Home FAQ

What is the difference between a Lexus IS 200 and 250?

The IS 250 is the more powerful variant, using a 2.5-liter V6, while the IS 200 relies on a smaller 2.0-liter inline-6. In practice, this means the IS 250 offers stronger acceleration and refinement, with the IS 200 often being lighter and potentially cheaper in markets where both were offered. Market naming and equipment can vary by year and region.

Below is a detailed look at how these two Lexus IS variants differ across engines, performance, fuel economy, transmissions, design, and market availability. Differences can hinge on country and production year, so always verify the exact specs for a given car.

Engine and performance

The following list compares core powertrains and how they affect driving feel. It covers typical configurations found in common markets; exact figures vary by year and region.

Engine and power: IS 200 uses a 2.0-liter inline-6 with roughly 150–170 horsepower, depending on year and market. IS 250 uses a 2.5-liter V6 with about 204–208 horsepower, offering noticeably stronger acceleration.

Transmission: IS 200 has been offered with manual and automatic options in various markets. IS 250 most often shipped with a 6-speed automatic (with manual shift mode in many regions); in some markets and years, manual options were limited or unavailable for the IS 250.

Performance feel: The IS 250 typically delivers quicker zero-to-60 mph times and stronger mid‑range torque, giving smoother overtakes and highway cruising with less effort.

Drivetrain: Both cars are primarily rear-wheel drive in their standard configurations; some markets offered all-wheel drive variants for the IS 250 (and other IS models) as an option.

Concluding paragraph: In everyday use, the IS 250’s larger engine generally translates to faster acceleration and a more confident highway drive, while the IS 200 remains lighter and potentially more affordable to purchase in markets where both were sold.

Fuel economy, maintenance, and ownership costs

The following list outlines how running costs and maintenance considerations typically differ between the two. Values vary by year, market, and driving style.

Fuel economy: The IS 200’s smaller displacement can yield similar or slightly better efficiency in some driving conditions, but the IS 250’s V6 can be less economical overall due to higher power demand and torque.

Maintenance and parts: Both share many common Lexus components, but the IS 250’s V6 generally brings higher routine maintenance costs (spark plugs, ignition components, cooling system parts) and potentially higher replacement part prices, depending on year and region.

Repair costs: Expect higher costs for the IS 250 if ignition/cooled-system components wear, plus potential timing-chain/valvetrain wear in higher-mileage examples. The IS 200 can be cheaper to maintain if kept in simpler, older configurations.

Concluding paragraph: Overall ownership costs lean toward the IS 250 being more expensive to run over time, but that varies with maintenance history, mileage, and the specific year/model you’re considering. It’s wise to review service records and get a pre-purchase inspection for any used example.

Interior, equipment, and market variations

Below is a guide to how equipment and regional naming affected the two models. Year-by-year and market-by-market differences are common, so use these as a general framework rather than a definitive checklist.

Market naming and generations: The IS 200 designation was common for earlier, smaller-engine variants in some regions (often Europe/Asia), while the IS 250 became the prevalent name for the 2.5L model in many markets during the mid‑to‑late 2000s.

Interior and features: As the lineup evolved, IS 250 models commonly offered more standard equipment or upgraded options (navigation, premium audio, leather, more connectivity) compared with older IS 200 configurations, though equipment depended on the year and trim.

Styling and trim: Across generations, styling remained similar between the two powertrains, with badge naming indicating the engine and trim level rather than a radically different body. Exterior differences were minimal beyond badging and option packages.

Concluding paragraph: If you’re shopping, verify the exact model year, regional designation, and the included features to understand what you’re getting beyond the badge.

Which should you choose?

Bottom line: The best choice depends on priorities. If you want stronger acceleration, smoother highway performance, and potentially more modern features (in the relevant year), the IS 250 is the stronger pick. If price, lighter weight, and a simpler ownership proposition are more important, an IS 200 can be attractive in markets where both were available. Always confirm the specific vehicle’s engine, transmission, and equipment list before buying.

Summary

Root differences between the Lexus IS 200 and IS 250 boil down to engine size and output: a 2.0-liter inline-6 in the IS 200 versus a 2.5-liter V6 in the IS 250. Those core differences drive performance, fuel economy, and often ownership costs. Market naming and available features shift by year and region, so a given car can vary widely. When evaluating used examples, check the exact model year, regional designation, transmission, and equipment to be sure you’re comparing the right specifications.

What year Lexus IS 250 to stay away from?

A: While the Lexus IS 250 is generally a reliable vehicle, the 2007 and 2008 model years are the ones you should avoid if possible. These two years have more reported issues compared to other model years, though they still perform better than the worst years of many other vehicle models.

What IS the difference between Lexus IS 250 and 200t?

The main differences are the engine and performance: the is200t uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with more horsepower (241241241 hp) and torque, making it quicker (0−600 minus 600−60 mph in 6.96.96.9 seconds) and more fuel-efficient. The is250 has a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter V6 engine with less power (204204204 hp) and is slower, though its V6 might be considered more reliable by some, and used models can have a lower purchase price.

Feature	IS200t	IS250
Engine	2.0L turbocharged inline 4-cylinder	2.5L naturally aspirated V6
Horsepower	241241241 hp	204204204 hp
Torque	258258258 lb-ft	185185185 lb-ft
0-60 mph	6.96.96.9 seconds	7.77.77.7 seconds
Fuel Economy	Better, around 222222 mpg city / 333333 mpg highway	Lower
Transmission	8-speed automatic (from the IS350)	6-speed automatic
Performance	Quicker acceleration due to more torque at lower RPM	Less quick, but a smooth V6 sound
Potential Reliability	Some might prefer the simplicity of the naturally aspirated V6	Some might prefer the simplicity of the naturally aspirated V6, though the port-injected V6 has a known carbon buildup issue

What IS the difference between Lexus 200 and 250?

The main difference between the two models is their configuration. The UX 200 version is a front-wheel drive model while the UX 250h variant is an all-wheel drive model. Also, the 200 model is powered solely by its 2-litre 4-cylinder engine whereas the 250 variant offers a hybrid approach.

What does IS stand for in IS200?

The third-generation Lexus IS premiered in January 2013 and includes the V6-powered IS 250 and IS 350, turbocharged IS 200t/300, hybrid IS 300h and performance-tuned F Sport variants. The IS designation stands for "Intelligent Sport".

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.