answrsnow
Cars · Top 10

Best Lexus IS Model Years in 2027

By Kory White · Updated Oct 2026 · 5 min read
2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport (XE30)
Direct answer

The 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport is the best Lexus IS model year, with the 2023 IS 500 at #2 and the 2018 IS 300 at #3. The 2021 IS 350 earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+, has a 311-horsepower V6, rates 23 combined mpg and started at $42,950.

At a glance

#PickPowertrainBest for
12021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport (XE30)3.5-liter V6 with 311 horsepowerThe refreshed IS with the top IIHS award at a far lower price than the IS 500
22023 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Premium (XE30)5.0-liter V8 with 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torqueThe V8 IS with the same IIHS award as the 2021
32018 Lexus IS 300 (XE30)2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, the 241-horsepower engine of the IS 200t, renamed IS 300 for 2018The most efficient IS, with an IIHS award
42014 Lexus IS 350 (XE30)3.5-liter V6 with an 8-speed automaticThe cheapest way into the third-generation IS design
52002 Lexus IS 300 (XE10)3.0-liter inline-six with 215 horsepowerThe best-rated IS by owners, with a manual transmission option from 2002
62004 Lexus IS 300 SportCross (XE10)3.0-liter inline-six with 215 horsepower, automatic onlyThe only IS wagon, with the first generation’s owner ratings
72010 Lexus IS 250 (XE20)2.5-liter V6 with 204 horsepowerAn efficient second-generation IS at a low used price
82010 Lexus IS 250 C (XE20)2.5-liter V6 with 204 horsepower in a hardtop convertibleA hardtop convertible IS for sunny-weather driving
92008 Lexus IS F (XE20)5.0-liter V8 with 416 horsepower and an 8-speed automaticThe first V8 IS F, the quickest IS of its era
102007 Lexus IS 350 (XE20)3.5-liter V6 with 306 horsepowerThe cheapest way into a 306-horsepower IS

Pick by what you want

Best overall
2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport (XE30)
Fastest
2023 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Premium (XE30)
Most efficient
2018 Lexus IS 300 (XE30)
Cheapest redesign
2014 Lexus IS 350 (XE30)
Only wagon
2004 Lexus IS 300 SportCross (XE10)

The ranking

1

2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport (XE30)

2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport (XE30)
Photo: IARentz / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe IS to buy.
Powertrain: 3.5-liter V6 with 311 horsepowerBase price when new: $42,950 MSRP (F Sport)EPA fuel economy: 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined mpgKBB.com consumer rating: 4.5 out of 5 from 50 consumer reviewsIIHS award: Top Safety Pick+ for the 2021 IS

The 2021 IS 350 F Sport has a 3.5-liter V6 with 311 horsepower and rates 23 combined mpg. IIHS gave the 2021 IS its Top Safety Pick+, and KBB.com owners rate the generation 4.5 out of 5. It started at $42,950.

Go ifThe refreshed IS with the top IIHS award at a far lower price than the IS 500
Skip ifYou want the V8 (2023 IS 500)
Why #1 over #2: It has the same IIHS Top Safety Pick+ as the 2023 IS 500 at $42,950 versus $62,770, and 23 combined mpg versus 20.
2

2023 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Premium (XE30)

2023 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Premium (XE30)
Photo: HJUdall / CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe V8 IS.
Powertrain: 5.0-liter V8 with 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torqueBase price when new: $62,770 MSRP (F Sport Performance Premium)EPA fuel economy: 17 city / 25 highway / 20 combined mpgKBB.com consumer rating: 4.5 out of 5 from 50 consumer reviewsIIHS award: Top Safety Pick+ for the 2023 IS

The 2023 IS 500 F Sport Performance Premium has a 5.0-liter V8 with 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft. It earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+, rates 20 combined mpg and started at $62,770. KBB.com owners rate the generation 4.5 out of 5.

Go ifThe V8 IS with the same IIHS award as the 2021
Skip ifYou want the lowest price (2021 IS 350: $42,950)
Why #2 over #3: It carries a Top Safety Pick+ with 472 horsepower, where the 2018 IS 300 has a Top Safety Pick and 241 horsepower.
3

2018 Lexus IS 300 (XE30)

2018 Lexus IS 300 (XE30)
Photo: RL GNZLZ from Chile / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe efficient one.
Powertrain: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, the 241-horsepower engine of the IS 200t, renamed IS 300 for 2018Base price when new: $38,210 MSRP (rear-wheel drive)EPA fuel economy: 22 city / 32 highway / 26 combined mpgKBB.com consumer rating: 4.5 out of 5 from 50 consumer reviewsIIHS award: Top Safety Pick for the 2018 IS

The 2018 IS 300 uses the 2.0-liter turbo four from the IS 200t, with 241 horsepower, and rates 26 combined mpg, the best of the ten. IIHS gave the 2018 IS a Top Safety Pick. It started at $38,210.

Go ifThe most efficient IS, with an IIHS award
Skip ifYou want the 2021 IS 350’s Top Safety Pick+
Why #3 over #4: It has an IIHS Top Safety Pick and 26 combined mpg, while the 2014 IS 350 rates 22 combined mpg.
4

2014 Lexus IS 350 (XE30)

2014 Lexus IS 350 (XE30)
Photo: Bull-Doser / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe cheap redesign.
Powertrain: 3.5-liter V6 with an 8-speed automaticBase price when new: $39,615 MSRPEPA fuel economy: 19 city / 28 highway / 22 combined mpgKBB.com consumer rating: 4.5 out of 5 from 50 consumer reviewsUsed price: About $16,300 average for a 2014 IS (CarGurus)

The 2014 IS 350 was the first of the third generation, with a 3.5-liter V6 and an 8-speed automatic. It rates 22 combined mpg and started at $39,615. CarGurus puts the average used 2014 IS at about $16,300.

Go ifThe cheapest way into the third-generation IS design
Skip ifYou want an IIHS award (2018 IS 300)
Why #4 over #5: It has the 4.5 out of 5 KBB.com owner rating of the third generation and a used price near $16,300.
5

2002 Lexus IS 300 (XE10)

2002 Lexus IS 300 (XE10)
Photo: IFCAR / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe original.
Powertrain: 3.0-liter inline-six with 215 horsepowerBase price when new: $29,980 MSRPEPA fuel economy: 16 city / 23 highway / 18 combined mpg (automatic)KBB.com consumer rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 261 consumer reviewsReported problem: CarComplaints top problem for the 2002 IS 300: dash became tacky and sticky

The 2002 IS 300 has a 3.0-liter inline-six with 215 horsepower and rates 18 combined mpg with the automatic. KBB.com owners rate the first generation 4.8 out of 5 from 261 reviews. CarComplaints lists a tacky, sticky dash as its top problem. It started at $29,980.

Go ifThe best-rated IS by owners, with a manual transmission option from 2002
Skip ifYou want modern safety technology
Why #5 over #6: It has the highest KBB.com owner rating at 4.8 out of 5, and it started at $29,980 versus $31,350 for the SportCross.
6

2004 Lexus IS 300 SportCross (XE10)

2004 Lexus IS 300 SportCross (XE10)
Photo: Rutger van der Maar / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe rare wagon.
Powertrain: 3.0-liter inline-six with 215 horsepower, automatic onlyBase price when new: $31,350 MSRP (SportCross wagon)EPA fuel economy: 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined mpg (2004 IS 300, automatic)KBB.com consumer rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 261 consumer reviewsBody style: SportCross wagon offered from 2002 through 2005 only

The 2004 IS 300 SportCross is the wagon, offered from 2002 through 2005 with the 215-horsepower inline-six and an automatic only. KBB.com owners rate the first generation 4.8 out of 5. It rates 18 combined mpg and started at $31,350.

Go ifThe only IS wagon, with the first generation’s owner ratings
Skip ifYou want a manual transmission (2002 IS 300)
Why #6 over #7: It shares the 4.8 KBB.com rating of the 2002 IS 300 and adds a wagon body, against 4.6 for the second generation.
7

2010 Lexus IS 250 (XE20)

2010 Lexus IS 250 (XE20)
Photo: order_242 from Chile / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe budget V6.
Powertrain: 2.5-liter V6 with 204 horsepowerBase price when new: $33,315 MSRP (6-speed automatic)EPA fuel economy: 21 city / 29 highway / 24 combined mpg (IS 250/IS 250C listing)KBB.com consumer rating: 4.6 out of 5 from 456 consumer reviewsReported problem: CarComplaints top problem for the 2010 IS 250: engine and traction lights come on, engine stalls

The 2010 IS 250 has a 2.5-liter V6 with 204 horsepower and rates 24 combined mpg. It started at $33,315, and KBB.com owners rate the second generation 4.6 out of 5. CarComplaints lists engine and traction lights with stalling as its top problem.

Go ifAn efficient second-generation IS at a low used price
Skip ifYou want a newer IIHS-awarded IS (2018 IS 300)
Why #7 over #8: It rates 24 combined mpg and started at $33,315, versus 18 combined mpg and $56,000 for the 2008 IS F.
8

2010 Lexus IS 250 C (XE20)

2010 Lexus IS 250 C (XE20)
Photo: Rutger van der Maar / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe convertible.
Powertrain: 2.5-liter V6 with 204 horsepower in a hardtop convertibleBase price when new: $40,610 MSRP (6-speed automatic)EPA fuel economy: 21 city / 29 highway / 24 combined mpg (IS 250/IS 250C listing)KBB.com consumer rating: 4.6 out of 5 from 456 consumer reviewsUsed price: IS convertibles range between $8,000 and $28,000 (CarGurus)

The 2010 IS 250 C is the hardtop convertible, with the same 204-horsepower V6 and 24 combined mpg in the IS 250/IS 250C listing. It started at $40,610. CarGurus says IS convertibles range between $8,000 and $28,000 used.

Go ifA hardtop convertible IS for sunny-weather driving
Skip ifYou want a fixed roof (2010 IS 250 sedan)
Why #8 over #9: It has the same 24 combined mpg as the 2010 IS 250 and a used range of $8,000 to $28,000, but it started at $40,610 versus $33,315.
9

2008 Lexus IS F (XE20)

2008 Lexus IS F (XE20)
Photo: Hatsukari715 / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe first V8.
Powertrain: 5.0-liter V8 with 416 horsepower and an 8-speed automaticBase price when new: $56,000 MSRPEPA fuel economy: 16 city / 23 highway / 18 combined mpgKBB.com consumer rating: 4.6 out of 5 from 456 consumer reviewsReported problem: CarComplaints rates 2008 the worst IS F model year; most-reported problem is melting and sticking door panels

The 2008 IS F has a 5.0-liter V8 with 416 horsepower and an 8-speed automatic, and started at $56,000. It rates 18 combined mpg. CarComplaints rates 2008 the worst IS F model year, with melting and sticking door panels the top problem.

Go ifThe first V8 IS F, the quickest IS of its era
Skip ifYou want the best IS F year (CarComplaints rates 2008 the worst)
Why #9 over #10: It makes 416 horsepower versus 306 for the 2007 IS 350, whose melting dashboard CarGurus ties to 2007 and 2008 IS years.
10

2007 Lexus IS 350 (XE20)

2007 Lexus IS 350 (XE20)
Photo: order_242 from Chile / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe one to skip.
Powertrain: 3.5-liter V6 with 306 horsepowerBase price when new: $36,420 MSRPEPA fuel economy: 19 city / 25 highway / 21 combined mpgKBB.com consumer rating: 4.6 out of 5 from 456 consumer reviewsKnown issue: CarGurus: 2007 and 2008 IS 250 and IS 350 have an unusually large number of complaints and recalls from interior accessory problems; melting dashboard was the most reported 2007 problem

The 2007 IS 350 has a 3.5-liter V6 with 306 horsepower, rates 21 combined mpg and started at $36,420. CarGurus says the 2007 and 2008 IS years have an unusually large number of complaints and recalls, and the melting dashboard was the most reported 2007 problem.

Go ifThe cheapest way into a 306-horsepower IS
Skip ifYou want a car without the melting-dashboard record

How we ranked these

We ranked each Lexus IS model year on comparable sourced criteria: the IIHS award for that year, the KBB.com consumer rating for the generation, documented known issues from CarGurus and CarComplaints, then EPA combined fuel economy and original MSRP. We did not rank on raw NHTSA recall or complaint totals. Each pick is one model year and variant; KBB.com consumer ratings are published per generation, and the 2010 IS 250 and IS 250 C share one fueleconomy.gov listing. Photos: Wikimedia Commons photos, each credited on the page; the 2008 IS F photo shows a 2007 Tokyo show car of the same design. Facts are taken from each maker's own published information; check the official site before you buy.

Questions people ask

What is the best Lexus IS model year to buy used?

The 2021 IS 350 F Sport: it earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+, has a 311-horsepower V6, rates 23 combined mpg and started at $42,950.

Which Lexus IS model years should you avoid?

The 2007 IS 350. CarGurus says the 2007 and 2008 IS 250 and IS 350 have an unusually large number of complaints and recalls, and CarComplaints rates 2008 the worst IS F year.

Which Lexus IS has a V8?

The 2008 IS F (416 horsepower) and the 2023 IS 500 F Sport Performance Premium (472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft).

Which Lexus IS gets the best gas mileage?

The 2018 IS 300 with its 2.0-liter turbo four rates 26 combined mpg, the best of the ten years here.

EPA combined fuel economy at a glance

2002 Lexus IS 300 (XE10)18 mpg
2004 Lexus IS 300 SportCross (XE10)18 mpg
2008 Lexus IS F (XE20)18 mpg
2023 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Premium (XE30)20 mpg
2007 Lexus IS 350 (XE20)21 mpg
2014 Lexus IS 350 (XE30)22 mpg
2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport (XE30)23 mpg
2010 Lexus IS 250 (XE20)24 mpg
2018 Lexus IS 300 (XE30)26 mpg
EPA combined fuel economy, as published by each maker. Picks without a published figure are left off.

Official sites

Sources

Prices, specs and availability change; confirm on the official site before you buy.

Share this page
Share on LinkedIn