DecodedCars2022 Lexus IS
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2022 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 300 4dr Sedan RWD, 300/350 4dr Sedan AWD, 500 4dr Sedan RWD
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.5L 6-cyl, 5.0L 8-cyl
- Horsepower
- 260–472 hp
- Transmission
- automatic
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 21 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 185.4–187.4 in
- Curb weight
- 3,715–3,891 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Strong performanceUp to 472 hp, versus about 355 hp for similar 2022 models.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2022 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2022 Lexus IS is a compact car offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.5L 6-cyl and 5.0L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 185 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 110-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,715 lb (300 4dr Sedan RWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (21 city / 31 highway), 11% worse than the 2022 compact car average of 28.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,300 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 5 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the fuel/propulsion system.
What changed for 2022
- Engine added: 5.0L 8-cyl
Compared with 2021; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2021 IS →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Tahara, Aichi
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 4 2022 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 4dr Sedan RWD | 185.4 in | 72.4 in | 56.3 in | 110.2 in | 62.2 / 61.8 in | 3,715 lb | 53/47 |
| 300/350 4dr Sedan AWD | 185.4 in | 72.4 in | 56.3 in | 110.2 in | 62.2 / 61.8 in | 3,847 lb | 55/45 |
| 500 4dr Sedan RWD | 187.4 in | 72.4 in | 56.3 in | 110.2 in | 62.2 / 61.8 in | 3,891 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 / 31 / 25 | -11% | $3,300 | 356 |
| IS 350 | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | -18% | $3,550 | 385 |
| IS 300 AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | -22% | $3,750 | 407 |
| IS 350 AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | -22% | $3,750 | 407 |
| IS 500 | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -29% | $4,100 | 451 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2022 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2022 Lexus IS.
Similar 2022 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Lexus IS (this car) | 25 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2022 BMW 3 Series | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2022 BMW 5 Series | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT | 21 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Tesla Model 3 | 358 mi | ★★★★★ | 18 |
Recalls (1)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Apr 8, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V222000 · 9,139 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2015-2022 Lexus RC, 2016-2020 GS, and 2022 IS vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- Risk
- Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed October 15, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26LB05 and 26LA05.
Not every 2022 Lexus IS is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2022 Lexus IS buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- 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.
- Engine — 2 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Structure › Body — 1 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 8,616 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 2022 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 →