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What is the difference between is300 and is350 Lexus?

The Lexus IS300 and IS350 are two popular luxury sedan models from the Japanese automaker Lexus. While they share a similar overall design and features, there are some key differences between the two that are worth understanding.


Engine and Performance


The primary difference between the IS300 and IS350 lies in their engine specifications. The IS300 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the IS350 is equipped with a larger 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. This gives the IS350 a noticeable advantage in terms of raw power and acceleration.


Transmission and Drivetrain


Another key difference is the transmission and drivetrain options. The IS300 is available with either an 8-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual transmission, and can be had in either rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive configurations. The IS350, on the other hand, is only offered with an 8-speed automatic transmission and comes standard with rear-wheel-drive, with all-wheel-drive being an optional upgrade.


Fuel Economy


Due to its smaller and more efficient engine, the IS300 has a slight advantage in fuel economy. The rear-wheel-drive IS300 is rated at 21 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the IS350 with rear-wheel-drive achieves 20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined.


Pricing and Trim Levels


The Lexus IS300 has a starting MSRP of around $40,000, while the IS350 starts at around $45,000. Both models offer a range of trim levels and optional packages that can further increase the price.


In summary, the key differences between the Lexus IS300 and IS350 are the engine size and power output, transmission and drivetrain options, and fuel economy. Buyers looking for a more powerful and responsive driving experience may prefer the IS350, while those prioritizing efficiency and cost may find the IS300 to be the better choice.

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Kevin Bennett

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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.