Lexus IS 300

Excellent reliability
Looks distinctive next to its German rivals
Plenty of standard equipment

Lexus IS 300 Saloon (2016 - )

The Lexus IS looks utterly distinctive, and that alone could be enough to tempt drivers away from the usual suspects in the compact executive class. Overall, though, we still think rivals like the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class are better all-rounders and the lack of a plug-in hybrid option will limit its appeal to company car drivers.

Our verdict

Is the Lexus IS 300 a good car?

How we rated this car out of 5 on the following

Lexus IS 300 running costs

Is it budget friendly?

Lexus IS 300 safety

How well it assists you to stay safe.

Lexus IS 300 features

Driver technology, media and styling.

Lexus IS 300 reliability

How durable it is.

Lexus IS 300 interior

Space, materials, boot size and comfort.

Lexus IS 300 performance

Power, handling, fuel and range.

Our expert review

See what our expert review team say about this car

Running costs Safety Features Reliability Interior Performance

Area of interest:

All IS models are hybrids, Toyota’s system basically meaning petrol refinement with the fuel consumption (but not the emissions surcharge) of a diesel. That’s an attractive combination, not least for company drivers looking to keep a lid on monthly running costs and avoid the supposed stigma of fuelling from the black pump. It’s also cheaper to buy than diesel versions of the equivalent Audi A4, BMW 3 Series or Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

However, the huge Benefit In Kind savings available on plug-in hybrid versions of the BMW, Mercedes and others in this class will probably make a much bigger difference to the monthly costs for those all-important company drivers and here the Lexus is at a significant disadvantage. This will be of less concern to private buyers but, for a car aimed squarely at executives, it presents something of a problem for Lexus.