A Closer Look at the 2020 Lexus IS 350 F Sport

Car

The current Lexus IS series was introduced back around 2013 and continues on with minor changes for 2020. It is intended to compete with sporty sedans from BMW, Audi, and Mercedes Benz. It will be even more competitive in 2021 when it gets a refresh, so those who like the current styling might want to do your year-end car shopping now.

Text and Photos by Chad Haire

Engine

This car was an IS 350. This has a 3.5 liter DOHC 24 valve V-6 engine with direct injection. Horsepower is 311, with 277 lbs./ft. of torque at 4800 rpm. Pulling a mass of two tons, fuel economy is listed at 20/28 mpg, with 23 on average. It's hooked to an 8-speed automatic transmission. There are IS 300 models with a turbo 2.0 liter four, or 260 hp V-6 with all-wheel drive. This car has a rear-wheel drive.

>>Join the conversation about the 2020 IS 350 F Sport right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Emblem

One option is the F-Sport Black Line package. It includes different grille, limited-slip rear end, heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, special instruments, upgraded wheels, and various trim for exterior and cabin. It is a nice setup but will set you back $3,735.

>>Join the conversation about the 2020 IS 350 F Sport right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Wheels

These are the F-Sport wheels, 18-inch split 5-spoke alloy with a unique black vapor chrome finish. They do set attention from onlookers.

>>Join the conversation about the 2020 IS 350 F Sport right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Mode

A computer control knob offers five drive modes: ECO, NORMAL, CUSTOMIZE, SPORT, and SPORT+.

>>Join the conversation about the 2020 IS 350 F Sport right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Gauge

As the control knob changes modes, the appearances of the gauge cluster changes. It is well designed, and provides plenty of useful information.

>>Join the conversation about the 2020 IS 350 F Sport right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Control

Instead of a finger touch pad as found on many Lexus cars, this one gets the older "swizzle stick" design. It is far easier to use and allows excellent control when on the move.

>>Join the conversation about the 2020 IS 350 F Sport right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Screen

The 10.3-inch infotainment screen is large enough. It has settings for the destination, media, radio, phone, Lexus APP, info, climate, and setup. It also has navigation maps, but only if you fork up another $1,745.

>>Join the conversation about the 2020 IS 350 F Sport right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Lights

These triple beam headlights pack a large punch of lumens but are not cheap at $1,160 extra.

>>Join the conversation about the 2020 IS 350 F Sport right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Price

The IS series starts about $39K for the four-cylinder version. This IS 350 was loaded up with goodies, so soared from $42,180 to $50,345. While this tab is not inexpensive, it is in the ballpark for this competitive class. Since this includes Lexus quality (it is made in Aichi, Japan) and reliability, it might be a better deal.

>>Join the conversation about the 2020 IS 350 F Sport right here in the ClubLexus forum.

For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.