Acceleration

IS 250, manual	AWD IS 250	IS 350 w/navigation	Class Average
5	5	8	6.6

No opportunity yet to test the IS F. IS 250s feel sleepy on takeoff, strained up steep grades, and are shy on midrange passing power despite a responsive, silky automatic transmission. IS 350 is strong in all situations. We timed one at a speedy 5.5 seconds 0-60 mph.

Fuel Economy

IS 250, manual	AWD IS 250	IS 350 w/navigation	Class Average
5	5	5	5.4

In Consumer Guide testing, an IS 250 averaged 20.7 mpg in city/highway driving. Test AWD IS 250 averaged 23.3 mpg in mostly highway driving. No opportunity to measure with the IS 350. Premium-grade gas is required.

Ride Quality

IS 250, manual	AWD IS 250	IS 350 w/navigation	Class Average
6	6	5	5.5

Any IS closely matches its class rivals, but its ride is tainted by slight wheel thump on washboard roads and mild float over large crests at speed. The optional sport suspension and 18-inch tires detract slightly from comfort.

Steering/Handling/Braking

IS 250, manual	AWD IS 250	IS 350 w/navigation	Class Average
7	7	7	7.4

Trails the benchmark BMW 3-Series, but IS corners with little body lean, secure grip, and an agile feel. The optional sport suspension and 18-inch tires furnish little cornering advantage, nor does AWD on dry roads. IS's electric power steering is quick and informative. Brakes furnish swift, drama-free stops, but pedal action was slightly grabby in some test cars.

Quietness

IS 250, manual	AWD IS 250	IS 350 w/navigation	Class Average
6	6	7	6.1

Coarse-surface tire thrum is noticeable but not intrusive. Wind noise is modest. IS 250's engine is louder than the IS 350's at high rpm, but both V6s are subdued and relaxed in highway cruising.

Controls

IS 250, manual	AWD IS 250	IS 350 w/navigation	Class Average
7	7	7	6.3

Lexus's usual large, legible gauges and handy, intuitive minor controls. The steering wheel obscures switches on the lower dashboard, though. The screen of the optional navigation system is easy to read. It controls many audio and climate functions but is easier to learn than most navigation systems.

Details

IS 250, manual	AWD IS 250	IS 350 w/navigation	Class Average
8	8	8	7.2

Cabin decor is the Lexus-typical mix of rich-looking upholstery, soft-touch surfaces, and high-grade plastics.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

IS 250, manual	AWD IS 250	IS 350 w/navigation	Class Average
6	6	6	7

Adult-size leg space, but headroom is limited for six-footers. The seats are comfortably shaped and padded. A tilt and telescopic steering wheel is standard, and power adjustment is optional. IS's body shape limits views to the right-rear and directly aft.

Room/Comfort (rear)

IS 250, manual	AWD IS 250	IS 350 w/navigation	Class Average
3	3	3	3.5

Tight. Headroom is limited and legroom is skimpy with front seats pushed even partway aft. Narrow door openings and small footwells impede entry and exit.

Cargo Room

IS 250, manual	AWD IS 250	IS 350 w/navigation	Class Average
3	3	3	4.1

Packing gets complicated with a small trunk opening and intrusion from the rear wheel arches and trunklid hinges. Cabin storage is mediocre.

Value within Class

IS 250, manual	AWD IS 250	IS 350 w/navigation	Class Average
5	5	5	6.4

These premium compacts impress for their design, features, and materials. They also benefit from Lexus's strong resale-value record. However, they're not quite alluring enough alternatives to the Audi A4 or BMW 3-Series--especially in rear-passenger room and comfort.

Total Score

IS 250, manual	AWD IS 250	IS 350 w/navigation	Class Average
61	61	64	65.5

Scores for all Premium Compact Cars

Low Score		59
Average Score		65
High Score		72