2009 Lexus IS: Road Test
2009 Lexus IS ▼
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- MSRP: $31,305 - $56,760
- Invoice: $28,174 - $51,082
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Our road test for the 2009 Lexus IS includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Lexus IS from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Lexus IS, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Lexus IS help you decide if a 2009 Lexus IS is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| IS 250, manual | AWD IS 250 | IS 350 w/navigation | IS F | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 6.6 |
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. IS F accelerates with race-car thrust, yet is remarkably docile in around-town driving. Credit its 8-speed automatic for lightning-fast, yet smooth shifts.
FUEL ECONOMY
| IS 250, manual | AWD IS 250 | IS 350 w/navigation | IS F | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 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. An IS F averaged 18.5 mpg, a good return for a performance car. 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 | IS F | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 5.3 |
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. IS F is fairly comfortable on most surfaces despite its performance suspension and wide, track-ready tires.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| IS 250, manual | AWD IS 250 | IS 350 w/navigation | IS F | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 7.4 |
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' electric power steering is quick and informative. IS F is clearly the sharpest model in this roster, with a stable, secure, and nimble feel that put it among the best sport sedans. The brakes furnish swift, drama-free stops on all models, but pedal action was slightly grabby in some test cars. Our test IS F suffered from squeaking brakes and borderline severe pedal vibration when stopping.
QUIETNESS
| IS 250, manual | AWD IS 250 | IS 350 w/navigation | IS F | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 5.9 |
Coarse-surface tire thrum is noticeable on all, especially the IS F. 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. The IS F's V8 produces a subdued burble at cruise that rises to a muscle-car growl at full throttle.
CONTROLS
| IS 250, manual | AWD IS 250 | IS 350 w/navigation | IS F | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.2 |
Lexus' 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 | IS F | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.2 |
Cabin decor includes rich-looking upholstery, soft-touch surfaces, and high-grade plastics. IS F has additional detail touches, including classy visible blue stitching and braided aluminum trim panels. Fit and finish on models tested was generally good, though some test cars suffered from improperly aligned dashboard panels.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| IS 250, manual | AWD IS 250 | IS 350 w/navigation | IS F | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6.8 |
Adult-size leg space, but headroom is very limited for six-footers. The seats are comfortably shaped and padded on IS 250 and 350. IS F has sport bucket seats that some testers find too confining. A tilt and telescopic steering wheel is standard, and power adjustment is optional. IS' body shape limits views to the right-rear and directly aft.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| IS 250, manual | AWD IS 250 | IS 350 w/navigation | IS F | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 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 | IS F | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
Packing gets complicated with a small trunk opening and intrusion from the rear wheel arches and trunklid hinges. The hinges are covered, though, to keep them from damaging any cargo. Cabin storage is mediocre.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| IS 250, manual | AWD IS 250 | IS 350 w/navigation | IS F | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5.7 |
These premium compacts impress for their design, features, and materials. They also benefit from Lexus' 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. The IS F blends luxury and high performance into an incredibly refined package. If you're shopping the BMW M3 or Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, add IS F to your list.
Total Score
| IS 250, manual | AWD IS 250 | IS 350 w/navigation | IS F | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59 | 59 | 62 | 61 | 64 |
Total Score: 60
Scores for all Premium Compact Cars
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