Is the Lexus IS 250 front wheel drive?
No. The Lexus IS 250 is not offered as a front-wheel-drive model. It has historically been built on a rear-wheel-drive platform, with an optional all-wheel-drive variant available in certain markets and model years. This article explains how the IS 250’s drivetrain has been configured and what that means for buyers and owners.
Understanding the question requires looking at how Lexus configured the IS 250 across its production life. While some competing compact luxury sedans use FWD as a base, the IS 250’s architecture emphasizes rear-drive dynamics, with AWD offered as an upgrade in some regions. There has never been an official Lexus IS 250 model sold as front-wheel drive.
Drivetrain configurations for the IS 250
The IS 250’s core drivetrain options have centered on two main configurations: rear-wheel drive (RWD) as the standard setup and all-wheel drive (AWD) as an optional system in selected markets and years. A true front-wheel-drive (FWD) version has not been part of the official IS 250 lineup.
Before listing the primary configurations you might encounter, here is a concise overview of the two main patterns used in the IS 250’s history.
- Standard configuration: Rear-wheel drive (RWD) on the typical IS 250 models in the second-generation lineup.
- Optional configuration: All-wheel drive (AWD) available in certain model years and markets, commonly marketed as “IS 250 AWD” or via Lexus Intelligent AWD.
- Front-wheel drive: Not offered as a factory configuration for the IS 250; there are no official FWD IS 250 variants from Lexus.
For shoppers, this means you should check the drivetrain badge or window sticker to confirm whether a particular IS 250 is RWD or AWD. A front-wheel-drive configuration is not part of the IS 250’s official options.
Markets and model-year availability
AWD availability for the IS 250 varied by region and year. In several markets, Lexus offered an IS 250 with Intelligent AWD during the mid-2000s to early-2010s, while other regions saw AWD as an option on specific trims. Across these years, there was no official FWD IS 250 model.
Before shopping or evaluating used examples, note these general patterns observed in various markets and years.
- North America: IS 250 AWD appeared in certain model years as an upgrade option, while RWD remained common in the lineup. There was no factory FWD IS 250 variant.
- Europe and other regions: AWD availability also occurred in select trims and years, with the same absence of a true FWD IS 250 version.
Conclusion: If you’re seeking an IS 250, verify whether the car is RWD or AWD; a front-drive configuration was not part of the official IS 250 offerings.
Practical takeaways for buyers and owners
How to verify the drivetrain on a used IS 250
When evaluating a used IS 250, rely on multiple sources to confirm the drivetrain: check the window sticker or build sheet, review the VIN for drivetrain specifications, and ask the dealer or seller for the exact configuration. An IS 250 labeled as AWD will have the appropriate drivetrain hardware and a badge/build sheet indicating AWD, while RWD variants will indicate rear-wheel drive only.
Note that drivetrain configurations can vary by year and market, so always confirm the specifics for the exact vehicle you are considering.
Summary
The Lexus IS 250 is not front-wheel drive. It was designed around a rear-wheel-drive chassis, with an optional all-wheel-drive system available in certain markets and model years. When shopping for an IS 250, confirm whether the specific car is RWD or AWD, as FWD variants were not offered in Lexus’s IS 250 lineup.
IS the IS250 front-wheel drive?
The IS 250 debuted in 2005 as a 2006 model, offering a 204-horsepower, 2.5-liter V-6 engine that could be paired with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission and rear- or all-wheel drive (AWD was offered only with the automatic). Exterior styling was …
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Mechanical
| Rear Wheel Drive | |
| V6 Cylinder Engine | |
| Engine Type | Gas V6 |
| Displacement | 2.5L/152 |
| Horsepower (Net @ RPM) | 204 @ 6400 |
