IS the Lexus IS250 discontinued?
The short answer is yes: Lexus no longer sells a new IS250 in its global lineup, and in major markets the badge has been retired in favor of turbocharged and larger-engine variants. The IS name now centers on the IS 300, IS 350, and, in some regions, the IS 500 or hybrid variants.
What happened to the IS250
Automakers periodically refresh model lines to reflect technology shifts, efficiency targets, and market demand. Lexus began steering the IS lineup away from the lower-output 2.5-liter V6 that powered the IS250 and toward turbocharged four-cylinder and larger V6 options. Over the mid-to-late 2010s, the IS250 badge disappeared from new-car inventories in the United States and many other markets, as the brand consolidated around the IS 300 (2.0L turbo) and IS 350 (3.5L V6), with the IS 500 and hybrid variants appearing in select regions.
Here is a concise timeline of how the IS250 was phased out in major markets:
- First-generation IS (introduced around 2006) offered in the United States as IS250 and IS350, with the 2.5L V6 for the base variant.
- During the mid-2010s, Lexus shifted emphasis to turbocharged four-cylinders and larger V6s, gradually reducing availability of the IS250 in new-car catalogs.
- By the latter half of the 2010s, the US lineup had effectively dropped the IS250 in favor of the IS 300 (2.0L turbo) and IS 350, with the IS 500 later entering some markets as a high-performance option.
- In many regions, the IS250 badge has not returned in new-car sales, though used examples may still appear in older inventories or on dealer lots.
For shoppers and used-car buyers, the IS250 can still show up in pre-owned listings, but new-car sales no longer include the model in most major markets.
What the current IS lineup looks like
The contemporary IS lineup centers on turbocharged efficiency and performance, with regional variations in availability. Here is a snapshot of the core options you’ll typically see in markets where the IS is sold today:
- IS 300 — 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4, available in rear- or all-wheel drive depending on market.
- IS 350 — 3.5-liter V6, offering stronger performance and range-topping power in many regions, with available all-wheel drive.
- IS 500 — 5.0-liter V8, introduced in select markets and models as a high-performance variant (often part of the F-Sport/Gallery packages or equivalent).
- IS 300h (hybrid) — a hybrid option available in certain regions, though not universally offered in every market.
As a practical matter, the exact engine lineup and availability can vary by country, trim level, and model year. Prospective buyers should check local Lexus configurations to confirm which IS variants are currently on sale in their region.
Summary
In short, the Lexus IS250 is no longer offered as a new-car option in the majority of markets. Lexus has shifted to the IS 300 (2.0L turbo), IS 350 (3.5L V6), and in some places IS 500 or hybrid variants to meet modern performance and efficiency goals. The IS250 may still be encountered in used-car inventories, but new sales for that badge have largely ended.
