DecodedCars2023 Lexus IS
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 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
- 311–472 hp
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- 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
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- 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
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2023 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), 9% worse than the 2023 compact car average of 27.6 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 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2023
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2022 IS — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2022; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2022 IS →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Tahara City, Aichi Prefecture
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 3 2023 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 | -9% | $3,300 | 355 |
| IS 350 | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | -17% | $3,550 | 385 |
| IS 300 AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | -20% | $3,750 | 407 |
| IS 350 AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | -20% | $3,750 | 407 |
| IS 500 | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -28% | $4,100 | 451 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2023 Lexus IS.
Similar 2023 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Lexus IS (this car) | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2023 BMW 3 Series | 29 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2023 BMW 5 Series | 28 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT | 21 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model 3 | 358 mi | ★★★★★ | 12 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2023 Lexus IS.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2023 Lexus IS is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2023 Lexus IS buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Power Train — 1 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- 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 11,000 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 2023 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 →