Which 2025 Lexus IS Powertrain Matches Your Driving Style?

The 2025 Lexus IS lineup delivers distinct driving experiences through three carefully engineered powertrains. Each option provides a different character and capability profile, allowing you to select the perfect match for your driving preferences and needs. As the IS celebrates 25 years in the Lexus family, these powertrain options showcase how this luxury sport sedan continues to connect drivers with the road in meaningful ways.

IS 300 AWD: Confident Performance for Everyday Driving

The IS 300 AWD anchors the lineup with a capable 3.5L V6 engine producing 260 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission and Lexus's dynamic torque all-wheel-drive system to deliver a balanced driving experience that excels in diverse conditions.

You'll appreciate the IS 300's responsive acceleration for daily driving, with enough power in reserve for confident highway passing. The AWD system continuously optimizes torque distribution between front and rear wheels, providing enhanced stability during cornering and improved traction on wet or slippery surfaces.

This powertrain configuration suits drivers who value year-round confidence and a smooth, refined driving experience. Available across six different grades, from the well-equipped Premium to the aggressively styled F SPORT 3, the IS 300 AWD allows you to tailor your vehicle's features and appearance while maintaining the same dependable performance character.

IS 350 AWD: Elevated Performance with Everyday Practicality

Stepping up to the IS 350 AWD brings a significant increase in power from the same 3.5L V6 engine, now tuned to deliver 311 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. This additional output transforms the driving experience, providing more immediate acceleration and a more engaging character while retaining the all-weather capability of all-wheel drive.

The IS 350's powertrain maintains the six-speed automatic transmission found in the IS 300 but with revised programming to handle the increased power. This configuration strikes an excellent balance between sport sedan excitement and practical daily driving, giving you satisfying performance without compromising on comfort or all-weather capability.

Offered exclusively in F SPORT configurations, the IS 350 features more aggressive styling and performance-focused enhancements. The F SPORT 3 grade adds the Dynamic Handling Package with adaptive variable suspension that continuously adjusts damping forces based on road conditions and driving inputs. The Drive Mode Select system with SPORT+ mode allows you to sharpen throttle response and transmission behavior with a simple dial turn.

IS 500 RWD: Pure Performance with V8 Charisma

For drivers seeking the most thrilling IS experience, the IS 500 RWD stands apart with its naturally aspirated 5.0L V8 engine. This powertrain delivers an impressive 472 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque, launching the sedan from 0-100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds. The direct-shift eight-speed automatic transmission manages this substantial power with precision, delivering quick, smooth shifts that complement the engine's responsive character.

Unlike the AWD models, the IS 500 sends its power exclusively to the rear wheels, creating a more traditional sports car feel with dynamic handling characteristics. The Torsen limited-slip differential helps maximize traction during cornering, ensuring that the V8's substantial output translates effectively to the pavement.

Beyond raw acceleration, the V8 engine provides a distinctive acoustic signature that enhances the emotional connection between driver and machine. This powertrain creates a driving experience that engages all your senses, from the immediate throttle response to the satisfying exhaust note.

The IS 500 is offered in three grades, including the new Special Appearance Package with exclusive Flare Yellow exterior, Ultrasuede interior with yellow stitching, and forged BBS wheels. This limited production model represents the ultimate expression of IS performance and exclusivity.

Finding Your Perfect Match

Your ideal IS powertrain depends on several factors:

• If your driving involves frequent winter weather and you value a balance of performance and practicality, the IS 300 AWD provides confident handling with reasonable fuel efficiency.
• For those wanting more spirited acceleration while maintaining all-wheel drive capability, the IS 350 AWD delivers a noticeable performance upgrade without sacrificing everyday usability.
• Driving enthusiasts seeking maximum engagement and who prioritize performance character over all-weather capability will find the IS 500 RWD's V8 powertrain delivers an experience that's becoming increasingly rare in today's market.

All three powertrains benefit from the Lexus Driving Signature—a handling character developed on the demanding 5.3 km Shimoyama Test Track in Japan. This approach creates a consistent feeling of control and predictability across the lineup, with each powertrain adding its own distinctive flavor to the experience.

We invite you to experience these different powertrain options personally at Erin Park Lexus. The specific character of each configuration reveals itself most clearly from behind the wheel, where you can feel how the 2025 IS connects you to the road in a way that matches your unique driving style. Schedule a test drive today and discover which IS powertrain speaks to you.