Is a Lexus IS 300 fast?
The short, practical answer: the IS 300 isn’t a sports-car speed demon, but it offers solid, real-world pace for a luxury compact sedan. In its latest form, a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine produces about 241 horsepower, with acceleration typically in the low-to-mid six-second range depending on drivetrain. Older generations with a 3.0-liter inline-six were a touch slower. For outright speed in the Lexus lineup, buyers look to the IS 350 or the high-performance IS F.
Beyond raw acceleration, speed is only part of the picture. The IS 300 aims for a balance of comfortable acceleration, refined ride quality, and everyday usability. This article breaks down how fast the IS 300 is across generations, how it stacks up against rivals, and what to expect when shopping for one today.
Performance snapshots by generation
Here are the main speed characteristics you’ll encounter across typical IS 300 variants.
- Current IS 300 (2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4): about 241 horsepower, around 258 lb-ft of torque; 0–60 mph generally in the low-to-mid 6-second range, depending on whether it’s rear- or all-wheel drive; top speed electronically limited around 143 mph; transmission is an 8-speed automatic.
- Older IS 300 generations (early 2000s to early 2010s, with a 3.0-liter inline-6): around 215–230 horsepower; 0–60 roughly in the 7.0 to 7.5-second range, depending on model year and drivetrain; typically RWD with manual or automatic options.
- Faster siblings in the Lexus IS lineup (for reference): the IS 350 with a larger 3.5-liter V6 generally delivers 0–60 in roughly 5.4–5.9 seconds, and the performance-oriented IS F was markedly quicker still. These variants illustrate the speed gap within the same family.
In summary, the IS 300’s pace sits in the“adequate but not extreme” category for a modern luxury sedan. It accelerates crisply enough for highway merging and confident passing, but it isn’t designed as a track-ready screamer like its faster siblings.
Drivetrain, handling and daily usability
Choice of drivetrain and chassis tuning affects speed as much as horsepower. The current IS 300 offers both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with an emphasis on a smooth, composed ride and refined road manners. The optional F Sport package adds sharper steering feel, firmer suspension, and larger wheels for a more confident, sportier character—without sacrificing daily comfort. In the real world, this means you’ll feel eager punch off the line, steady mid-range acceleration, and predictable handling in twisty roads, though the car remains more luxury-oriented than a purpose-built performance sedan.
For buyers who prioritize outright speed above all else, the IS 350 (and especially the IS F in its era) remains the faster route. The IS 300’s strengths lie in balanced performance, strong mid-range torque from the turbo four, and Lexus-level ride quality and reliability.
How it compares with rivals
When measured against compact-luxury rivals, the IS 300’s pace sits in a similar or slightly slower tier than some European competitors with comparable power. Below is a general sense of how it stacks up, before factoring in handling, braking, and drivetrain choices.
- BMW 3 Series (typical 330i variants): often quicker off the line and in the mid-range, with sport-tuned dynamics that emphasize handling and acceleration.
- Audi A4 (and S4 variants): competitive acceleration, with quattro all-wheel-drive options that enhance grip and real-world speed.
- Mercedes C-Class (and C300 variants): balanced performance with a smooth, refined delivery that competes closely with the IS 300 in everyday speed.
In short, the IS 300 holds its own as a refined luxury sedan, but if you’re after the fastest numbers in the segment, you’ll likely look to the IS 350 or rival sport trims from BMW, Audi, or Mercedes.
What to consider when shopping for speed
If speed is a primary criterion, keep these considerations in mind when evaluating an IS 300 purchase or a used example:
- Generation and engine: newer IS 300 models use a turbocharged four with different tuning than older inline-six IS 300 variants; expect faster reflexes and quicker 0–60 as a general rule in the latest powertrain.
- Drivetrain: RWD vs AWD can affect 0–60 times and throttle response, especially in slick conditions or when the engine is under load.
- Condition and options: the availability of the F Sport package, transmission type, and maintenance history influence perceived speed and driving feel more than sticker horsepower alone.
Despite these factors, the IS 300 remains a well-rounded option in its class, balancing usable everyday performance with the comfort and refinement Lexus buyers expect.
Summary
The Lexus IS 300 is not a pure speed machine, but it delivers strong, real-world pace for a luxury compact sedan. Its current 2.0-liter turbo engine offers brisk acceleration in the mid-6-second range, while older IS 300s with a 3.0-liter inline-six were a touch slower. If your priority is outright speed, the IS 350 or a performance-oriented model within or outside the IS line will be quicker. For daily driving, comfort, reliability, and a composed ride, the IS 300 remains a compelling choice in its segment.
What is Lexus IS 300 known for?
The Lexus IS 300 was a compact rear-wheel-drive sports sedan introduced for the 2001 model year. Essentially an Americanized version of the Japanese-market Toyota Altezza, the IS was meant to rival European sports sedans like the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series.
What's faster, IS350 or IS300?
Is the IS 300 faster than IS 350? The Lexus IS 300, while offering a quick 6.1-second 0-60 mph acceleration on the AWD model comes in behind the IS 350, with both the IS 350 F SPORT Design and IS 350 F SPORT offering 5.6 seconds for 0-60 mph and the AWD variations of each a 5.7-second 0-60 mph acceleration time.
How fast is a Lexus IS 300?
143mph
Highlights: 2021 IS 300
| 2021 Lexus IS 300 Engine Specs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Trim Levels | Engine Size | Top Speed |
| All-Wheel Drive | 3.5L V6 | 143mph (Estimated) |
| Rear-Wheel Drive | 2.0L 4-cylinder | 143mph (Estimated) |
IS300 hp considered fast?
Yes, 300 horsepower is fast for most road vehicles, especially in lighter cars, providing quick acceleration for everyday driving, passing, and merging. While "fast" is relative to factors like vehicle weight, it's a significant amount of power that allows for a spirited driving experience in a wide variety of modern cars.
Performance in a typical car
- Acceleration: 300 hp is enough for a 0-60 mph time of around 5 seconds in a moderately weighted vehicle, which is considered quick.
- Everyday driving: You will have more than enough power to pass traffic, merge onto a freeway, or handle hills with ease.
- Enthusiast cars: This power level is a popular benchmark for performance-oriented cars like the Ford Mustang EcoBoost or a Toyota Camry TRD, delivering a sporty feel.
Factors that affect performance
- Weight: A lighter car will feel much faster than a heavy one with the same horsepower. For example, 300 hp in a 3,500-pound car is very quick, whereas a 300 hp truck would feel much slower.
- Other factors: Things like torque, gearing, aerodynamics, and the driver's skill also play a role in how fast a car feels.
