Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Best Lexus IS Model Years (Ranked)
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO SyndicateBest Lexus IS Model Years (Ranked)
The Lexus IS has been the brand's compact sport sedan since 1999, taking on the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class across three generations. From the rev-happy first-gen IS300 to the bullet-proof V6 second generation and the long-running, heavily updated third generation that survives today, the best Lexus IS model years reward buyers who want rear-wheel-drive balance, Lexus reliability, and naturally aspirated engines that just keep running.
While its German rivals chased ever-larger touchscreens and turbocharged downsizing, the IS quietly stuck with proven six-cylinder engines and conventional automatics, which is exactly why it ages so well as a used buy. This ranking weighs real engines, transmissions, handling, interior quality, and used-market value to find the standout IS model years.
Direct Answer
The best Lexus IS model year overall is the 2021-2024 IS 350 F Sport, the most refined version of the long-lived third generation, with a sweet 3.5-liter V6, retuned chassis, and modern safety tech, all without forced induction to worry about. The best value is the 2014-2016 IS 250 / IS 350, early third-gen cars that are now affordably priced yet still feel current.
Purists should hunt the 2006-2013 IS 350 for its strong 2GR-FSE V6, and collectors covet the rare first-gen IS300 SportCross and IS-F. Each pick below pairs real specs with the buyer it suits best.
1. 2021-2024 IS 350 F Sport 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Lexus gave the third-gen IS a major mid-cycle overhaul for 2021, stiffening the body, widening the track, and retuning the suspension on a sharpened chassis that finally matched the car's sporty looks. The 3.5-liter 2GR V6 carries over with 311 hp and 280 lb-ft through a slick 8-speed automatic, hitting 0-60 mph in about 5.6 seconds.
The cabin gained a larger touchscreen plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, addressing the biggest complaint about earlier cars, and the F Sport adds adaptive dampers, sport seats, and aggressive styling. Reliability remains excellent given the proven naturally aspirated V6 and conventional automatic.
Best for buyers who want the most polished, modern naturally aspirated IS with current tech.
2. 2006-2013 IS 350 (Second Generation)
The second-gen IS 350 introduced the superb 3.5-liter 2GR-FSE V6 making 306 hp and 277 lb-ft, paired with a 6-speed automatic for 0-60 in about 5.3 seconds, genuinely quick for its era and still brisk today. The chassis is beautifully balanced, the build quality is classic Lexus solidity, and these engines routinely surpass 200,000 miles with nothing more than regular maintenance.
Now affordably priced on the used market, a clean IS 350 is a reliability legend that drives far better than its age suggests. Best for buyers who want a quick, durable used sport sedan that will run nearly forever.
3. 2014-2016 IS 250 / IS 350 💎 BEST VALUE
The early third-generation cars brought sharper, spindle-grille styling and a roomier cabin while keeping proven powertrains under the hood. The IS 250 uses a 2.5-liter V6 (204 hp) and the IS 350 the 3.5-liter V6 (306 hp), both with conventional automatics and available all-wheel drive.
These years now represent the best value in the lineup, modern enough to feel current and comfortable but deeply depreciated. The IS 350 is the one to get for performance; the IS 250 is the efficient, low-cost commuter. Best for value buyers who want a near-new feel at a used-car price.
4. 2008-2014 IS-F
The high-performance IS-F packed a 5.0-liter 2UR-GSE V8 making 416 hp and 371 lb-ft, with an 8-speed automatic and 0-60 in about 4.5 seconds. It is the rarest and most exciting IS, a genuine BMW M3 rival with a wailing V8, stacked quad exhausts, and an aggressive widebody stance.
Built in limited numbers, it has become a sought-after modern classic, and values are climbing steadily as enthusiasts recognize its place in Lexus performance history. Best for collectors and enthusiasts who want a V8-powered modern classic that is appreciating.
5. 2017-2020 IS 350 F Sport
The late-pre-facelift third-gen IS 350 keeps the 311 hp 3.5-liter V6 and 8-speed automatic while adding standard Lexus Safety System+ active safety tech, including pre-collision braking and lane-keep assist. The F Sport trim sharpens the steering and dampers and looks the part.
These cars split the difference between the bargain 2014-2016 models and the sharper 2021+ refresh, often available with low miles at attractive prices. Best for buyers who want modern safety tech and the V6 without paying 2021-plus prices.
6. 2001-2005 IS300 (First Generation)
The original IS300 is an enthusiast cult favorite, powered by the legendary 2JZ-GE 3.0-liter inline-six making 215 hp, the naturally aspirated sibling of the Supra's iconic engine. Rear-wheel drive, available with a 5-speed manual, and endlessly tunable, it is a bona fide future classic that the aftermarket loves.
The cabin shows its age with chronograph-style gauges and dated plastics, but the driving purity and bulletproof inline-six are the enduring draw. Clean, unmodified examples are getting harder to find. Best for enthusiasts who want a rear-drive, inline-six modern classic.
7. 2022-2024 IS 500 F Sport Performance
Lexus surprised everyone by stuffing the 5.0-liter 2UR-GSE V8 (the IS-F's engine) into the modern IS, making 472 hp and 395 lb-ft for 0-60 in about 4.4 seconds. It is a defiant throwback, a naturally aspirated V8 sedan in a world of turbo fours, with a sonorous quad-exhaust soundtrack and genuine muscle-car character.
It is pricey and thirsty, which holds it back on a pure value basis, but it is an absolute joy and increasingly rare in its segment. Best for buyers who want a rare modern naturally aspirated V8 sport sedan.
8. 2014-2020 IS 300 (4-cylinder turbo)
To boost efficiency, Lexus offered an IS 300 with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 241 hp and 258 lb-ft in rear-drive form. It is the most fuel-efficient gasoline IS and torquey in everyday driving thanks to the turbo's low-end punch, though it lacks the V6's smoothness and aural appeal.
All-wheel-drive IS 300 models used a 2.5-liter V6 instead. For commuters who want lower running costs, it makes sense. Best for commuters who want better economy with adequate everyday punch.
9. 2006-2013 IS 250 AWD
The second-gen IS 250 with all-wheel drive uses a 2.5-liter V6 (204 hp) and a 6-speed automatic, prioritizing all-weather security over outright speed. It is a sensible, reliable choice for snowy climates, and it is plentiful and cheap on the used market thanks to high production.
The modest power is the obvious trade-off, so it suits buyers who value confidence and dependability over acceleration. Best for cold-climate buyers who want AWD reliability on a budget.
10. 2001-2005 IS300 SportCross
The rare IS300 SportCross wagon brought the 2JZ inline-six and IS300 dynamics in a practical five-door body, sold only briefly in the U.S. Market. It is genuinely collectible today, combining cargo practicality with enthusiast appeal and that beloved inline-six.
Low production volumes make clean examples hard to find and increasingly valuable, so condition and history matter enormously. Best for collectors who want a rare inline-six Lexus wagon with everyday usability.
How to Choose
Decide first whether you want a modern car or a classic, because the IS spans both worlds well. For the best modern IS, the 2021-2024 IS 350 F Sport is the clearest pick, combining the proven V6 with a meaningfully sharpened chassis and the current tech buyers expect, including smartphone integration.
Value shoppers should target the 2014-2016 IS 250 or IS 350, which still feel contemporary inside at a fraction of new-car prices, with the 350 the smart choice for those who want real pace. If you want a reliability legend that will outlast almost anything, the 2006-2013 IS 350 is hard to beat and will run for decades with basic care.
Enthusiasts chasing emotion should look at the IS-F or the new IS 500 for V8 sound and appreciation potential, or the original IS300 with its tunable 2JZ inline-six. Cold-climate buyers benefit from IS 250 AWD, while efficiency-minded commuters can choose the IS 300 turbo.
Always confirm full service history and verify the V6 versus four-cylinder badge before you commit.
FAQ
Which Lexus IS model year is the most reliable? Nearly all of them are excellent, but the 2006-2013 IS 350 with the naturally aspirated 2GR-FSE V6 is a standout for longevity, frequently exceeding 200,000 miles with only routine maintenance. The third-generation cars are also very dependable, and across the board the IS avoids the turbo-related repair bills that plague many rivals.
Is the Lexus IS 350 better than the IS 250? For performance, clearly yes. The IS 350's 3.5-liter V6 (306-311 hp) is far quicker and smoother than the IS 250's 2.5-liter V6 (204 hp), and it feels much stronger in everyday driving. The IS 250 is more efficient and cheaper to buy, making it a reasonable commuter, but the IS 350 is the enthusiast's and the all-rounder's choice.
Are older Lexus IS sedans expensive to maintain? No, and that is a big part of their appeal. The naturally aspirated V6 engines are extremely durable and avoid turbo-related repairs entirely. Budget for normal wear items like brakes, tires, and fluids; well-kept IS sedans are among the cheapest luxury sport sedans to own over the long term, especially compared with German alternatives.
Should I buy the IS 300 turbo or the IS 350 V6? The IS 350 V6 is smoother, faster, and more characterful, with a far better engine note, while the IS 300 turbo is more fuel-efficient with strong low-end torque for around-town driving. If you prioritize the driving experience and long-term satisfaction, choose the V6; if outright economy matters most for a commute, the turbo four works perfectly well.
Bottom Line
The Lexus IS 350 F Sport (2021-2024) is the best IS for daily driving, blending the durable V6, a sharpened chassis, and modern tech into one of the most dependable sport sedans you can buy. Value buyers should grab a 2014-2016 IS, reliability seekers a 2006-2013 IS 350, and enthusiasts the IS-F, IS 500, or original IS300.
Across every era, the naturally aspirated engines and Lexus build quality make the IS one of the safest used sport-sedan bets on the market.
Sources
- Lexus IS - Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lexus_IS
- Lexus IS F - Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lexus_IS_F
- Lexus USA official IS information: https://www.lexus.com/models/IS
- Edmunds Lexus IS reviews and specs: https://www.edmunds.com/lexus/is/
- Car and Driver Lexus IS road tests: https://www.caranddriver.com/lexus/is
- Kelley Blue Book Lexus IS used values: https://www.kbb.com/lexus/is/
- MotorTrend Lexus IS history and reviews: https://www.motortrend.com/cars/lexus/is/