DecodedCars2018 Lexus IS
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 300 RWD Sedan, 300/350 AWD Sedan
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.5L 6-cyl
- Transmission
- automatic
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 22 city / 32 hwy
- Length
- 183.9 in
- Curb weight
- 3,583–3,737 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 32 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Lexus IS is a compact car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.5L 6-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 184 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 110-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,583 lb (300 RWD Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (22 city / 32 highway), 4% worse than the 2018 compact car average of 27 MPG, for an estimated $3,150 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2018
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 IS — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 IS →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Tahara, Aichi
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 4 2018 IS configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 RWD Sedan | 183.9 in | 71.3 in | 56.3 in | 110.2 in | 60.6 / 61 in | 3,583 lb | 55/45 |
| 300/350 AWD Sedan | 183.9 in | 71.3 in | 56.3 in | 110.2 in | 60.6 / 61 in | 3,737 lb | 55/45 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IS 300 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 / 32 / 26 | -4% | $3,150 | 345 |
| IS 350 | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | -15% | $3,550 | 388 |
| IS 300 AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | -19% | $3,750 | 410 |
| IS 350 AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | -19% | $3,750 | 410 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2018 Lexus IS.
Similar 2018 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Lexus IS (this car) | 26 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2018 BMW 3 Series | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2018 Audi A4 | 31 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Tesla Model 3 | 310 mi | ★★★★★ | 19 |
| 2018 Audi A6 | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
Recalls (1)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Jan 13, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V012000 · 1,830,752 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- Risk
- If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB02 and 20TA02 for Toyota vehicles and 20LB01 and 20LA01 for Lexus vehicles.
Not every 2018 Lexus IS is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Lexus IS buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 2 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 2 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Structure › Body — 2 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 7,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Lexus IS. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other IS years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 IS | 22 | 185.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2025 IS | 25 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2024 IS | 25 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2023 IS | 25 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 5 |
| 2022 IS | 25 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 5 |
| 2021 IS | 25 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 3 |
| 2020 IS | 24 | 183.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 9 |
| 2019 IS | 24 | 183.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 10 |
| 2017 IS | 26 | 183.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 21 |
| 2016 IS | 26 | 183.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 17 |
| 2015 IS | 24 | 183.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 30 |
| 2014 IS | 24 | 183.9 in | Not rated | 4 | 56 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lexus. How we calculate this →