What is the difference between Lexus IS 300 and IS 350?
At a glance, the IS 300 uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with around 241 horsepower, while the IS 350 uses a 3.5-liter V6 producing about 311 horsepower. The IS 350 is typically stronger and pricier, offering smoother, more linear power, whereas the IS 300 emphasizes efficiency and agility. Both share the same chassis and most interior features, but they cater to different driving preferences.
In the sections below, we break down the key differences in powertrains, drivetrains, pricing, and everyday usability to help you decide which Lexus IS model suits your needs.
Engine and performance
Key powertrain differences between the IS 300 and IS 350.
- IS 300 — 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4, about 241 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque; 8-speed automatic; available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD).
- IS 350 — 3.5-liter V6, about 311 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque; 8-speed automatic; available in RWD and AWD.
Overall, the IS 300 delivers brisk acceleration with a smaller engine and quicker throttle response, while the IS 350 provides stronger, more linear power across the rev range and a more effortless highway overtaking ability.
Drivetrain and handling
How drive configuration affects ride, handling, and weather performance.
- Both IS 300 and IS 350 are offered with either RWD or AWD, depending on market and trim, with the 8-speed automatic driving all configurations.
- Suspension tuning and available trims (base, Luxury, F Sport) influence ride comfort and cornering feel, regardless of engine choice.
For buyers in climates with wet or icy roads, AWD can provide improved traction, while RWD models are often preferred for a more spirited, rear-biased handling feel when weather conditions allow.
Pricing and value
What buyers typically pay and how features differ by trim.
- Starting prices have generally placed the IS 300 a bit below the IS 350, reflecting the smaller engine, with the gap typically around a couple thousand dollars before options. As of model year 2024, approximate starting prices were in the low $40,000s for the IS 300 and around the low to mid $40,000s for the IS 350.
- Standard versus optional features vary by trim and packages; the IS 350 often gains access to more premium features and performance-oriented options (such as F Sport) that can raise the final price.
In practice, the final sticker price depends on chosen configuration, packages, and regional incentives.
Fuel economy and ownership costs
How efficiency and ongoing costs compare between the two engines.
- IS 300 (2.0L turbo) typically delivers higher highway efficiency, with combined mpg commonly in the mid-20s range depending on drivetrain (RWD vs AWD) and model year.
- IS 350 (3.5L V6) generally records slightly lower combined mpg, often in the low to mid-20s, again depending on drivetrain and year.
Higher power in the IS 350 often comes with modestly higher fuel costs, while the IS 300’s turbo-four can offer a favorable balance of performance and efficiency, especially in city driving.
Which should you choose?
Choosing between the IS 300 and IS 350 comes down to priorities: daily usability and efficiency versus outright power and refinement. If you value sharp response, lower operating costs, and a sportier feel in urban and mixed driving, the IS 300 is compelling. If you want stronger, smoother power for highway merging and confident passing, plus more premium features available via higher trims, the IS 350 is the better fit.
Summary
The Lexus IS 300 and IS 350 share a common platform and many interior features, but differ primarily in engine, power output, and price. The IS 300 uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with around 241 hp, delivering lively performance and typically better highway efficiency. The IS 350 uses a 3.5-liter V6 with about 311 hp, offering stronger acceleration and a more premium feel, at a higher starting price. Both are available with RWD or AWD and come in various trims that tailor ride, handling, and features to different buyers. Your choice hinges on whether you prioritize nimble efficiency and quickness (IS 300) or smoother, more identical power with extra standard features (IS 350).
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 IS 300 being discontinued?
Yes, Lexus will discontinue the current generation of the IS 300, along with the IS 350, IS 500, and the RC lineup, with production ending in November 2025. A new, redesigned IS is expected to arrive for the 2026 model year, and while it will have a different powertrain and design, the "IS 300" designation may continue in the future.
- Production end date: Lexus will end production of the current IS 300, IS 350, and IS 500 in November 2025.
- Replacement model: The company plans to release a redesigned IS for the 2026 model year, which will feature updated styling and likely a new hybrid powertrain.
- Current availability: Sales will conclude once the November 2025 production allocation is filled.
- Discontinued models: The IS 300, IS 350, IS 300h, IS 500, and the entire RC coupe lineup will be discontinued at this time.
- Future of IS 300: While the current IS 300 is being discontinued, the name may return for the new generation, though likely with different mechanical components, as seen in reports mentioning a new hybrid powertrain for the 2026 IS, say Yahoo! Autos.
IS the Lexus IS 300 luxury?
IS300. In what is often considered a relatively conservative luxury sedan market, the Lexus IS 300 bucks the trend. This bold design has a striking road presence and performance numbers to match, making it a competitive and highly aspirational car.
What IS the difference between Lexus IS 300 and 350?
The main differences between the Lexus IS 300 and IS 350 are their engines and performance. The IS 300 typically has a more fuel-efficient 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (with 241 hp) in its rear-wheel-drive form, while the IS 350 features a more powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine (with 311 hp). Additionally, the IS 300's all-wheel-drive version uses a detuned 3.5-liter V6 producing 260 hp, and the IS 350 comes standard with the more powerful V6 and is often available with the F Sport package, while the IS 300 does not offer the F Sport package as standard.
You can watch this video to see the exterior differences between the two models: 1mIBKadeYouTube · Feb 28, 2021
Engine and performance
- IS 300:
- Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 241 horsepower.
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD): 3.5-liter V6 engine with 260 horsepower.
- IS 350:
- RWD and AWD: 3.5-liter V6 engine with 311 horsepower.
Drivetrain and transmission
- IS 300:
- RWD models are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
- AWD models come with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
- IS 350:
- AWD models use a 6-speed automatic transmission.
- RWD models use an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Trim and features
- IS 300:
- F Sport: The F Sport package is not available as a standard offering.
- IS 350:
- F Sport: Often comes standard with the F Sport design and package, which includes a more aggressive exterior and performance enhancements like a dynamic suspension setup.
