Is the Lexus is250 front-wheel drive?
No—the IS250 is not a front-wheel-drive model. It was built around rear-wheel drive as the standard configuration, with an optional all-wheel-drive version in several markets. The IS250 name belongs to the first-generation IS sedan, produced roughly in the mid-2000s to early 2010s, and the lineup has since shifted to newer variants in most regions.
Drivetrain configurations for the IS250
The following overview explains how the IS250 was offered in terms of drivetrain across markets and generations:
- Rear-wheel drive (RWD) was the standard layout on most IS250 models.
- All-wheel drive (AWD) was available as an option on certain markets and model years, marketed as the IS 250 AWD to improve traction.
- Transmissions typically included a 6-speed automatic; a manual transmission was not commonly offered for the IS250.
In summary, the IS250 is not a factory-fitted front-wheel-drive car; its core design centered on RWD with AWD as a selectable alternative in some regions.
What this means for shoppers and owners
For anyone shopping for a used IS250 today, the key takeaway is to check whether the car is RWD or AWD and to confirm the transmission type. The IS250 designation belongs to a generation that largely disappeared from new-car inventories after the early 2010s, with Lexus shifting focus to newer IS models such as the IS 300/IS 350 and hybrid variants in later years.
Context on the IS250 within Lexus history
The IS family began as a compact luxury sedan in the mid-2000s. The IS 250 name was tied to a 2.5-liter V6 engine and could be equipped with AWD in some regions. As Lexus refreshed the IS lineup, the nameplate evolved, and the brand transitioned readers toward the newer IS 300/350/500 family lines and hybrids. If you’re seeking current Lexus options, consider the IS 300 (turbocharged 2.0L), IS 350 (3.5L V6), and IS 500 variants, which reflect the modern direction away from the IS250-era configuration.
Summary
The Lexus IS250 is not front-wheel drive. It was configured with rear-wheel drive as standard and offered optional all-wheel drive in some markets. The nameplate is largely associated with the first-generation IS sedan (roughly mid-2000s to early 2010s) and has since been supplanted by newer IS variants in Lexus’ lineup. For buyers today, focus on whether a used IS250 is RWD or AWD and note that the model itself is no longer sold new.
