2014 Lexus IS - Review

The Basics:

The 2014 Lexus IS is in many ways an entirely new vehicle, yet at the same time, it feels very familiar. Ultimately, Lexus kept the best of the old car while throwing out most of the bad and replacing it with improved or refined features.

Most dramatically, the exterior has been restyled with an aggressive "spindle grille" front end. The new grille stands out most on F Sport models, which feature an all-black mesh insert inside the spindle-shaped grille opening. Non-F Sport models moderate the look slightly with horizontal bars in the top two-thirds of the grille. The sides of the new 2014 Lexus IS also get some new sculptural elements, with an upward curve at the rear fender and wraparound, pointed tail lights. The rear end is revised as well, but more subtly.

Inside, the 2014 IS is almost entirely new. A tiered dashboard adds an upscale feel to the design, while the center stack's controls are simple and cleanly laid out. A new steering wheel shape continues the upgraded look and feel, and in F Sport models, an LFA supercar-inspired digital instrument display takes the IS to the next level.

Under the hood, you'll find the same engines as in the last-generation IS. That includes a 2.5-liter V-6 rated at 204 horsepower for IS 250 models and 185 pound-feet of torque and a 3.5-liter V-6 rated at 306 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque for IS 350 models. F Sport trim levels get no additional power, but do get other performance upgrades.

Gas mileage is nearly unchanged according to Lexus' estimates, with no more than 1 mpg variance from the 2013 model. The rear-drive IS 250 scores 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway for 24 mpg combined; adding all-wheel drive brings that number to 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway for 23 mpg combined. In the IS 350, rear-drive models score 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway for 22 mpg combined; all-wheel drive models score 19/21 mpg and 26 mpg combined.

Rear-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard. No manual transmission is offered, but a new transmission joins the 2014 Lexus IS lineup for rear-drive IS 350 models, including F Sports. The new eight-speed is smooth and quick-shifting, improving both performance and daily-driving comfort.

Other upgrades for the 2014 Lexus IS include a re-tuned suspension and stiffening of the chassis to improve handling and dynamic capability. In practice, the result is a car that drives very much like the previous IS, but with just a bit more precision. It's definitely an incremental improvement to the IS's sport-sedan chops, rather than a revolutionary upgrade.

Steering precision and feel is good for an electric-boost system. The optional variable-ratio steering in IS 350 F Sport models sharpens the car's responses noticeably, but doesn't improve feedback.

Speaking of sedans--that's the only model as yet offered in the 2014 IS range. As with the last-generation car, a convertible variant is expected to join the range, but Lexus has so far been quiet about its plans.

On the comfort and quality front, the 2014 upgrades do much to improve the IS. Interior materials look and feel more refined and high-quality; the seats are well-bolstered, particularly in F Sport models, yet still comfortable; the rear seat offers more space thanks to slight revisions in the car's size; and while the trunk is still on the small end of the spectrum for the class at 13.8 cubic feet, it's big enough for most purposes.

The 2014 Lexus IS' overall dimensions place it firmly in the subcompact car class at 90.2 cubic feet of passenger volume, despite the 183.7-inch overall length and 110.2-inch wheelbase. Curb weights range from 3,461 pounds for the IS 250 up to 3,737 pounds for the IS 350 with all-wheel drive. Weight distribution is 54:46 front-to-rear for rear-drive models and 55:45 for all-wheel drive cars.  

Standard safety equipment in the 2014 Lexus IS includes a full complement of airbags, with driver's and front passenger's knee airbags; front seat-mounted side airbags; front and rear side curtain airbags; and the usual side and frontal airbags. LED daytime running lights are standard, as is vehicle stability and traction control, tire pressure monitoring, and an energy-absorbing crash structure. Optional safety features include blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, dynamic radar-based cruise control, lane departure warning, park assist, and a back-up camera.

The 2014 Lexus IS offers a strong set of standard equipment, including an audio system with eight speakers, a seven-inch screen, CD player and radio with HD Radio capability, MP3/WMA/USB and iPod handling, voice recognition, and streaming audio via Bluetooth 3.0. Other standard features include power accessories, manual-tile steering wheel, 60/40 split folding rear seats, programmable electronic settings memory, and electrochromic mirrors.

Many optional upgrades are available, including standalone options like 18-inch wheels, an all-weather package, and a range of safety features. Package upgrades include a navigation system which brings GPS navigation, traffic/weather/news updates, a backup camera, and access to Lexus' Enform telematics system. A Mark Levinson audio system can be added, bringing with it 15 speakers and 7.1-channel surround sound. A premium package adds twin projector LED headlamps and heated/ventilated seats, while the luxury package adds those features plus rain-sensing wipers, blind spot monitoring, leather-trimmed interior elements, and wood trim among other features.