Which Lexus is better, is or GS?
The GS is no longer in production, so for a new-car purchase the IS is the direct choice in Lexus’s sedan lineup. If you’re shopping in the used market, a GS can still be appealing, but it won’t offer the latest technology or the same reliability expectations as a current IS. Your best pick depends on whether you value modern tech and efficiency or spaciousness and a legacy performance curve.
The question pits two Lexus sedans from different eras—the IS as a current, compact luxury sedan and the GS as a discontinued mid-size model. This article examines what each model offered, why Lexus ended the GS, and how to decide which is better for you today based on size, power, technology, cost of ownership, and future-proofing.
Current reality: IS vs. the discontinued GS
Because the GS was phased out after the 2020 model year, shoppers looking for a new Lexus sedan will focus on the IS, while the ES and LS remain alternatives for those seeking different sizes and luxury applications. Here’s how the IS stacks up as the direct contemporary option in its class.
What is the Lexus IS today?
The current IS lineup includes a turbocharged IS 300 with a 2.0-liter engine, a naturally aspirated or upgraded V6 option in the IS 350, and the high-performance IS 500 with a substantial V8. Transmissions are typically eight-speed automatics with optional all-wheel drive on select trims. Inside, the IS benefits from the latest Lexus Interface and modern infotainment, improved driver-assistance features, and a sport-oriented chassis that emphasizes agile handling and everyday practicality.
What was the Lexus GS?
The GS was Lexus’s mid-size sedan, known for its spacious rear seats, larger trunk, and a broader powertrain lineup that included both V6 engines and the high-performance GS F with a V8. Production ended after the 2020 model year as Lexus redirected its focus to the IS, ES, and LS. In the used market, GS models can still deliver strong performance and comfort, but they lack the latest tech and face aging components relative to the IS.
Head-to-head: key differences
These are the core factors buyers weigh when comparing the current IS with the GS’s legacy position. The list below helps clarify what you’ll gain or miss with each option.
- Size and practicality: The GS was larger, offering more rear-seat space and a bigger trunk; the IS is compact and easier to live with in urban settings.
- Powertrain options: The IS line now includes a turbo four, a V6, and a high-performance V8 in the IS 500. The GS offered similar engines in its day, including a high-output V8 in the GS F, but it’s no longer available new.
- Technology and interior quality: The IS benefits from newer Lexus tech, including the latest infotainment interface and driver-assistance features; the GS’s tech is older by comparison, especially in late-model used examples.
- Value and ownership costs: For new-car ownership, the IS is the practical choice with modern warranties and lower operating costs; a used GS may offer lower purchase price but potentially higher maintenance and repair costs due to age.
- Resale and support: With production halted, GS resale may vary widely by year and condition, and official support shifts toward older parts or third-party services, whereas IS remains the centerpiece of Lexus’s current sedan lineup.
In practical terms, the IS delivers modern performance, efficiency, and technology in a compact package, making it the sensible pick for most buyers today. The GS, while a beloved part of Lexus’s past, remains a used-car consideration only for enthusiasts or those seeking a larger, older sedan with a different feel.
Which should you choose? A quick guide
Use these guidelines to align your priorities with the right model, whether shopping new or used.
- Choose the Lexus IS if you want modern tech, efficient engines, strong resale value, and a sporty yet comfortable daily driver. The IS 500 offers high performance, while the IS 300 and IS 350 provide balanced power and efficiency.
- Choose a used GS if you prioritize size, rear-seat comfort, and trunk space, and you’re prepared for older technology and potentially higher maintenance costs. A GS F in the used market can deliver a compelling performance experience, but expect higher ongoing upkeep compared with a newer IS.
Bottom line: for most buyers today, the IS is the smarter, more future-proof choice. If you specifically want the legacy GS experience, you’ll find it in the used-car market, but it won’t match the latest Lexus features and warranties.
Summary
The Lexus GS can no longer be purchased new, as Lexus discontinued the model after the 2020 model year. The IS is the current, practical choice for a new Lexus sedan, offering modern technology, multiple powertrains (including a high-performance IS 500), and updated interior design. The former GS delivered larger space and a broader powertrain range in its day, including the GS F, but it now lives on mainly in used-car markets with aging tech and higher maintenance considerations. For most buyers, the IS represents the better, more future-proof option, with ES and LS serving as alternative sizes and priorities within Lexus’s broader lineup.
What IS the difference between IS350 and GS350?
The main differences are that the GS 350 is a larger, more luxurious, and more comfortable sedan, while the IS 350 is a smaller, nimbler, and sportier compact sedan. The GS 350 has more rear legroom and trunk space, and its interior is generally considered more refined. The IS 350 is better for those prioritizing a sportier driving feel due to its smaller size and lighter weight, though the performance difference is minor since they often share the same engine.
This video explains the difference between GS 350 and IS 350: 56sSerg Car ReviewsYouTube · Mar 14, 2021
Lexus GS 350
- Size and Comfort: Larger than the IS, making it better for carrying rear passengers due to significantly more rear legroom. It also has slightly more shoulder and hip room.
- Interior and Luxury: Often described as more refined, with a more luxurious feel and higher-quality materials, such as real leather in some model years. It may also have a larger infotainment screen.
- Ride Quality: Generally provides a smoother, more comfortable, and quieter ride.
- Driving Feel: While still sporty, it is less nimble than the IS due to its larger size, but it makes for an excellent "executive sport sedan".
Lexus IS 350
- Size and Comfort: Smaller and more compact. It offers slightly more front legroom and headroom but lacks the rear passenger space of the GS.
- Trunk Space: Has less trunk space than the GS 350.
- Driving Feel: More agile and nimble due to its smaller footprint, making it feel sportier on the road.
- Interior: Often uses materials like NuLuxe, which is a synthetic leather, though this can vary by model year and trim.
You can watch this video to learn more about the driving experience of IS 350 and GS 350: 50sSerg Car ReviewsYouTube · Jun 28, 2023
Which should you choose?
- Choose the GS 350 if you need a more comfortable and luxurious sedan with more rear passenger space and cargo room for families or frequent road trips.
- Choose the IS 350 if your priority is a sportier and more agile driving experience, and you primarily drive alone or with a single passenger.
Which Lexus model IS most reliable?
The most reliable Lexus models are often cited as the Lexus IS and Lexus GX, with specific older models like the GX 460 and the NX and UX SUVs also recognized for high reliability. While the IS sedan frequently earns top scores in its category, the GX SUV is noted for its proven, long-lasting components that can exceed 300,000 miles with proper maintenance.
Sedan
- Lexus IS: Frequently ranked as the most reliable sedan, with some model years achieving high quality and reliability scores with minimal complaints or recalls.
- Lexus ES: A long-standing reliable model, often compared to the IS. The 7th generation is considered one of the most reliable in its history.
SUV
- Lexus GX: Known for exceptional long-term reliability, particularly older models like the GX 460 which have been known to surpass 300,000 miles. Recent models are also proving reliable, with zero reported issues so far for the GX 550.
- Lexus NX: Praised for high reliability, with the first generation described as "virtually bullet-proof".
- Lexus UX: Ranked as a highly reliable small SUV in some surveys.
- Lexus LX: A strong contender for long-term reliability, though official ratings for the latest generation are still pending.
General note
- Across the board, Lexus models consistently score highly in reliability surveys, with many models being recognized as exceptionally reliable, notes Lexus Europe Newsroom.
What does GS mean in Lexus?
In the context of Lexus, "GS" stands for Grand Sedan. It refers to the mid-size luxury sedan that was part of the Lexus lineup until its discontinuation in 2020. The "Grand" designation was intended to signify the model's luxury and comfort, rather than its size.
- Grand Sedan: The primary meaning for the GS model line.
- Mid-size luxury sedan: The GS was a mid-size sedan positioned between the smaller IS and larger LS sedans.
- "Grand": This prefix highlighted the model's luxury and performance-oriented features compared to other models in the sedan range.
IS the Lexus IS or GS faster?
Acceleration, top speed, and track capability
| Model | 0–60 mph |
|---|---|
| IS F | ~4.6 seconds |
| GS F | ~4.4 seconds |
