What is the difference between IS F and IS350?
The IS F is the high-performance variant powered by a 5.0-liter V8 with a sport-tuned chassis, while the IS350 is the standard V6-powered model focused on luxury and everyday usability. In short, the F is built for speed and track-ready dynamics, and the 350 emphasizes refinement with strong performance.
Overview of the two models
The Lexus IS lineup offers a range from comfort-oriented luxury to outright performance. The IS F sits at the extreme end of performance, while the IS350 represents the core sport-luxury sedan in the IS family. The differences span powertrains, handling, styling, and market positioning.
Powertrains
Below is a concise comparison of the engines, transmissions, and basic outputs you could expect from each model in its respective era.
- IS F: 5.0-liter V8 (2UR-GSE) producing about 416 horsepower and roughly 371 lb-ft of torque; rear-wheel drive; 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters; tuned for high-rev acceleration and straight-line speed.
- IS350: 3.5-liter V6 (2GR-FSE) producing around 306 horsepower with torque in the high 260s; available in rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive in some markets; automatic transmissions have included 6-speed and later 8-speed options depending on model year and region.
Overall, the IS F delivers more horsepower and a more aggressive drivetrain setup, while the IS350 provides strong everyday performance with a smoother, more refined power delivery.
Performance and handling
This section highlights how the two cars differ when driven, including chassis tuning, braking, and dynamic capabilities.
Handling and chassis tuning
IS F features a sport-tuned suspension, stiffer chassis components, and performance-oriented geometry designed for cornering grip and track performance. The IS350 prioritizes a balanced ride with luxury comfort, offering sport-oriented options like the F-Sport package that sharpened handling without sacrificing daily comfort.
- IS F: aggressive suspension calibration, frequent use of performance dampers, and a focus on track-day capability.
- IS350: softer ride with coordinated steering and chassis tuning that favors everyday comfort, though Sport or F-Sport variants provide noticeably firmer handling for spirited driving.
In practice, the IS F feels more direct and communicative at the limit, while the IS350 remains composed and refined for normal driving and long trips.
Brakes and steering
Braking and steering setups reflect the different roles: the IS F uses high-performance brakes and precise, weight-conscious steering for aggressive driving; the IS350 emphasizes smooth, confident stopping power and comfortable steering feedback for daily use.
- IS F: performance braking system and tight, responsive steering tuned for high-speed control.
- IS350: standard braking and steering calibrated for comfort and everyday driving confidence, with sport options available in certain trims.
The result is a distinct driving character: raw speed and track aptitude in the IS F versus refined, all-day usability in the IS350.
Design and features
Exterior and interior design cues
The visual and ergonomic differences reflect each model’s intent. The IS F wears more aggressive styling cues, while the IS350 presents a more restrained luxury appearance with optional sport packages.
- IS F: unique exterior features such as quad exhaust outlets, wider fenders, larger front air intakes, and distinctive badging; interior accents emphasize sport-oriented instrumentation and supportive seating.
- IS350: conventional IS styling with a focus on refined details, quality materials, and available luxury and technology packages; sport-oriented trims (like F-Sport) add sharper styling and equipment without the extreme performance look of the F.
Both models provide Lexus reliability and a well-appointed interior, but the IS F’s design signals its performance intent more forcefully.
Interior and technology
Inside the cabin, differences center on seating support, instrument cluster detail, and available technology packages tailored to each model’s role.
- IS F: sport seats, unique gauge coloring, and performance-oriented controls to match the driving experience.
- IS350: luxury-focused interior with high-quality materials, advanced driver-assistance and infotainment options typical of the IS line, and optional F-Sport packages for a more dynamic feel.
Overall ambience leans toward track-ready immersion in the IS F and premium comfort in the IS350, with variations by year and option packages.
Availability, pricing, and market positioning
Market role and lifecycle
These two models occupied different niches within Lexus’s lineup and had distinct production lifecycles. The IS F was produced as a limited, halo-style performance sedan for a defined window, while the IS350 remained the core, more affordable, and widely available option across multiple years and markets.
- IS F: produced in more limited quantities (roughly late 2000s to early 2010s in most regions), marketed as a high-performance, enthusiast-focused model with a higher price premium and sport-focused features.
- IS350: widely available across multiple model years and markets, with a range of trims and options, including AWD variants in some regions.
In today’s market, the IS F is typically considered a collectible or enthusiast purchase, while the IS350 remains a common, practical choice for buyers seeking a blend of luxury and sport without the extreme performance emphasis.
Summary
In essence, the IS F and IS350 diverge at their core: power and purpose. The IS F stands as a dedicated, V8-powered, rear-drive enthusiast sedan with aggressive handling and styling designed for speed. The IS350 represents the mainstream IS lineup—V6-powered, luxurious, and versatile, with optional sport-focused trims that enhance performance without sacrificing comfort. Buyers choose between a track-ready, higher-performance experience and a refined, all-around sport-lounger, depending on their priorities and budget.
What is the difference between Lexus IS 350 and F SPORT?
The Lexus IS 350 F Sport is a sportier version of the standard IS 350, distinguished by its aggressive styling, enhanced handling with features like an adaptive suspension, and sportier interior touches. The F Sport Design is a trim that adds styling elements without the full performance upgrades, while the F Sport model with the F Sport Dynamic Handling package offers the most enhanced performance. Both models share the same 311-horsepower V6 engine.
You can watch this video to see a comparison of the exterior and interior design of the Lexus IS and RC F Sport models: 1mBen HardyYouTube · Dec 11, 2020
Key differences between IS 350 F Sport and IS 350 F Sport Design
| Feature | IS 350 F Sport Design | IS 350 F Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Handling | Standard handling | F Sport Dynamic Handling Package (adaptive suspension, limited-slip differential) available as an option |
| Exterior | F Sport styling, F Sport logo with white background, non-staggered wheels | F Sport styling, F Sport logo, available 19-inch BBS® wheels, and more aggressive styling |
| Interior | Heated seats, heated steering wheel, analog instrument cluster display | Sporty steering wheel, sportier seats, and other premium features |
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Other comparisons
This video reviews the performance and handling of the Lexus IS 350 F Sport: 59sLow Boost FilmsYouTube · Aug 24, 2023
- IS 350 vs. IS 350 F Sport: The F Sport model is focused on performance, while the standard IS 350 is more luxury-focused.
- Handling: The F Sport trim, especially with the Dynamic Handling Package, offers superior handling due to its adaptive suspension and limited-slip differential.
- Engine: Both the IS 350 F Sport and the IS 350 F Sport Design use the same 3.5L V6 engine, producing 311 horsepower.
- Performance: The F Sport trim is more performance-oriented due to its sportier features and handling upgrades, while the standard IS 350 offers a more balanced luxury and performance experience.
What does the is in IS 350 stand for?
Intelligent Sport
IS 300, IS 350 & IS 300h. Our mid-size Sports Sedan, the Lexus IS stands for Intelligent Sport.
Is the Lexus ISF a luxury car?
2025 IS 500 F SPORT Performance Luxury Sedan. Lexus.com.
Is the ISF wider than the IS 350?
This was 10x harder than it was to do on any of my previous IS350s since the IS-F is not only wider but longer, so a lot more time had to be spent on getting things to line up and reduce massive gaps, particularly between the hood and bumper.
