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
As an is300 awd and Audi S5 owner, I’d like to say if you need a daily driver and want it to last forever then go with the is300. If you are a car enthusiast and want a fast car, then go up to is500. I personally will only consider these two models and I will skip the IS350 because it has the same boring engine as IS300 AWD, 60 more HP won’t make that much a difference. It costs almost 10k more here in Canada, and it is still SLOW. If you need a performance sports sedan you can choose any car around this price range and having around 400HP like audi S4/S5, Mercedes C43 etc. Trust me you will have tons of fun in those vehicles if you want a fast car.
The is350 f sport is a difference and worth it, it pulls harder then the is300 f sport and better top end my brother owns a is300 I own a is350, is350 is the one u want
Agreed on the IS 500 being the most desirable, but for the more attainable models the IS 350 RWD is the sweet spot for me. It has 95% of the looks of the IS 500 (if not the awesome sound and performance of the V8) and quad exhausts can be added if you like that look...and if you're really into posing, an IS 500 replacement hood😂 All that aside, I don't need AWD..and Toyota/Lexus safety features (trac/stability control) are quite aggressive in keeping the tail from wagging too much. If I lived in the north I'd still choose RWD but with high performance winter tires.
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?
I got a IS350 rwd. prev tested IS350 AWD and a IS300AWD which i felt was very sluggish. I don’t really need awd since i can work from home and tbh the car sits so slow anything more than a dusting and it’s probably going to get stuck anyway
I’m very happy with my 2021 IS300 AWD. I love the sound of the V6. Where would I be able to find an engine tune for it? What are the downsides of applying a performance tune? Will it affect longterm reliability?
Per the MT article there’s one company that’s attempting it. Tunes can normally void your warranty. It can also affect long term reliability, but in this case, it looks like these engines seem to have been designed to work at the higher performance levels. YMMV
Why would you get an is300 and want to tune it when you could just trade it for an is350? To answer your question no tunes exist. Maybe look into performance catback exhaust
why are you flooring a 260 hp slow sedan? its kind of cringe. im pretty sure most is 300 buyers arent buying this thing for performance or to go launching off the line.
IS 350 F-Sport is a Head Turner !!! Facts !!! Sitting in my driveway fully loaded iridium silver 2023
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
Very informative and honest view. Probably the best/most detailed review I've seen of the Lexus IS out of 30+ videos. Great job and thank you
Thank you!! Great to hear this feedback!
We ended up ordering the IS 300 AWD F2, and with the savings over the 350 F we added the Lexus sport exhaust and it sounds awesome.
As an is300 awd and Audi S5 owner, I’d like to say if you need a daily driver and want it to last forever then go with the is300. If you are a car enthusiast and want a fast car, then go up to is500. I personally will only consider these two models and I will skip the IS350 because it has the same boring engine as IS300 AWD, 60 more HP won’t make that much a difference. It costs almost 10k more here in Canada, and it is still SLOW. If you need a performance sports sedan you can choose any car around this price range and having around 400HP like audi S4/S5, Mercedes C43 etc. Trust me you will have tons of fun in those vehicles if you want a fast car.
The is350 f sport is a difference and worth it, it pulls harder then the is300 f sport and better top end my brother owns a is300 I own a is350, is350 is the one u want
@@rook3364 yes but the rr racing tune will make your bros is300 hp on par with your 350.
@@Quickliqour true
@@Quickliqour i have a tune for my 2022 lexus is350 im at 371 hp now
@@rook3364 jeez, that’s nice. You notice huge difference, 311 vs 371 ? Also would it affect reliability over long term ?
This over Acura any day
Agreed on the IS 500 being the most desirable, but for the more attainable models the IS 350 RWD is the sweet spot for me. It has 95% of the looks of the IS 500 (if not the awesome sound and performance of the V8) and quad exhausts can be added if you like that look...and if you're really into posing, an IS 500 replacement hood😂 All that aside, I don't need AWD..and Toyota/Lexus safety features (trac/stability control) are quite aggressive in keeping the tail from wagging too much. If I lived in the north I'd still choose RWD but with high performance winter tires.
I need this car this is my dreams car 😭😭😭😭😭
I’ve watched many reviews. I concur, great review.
i just bought this car and loving it. just hate trying to clean the front grille.
Ilove is 300 2.0 turbo.. Laxury and driving economy and elegant car........
Im still thinking if im goin to trade in my 19 is300 F. For 2021 this 350is
Why would the 350 with 50 more horsepower not be quicker than the 300 (awd)?
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?
I rather go with DPH 350 rear wheel drive.
Very nice review! Given the IS300 as a Good option for modifying it in the future.
Dude that bump near the gas pedal looks uncomfortable...
It actually can be
A lot of red inside the car 😎
The interior feels new and dated at the same time lolol. Can you do a comparison video between this and the TLX A-Spec? Awesome video by the way!
I got a IS350 rwd. prev tested IS350 AWD and a IS300AWD which i felt was very sluggish. I don’t really need awd since i can work from home and tbh the car sits so slow anything more than a dusting and it’s probably going to get stuck anyway
I’m very happy with my 2021 IS300 AWD. I love the sound of the V6. Where would I be able to find an engine tune for it? What are the downsides of applying a performance tune? Will it affect longterm reliability?
Per the MT article there’s one company that’s attempting it. Tunes can normally void your warranty. It can also affect long term reliability, but in this case, it looks like these engines seem to have been designed to work at the higher performance levels. YMMV
Why would you get an is300 and want to tune it when you could just trade it for an is350?
To answer your question no tunes exist. Maybe look into performance catback exhaust
R&R racing
M force tune and RR racing
why are you flooring a 260 hp slow sedan? its kind of cringe. im pretty sure most is 300 buyers arent buying this thing for performance or to go launching off the line.
people still want to know its power level lol
@mattbrown942 it's over 9000
You can floor any Lexus car all day long no biggie it’s not gonna ruin nothing they take the best beatings
If you tune the 300 to drive like the 350, you void your warranty.
Just the the is350 it pulls harder at top end
Like an ottoman for your right foot..... Very funny 🤣
The price is killing me
Zero road feel
You don't know what you're talking about. Do you have one buddy?
the interior needs a redesign, looks so dated at this point and not worth for a price tag $50,000.