DecodedCars2020 Lexus IS
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 300 RWD Sedan, 300/350 AWD Sedan
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.5L 6-cyl
- Horsepower
- 241–311 hp
- Transmission
- automatic
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 24 combined · 21 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 183.9 in
- Curb weight
- 3,461–3,649 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Strong performanceUp to 311 hp, versus about 248 hp for similar 2020 models.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 24 MPG combined, 12% below the 2020 compact car average of 27.3 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 30 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2020 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 3,461 lb (300 RWD Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 30 highway), 12% worse than the 2020 compact car average of 27.3 MPG, for an estimated $3,400 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2020
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2019 IS — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 IS →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Tahara, Aichi
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 4 2020 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 | 3,461 lb | 55/45 |
| 300/350 AWD Sedan | 183.9 in | 71.3 in | 56.3 in | 110.2 in | 60.6 / 61 in | 3,649 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 | 21 / 30 / 24 | -12% | $3,400 | 363 |
| IS 350 | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | -16% | $3,550 | 388 |
| IS 300 AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 21 | -23% | $3,900 | 422 |
| IS 350 AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 21 | -23% | $3,900 | 422 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2020 Lexus IS.
Similar 2020 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Lexus IS (this car) | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2020 BMW 3 Series | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2020 Audi A4 | 30 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Tesla Model 3 | 330 mi | ★★★★★ | 21 |
| 2020 Audi A3 | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2020 Lexus IS.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2020 Lexus IS is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2020 Lexus IS buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Suspension — 2 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- 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.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 400 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 2020 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 |
| 2019 IS | 24 | 183.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 10 |
| 2018 IS | 26 | 183.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 9 |
| 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 →