When was the Lexus IS250 discontinued?
The Lexus IS250 was discontinued after the 2013 model year in the United States, and the broader global lineup shifted away from the 2.5-liter V6 variant in the years that followed as Lexus moved the IS lineup toward turbocharged and hybrid options.
Background: what the IS250 was
The IS250 was Lexus’s mid-sized luxury sport sedan powered by a 2.5-liter V6 engine, delivering about 204 horsepower. It complemented the IS350’s larger 3.5-liter V6 and appealed to buyers seeking a balance of comfort and performance with better fuel economy than the larger engine offered in the same generation.
Engine and performance
With a focus on smooth daily driving rather than outright speed, the IS250 offered adequate power for everyday use and paired with Lexus’s reputation for refinement and reliability.
Discontinuation timeline
Below is a concise timeline summarizing when the IS250 left the lineup and how Lexus rebalanced the IS family in its wake.
- 2005–2013: The IS250 was part of the second-generation IS lineup, available in many markets with the 2.5-liter V6 alongside the IS350.
- 2013: In the United States, the IS250 was discontinued as part of the major mid-cycle refresh of the IS lineup, with Lexus consolidating offerings around turbocharged and hybrid variants in the transition to the next generation.
- 2016 onward: North American markets introduced turbocharged four-cylinder variants (often referred to as IS 200t in some regions) as part of the new generation’s lineup, effectively ending the IS250’s presence in that market.
In short, the IS250’s direct sale ended in 2013 in the U.S., and similar shifts occurred globally as Lexus pivoted toward turbo and hybrid powertrains in the IS line.
Global context and market variations
Across other regions, the timeline varied slightly, but the common thread was a move away from the 2.5-liter IS250 in favor of newer engines and configurations within the IS family. Some markets saw the end of the IS250 around 2013–2014 as part of broader model-year updates, with turbocharged and hybrid options taking its place in the lineup over the next few years.
Summary
The Lexus IS250 was effectively retired from the U.S. market after the 2013 model year, with a global shift away from the 2.5-liter V6 in the years that followed. The IS lineup leaned into turbocharged and hybrid variants to align with evolving performance and efficiency goals, marking the end of the IS250’s era.
