The cabin, fronted by a clear gauge package and a vaguely 1980’s BMW instrument panel, looks conservative and tasteful. Rear legroom is class competitive. Engine offerings include a 2L turbo four rated at 241 horsepower, and a 3.5L V6 that produces 260 and 311 horsepower in the IS300 and IS350 respectively. The 2L turbo sends power to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the exclusively all-wheel drive V6 models using a six-speed automatic. There are few takers for the rear-wheel drive variant, with most IS cars sold with all-wheel drive and powered by a V6.rnrnThe IS350 is smooth, fast and flexible. The six-speed automatic transmission gets its job done with little fuss. Handling that inspires confidence is combined with a firm, yet compliant ride. The steering of the ID is nicely weighted, quick, but steady on the highway.

The base IS300 AWD features the Lexus Safety System 2.5, heated front seats and steering wheel, blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors and rain sense wipers. Trim upgrades are very expensive. Moving from the IS300 to IS350 costs $3250 on the F Sport 2 and $5200 on the F Sport 3. The rear-wheel drive IS500 is priced nearly $14,000 higher than the IS350 F Sport 3.

Above average reliability. Cheaper service costs and better durability than a comparable German-branded car make it better suited to people who buy their cars and keep them for the long haul, rather than lease them.