What is the difference between 2018 Lexus is300 and is300 F Sport?
The 2018 IS 300 and the IS 300 F SPORT share a core powertrain but diverge in feel, styling, and equipment. In short, the F SPORT adds sport-oriented handling, wheels, and interior touches that heighten performance perception, while the base IS 300 focuses on everyday comfort and value. Both trims use the same turbocharged engine, but the driving experience and looks are the primary differentiators.
Overview of the two trims
Below is a concise breakdown of how the standard IS 300 and the IS 300 F SPORT differ in key areas such as performance tuning, styling, and interior details.
Performance and design differences you’ll notice at a glance:
- Engine and transmission: Both variants use Lexus’s 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Horsepower is in the same region (roughly around 240 hp), and the F SPORT does not introduce a higher output engine. All-wheel drive is available on some IS 300 configurations, while rear-wheel drive is common on the F SPORT line depending on market and options.
- Suspension and handling: The IS 300 F SPORT features a sport-tuned suspension (and often adaptive suspension options in certain markets), which tightens the ride and sharpens handling compared with the more comfort-oriented setup on the standard IS 300.
- Wheels and tires: F SPORT models typically ride on larger, sport-oriented wheels—commonly 19 inches in many markets—along with performance-oriented tires. The base IS 300 uses smaller wheels (often 17–18 inches) with a more comfort-focused tire setup.
- Exterior styling: The F SPORT adds distinctive styling cues, including a more aggressive front fascia with unique grille treatment, body-colored side skirts, a different rear bumper design, and F SPORT badges to signal the performance-oriented package.
- Interior and trim: Inside, the F SPORT emphasizes sportier details—such as a flat-bottom steering wheel with F SPORT branding, aluminum or dark-metal trim accents, sport seats with enhanced bolstering, and unique gauge clusters—while the standard IS 300 emphasizes a more conventional, comfort-focused cabin.
- Pricing and value: The F SPORT trim carries a higher price tag due to its performance and styling upgrades. The base IS 300 offers strong value with the same core engine but fewer sport-focused features.
In practice, these differences mean the IS 300 is typically smoother and more affordable for daily driving, while the IS 300 F SPORT aims to deliver a more engaging, track-inspired driving experience with a more aggressive look and feel.
Conclusion: If your priority is everyday comfort and lower cost, the standard IS 300 is a compelling choice. If you want sharper handling, more dynamic styling, and sportier interior touches, the IS 300 F SPORT stands out.
Additional considerations for buyers
Beyond the headline differences, buyers should weigh a few practical factors that influence ownership experience and resale value.
Practical considerations to guide your decision:
- Ride comfort vs. sportiness: The standard IS 300 prioritizes comfort, while the F SPORT leans into sport-tuned dynamics, which may feel stiffer on rough pavement.
- Feature availability by market: Some features (such as adaptive suspension or certain wheel sizes) can vary by region and model year; check the exact spec sheet for your market.
- Fuel economy and driving style: Real-world fuel economy is similar, but the sportier setup of the F SPORT can impact efficiency depending on driving habits.
- Resale considerations: The F SPORT’s distinctive look and upgraded hardware can appeal to buyers seeking performance-oriented features, potentially affecting resale value differently than the base IS 300.
Conclusion: For buyers who value a refined daily driver with a lower price point, the IS 300 is attractive. For enthusiasts who want a more aggressive stance, tighter handling, and sport-oriented interior touches, the IS 300 F SPORT justifies the premium.
Summary
The 2018 Lexus IS 300 and IS 300 F SPORT share the same turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and general powertrain setup, but the F SPORT trims up the experience with sport-tuned suspension, larger wheels, sharper styling, and interior accents that emphasize performance. The standard IS 300 emphasizes comfort and practicality with a lower price, while the F SPORT targets buyers who want a more engaging, sport-forward character without stepping up to an entirely different model. Always verify the exact configuration for your market, as specs can vary by region and model year.
What is the difference between F SPORT and Normal Lexus?
Lexus F Sport models, on the other hand, are sportier variants of the standard Lexus models. While they do not feature the same high-performance engines as the full-fledged F models, they come with a host of enhancements designed to improve handling, aesthetics, and overall driving experience.
What does F SPORT add to Lexus?
F Sport enhances Lexus vehicles with performance-inspired styling and handling, adding sporty exterior and interior design cues along with enhanced performance features like sport-tuned suspensions and improved brakes. It represents a sportier trim level that provides a more dynamic driving experience than the standard models.
Performance and handling
- Sport-tuned suspension: F Sport models often include an F SPORT-tuned adaptive variable suspension system for better handling and cornering, such as the F SPORT Handling grade, says DARCARS Lexus Of Englewood and Lexus of Thousand Oaks.
- Upgraded brakes: These models may come with better brakes, such as six-piston front brake calipers, to improve stopping power, as seen on the 2024 RX 350 F SPORT.
- Dynamic driving modes: Some models offer multiple driving modes, including Sport and Sport+ (or Sport S+), which allow the driver to adjust the suspension, throttle, and steering response.
- Performance-oriented details: Some F SPORT Performance models offer more powerful engines and features like a Torsen limited-slip differential to deliver even quicker acceleration and handling.
Exterior design
- Aggressive styling: F Sport models have a distinct look with features like a unique mesh grille, sportier bumpers, and special F SPORT badging.
- Unique wheels: They come equipped with exclusive alloy wheel designs, often in larger sizes, which can include performance options like lightweight forged wheels.
- Other elements: Depending on the model, exterior features can also include exclusive colors, a rear spoiler, and triple LED headlamps.
Interior design
- Sporty cockpit: The interior features a driver-inspired cockpit with unique design elements like sport seats with added bolstering, a perforated leather steering wheel, and F SPORT badging.
- Performance-inspired details: Drivers may see a performance-inspired digital instrument cluster, similar to those found in Lexus supercars, and shiny aluminum trim.
- Enhanced technology: Some models offer the ability to customize driving modes and the option of a Panoramic View Monitor for easier parking.
What is the difference between IS 300 and IS 300 F SPORT?
The main difference is that the IS 300 F SPORT is an upgraded trim of the standard IS 300, featuring sportier exterior and interior styling, performance-tuned suspension, and enhanced features. The standard IS 300 focuses on a balance of luxury and value, while the F SPORT adds performance-oriented design cues like special wheels, unique seats, and a sport-tuned chassis.
IS 300
- Engine: The standard IS 300 in a rear-wheel drive configuration comes with a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 241 horsepower. The all-wheel drive version is equipped with a 260-horsepower 3.5L V6 engine.
- Wheels: Features 18-inch alloy wheels.
- Interior: Includes standard luxury amenities and a traditional gauge cluster.
- Exterior: Has a more traditional grille and bumper design.
IS 300 F SPORT
- Engine: Shares the same engine options as the IS 300 depending on drivetrain (RWD or AWD).
- Wheels: Includes exclusive 18-inch (or larger, depending on model year) split-spoke alloy wheels.
- Interior: Offers sportier, more supportive F SPORT seats, an F SPORT digital instrument cluster, a perforated leather steering wheel, aluminum pedals, and unique trim.
- Exterior: Features an F SPORT-specific front bumper, grille, rear valance, and often comes with a rear spoiler.
- Suspension: Comes with a sport-tuned suspension for a more engaging driving experience.
What is the difference between 2018 Lexus IS 300 and F SPORT?
While the 2018 Lexus IS 300 and 2018 Lexus IS 300 F Sport share many similarities, there are some differences between them you should consider before making your final decision. Differences between the IS 300 and IS 300 F Sport include: Enhanced bolstered sport seats (IS 300 F Sport) Aluminum pedals (IS 300 F Sport)
