Does Lexus IS 300 have adaptive cruise control?
Yes. On most recent Lexus IS 300 models, adaptive cruise control is available through Lexus Safety System+ or its successor, though availability varies by year, trim level, and market. If you’re shopping used or new, check the specific car’s features list to be sure.
Overview: what adaptive cruise control does for the IS 300
Adaptive cruise control (ACC) uses radar and sometimes camera sensors to maintain a set distance from the car ahead, adjusting speed automatically. In the Lexus IS 300, ACC is typically branded as Dynamic Radar Cruise Control or as part of the Lexus Safety System+ package. When paired with other safeguards like Lane Departure Alert and Automatic High Beams, ACC enhances highway driving comfort and can help with stop-and-go traffic in some markets.
Availability by model year and market
Below is a concise guide to how ACC availability has varied across typical IS 300 generations and regions. Exact features depend on trim and optional packages; always verify with the vehicle’s window sticker or the dealer’s build sheet.
- Recent models (roughly 2020–present) in major markets such as the United States and Canada commonly include Adaptive Cruise Control as part of Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 or its successor, either standard on higher trims or available as part of an option package.
- Earlier mid-2010s IS 300 units often offered ACC as part of the Safety System+ package on higher trims or as an optional upgrade, rather than as standard equipment on base trims. Availability varied by market.
- European and some other international markets frequently bundle ACC within the local safety packages (for example, Lexus Safety System+ or Safety Sense), with differences by model year and hybrid variants such as the IS 300h.
Concluding note: As Lexus updated its safety suites over the years, ACC became more widely available across the IS 300 lineup. If you’re evaluating a specific car, confirm the exact features on the window sticker or owner's manual, and ask the dealer to pull the vehicle's build sheet to verify ACC availability.
How to check and use Adaptive Cruise Control in your IS 300
To determine whether ACC is installed, look for a dedicated CRUISE or Adaptive Cruise Control button on the steering wheel, and a distance/following indicator on the instrument cluster. In practice, you typically:
- Engage ACC using the steering-wheel controls and set a desired speed.
- Choose a following distance or density setting if the system offers multiple spacing options.
- Drive on suitable highways; the system will automatically adjust throttle to maintain the set distance from the car ahead, and may bring the car to a stop in certain Stop-and-Go conditions depending on the model year and package.
Note: ACC performance and availability for features such as Stop-and-Go capability and lane-keeping assistance can vary by model year and market. Always review the owner’s manual for specific operation guidelines and limitations.
Operational caveats and safety reminders
Adaptive cruise control is a driver-assist feature, not a substitute for attentive driving. It relies on sensors that may be affected by weather, road roughness, or traffic behavior. Always stay alert, keep hands on the wheel when required, and be prepared to override or disengage ACC if conditions warrant.
Summary
In short, the Lexus IS 300 generally offers adaptive cruise control in modern iterations as part of Lexus Safety System+ or its updated safety packages. Availability depends on year, trim, and market, with newer models more likely to include ACC either as standard or as an option. When shopping, verify ACC specifically for the vehicle you’re considering by checking the feature list, window sticker, or dealer documentation, and consult the owner’s manual for exact usage guidelines.
