What kind of car IS Lexus IS 300?
The Lexus IS 300 is a compact luxury four-door sedan from Toyota’s Lexus division, positioned as the entry-level model in the IS lineup and typically powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine in recent years, delivering a balance of sportiness and upscale comfort.
Classification and market positioning
The IS 300 sits in the compact luxury segment, competing with rivals like the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. It emphasizes agile handling, a refined ride, and a premium interior, with sport-oriented trims such as F Sport available to emphasize performance characteristics.
Key traits that define its category include a traditional sedan body, a focus on driver engagement without sacrificing everyday usability, and a design language that mirrors the broader Lexus luxury lineup.
- Body style: 4-door luxury sedan
- Segment: compact executive / entry-level luxury
- Drivetrain options: rear-wheel drive (standard) with all-wheel drive available
- Transmission: typically an 8-speed automatic
In summary, the IS 300 is designed to offer premium comfort and a sportier edge in a practical, four-door package.
Powertrain and performance overview
Current US-market and many global models center the IS 300 on a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with performance tuned to balance everyday usability with spirited acceleration. Older generations used larger naturally aspirated or different-configuration engines, but the modern IS 300 aligns with Lexus' move toward efficiency-compliant turbo power.
- Engine: turbocharged inline-four (typical displacement around 2.0 liters in recent years)
- Power output: approximately 241 horsepower, with torque around 258 lb-ft depending on model year
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: rear-wheel drive standard, all-wheel drive available on many trims
These characteristics position the IS 300 as a sporty yet refined compact luxury sedan rather than a performance-focused coupe or a larger sports sedan.
Technology, features, and refinement
Inside, the IS 300 emphasizes a premium, quiet cabin with modern tech and driver-assistance features. Depending on the model year and trim, options include upgraded audio systems, leather seating, advanced safety systems, and a contemporary infotainment setup. Lexus' safety suite and driver-assistance technologies are typically included or available across trims, contributing to its reputation as a comfortable everyday luxury sedan with respectable practicality.
- Premium interior materials and build quality
- Infotainment and connectivity options on recent models
- Advanced safety and driver-assistance features as standard or optional
- F Sport variants offer sport-tuned suspensions and distinctive styling cues
In short, the IS 300 blends luxury ambiance with usable tech and a driver-centric feel, without stepping into the realm of high-performance flagship models.
Market variations and model history
The IS line has seen shifts across regions and model years. In some markets, the IS 300 designation has reflected different powertrains, including hybrid variants (often called IS 300h) or turbocharged four-cylinders under the IS 200t/IS 300 naming. In the United States and several other markets, the lineup has evolved to include the IS 300 (2.0L turbo), IS 350 (3.5L V6), and, more recently, the higher-performance IS 500 with a V8. These changes illustrate how Lexus adapts the IS nameplate to different engine configurations while preserving the core compact-luxury sedan identity.
- Early generations used a 3.0-liter inline-six in some markets
- Recent years in the US have centered the IS 300 around a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four
- Hybrid variants (IS 300h) exist in some regions
- Global lineup also includes IS 350 and, in higher-performance trims, the IS 500
Understanding the IS 300 requires noting both its shared luxury DNA and the engine choices that vary by region and model year.
Summary
The Lexus IS 300 is a compact luxury sedan designed to deliver a refined, comfortable ride with a dash of sportiness. Its defining attribute is the turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain paired with a premium interior and modern safety tech, offered in rear- or all-wheel-drive configurations depending on the market. While the exact engine and trim lineup can shift by year and region, the IS 300 remains the entry point to Lexus’ IS family—an accessible, well-rounded luxury sedan that appeals to buyers seeking comfort, quality, and a touch of performance.
Key takeaways
Overall, the IS 300 is best described as a compact luxury sedan that prioritizes balance—premium refinement, everyday practicality, and a sporty edge—rather than a dedicated performance car or a family SUV.
End of article. Summary: A compact luxury four-door sedan in the Lexus IS lineup, typically powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder, offering refined comfort, modern tech, and available all-wheel drive, aimed at buyers seeking luxury with a spirited edge.
What type of car is the Lexus IS 300?
compact executive car
The Lexus IS300 is a compact executive car and is part of the Lexus IS series under Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota. The Lexus IS was first launched in 1998 and has since been produced in four generations, of which the latest was in 2021.
When did Lexus stop making the IS 300?
The "last year" for the Lexus IS 300 depends on whether you mean the 2025 model or the last model year before discontinuation. The 2025 model is currently the last available and production will end in November 2025. However, Lexus is also planning a significant facelift for a 2026 model year, so the 2025 model is the end of its current generation before the facelift.
2025 IS 300
- Current model: The 2025 IS 300 is the most recent model available for sale.
- Last of its generation: It represents the final model year for the current generation of the IS 300 before a significant update.
- Production end: Production for the 2025 IS 300 will cease in November 2025.
2026 model year
- Facelift: Lexus will release a redesigned 2026 model with a new exterior and other improvements.
- Continued production: The IS 300 will continue to be part of the lineup with the 2026 model year, but as part of a new, facelifted generation.
Is Lexus IS 300 a small car?
The Lexus IS 300 was a compact rear-wheel-drive sports sedan introduced for the 2001 model year.
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.
