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Why was the Lexus IS discontinued?

Lexus, the luxury vehicle division of Toyota, discontinued the Lexus IS sedan in 2021 after nearly two decades on the market. The decision to discontinue the IS was driven by a combination of factors, including declining sales, a shift in consumer preferences, and Lexus' focus on developing new models to meet the changing demands of the luxury car market.


Declining Sales


The Lexus IS had been a staple in the brand's lineup since its introduction in 1998, but in recent years, its sales had been steadily declining. The IS faced increasing competition from other luxury sedans, such as the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which offered more modern designs, advanced technology, and better fuel efficiency. As consumer preferences shifted towards SUVs and crossovers, the demand for traditional sedans like the IS waned, leading Lexus to reevaluate its product portfolio.

Shifting Consumer Preferences


The discontinuation of the Lexus IS was also a reflection of the broader trends in the automotive industry. In recent years, consumers have shown a growing preference for SUVs and crossovers, which offer more versatility, space, and a higher driving position. This shift in consumer preferences has put pressure on traditional sedan models, as automakers have had to allocate more resources towards developing and marketing their SUV and crossover offerings.


Lexus' Focus on New Models


Lexus' decision to discontinue the IS was also part of a broader strategy to focus on developing new and innovative models that better align with the changing demands of the luxury car market. The company has been investing heavily in the development of hybrid and electric vehicles, as well as exploring new design and technology features to stay competitive. By discontinuing the IS, Lexus was able to redirect resources towards these new initiatives, ensuring that the brand remains relevant and appealing to modern luxury car buyers.


In summary, the discontinuation of the Lexus IS was driven by a combination of declining sales, shifting consumer preferences, and Lexus' focus on developing new and innovative models to meet the changing demands of the luxury car market.

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.



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.



What is the most reliable Lexus car of all time?


Top 10 Most Dependable Lexus Models

  • Lexus LX 470.
  • Lexus LS 400.
  • Lexus IS 300.
  • Lexus LC 500.
  • Lexus LS.
  • Lexus IS.
  • Lexus ES.
  • Lexus GX. Like its larger counterpart, the Lexus LX, the Lexus GX was designed by starting with a strong, reliable base and adding luxury features like knee airbags and Adaptive Variable Suspension.



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.



What is the life expectancy of a Lexus is?


With proper maintenance and care, the IS 250 can easily surpass the 300,000-mile mark, a testament to the brand's commitment to engineering excellence.



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 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.



Is Lexus being discontinued?


After 10 years since its official launch, the Lexus RC is being discontinued. With the introduction of the RC F Final Edition, Lexus is ringing the last call bell for the Japanese sports car. The automaker has also confirmed that production of the RC and the V8-powered RC F will come to an end after 2025.



Does Lexus still make the IS model?


What's New for 2025? To celebrate the IS's 25th year, Lexus is offering a limited-edition Special Appearance package for the top-spec IS500 F Sport Performance Premium. The special model will be limited to only 180 units, and all come painted Flare Yellow and wearing cool-looking 19-inch BBS wheels.



Why did Lexus discontinue IS?


Australian design rule changes to blame
Lexus Australia said the IS' demise is due to a new Australian Design Rule (ADR) – ADR 85/00 – for side impact protection.


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.