 3.5 AT rows at 211 where the matching RWD is 225–230. Many 3.5 AT rows in 3 generation, restyling, both 3.0 AT rows in 2 generation, restyling 2, and IS350 / IS350 4WD: top speed not measured.

Fuel, L/100 km. Lowest mixed: 2.5 CVT 181 hp 4.4 (city 4.6 / highway 4.6). Restyle Hybrid 2.5 CVT 223 hp mixed 5.4 (city 6.5 / 5.3) — +1.0 mixed for +42 hp. IS300h 2.5 CVT mixed 5.6 (6.4 / 5.3). 2.5h CVT mixed 5.2; city and highway not measured. Diesel 2.2 MT mixed 6.3 (7.9 / 5.4) — 2.6 under the 2.5 AT RWD sedan mixed 9.1. 2.0 AT 245 hp restyle mixed 9.0 (10.7 / 7.4). 3.5 AT 306 hp RWD mixed 10.7; AWD 11.2 — AWD costs +0.5 mixed. In 3 generation, restyling 3, AWD 3.5 AT mixed 10.2 versus RWD 10.7 (−0.5). 2.5 AT AWD in 3 generation mixed 10.2 versus RWD 8.6 (+1.6). City/highway/mixed for 2.0 AT in 3 generation, for IS350 / IS350 4WD / IS500 / IS300 / IS300 4WD, and for several 3.0 AT / 3.5 AT 310 hp rows: not measured. CO2: 2.5 CVT 181 hp 101 g/km Euro 5; restyle Hybrid 97 Euro 6; 2.0 AT 245 hp 162 Euro 6; IS300 / IS300 4WD 251; 2.5h CVT 122 Euro 5. Other CO2 not measured.

Dimensions and weight

Kerb-to-power (kg per hp), where both numbers exist: IS500 1765 / 472 = 3.74 kg/hp — lightest per horsepower. 3.5 AT 306 hp RWD restyle 1631 / 306 = 5.33. 3.5 AT 310 hp 1645 / 310 = 5.31. 2.0 AT 245 hp 1590 / 245 = 6.49. 2.5 CVT 223 hp 1620 / 223 = 7.26. 2.5 CVT 181 hp 1620 / 181 = 8.95. 2.0 MT 155 hp at 1400 kg = 9.03; the other 2.0 MT 155 hp at 1450 kg = 9.35. Lightest car in the file: 2.0 AT 155 hp at 1360 kg. Heaviest measured kerb: 2.5 AT 208 hp Cabrio RWD 1805 kg (9.0 s) — 250 kg above the 1570 kg 2.5 AT sedan row at 8.1–8.4 s.

Gross weight: 1 generation 1820–1990 kg; 2 generation 2045–2075; 3 generation family 2090–2186. IS300 4WD gross 2180; IS500 2185; 3.5 AT 311 hp both drivetrains 2186. Several 3.5 AT / 3.0 AT / IS350 gross not measured.

Ground clearance: 125 mm on several 1 generation rows, 150 mm on others in the same generation. 2 generation Sedan mostly 130–140 mm; some Cabrio 2.5 AT / Diesel 2.2 MT 145 mm. 3 generation 135 mm, except 258/306 hp AWD restyle 130 mm. From 3 generation, restyling 2 onward 140 mm — +5 mm versus the 2013–2020 135 mm cars, +10 mm versus the 130 mm AWD restyle.

Tank: 70 L only in 1 generation; 65 L in 2 generation; 66 L from 3 generation on. Wheels (where listed): 1 generation 215/45 R17, 225/45 R17; 2 generation 205/55 R16 through 255/40 R18; 3 generation, restyling 225/45 R17, 225/40 R18, 255/35 R18; from 3 generation, restyling 2 235/40 R19 and 265/35 R19; 2.5h CVT also 235/45 R18. Hybrid 2.5 CVT restyle wheels not measured. Brakes on listed rows: Ventilated disc front, Disc ventilated rear. Suspension: Independent, spring, both axles, where measured.

Which version to choose

If the question is the current three-row list (3 generation, restyling 3). 2.5h CVT 223 hp is the economy pick: mixed 5.2 L/100 km, 200 km/h, 8.5 s, 1700 kg, Variable, RWD. 3.5 AT 311 hp RWD is the open-road pick: 8-speed Automatic, 380 Nm, 5.9 s, 230 km/h, 1720 kg, mixed 10.7. 3.5 AT 311 hp AWD is the winter pick: 6-speed Automatic, 5.7 s (0.2 s quicker than RWD), 1760 kg (+40 kg), mixed 10.2 (−0.5 vs RWD). Torque, rpm, compression and bore on the AWD 3.5 AT are not measured; do not fill them from the RWD row.

If the question is the fastest car in the whole catalogue. IS500 in 3 generation, restyling 2: 472 hp, 536 Nm, 4.4 s, 240 km/h, 1765 kg, 3.74 kg/hp, RWD, Automatic 8, 4969 cm³, 8 V-shaped, Turbo. City/highway/mixed and CO2 not measured. Nothing else in the file is within 1.2 s of it.

If the question is daily Gasoline without Hybrid, 2016–2020 Sedan. 2.0 AT 245 hp: 7.0 s, 230 km/h, mixed 9.0, 1590 kg, 122.6 hp/L, 350 Nm from 1650–4400, Euro 6, CO2 162. The two 2.0 AT 245 hp rows match; there is no second mechanical story. Step to 3.5 AT 306 hp RWD and you buy +61 hp, −1.4 s (5.6), +41 kg, mixed 10.7 (+1.7), torque 377 Nm at 4800 instead of a 1650–4400 plateau. 3.5 AT 258 hp AWD is the odd middle: only +13 hp over the four, +107 kg, −0.9 s, −30 Nm, mixed 11.2. Unless AWD is the requirement, the 258 hp row is the weakest arithmetic trade in that generation.

If the question is AWD on the 306 hp engine (2013–2020). Same 306 hp; RWD is 8-speed, AWD is 6-speed. Restyle: 5.6 vs 5.7 s, 1631 vs 1697 kg, 135 vs 130 mm, mixed 10.7 vs 11.2. 3 generation AWD also lists top speed 211 versus RWD 230. AWD here is 66 kg, 0.1 s, 0.5 L/100 km, and (in 2013–2017) 19 km/h.

If the question is Hybrid across the third generation. 2.5 CVT 181 hp (3 generation): 8.3 s, mixed 4.4, CO2 101, Euro 5, 1620 kg, 221 Nm, Variable. Restyle 2.5 CVT 223 hp: +42 hp, mixed 5.4 (+1.0), CO2 97 (−4), Euro 6, 8.4 s, 226 Nm. IS300h 2.5 CVT 220 hp: Automatic 8 (not Variable), mixed 5.6, 1730 kg (+110 vs 1620), 0–100 not measured, 200 km/h. 2.5h CVT 223 hp: Variable again, 300 Nm ( +74 vs 226), 1700 kg, 8.5 s, mixed 5.2. The 181 hp row remains the lowest measured mixed figure in the model.

If the question is a Cabrio (2 generation, restyling and 2 generation, restyling 2). The generation body is Cabrio. Fast Gasoline: 3.5 AT 306 hp 5.8 s, 227 km/h, 1760 kg — 129 kg heavier than the later 306 hp RWD sedan at the same 5.6 s. 3.5 AT 310 hp is 4 hp up and 115 kg down (1645 kg) yet 0.2 s slower (6.0 vs 5.8); top speed 228 vs 227. 2.5 AT 208 hp Cabrio at 1805 kg and 9.0 s is the slow, heavy 2.5; the 1570 kg 2.5 AT at 8.1–8.4 s is the one to prefer if both appear. Diesel 2.2 MT 177 hp: 400 Nm, 8.9 s, mixed 6.3, 1585 kg — the only Diesel and the torque leader until IS500 (536 Nm). 2.2 AT 177 hp: same 8.9 s; kerb often not measured. 2.5 MT 208 hp exists only in 2 generation and 2 generation, restyling: 8.4 s, 230 km/h, 1535–1560 kg — the last Gasoline Manual.

If the question is the first generation. Lightest IS in the file, 70 L tank, all RWD, 6 Inline, no Hybrid. Daily: 2.0 MT 155 hp 9.5 s, 215 km/h, 1400 or 1450 kg; avoid 2.0 AT 155 hp if seconds matter (11.2 s, 205 km/h, 4-speed). Enthusiast: 2.0 MT 186 hp Compressor, 8.0 s, 93.6 hp/L, 1450 kg. Fastest: 3.0 AT 218 hp, 7.3 s, 235 km/h, 296 Nm, 1565 kg. 3.0 MT 214 hp 5-speed versus 3.0 MT 210 hp 6-speed: 8.2 vs 8.0 s, 288 vs 289 Nm.

What extra displacement buys, in one line each. 1998 turbo four 245 hp vs 3456 naturally aspirated 258 hp AWD: you pay 107 kg and 2.2 L/100 km mixed to gain 0.9 s and AWD, and you lose 30 Nm. 3456 306 hp RWD vs 4969 IS500: you pay 134 kg for +166 hp, +159 Nm, −1.2 s, +10 km/h. 2494 Hybrid 223 hp vs 1998 turbo 245 hp: you pay 1.4 s and 30 km/h to save 3.6 L/100 km mixed (5.4 vs 9.0) and 65 g/km CO2 (97 vs 162). Diesel 2231 vs Gasoline 2499 on 2 generation: −31 hp, +148 Nm, +0.5 to +0.8 s versus the light 2.5 AT, −2.8 mixed litres versus 9.1.

No prices, no reliability claims, no figures outside this dataset. Where a cell is empty in the source, it is written not measured.