The 2022 Lexus IS has a sleek exterior and an upscale interior, giving it the appearance of a small sports sedan. There are three engine options: a V-6, a V-8, or a turbo four-cylinder. The latter two come with an aggressive F Sport style and an upgraded chassis. Though it may not look like it, the IS offers a smooth ride, but it may be too soft for people who want precise handling. Rivals with livelier powertrains and greater driver engagement include the Genesis G70, Audi A4, and BMW 3-series. Nevertheless, the IS provides a well-rounded entry-luxury package with attractive features and stylish design that should appeal to consumers looking for curb appeal.
This year’s major news is the 472-hp IS 500, which brings back V-8 power at a price significantly lower than comparable German rivals.
Is a Lexus IS a Good Vehicle?
In the segment of luxury compact cars, the 2022 Lexus IS is a respectable choice. The IS sedan boasts a high-quality cabin with plenty of active safety features and comfortable front seats. On twisting roads, it feels nimble, but it still rides smoothly over uneven terrain. Its six-cylinder and four-cylinder basic engines are lively, and the new V8 option for 2022 really turns things up.
Nevertheless, the drawbacks almost exceed the positives. Any engine choice will result in mediocre gas mileage for the IS. The infotainment system can be difficult to use, and there is not much room for freight or backseat passengers.
What is new in the 2022 Lexus IS?
Although the RC coupe is a closely related brother, the IS lineup only offers a sedan. For 2021, all IS models received exterior style updates and an improved, yet still unsatisfactory, infotainment system.
The base IS 300 versions come with a 3.5-liter V-6 (with all-wheel drive) or a 2.0-liter turbo-4 (with rear-wheel drive). The differences between the two powerplants are striking; the 4-cylinder feels a little pokey and harsh, while the V-6 accelerates smoothly but uses a lot more fuel.
Strangely enough, power increases with spending, as does worth. The 311-hp 3.5-liter V-6 engine of the IS 350, which isn’t all that expensive compared to the IS 300, provides remarkable power that fits this well-balanced chassis. With the exception of the standard turbo-4 configuration, all configurations have poor fuel economy.
As long as you sit up front, the IS’s cabin looks new. There is very little space for rear-seat passengers, particularly in all-wheel-drive vehicles. Moreover, trunk space is average.
Excellent crash test results and a greater selection of basic driver aid and crash avoidance technologies than on almost all competitors are two advantages.
2022 Lexus IS: Styling
The 2022 Lexus IS’s styling had all the correct angles. ten years ago
2022 IS had all the creases that define a Lexus, but after receiving a significant facelift last year, it still looks too much like a car from a decade ago.
The recognizable hourglass-shaped grille of Lexus remains, flanked by narrow headlights with intricate detailing. Sportier strakes and cutouts are in the F Sport models, generally to good effect. The IS is anything but dull along its sides thanks to its check mark-like crease. The design is finished with a thin ribbon of taillights at the back. The basic cars have plain wheels, so think about spending more on rolling equipment that is more stylish.
The appealingly wide and low dash of its interior has been updated with a new touchscreen introduced last year. Although there are many buttons and knobs on this device, most of the controls are rather simple to operate.
Instead of searching for genuine leather, Lexus covers this interior with durable synthetic hides.
2022 Lexus IS: Performance
The 2.0-liter turbo-4 engine in base IS 300 sedans with rear-wheel drive is rated at 241 horsepower, but it lacks the finesse and turbocharged burst that we would anticipate from a vehicle this expensive and intended for such aggressive driving.
A 3.5-liter V-6 with 260 horsepower is installed in all-wheel-drive IS 300s, and the car is faster and smoother than the 19-horsepower increase would imply.
These cars are appropriately zippy thanks to the IS 350’s use of an upgraded V-6 with 311 horsepower. The IS 350 is the vehicle that makes the most sense for most drivers. It’s not even that much more expensive.
Strangely, all-wheel-drive cars employ an 8-speed automatic transmission, despite the fact that rear-drive variants use a 6-speed automatic regardless of engine.
2022 Lexus IS: Comfort
Although the 2022 Lexus IS has limited cargo and rear-seat space, it is comfortable up front.
A terrific family car is not what the 2022 Lexus IS will be. The interior is nicely furnished, with seats that seem to be made of fake leather. However, the room in the backseat is incredibly small. It’s humorous, though, if you’re not there.
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The front seats of the automobile are comfortable and offer a decent view outside. Although leather seats are not an option, the materials match the price.
In versions with rear-wheel drive, riders in the backseat will be fine. There is a large driveshaft hump that takes up valuable foot space for those who have all-wheel drive. Competitors have minimal concessions and precious extra inches of legroom.
Less than 11 cubic feet of trunk capacity is another drawback, but at least the interior fit and finish of the IS are better than those of many of its competitors.
Safety
The IIHS has awarded the 2022 Lexus IS its highest safety rating.
Based on the testing conducted thus far, it appears to be a secure option.
Blind spot monitors, active lane control, and adaptive cruise control are the features of standard automated emergency braking. On competitors, several of the features are optional.
Connectivity and Entertainment
Standard equipment includes an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a console-mounted touchpad; an optional larger 10.3-inch display with in-dash navigation is also available. Both systems are compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A Mark Levinson premium stereo system, featuring 17 speakers and 1800 watts of power, is offered as an option, much like it was with the previous generation of IS.
Summary
In the class of luxury compact cars, the 2022 Lexus IS is positioned towards the rear. The IS has several basic safety features, a wide range of engines, and agile handling, but it falls short of the competition in terms of interior room, infotainment usability, and fuel efficiency.
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