2014 IS250 F Sport owner here. When you buy/own an IS, it's gotta be an F Sport because it's meant to be an F Sport! Mine is an absolute joy to own and drive. There's not a lot of power compared to the IS350 but there is still some punch to it compared to other cars on the road. Would like to own an IS350 one day to feel that power.
Justin, thanks for all the information. Just got my IS350 .... in Jultin-ultrasonic blue. I was all set to get red, but the blue sold me. It's incredible. I make excuses to drive this car, it's so enjoyable.
Hi Dustin I'm a car guy like you , I really appreciated the way you describe all the features and option with advantages and not any negative feedback . If I were to buy a car I would like it to be you as the salesman . Cause your very competent , very good vocabulary inspire confidence and integrity .and round a very likeable guy. Hope to see you one day to buy my last car. Sincerely Michel Durocher
This is the exact car I want or red. I love the color, wheels, red interior, and that it’s AWD! I drive from the desert to the mountains in AZ all the time and this is ideal. When I get out of school hopefully the rates have gone below 3.9%
Hello from Morocco 🇲🇦 I just bought the IS 300h 7 months ago. It’s the only model that is sold here with the basic pack, Caviar black I wish I could have had the choice to have this F model with this beautiful blue
I got about 50,000kms on the OEM tires. In order to reduce the inner tire wear you need to change the control arm bushings. If you want to stick with OEM look for the RC-F bushings. This will reduce it significantly but not correct the issue completely. On a side note, how are you getting 9.9L/100km?! I average about 13-14L/100km. 😅
This is the most thorough in-depth review I've seen so far. I am really baffled that in 2024 Lexus as a premium brand is still making cars without wireless CarPlay. What's their justification for that?
I love this IS.. wish I could get this in the US.. it’s near impossible to find an AWD with navigation, 360 cam, mark levinson.. and especially in this color! How do you find the drive compared to the NX? I just bought a 24 NX fsport luxury.. and I was thinking of getting an IS instead for that nice 6 cylinder. I find the 200 miles i have driven the NX to be too floaty like I am in a boat not very driver oriented.. yes noisy with the runflats too! Guessing the IS would have heavier steering and planted to the ground more?
OH no! I didn't realize they were so hard to come by down in the states! Great question on the drive! I for sure find the IS more planted but not heavier steering. Both steering are very light. The IS just seems to really throw itself (nicely) into a corner, where the NX is for sure a bit floaty! Kind of like an IS with a lift kit LOL! I'd say if you don't need the space or height of the NX try and get an IS AWD!
Hello, do you know or have information to share when the TX550h+ PHEV is going to be released in Canada? Specifically, when it will be available in Ontario?
Nice quick review, I have a new '24 IS350 F-Sport 3 coming next month! Warning, I ended up writing a short novel below lmao. For point number 2 (fuel economy), it is absolutely because it is running a full-time AWD system similar to that of the (now discontinued) Subaru WRX STI or the WRX with the CVT. It has a planetary gear center differential in the middle (just a bunch of gears in a configuration that looks like planets orbiting a sun) with a chain drive and a clutch pack that can modulate to change the default full-time power distribution from 30% front 70% rear up to 50% / 50%. It is a system that is woefully under stated by Lexus themselves and is a robust setup (along with the 6 speed auto) that can handle punishment. The downside is that it is heavy and being full-time it is always on no matter what the road conditions are like. The heated seats have an automatic turn down function that will gradually reduce the heat (press and hold both buttons until you hear a beep). Sport S+ also firms up the steering wheel and makes it feel heavier, along with tightening up the suspension feel and making the transmission more aggressive with its up/downshifts and throttle response. The tire wear can be mitigated with the RC-F lower control arm bushings, which are technically not aftermarket, they're not as stiff as the RR Racing or Figs but they're a lot easier to live with than the poly bushings which need constant greasing. I have to say that I very much appreciate that the IS350 has remained what it has been since 2014 (or even before 2014) - a well designed, driver focused Japanese sports sedan that looks great, drives great and will reliably go a decade with no issues unlike its competitors. It isn't perfect, but no car is, and it's all about what you, as a driver, choose to compromise on. The IS350 compromises on technology somewhat (no wireless AC/AA), it doesn't get great fuel economy, it is slightly slower from 0 - 100 kmh than the competition by about half a second (vs. a BMW 330i or Audi A4, for example), and people say the interior hasn't really changed that much (which I think is a great thing and has not experienced cost cutting like on the 330i). In return for all that, you get a 311hp full-time AWD old school sports sedan that won't break down on you. The slight speed deficit is not an issue, flooring the gas pedal from 1st - 2nd gear and hitting 100 kmh in 5.7s is pretty quick. I drive mine like that on on-ramps and other safe, legal places and it is already more than fast enough for the street and for what it is. The 6 speed auto is a gem, it does not gear hunt, it can insta downshift to 2nd when you floor it anywhere 84 kmh and below, and it is fast to shift and smooth in automatic mode. I think there is much to like about it that is not immediately represented by numbers on paper or by the aforementioned 2 hour long driving experience that many reviewers base their conclusions on. Putting my money where my mouth is, as I have driven my 2019 since it was brand new, I'm STILL sticking with the IS350 despite having the money and the option to switch models/brands. For example, I looked at the 330i and was turned off by how sterile it looks, the A4 is not my thing (Quattro Ultra is a scam) and the C300 is all screens and ambient lighting now. The G70 3.3T would have been an option if it weren't for issues with the engine and AWD / transfer case, the Infiniti Q50 is awful, and the TLX A Spec is just too large and heavy for the 2.0T that it uses. None of these competitors had the same combination of advantages that the IS350 brings to the table - Japanese-made, compact with a tight turn radius, V6 engine, full-time AWD using gears and not clutch-packs only, old school interior with real buttons, stunning good looks, etc. Basically, my conclusion is that the IS350 still represents a period of time when sports sedans were designed to be drivers' cars and less to be technology-heavy platforms that just happen to have wheels. It has experienced the opposite of cost cutting compared to the competition and I believe it has iteratively become better than the 2020 and older models. With the advent of new turbo hybrid powerplants coming for the IS (previewed in recent videos on the net, look up Toyota Times), I believed it was time to trade to a '24 and still enjoy that naturally aspirated V6 while it's around, because it'll be gone before long.
Well said. I pre ordered this iteration of the IS back in 2020 when it was announced. Year 4 into the vehicle now, still loving it and it’s still turning heads with the minor mods I have done. 🔥
@@8lackyj Canadian package level for the 350 AWD F-Sport. 2 is standard equipment. 3 adds the handling package, 360 camera, triple beams and Mark Levinson.
Hey Dustin I also love the, "Dustin special color", Ultrasonic Blue Mica. Here in the states it looks like the 2025 ES300h Sport handling will no longer be available? The IS350 is still only showing 2024. Guess I better get buy-in. Thanks for another awesome video!
I liked this car was just hoping to bring the price a bit down - comparing it to a brand new price I ended up buying a IS300 f sport 3 blue on black which is great too
People complain about having wired Apple CarPlay. It sounds a MILLION times better than Bluetooth CarPlay. Because Bluetooth bit rate is soooo low. Try it for your self and thank me later.
Not everyone wants giant iPads and glossy plastic I’m a tech bro and I work with screens all day. I want my cars to be 2017 style where you get Apple CarPlay and Android auto but not massive screens. This car is perfect for me (I bought a 2017-19 version because of the glossy plastic in the interior of this version + I prefer the older headlight design with the 3 LEDs in an L shape and I added CarPlay but style is subjective)
@@hamzaomar8924facts. Those huge screens look so lame in most cars. I wish they would make pop up versions like the old Infiniti navigation units. U could hide it away in the dash if you wanted. Good times.
I bought an IS350 F-Sport with RWD. Incognito, the best color, red interior! I love this car. By the way, your pants are about 3 inches too short! I guess since it was raining, you didn't want your pant cuffs to get wet!
Most detailed IS 350 F Sport review period! Awesome video thank you 🎉
2014 IS250 F Sport owner here. When you buy/own an IS, it's gotta be an F Sport because it's meant to be an F Sport! Mine is an absolute joy to own and drive. There's not a lot of power compared to the IS350 but there is still some punch to it compared to other cars on the road. Would like to own an IS350 one day to feel that power.
Justin, thanks for all the information. Just got my IS350 .... in Jultin-ultrasonic blue. I was all set to get red, but the blue sold me. It's incredible. I make excuses to drive this car, it's so enjoyable.
Immediately subscribed. We're a lexus family and it's nice to learn more about these incredible machines.
Thank you for the support!! I'm glad to hear you are with such a great brand!
Thanks for the honest review! I was torn between the ES and the IS so this video was perfect.
You are welcome! Which did you decide!?
@@PerformanceLexusNiagara So I decided to go with the ES 300 F sport. It's the perfect package
Fact: You and Melissa O’Connell make the best Lexus videos.
Thank you for saying that!! Maybe one day we can get Melissa to collab!
Yay you finally reviewed the IS you’re driving 😊
YES!! Glad you liked!
You’re the most knowledgeable Lexus employee I know
I've had mine since 2023 and I absolutely love it!
Great choice!!
Hi Dustin I'm a car guy like you , I really appreciated the way you describe all the features and option with advantages and not any negative feedback .
If I were to buy a car I would like it to be you as the salesman .
Cause your very competent , very good vocabulary inspire confidence and integrity .and round a very likeable guy. Hope to see you one day to buy my last car.
Sincerely
Michel Durocher
Great video, thank you for sharing. I was thinking about to get a LS300 and you just changed my mind.
The IS... best car ever!!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is the exact car I want or red. I love the color, wheels, red interior, and that it’s AWD! I drive from the desert to the mountains in AZ all the time and this is ideal. When I get out of school hopefully the rates have gone below 3.9%
Hello from Morocco 🇲🇦
I just bought the IS 300h 7 months ago. It’s the only model that is sold here with the basic pack, Caviar black I wish I could have had the choice to have this F model with this beautiful blue
I got about 50,000kms on the OEM tires. In order to reduce the inner tire wear you need to change the control arm bushings. If you want to stick with OEM look for the RC-F bushings. This will reduce it significantly but not correct the issue completely. On a side note, how are you getting 9.9L/100km?! I average about 13-14L/100km. 😅
This is the most thorough in-depth review I've seen so far. I am really baffled that in 2024 Lexus as a premium brand is still making cars without wireless CarPlay.
What's their justification for that?
I love this IS.. wish I could get this in the US.. it’s near impossible to find an AWD with navigation, 360 cam, mark levinson.. and especially in this color!
How do you find the drive compared to the NX?
I just bought a 24 NX fsport luxury.. and I was thinking of getting an IS instead for that nice 6 cylinder.
I find the 200 miles i have driven the NX to be too floaty like I am in a boat not very driver oriented.. yes noisy with the runflats too!
Guessing the IS would have heavier steering and planted to the ground more?
OH no! I didn't realize they were so hard to come by down in the states!
Great question on the drive! I for sure find the IS more planted but not heavier steering. Both steering are very light. The IS just seems to really throw itself (nicely) into a corner, where the NX is for sure a bit floaty! Kind of like an IS with a lift kit LOL! I'd say if you don't need the space or height of the NX try and get an IS AWD!
Hello, do you know or have information to share when the TX550h+ PHEV is going to be released in Canada? Specifically, when it will be available in Ontario?
I love my IS! I own a 2023 Lexus IS350 F Sport RWD in Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0 with white interior 🔥
Is the white interior difficult to maintain? Like the butt area where you sit will be dirty easily?
@tand9854 I haven't had to yet and I've had it for a year but I'm very careful with it though.
Nice combo
@agboadeka7629 Thank you. Also, it was rare to find it. It took me a few months to find it and was 500+ miles away lol but worth it 🔥
How much the montly boss
Nice quick review, I have a new '24 IS350 F-Sport 3 coming next month! Warning, I ended up writing a short novel below lmao.
For point number 2 (fuel economy), it is absolutely because it is running a full-time AWD system similar to that of the (now discontinued) Subaru WRX STI or the WRX with the CVT. It has a planetary gear center differential in the middle (just a bunch of gears in a configuration that looks like planets orbiting a sun) with a chain drive and a clutch pack that can modulate to change the default full-time power distribution from 30% front 70% rear up to 50% / 50%. It is a system that is woefully under stated by Lexus themselves and is a robust setup (along with the 6 speed auto) that can handle punishment. The downside is that it is heavy and being full-time it is always on no matter what the road conditions are like.
The heated seats have an automatic turn down function that will gradually reduce the heat (press and hold both buttons until you hear a beep). Sport S+ also firms up the steering wheel and makes it feel heavier, along with tightening up the suspension feel and making the transmission more aggressive with its up/downshifts and throttle response. The tire wear can be mitigated with the RC-F lower control arm bushings, which are technically not aftermarket, they're not as stiff as the RR Racing or Figs but they're a lot easier to live with than the poly bushings which need constant greasing.
I have to say that I very much appreciate that the IS350 has remained what it has been since 2014 (or even before 2014) - a well designed, driver focused Japanese sports sedan that looks great, drives great and will reliably go a decade with no issues unlike its competitors. It isn't perfect, but no car is, and it's all about what you, as a driver, choose to compromise on. The IS350 compromises on technology somewhat (no wireless AC/AA), it doesn't get great fuel economy, it is slightly slower from 0 - 100 kmh than the competition by about half a second (vs. a BMW 330i or Audi A4, for example), and people say the interior hasn't really changed that much (which I think is a great thing and has not experienced cost cutting like on the 330i).
In return for all that, you get a 311hp full-time AWD old school sports sedan that won't break down on you. The slight speed deficit is not an issue, flooring the gas pedal from 1st - 2nd gear and hitting 100 kmh in 5.7s is pretty quick. I drive mine like that on on-ramps and other safe, legal places and it is already more than fast enough for the street and for what it is. The 6 speed auto is a gem, it does not gear hunt, it can insta downshift to 2nd when you floor it anywhere 84 kmh and below, and it is fast to shift and smooth in automatic mode.
I think there is much to like about it that is not immediately represented by numbers on paper or by the aforementioned 2 hour long driving experience that many reviewers base their conclusions on. Putting my money where my mouth is, as I have driven my 2019 since it was brand new, I'm STILL sticking with the IS350 despite having the money and the option to switch models/brands.
For example, I looked at the 330i and was turned off by how sterile it looks, the A4 is not my thing (Quattro Ultra is a scam) and the C300 is all screens and ambient lighting now. The G70 3.3T would have been an option if it weren't for issues with the engine and AWD / transfer case, the Infiniti Q50 is awful, and the TLX A Spec is just too large and heavy for the 2.0T that it uses. None of these competitors had the same combination of advantages that the IS350 brings to the table - Japanese-made, compact with a tight turn radius, V6 engine, full-time AWD using gears and not clutch-packs only, old school interior with real buttons, stunning good looks, etc.
Basically, my conclusion is that the IS350 still represents a period of time when sports sedans were designed to be drivers' cars and less to be technology-heavy platforms that just happen to have wheels. It has experienced the opposite of cost cutting compared to the competition and I believe it has iteratively become better than the 2020 and older models. With the advent of new turbo hybrid powerplants coming for the IS (previewed in recent videos on the net, look up Toyota Times), I believed it was time to trade to a '24 and still enjoy that naturally aspirated V6 while it's around, because it'll be gone before long.
Well said. I pre ordered this iteration of the IS back in 2020 when it was announced. Year 4 into the vehicle now, still loving it and it’s still turning heads with the minor mods I have done. 🔥
What does the 3 mean in F sport 3?
@@8lackyj Canadian package level for the 350 AWD F-Sport. 2 is standard equipment. 3 adds the handling package, 360 camera, triple beams and Mark Levinson.
Small correction At 7:00 the UX was the first model to debut the taillight blade
This is definitely one of my favorite cars 💙
Great choice!!! It's the color that got me!
Love this car in the irdium silver in the 2024 modle 💜
Planning on picking up a 24 is350 f sport3 incognito on black in October! So excited 🎉 switching from my nx350h
Hey Dustin I also love the, "Dustin special color", Ultrasonic Blue Mica. Here in the states it looks like the 2025 ES300h Sport handling will no longer be available? The IS350 is still only showing 2024. Guess I better get buy-in. Thanks for another awesome video!
I liked this car was just hoping to bring the price a bit down - comparing it to a brand new price
I ended up buying a IS300 f sport 3 blue on black which is great too
You can dismount the tires and have them cross rotated. Then they wear even.
once I'm financially stable this is the car I'd buy.
Wow that's amazing 😻🤩
Huge Love From Nepal 🇳🇵🇳🇵
WOW Amazing! I'm excited to hear our videos have reached Nepal! Thanks for watching!
RWD is the way to go with the 8 speed transmission not the 6 speed in AWD
why is500 is rare to find now?
I can't find this exterior, interior condition nowhere. Most blues version I've seen has the white interior
Such a cool looking car too bad the interior is outdated. And halogen turn signals on a Lexus...?
People complain about having wired Apple CarPlay. It sounds a MILLION times better than Bluetooth CarPlay. Because Bluetooth bit rate is soooo low. Try it for your self and thank me later.
Re CD players a thing of the past for Lexus ?
Yes
This car is ancient. Such a shame the put a beautiful exterior with pathetic “modern” powertrains and an even more ancient interior
Not everyone wants a giant ipad and excess amounts of gloss black plastic
Not everyone wants giant iPads and glossy plastic
I’m a tech bro and I work with screens all day. I want my cars to be 2017 style where you get Apple CarPlay and Android auto but not massive screens. This car is perfect for me (I bought a 2017-19 version because of the glossy plastic in the interior of this version + I prefer the older headlight design with the 3 LEDs in an L shape and I added CarPlay but style is subjective)
@@hamzaomar8924facts. Those huge screens look so lame in most cars. I wish they would make pop up versions like the old Infiniti navigation units. U could hide it away in the dash if you wanted. Good times.
I will take "ancient" over the garbage we have now.
Yum to both ! 😋 I could watch any video you make .. those hands are sexy too 😊… just bought a Lexus 350 f sport in March . Best car ever
Too much bloody red in the interior. It would be ok for OJ but not for me.
Your suit slacks are too short and socks don’t match . Invest in some new suits.
I bought an IS350 F-Sport with RWD. Incognito, the best color, red interior! I love this car. By the way, your pants are about 3 inches too short! I guess since it was raining, you didn't want your pant cuffs to get wet!