Powertrains of the current edition will be carried over to the 2024 Lexus IS. Well, the luxury car won’t bring too many changes, since we expect the new generation in 2025 or 2026. The IS is pretty old, although the company revisited the vehicle in 2021. Nevertheless, the lineup is pretty wide, with four different engine configurations and 5/6 different trim levels. Basically, there are only IS 300 and IS 350, but both versions offer sublevels with different features and powerplants.
The 2024 Lexus IS is the smallest car in the family, positioned under LS and ES. It makes the vehicle more agile. In a combination with potent engines, the ride becomes a joy. Still, there could be more room for occupants in the back seats. But, Lexus puts styling over comfort. The cabin is well isolated. When it comes to performance, the Lexus IS 500 sits at the top of the lineup. Also, the entire family is offering sporty handling.
However, there are a few downsides, such as poor fuel economy, especially with an all-wheel drive. Engineers could fix it a bit with the new Direct4 system. Another option is a hybrid engine. Surprisingly, there are four drivetrain setups, but none of them is hybrid.
2024 Lexus IS 300 Specs
Under the hood of the 2024 Lexus IS 300 is a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine if you decide to go with rear-wheel drive. An AWD is coming in a pair with a V6 unit. The first one is using an automated 8-speed gearbox. Total outputs are 240 hp and 260 lb-ft. The gas mileage is not too bad, comparing 21/31 mpg to other powertrains and their fuel economy. For example, a 3.5-liter V6 does only 19/26 mpg. You are not getting too much more power – 260 hp, and even the torque is lower than on a four-banger – 236 pound-feet. For an AWD, engineers pair a V6 with a six-pace gearbox.
2024 Lexus IS 350 Engines
A 3.5-liter V6 is also powering the 2024 Lexus IS 350 version. In this case, that is a 311-hp configuration, available both with rear- or all-wheel drive. Once again, an 8-speed case is paired with an RWD, while a 6-speed box is mated to an AWD. The enhanced system also delivers 277 lb-ft. The gas mileage is slightly better for the RWD setup.
The most impressive drive setup comes with the Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance edition. The company decided to show off here with a 5.0-liter V8 engine and 472 hp. The car can sprint 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds. The F Sport package improves the overall driving experience. A rear-wheel drive comes in a pair with a V8 engine, without the option to purchase an AWD.
Hybrid
So, the Lexus IS offers everything you expect from a sports car. There is a mighty entry-level engine, and the offer climbs up to a high-performance model equipped with a V8. But, all those drivetrains have one bad thing in common – poor fuel economy. To fix that, we expect Lexus to build a hybrid configuration for the IS in 2024. Or, the company could wait for the new generation. Larger siblings, ES and LS, are already offering hybrid setups.
2024 Lexus IS Packages
There are two base nameplates available for the 2024 Lexus IS, but the additional options make them so different. The IS 300 RWD is the only configuration with a turbo-four engine. The Lexus Safety System 2.5+ is part of the package, as well as a keyless entry function, simulated leather upholstery and 8-inch screen. On the outside, you’ll spot 18-inch wheels and LED headlights. The IS 350 AWD includes only a few upgrades. There are seven colors for this trim: Eminent White Pearl, Atomic Silver, Iridium, Grecian Water, Caviar, Cloudburst Gray and Matador Red Mica.
The 2024 Lexus IS 500 lineup is using the F Sport options, which are optional for the IS 350. There are two configurations available. For a V8, the “Performance” badge is added thanks to a 470-hp output. Besides that, the F Sport package adds unique styling, outside and inside. For example, there are big wheels, performance tires, adaptive sport suspension, quad-exhaust tips, sunroof and Pioneer audio. The IS 500 F Sport Performance Premium models also add navigation, a 360-degree camera and power rear sunshade. Mark Levinson audio replaces Pioneer system, and a 10-inch display is the center of the infotainment.
Pricing
A four-cylinder engine is the most affordable unit in the lineup. The price of the 2024 Lexus IS 300 starts from $42,000. For $2,000 you can add a V6 engine and AWD. Not a bad move. The IS 350 is also a pretty inexpensive upgrade. The base version is still under $45,000 and it enhances a V6 to 310 hp. AWD costs $2,000 and the F Sport package $1,500. So, now we are already at a $50k price. A more serious upgrade is aV8 engine. This model won’t be priced under $60,000 and the Premium versions add another five grand.