2022 Lexus IS Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

The 2022 Lexus IS is highly recommended for anyone who desires a compact luxury sedan. It’s a well-balanced car that offers comfort and driving engagement. Affordable maintenance costs give the IS a key advantage over its European rivals. Modern styling also helps this sedan to remain relevant in one of the market’s most competitive segments. Let’s dive into why you should buy a new Lexus IS.

What’s New for 2022?

Lexus has welcomed a new IS 500 model into the lineup, which features an exciting V8 engine. Meanwhile, a newly available Premium package equips the sedan with several luxurious amenities.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2022 Lexus IS – The Pros

1. Strong Yet Practical V6 Powertrain

Although the 2022 Lexus IS is available with a slightly more efficient turbo four-cylinder engine, many drivers will prefer the IS 350’s more stout V6 engine. It elevates performance by cranking out 311 horsepower. Automotive critics rave about this engine’s punchy nature. Drivers will certainly appreciate the extra muscle when merging onto the freeway. An eight-speed automatic transmission helps the car to accelerate smoothly. When tested, the IS 350 recorded an admirable 0-60 mph time of 5.6 seconds.

2. Very Quick & Exciting IS 500 Model

New for 2022 is the exhilarating IS 500 model. Under the hood sits a fast-revving 5.0-liter, V8 engine. Lexus tunes it to generate a lively 472 horsepower. When stepping on the accelerator, the IS 500 races to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. Not only is the V8-powered IS 500 a quick car, but it also has a muscular sound. While the exhaust isn’t overly loud, drivers can expect to hear a powerful note.

3. Precise Driving Dynamics

The 2022 Lexus IS continues to impress drivers with its agile road manners. Precise steering gives the IS an especially sporty feel. When traveling on winding roads, drivers will enjoy this sedan’s excellent body control. Folks who desire even sharper driving dynamics should opt for F Sport package. It tightens up the sedan’s handling by adding upgraded performance tires and a stiffer sport suspension. An available Torsen limited-slip differential also helps ensure more grip when accelerating hard.

4. A Comfortable, High-Quality Interior

Although the Lexus IS is a rather small car, it provides comfortable accommodations. This is especially true for front passengers. Good legroom and contoured seats promote a relaxing trip. The new Premium package equips the car with more amenities, including heating/cooling functions for the front seats and a power-adjustable steering column. Drivers will also like the interior’s overall quality. Even the standard NuLuxe synthetic leather upholstery looks luxurious. Available black open-pore wood trim adds a classy touch.

5. Styling That Distinguishes It From the Competition

The 2022 Lexus IS does not look like the other cars in the segment. There are several unique styling cues that help the sleek IS to stand out. While muscular fenders magnify the car’s powerful stance, a cool light bar spans the rear end. Opting for the F Sport package brings a more aggressive front fascia and 19-inch staggered-width wheels. To give the high-powered IS 500 a meaner look, Lexus decks it out with a bulging hood and a quad-tip exhaust.

6. Mark Levinson Premium Audio System

Although the optional Mark Levinson premium stereo will increase the car’s total cost, music lovers will find this feature to be a great investment. Few audio systems in the class offer a better listening experience. In terms of overall sound quality, some experts give a 9.5 out of 10 rating. They praise this 17-speaker system for its hard-hitting bass and great clarity. Quantum Logic sound technology gives you the feeling of being at a live performance.

7. Most of the Available Active Safety Features Come Standard

Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 contains some valuable advanced driving aids. Fortunately, it’s standard across the board. The car’s pre-collision warning system has been recently updated with left-turn intersection detection of a pedestrian or vehicle. Meanwhile, activating dynamic radar cruise control maintains a set following distance in the city and on the highway. Another great convenience is steering assist, which can help guide drivers back into the lane. A standard blind-spot monitor further enhances safety.

8. Provides Very Good Impact Protection

The 2022 Lexus IS will prevent passengers from being seriously injured in an accident. It earned the federal government’s coveted five-star overall safety rating. While the sedan’s excellent stability helps prevent a rollover accident, a high-strength structure helps enhance impact protection. Parents can feel confident when allowing their teenagers to take the car.

9. Among Segment’s Most Reliable Models

Even after the automaker’s original warranty expires, owners can expect the 2022 Lexus IS to remain dependable. Over the years, this car has proven itself to be mechanically sound. Many of its European rivals require more upkeep, including the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The cost of maintenance is also lower. When properly serviced, the Lexus IS is a vehicle that drivers can keep in the family for years to come. It’s not uncommon to find a well-running IS with more than 200,000 miles on the odometer.

10. Nice List of Standard Equipment

Buyers who want to stay close to the car’s starting MSRP will appreciate its generous list of standard equipment. The sedan’s 10-speaker audio system sounds rather nice for a standard unit. NuLuxe synthetic leather upholstery enhances the cabin’s quality feel. Other perks include smartphone integration, dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats, and the previously mentioned Lexus Safety System+ 2.5.

Reasons Not to Buy a 2022 Lexus IS – The Cons

1. Comes Up Short in Rear Legroom

While the 2022 Lexus IS is rated to carry up to five people, a tight backseat limits its ability to accommodate bigger families. Its backseat is more suitable for small adults and children under the age of 12. There’s not enough legroom to please most people. Drivers who need more space for their passengers should consider the larger Lexus ES.

2. Limited Cargo Space

Drivers planning to take long road trips should consider this sedan’s small trunk. It provides less than 11 cubic feet of storage space. Travelers may need to leave their big suitcases at home. The good news is that the rear seatbacks fold down to make room for larger items.

3. Does Not Have the Most User-Friendly Infotainment System

Drivers who prefer simple technology may not be fond of this automaker’s Remote Touch infotainment system. Many people have trouble effectively using its laptop-like touchpad controller, which is positioned along the center console. Another issue is the interface’s slow response to inputs. So-so navigation graphics also make Remote Touch less appealing than some of today’s other systems.

4. Rather Expensive IS 500 Models

The all-new Lexus IS 500 is one of the segment’s most exciting models. However, it does demand a hefty price. Lexus lists the new IS 500 with a starting MSRP of more than $56,000. Expect the limited-production IS 500 Launch Edition model to be even more expensive. Prices start at more than $67,000, which makes it unattainable for some car shoppers.

5. Base Engine Lacks Performance

The IS 250’s standard turbo four-cylinder powertrain offers the lineup’s best fuel economy. However, performance isn’t as strong. Some testers describe the engine as having a dull character. While the IS 250’s 0-60 mph time of 7.5 seconds is decent, some drivers will ultimately desire a quicker sedan. Buyers can upgrade to the beefier V6 engine without experiencing much lower fuel economy.

 

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

2022 Lexus IS vs 2022 Kia Stinger

A hatchback design enables the 2022 Kia Stinger to offer more cargo space than the typical small sports sedan. While the Kia Stinger is undeniably quick, it does not sound as exciting as the V8-equipped IS 500. A stronger resale value gives the Lexus IS another key advantage over the Stinger.

2022 Lexus IS vs 2020 Infiniti Q60

A standard twin-turbo V6 engine makes the Infiniti Q60 a quick performer. However, the IS has a better track record of long-term reliability. Infiniti also does not offer the Q60 with ventilated front seats.

2022 Lexus IS vs 2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia

The Alfa Romeo Giulia is known for its spectacular handling. While this sedan is a blast to drive, it’s not nearly as dependable. Owners will have to spend more money in maintenance and repairs. Testers also find the Alfa Romeo Giulia’s base seats to be less comfortable. Drivers who desire the high-performance Quadrifoglio model should prepare to shell out more than $80,000. Sports sedan shoppers can save roughly $24,000 by choosing the Lexus IS 500.

Conclusion

The 2022 Lexus IS is an appealing small luxury sedan, especially for drivers who don’t have a big family. It’s comfortable and satisfying to drive. While the available V6 engine is entertaining enough for most luxury car shoppers, upgrading to the IS 500’s new V8 engine really raises the fun meter. A reputation for being reliable makes this sedan an even better pick. Folks seeking more visual flair and enhanced handling should opt for the F Sport package.

This is not the best choice for drivers who need maximum space for their family. While the 2022 Lexus IS offers decent fuel economy, some of its competitors are more economical at the pump.