nickycman

I’ve only owned Subarus , I’m looking to make the switch in the near future, im honestly bored. I’ve had legacy’s, outback’s, and an WRX.

1st. How is the awd system in an IS, I live in the poconos and we get a decent amount of snow.

2nd. Can I get at least 2 car seats to fit in the back seat.

thank you for any advice!

Nexus713

I’m an owner of 22 IS350 AWD for over 1 year.

1. I live in North Jersey, but we didn’t get much snow (any snow?) this year to test AWD system in practise - overall I love how car handles.

2. If you plan to put car seats on the back, you might want to look for ES instead - I have 18 months old and sometimes I need to put car seat in my IS when my wife and her NX300 is not available and passenger seat has to be pushed forward almost all the way there, I’m just 5’7” but I don’t see myself driving car comfortably while having car seat behind driver’s seat. For short distances, once a while - it will work, but if it’s your main car to travel with kids, you might feel squished there.

nickycman

haha i totally understand you, normally when I’m with the kids (4 girls) we take my wife’s 23 CX90. This car would mainly be me in it most of the time.

unioncorps

The only difference between the two cars is the HP output between the two engines; the IS300 AWD is a detuned V6 compared to the 350. I have an '18 IS350 AWD and definitely love the way it handles/drives - you won't win a race, but when you want to do free spirited driving, it can move.

Agree with Nexus, the back seat legroom and space is tight. Those large infant car seats wouldn't fit unless you have the front seats moved up several inches. Back seats are meant for smaller people or kids (not needing car seats) to be comfortable.

nitroracer

That you, @albertcado?

Jkjk.

1) AWD is awesome. Get some snow tires, of course.
2) I got at least one car seat in mine. I don't see why the other side can't be used for a second one. The only problem I had with the car seat was, I couldn't get rid of the little sheeeite occupying it.

arentz07

+1, I owned a 2016 IS 300 AWD before, and also have driven a few 350s. The power difference is not that noticeable.

The 350 F Sport can also be had with the adaptive suspension. Just something to note. For me, the adaptive suspension rides a little more smoothly, but it's only something you'd notice driving the cars back-to-back.

The 300 AWD is still a great value.

TGPCanada

I drove a 21 IS 350 AWD for two winters, through heavy snow at times , with the OEM bridgestones. Was very surprised how well it managed - better that other FWD cars I've owned.
Its a heavy car and well planted. If you put snow tires on, then you're really set. If you're somewhat indifferent between the 300 and 350 in terms of the power, then just go for the 300.
Pretty much get everything the 350 has minus some horsepower.

DS03

I had a 300 for a several-day loaner a couple of weeks ago and I could definitely feel a difference, especially when I got back into my 350. I know I've read the torque curve is similar until higher RPMs but I could feel it in lower RPMs as well. Perhaps the cars' CPUs were set to different learned driver preferences?

arentz07

Yeah the IS 350 AWD I drove was barely broken-in, and my IS 300 AWD was very much broken-in. So, maybe the 350 would have felt better over time. But even independent magazine tests have shown the IS 300 AWD puts down pretty respectable numbers - easily under 6 seconds 0-60 despite being lower on power. I guess what I am saying is, unless performance is of utmost importance, you'll probably be fine with a 300 AWD. If you do care about performance, then you might want to spend more on the 350.