2016 Lexus IS Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$37,325 to $43,035

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.7

avg user rating

(21 reviews)
2016 Lexus IS Preview summaryImage

The 2016 Lexus IS 350 enters the new model year a winner. Redesigned back in 2014 with an all-new appearance and chassis, the IS 350 took on the segment’s perennial leader, the BMW 335i, and beat it in a comparison test conducted by a respected car magazine. Then the IS 350 repeated its win in a different test. The Earth shook, BMW fans were horrified, and Lexus’ U.S. market IS sales doubled, making the car the second-best seller in the very important compact premium sports sedan segment.

The 2014 redesign included a full exterior remake. Featuring the new Lexus spindle grill treatment, the next-generation IS sedan took on a sinister and more aggressive look, not to mention a “swoopier” style. Some critics were dumbfounded and compared the new look an anime cartoon car. But the subsequent jump in sales is difficult to ignore, and sales continued to increase as this look spread to other Lexus models.

Lexus also reworked the sedan's interior. The simple dash was given a more modern look, with multiple levels, becoming almost busy in appearance. A remote touch interface in the center console now controls the infotainment, a system which has received mixed reviews. And available 3-D navigation, a premium Mark Levinson sound system, and more sophisticated app integration have improved the overall luxury level.

Not much has changed mechanically on the IS 350 since 2014, however, although the IS line has had important overall changes which we detail in our IS 200t and IS 300 AWD previews. The V8-powered IS F ended its run in 2014, and 2015 was the last year for the IS convertible-coupe, but Lexus is continuing the winning formula that it finally found with the IS 350 sedan. Content changes for 2016 mostly affect the various available option packages.

The 4-door, 5-passenger IS 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter normally-aspirated (non-turbo) V6 engine. Featuring both port and direct injection, the engine has a reputation for being smooth, quiet, and powerful. While most competitors have switched to forced induction via either supercharging or turbocharging in order to boost output, Lexus has resisted and kept the IS 350 at 306 hp for the whole of the last decade. Buyers looking for a faster 0-60 time than the IS 350’s 5.6 seconds might consider the new V8-powered RC F.

The IS 350 is available with either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). When equipped with RWD, the IS 350 comes with an 8-speed, direct shift transmission, which can either be left in automatic mode or shifted with the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The transmission also matches revs on downshifts with throttle blips. AWD IS 350s use a 6-speed automatic which can also be shifted manually--there is no dedicated manual transmission available in the IS line. Multiple drive modes enable the driver to choose his or her level of aggressiveness, and the transmission is one of many systems in the vehicle that respond to the driver's settings in order to create the proper driving mood.

The IS 350 is a tight-handling car that reviewers find well-balanced due to its near 50-50 weight distribution. Those not accustomed to sports sedan suspension settings may find the ride firm (or almost harsh) when the IS 350 is equipped with its optional very-low profile tires. Shoppers who want to maximize the IS 350's sportier elements can opt for the F Sport trim, which includes seats with more aggressive bolstering, a special gauge screen adapted from the Lexus LFA supercar, and a variety of sporty trim additions. A stand-alone optional F Sport exhaust will add a bit more growl.

Those looking for an IS 350 should be aware that Lexus limits the availability of RWD models in snowy areas, but they can still be ordered. RWD versions of the 2016 IS 350 will start at about $41,000 where available, and adding the popular luxury and navigation packages will boost the MSRP to about $47,000. IS F Sport models in RWD will be priced at about $50,000, but do include some content from the luxury package. AWD IS 350s run about $2,000 more than their RWD equivalents.

Many safety items come as stand-alone options on the IS 350 for 2016. Lexus is now offering forward collision prevention (FCP) and dynamic radar cruise control for $500, the lowest price in the luxury market. The current generation Lexus IS 350 has not been fully crash tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), but the FCP system has been evaluated and awarded an “advanced” rating. This rating makes the 2016 IS 350 eligible to earn a Top Safety Pick Plus overall rating, pending the outcome of the IIHS small frontal overlap test.

Those who are looking for a modern, highly-styled compact premium sports sedan should consider the Lexus IS 350 as a viable alternative to the other well-known vehicles in this very popular sales segment.

Published May 31, 2022 by John Goreham

User reviews for 2016 Lexus IS

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User rating:
by Giovanny R
Jan 06, 2025
Looks awesome, feels awesome, built to last Japanese engineering, and twin turbo’d. Doesn’t get any better than that.Jan 06, 2025
by Andrew F
Dec 11, 2024
So far so good!! Car is in great condition Dec 11, 2024
by Vickie P
Mar 23, 2024
Clean and cute but small. I am 52 180 and it felt a little cramped with not enough premium features for my taste. I was willing to pay all cash and he would not budge on the price. Mar 23, 2024

2016 Lexus IS Pricing

Original MSRP
$37,325 to $43,035
Price range
$18,008 to $19,268
Average price on CG
$18,008
YoY price change
$19,231 to $18,008

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 293 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 13.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.2 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Door sill trim: stainless steel · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.13

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Enform · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low oil level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: tilt/slide

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 13.2 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app function: vehicle location

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 10

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 293 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 13.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.2 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Door sill trim: stainless steel · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: voice recognition controls · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.77

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Enform · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: sliding sunshade

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 13.3 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app function: vehicle location

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 10

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 293 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 13.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.2 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Door sill trim: stainless steel · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: accessory hook · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.13

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Enform · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: tilt/slide

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 13.2 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app function: vehicle location

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 293 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 13.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.2 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Door sill trim: stainless steel · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.77

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Enform · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: HID · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: tilt/slide

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 13.3 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app function: vehicle location

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

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