2022 Lexus IS
Overview
The Lexus IS has been captivating drivers with a taste for the finer things in life for three generations now. While its most recent total redesign happened in 2013, this premium midsized sedan was significantly refreshed for model year 2021. This makeover not only resulted in a sharper-looking and better outfitted IS, but it also introduced a U.S.-exclusive V8-powered IS 500 F Sport Performance variant. As the IS enters model year 2022, Lexus has heightened its appeal with an all-new Premium Package for the IS 300 grades. Plus, the Comfort Package has been updated with rain-sensing windshield wipers and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, and the 350 F Sport now qualifies for the debuting Memory Package and a power rear sunshade.
Versions and Mechanical Specs
There are three versions of the 2022 Lexus IS: 300, 350 F Sport, and 500 F Sport Performance. The 500 F Sport Performance is the only one available with two versions: Premium and Launch Edition. The base 300 has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 241 hp, while the 350 F Sports gets a slightly more potent 3.5-liter V6 that makes 260 hp. For a truly exhilarating experience, the 500 houses a 472 hp 5.0-liter V8 that can take the vehicle from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. The 300, 350 F Sport, and 500 F Sport Performance come with rear-wheel drive; the 300 and 350 F Sport are eligible for all-wheel drive, but the 500 F Sport Performance is not. An eight-speed automatic transmission pairs with the RWD models, while the AWD ones have a six-speed automatic.
Luxurious Amenities
Quite a few opulent features are included in each version of the ’22 IS. The 300 has bi-LED headlights, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, front seats with power adjustments, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, Normal and Sport drive modes, 18-inch wheels, and two USB ports. The 350 F Sport gets some exclusive F Sport exterior styling elements, as well as 19-inch wheels, additional power adjustments for the driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats with bolsters, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, performance-inspired instrumentation with sliding bezel, a G-force display, aluminum sport pedals, and a rear-seat armrest with cup holders.
The adrenaline-stirring 500 F Sport Performance has everything it takes for truly spirited driving: an adaptive variable suspension, a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, Yamaha rear performance dampers, and a raised hood. It also gets side mirrors that automatically tilt down during backing, the Lexus Memory System (for the driver’s seat, side mirrors, and steering wheel), a power tilt-and-telescopic steering column, extra drive modes (Eco, Sport S, Sport+, and Custom), door sill scuff plates, and a moonroof. The Premium comes with triple-beam LED headlights and a power rear sunshade, while the Launch Edition is differentiated by lightweight 19-inch BBS wheels and ash-wood interior trim.
Advanced Safety Equipment & Technology
Each version of the ’22 IS is equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 suite of driver aids (pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection, lane tracing assist, lane departure alert with steering assist, road sign assist, all-speed dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams). Although it’s not a part of the Lexus Safety System, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert is standard on each as well. Intuitive parking assist with automatic braking is standard in the 500 F Sport Performance and its sub-trims. In addition to that, the sub-trims also have a surround-view camera system; both of those are optional on the 300 and 350 F Sport.
The 300, 350 F Sport, and 500 F Sport Performance each have the Lexus Multimedia System, which can be controlled via its 8-inch touchscreen or voice recognition. Other standard features in the system are a Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Premium and Launch Edition are enhanced with a 10.3-inch touchscreen, dynamic voice recognition, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, and built-in navigation. Those higher-end infotainment features are available on the 300 and 350 F Sport.
Packages
The 2022 Lexus IS can be further customized through a medley of upgrade packages. The Comfort Package for the 300 supplies a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, a moonroof, rain-sensing wipers, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink. The Premium Package (also for the 300) is a new offering this model year. It adds a power tilt-and-telescopic steering column, side mirrors with reverse gear tilt-down, the Lexus Memory System, door sill scuff plates, a rear seat armrest with cupholders, and a power rear sunshade. For the 350 F Sport, the Memory Package bundles the power tilt-and-telescopic steering column, side mirrors with reverse gear tilt-down, and Lexus Memory System.
Two Navigation Packages are also available: Navigation and Navigation/Mark Levinson Premium Audio. The basic Navigation Package is offered for the 300 and 350 F Sport and contains a 10.3-inch touchscreen upgrade with built-in navigation, dynamic voice recognition, and a remote touchpad. The Mark Levinson version for the 350 F Sport adds those features plus a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. Finally, the F Sport Dynamic Handling Package for the 300 and 350 F Sport has selectable drive modes (Normal, Sport S, Sport+, and Custom), an adaptive suspension, an ash-wood-lined steering wheel, a carbon-fiber rear spoiler, a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, and a SmartAccess key card