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Why did Lexus discontinue IS?

Lexus, the luxury vehicle division of Toyota, made the decision to discontinue its popular IS sedan model in 2022. This move was part of the company's broader strategy to streamline its product lineup and focus on its more successful and profitable models.


Reasons for Discontinuing the Lexus IS


There are several key reasons why Lexus decided to discontinue the IS sedan:



  • Declining Sales: The Lexus IS had been experiencing declining sales in recent years, as consumer preferences shifted towards larger SUVs and crossovers. This made it less of a priority for the company compared to its more popular models like the RX and NX SUVs.

  • Increased Competition: The midsize luxury sedan segment has become increasingly competitive, with rivals like the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Audi A4 offering more advanced features and technology. The IS struggled to keep up with these newer, more advanced models.

  • Lexus' Shift to SUVs: Like many other automakers, Lexus has been placing a greater emphasis on its SUV and crossover models, which have been driving the majority of its sales growth in recent years. The company has been investing more resources into developing and marketing these larger, more profitable vehicles.

  • Streamlining the Lineup: By discontinuing the IS, Lexus was able to simplify its product lineup and focus its resources on its core models, which it believes will be more successful in the long run. This aligns with the company's broader strategy of offering a more focused and streamlined range of vehicles.


Overall, the decision to discontinue the Lexus IS was a strategic move by the company to adapt to changing market conditions and consumer preferences, as well as to optimize its product portfolio and resources.

Is a Lexus just a fancy Toyota?


Lexus vehicles are the Toyota luxury brand – the same parent company owns the two automakers, and Toyota and Lexus vehicles share some components. The Lexus manufacturer is based in Japan, though their largest target market is the U.S.



How much will the 2024 Lexus cost?


The price of the 2024 Lexus TX starts at $55,050 and goes up to $60,950 depending on the trim and options. We'd recommend the TX350 Luxury, as it adds desirable upscale features such as semi-aniline leather upholstery, 10-way power-adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated second-row seats.



What is the biggest problem with Lexus?


What Is the Biggest Problem with Lexus? While Lexus vehicles are renowned for their reliability, they are not perfect. The most significant problem across Lexus models is oil leakage from the timing chain cover. This issue affects multiple model years, particularly those produced between 2007 and 2015.



IS the Lexus IS350 expensive to maintain?


Maintaining a Lexus IS 350 will cost $386 per year on average through the first 5 years of new ownership. Costs and probability of repair increase over time.



Why did Lexus discontinue the IS?


The Lexus IS will be culled from the brand's lineup due to intractable challenges with ADR rules. Clearly, the cost of design changes just for Australia wasn't deemed practical, with focus better placed on Lexus' next-generation products.



Are new Lexus still reliable?


Lexus, Toyota's upscale sub-brand, is among the few luxury automakers that successfully merges technologically-advanced designs with consistently great reliability. Interiors are quiet and finished with finely-crafted materials. The engines are generally smooth and powerful.



What year Lexus is to stay away from?


Lexus IS250 (2007-2012)
First up on the list is the second-generation IS250, which has earned a reputation as the Lexus model to absolutely avoid. The release of the IS250 saw a transition from a multi-point fuel injection system in the engine to a direct injection system instead.



Will Lexus bring out a new IS?


Now, according to Japan's new car authority Best Car magazine, the fourth generation IS will comeback as a fully electric sedan and launch in 2026. In fact, we got to see a concept model of the all-new IS at the Japan Mobility Show last October in the shape of the Lexus LF-ZC concept.



Will there be a 2025 Lexus IS?


The price of the 2025 Lexus IS starts at $41,335 and goes up to $64,820 depending on the trim and options. We have an affection for the high-performance IS500 model with its sonorous V-8 engine, but most shoppers will be best served by the six-cylinder IS350, which is more rewarding to drive than the base IS300.



Will there be a 2024 Lexus IS?


Lexus makes the F Sport trim more widely available on the IS for 2024. For the first time, the base four-cylinder IS300 can be had as an F Sport. Or, for those who are mostly interested in sporty looks, the F Sport Design trim level skips the mechanical upgrades but keeps the appearance enhancements.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

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.