The big news for the 2022 Lexus IS is the introduction of the range-topping IS 500 F Sport Performance model.
Lexus reworked the IS for 2021, but rather than rest on its laurels, the Japanese luxury brand followed up with the V8-powered IS 500.
Now better positioned to take on the likes of the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the IS is a world-class luxury sport sedan.
The IS 300 and IS 350 pick up a new option package or two. A 500-unit limited-run Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Launch Edition will celebrate the addition of the IS 500 F Sport Performance.
We like the IS for its technology, three engine choices, available all-wheel drive (AWD), and bullet-proof reliability.
The IS lineup consists of the IS 300, IS 350 F Sport, and IS 500 F Sport Performance.
Both the IS 300 and IS 350 F Sport can be had with all-wheel drive (AWD) for a $2,000 upcharge rather than the standard rear-wheel drive (RWD). The new IS 500 is strictly rear-wheel drive.
RWD IS versions use an 8-speed automatic transmission to spin the wheels. A 6-speed automatic ushers engine production to AWD versions.
An inline 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine powers the RWD IS 300. Its government-estimated fuel economy is 21 miles per gallon city, 31 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg in combined driving.
The IS 300 AWD, IS 350 F Sport, and IS 350 F Sport AWD source their thrust from a 3.5-liter V6. The RWD IS 350’s estimated mileage is 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway/23 mpg combined.
The AWD IS 300 and IS 350 post estimated numbers of 19 mpg/26 mpg/22 mpg.
Finally, the IS 500 packs a 5.0-liter V8 under its hood. Its estimated mileage is 17 mpg/25 mpg/20 mpg.
2022 Lexus IS 300 (starting at $38,625)
The 2022 Lexus IS 300 looks sharp in Eminent Pearl White.
Among the standard content are 18-inch alloy wheels, LED exterior lights (headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights), and keyless entry with push-button start. The IS 300 uses a 241-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder for rear-drive models, while AWD variants have a 260-hp 3.5-liter V6.
Also included are heated power outboard mirrors with integrated turn signals, driver’s-side auto-dimming outboard rearview mirror, and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
Faux-leather seating, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and an 8-way power-adjustable passenger seat are also standard.
Within the infotainment system are an 8-inch touchscreen, a 10-speaker audio system, a remote touch-pad interface, USB ports, and HD Radio.
Satellite-radio capability, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are also included.
Driver aids include forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, left-turn intersection support, lane-departure warning with steering assist, and lane tracing.
Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and high-beam assist are also standard.
The all-new Premium Package adds heated-ventilated front seats, heated leather-trimmed steering wheel, power moonroof, rain-sensing wipers, a power tilt-telescopic steering wheel, and more.
For an additional $1,365, you can add the Panoramic View Monitor, which is a 360-degree surround-view camera, front-rear park assist with automatic braking, and rear cross-traffic braking.
The 17-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound audio system will set you back $1,080.
Adding the $1,075 destination fee to the IS 300 base price comes to $39,700. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out to $713 per month. See 2022 Lexus IS 300 models for sale
2022 Lexus IS 300 includes:
- Dual-zone automatic climate control – A set-it-and-forget-it system, it divides the vehicle into left and right regions. It provides separate temperature settings for each region. Once set, it automatically maintains the preset temperatures.
- Keyless entry – If the key fob is on your person, the doors automatically unlock when you touch the door handle. Push-button start is paired with keyless entry.
- Suite of driver aids – Forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning with steering assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and more are standard.
2022 Lexus IS 350 F Sport (starting at $43,050)
2022 Lexus IS 350 F-Sport dressed in Atomic Silver.
The IS 350 adds a 311-horsepower V6 engine, rain-sensing wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, universal garage remote, and a heated and leather-trimmed steering wheel.
Also included are F Sport exterior styling cues, 19-inch alloy wheels, heated-ventilated front seats, a limited-slip rear differential, and performance suspension tuning.
An all-new optional Memory Package includes memory for the power-adjustable tilt-telescopic steering wheel, outboard mirrors, and driver’s seat.
Adding the $1,075 destination charge to the IS 350 F Sport brings the total to $44,125. Financing that amount with no money down for 60 months at 3% interest works out to $793 per month. See 2022 Lexus IS 350 F Sport models for sale
2022 Lexus IS 350 F Sport includes:
- F Sport – Primarily consisting of performance appearance elements, F Sport also includes a performance-tuned suspension, 19-inch staggered-sized wheels, and a few comfort goodies.
- Rain-sensing wipers – When the system senses moisture on the windshield, it automatically engages the wipers. The wiper speed adjusts according to the volume of the rain.
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror – Using photosensors, it recognizes bright headlights closing from behind. It then automatically dims the reflection of those lights.
2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance (starting at $56,500)
The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F-Sport Performance V8 takes to the track in Cement Grey.
Over and above the IS 350 F Sport, the IS 500 adds the 472-hp V8 engine, unique exterior styling cues, a raised front hood, and a quad exhaust system.
Also standard are a power moonroof, Enkei 19-inch wheels, front-rear park assist, and the IS 350 F Sport’s Memory Package.
For an additional $4,500, you can step up to the Premium level, which includes the 17-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound audio system. Premium also adds navigation, a panoramic-view (360-degree) monitor, a 10.3-inch infotainment screen, a power rear sunshade, and triple-beam LED headlights.
At the top of the IS 500 pile is the IS 500 F Sport Performance Launch Edition ($67,400). Lexus will only produce 500 units – all earmarked for the North American market.
It will get 2-tone black-and-gray Ultrasuede seats, silver-ash wood on the steering wheel, and a serialized badge.
Other extra Launch Edition goodies include 19-inch BBS matte-black wheels.
Adding the $1,075 destination fee to the IS 500 F Sport base price brings the total to $57,575. With no money down, financing that amount for 60 months at 3% interest works out to $1,035. See 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance models for sale
2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance includes:
- Front-rear park assist – Sensors on the front and rear bumper detect when an object is close and the system sounds a warning.
- Memory Package – Features memory for the power-adjustable tilt-telescopic steering wheel, outboard mirrors, and driver’s seat.
- V8 engine – Powering other big guns in the Lexus lineup, such as the RC F, this V8 puts out 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque.
