Agility vs. Authority: Deciding Between the Lexus IS 300 and IS 350

Lexus IS, a renowned car brand, has captivated customers with its 2008 and 2020 models. However, confusion arises when deciding between the Lexus IS 300 and the Lexus IS 350. Both models are impressive in their own way, making it possible to get mixed up.

Interior & Exterior Comparison

Lexus IS 300

The Lexus IS 300, also known as the Toyota Altezza, is an entry-level luxury and sports car designed for those seeking style and class in the sports car world. The Lexus IS 300, a compact executive car produced by Toyota from 1998-2005, was introduced in Japan and entered global markets like North America in 2000. It comes in all-wheel-drive or rear and has a sporty nature.

Cabin Storage

The Lexus IS 300 boasts an elegant, spacious cabin with ample space for the driver and front passengers, featuring a central armrest with 2 cup holders. The cabin features multiple storage sections for various items like smartphones, beverages, handbags, and goggles. The front features 2 cup holders, a central storage tray, a shelf below the dashboard, and door pockets, while the rear has a central armrest with cup holders. The Lexus IS 300 offers 10.8 cubic feet of boot space, which is less than many luxury small cars, but can accommodate carry-on bags and fold down in a 60/40 split.

Lexus IS 350

The Lexus IS 350, a continuous project since 2013, has undergone minor mechanical and styling upgrades to enhance its performance, showcasing the power of small changes in a continuous project. The IS 350, a significant sedan by Japanese luxury brand Lexus, boasts a spacious interior, an easy-to-use infotainment system, quality materials, and a large boot space, despite sedans' slow decline.

Cabin Storage

The Lexus IS 350 boasts spacious interiors, superior back-seat comfort, and attractive interior features, making it a superior sedan for passengers. The Lexus IS F, with its fastback-like profile, has less back-passenger space than its competitors, with limited headroom and legroom for the driver to fit comfortably in the back seat.

The cabin features numerous storage units for various items like handbags, goggles, smartphones, and beverages. These include a center storage tray, a shelf below the dashboard, 2 cup holders, door pockets, and front seat jacket pockets on the second row. The Lexus IS 350 F Sport Sedan has ample cargo space, accommodating mid-size luggage and a weekend's worth of 5 passengers. The boot can hold 2 large suitcases and a few small backpacks, and additional storage can be achieved by lowering the back seats.

Engine and Fuel Efficiency Comparison

Lexus IS 300

The Lexus IS 300 first-generation was equipped with three optional engines: 3S-GE 2.0-liter I4, 1G-FE 2.0-liter I6, and 2JZ-GE 3.0-liter I6, and was paired with various manuals, automatics, or automatics. The second generations of the vehicle featured five engine options: a 4GR-FSE 2.5-liter V6, a 3GR-FE 3.0-liter V6, a 2GR-FSE 3.5-liter V6, a 2UR-GSE 5.0-liter V8, and a diesel engine option, which could be linked to a 6-speed manual, 6-speed A960E automatic, or 8-speed AA80E automatic.

The third generations of the IS 200t/300 featured five petrol engines: 8AR-FTS 2.0-liter I4-T, 4GR-FSE 2.5-liter V6, 2GR-FSE 3.5-liter V6, 2GR-FKS 3.5-liter V6, 2UR-GSE 5.0-liter V8, and one petrol hybrid engine. These engines were linked to either a 6-speed A760H/A960E automatic or an 8-speed AA81E automatic eCVT. The Lexus IS 300, with an average fuel consumption of 8.4 KM/L, has been available for eight years, with the latest model exceeding this average with 10.2 km/l.

Lexus IS 350

The Lexus IS 350 is a compact SUV with a 3.5L V6 engine, offering 277 lb-ft of torque and 306 hp, and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission for rear-drive models or a 6-speed automatic for all-wheel drive models. Lexus has been producing IS 350 models for 11 years, with the latest 2020 model exceeding the average at 9.7 km/l.

Finally

The Lexus IS 300 and its Lexus IS 350 rival offer comfortable rides, upscale interiors, spacious seating, and active safety features. The IS 350 offers better fuel efficiency and consistency, while the IS 300 feels faster when cruising. For more available models, visit the Lexus IS stock list.