2018 Lexus IS: What's Changed

CARS.COM

• Most significant changes in the new Lexus IS: The available V6 engines get an extra 5 horsepower; backup camera is now standard
• Price change: Base prices are $385 to $460 higher, depending on the model. The destination charge is unchanged at $995.
• On sale: Now
• Which should you buy, 2017 or 2018? The 2018, unless deals are significantly better on 2017 versions

The 2018, Lexus’ competitor to the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Cadillac ATS and other compact luxury sports sedans, gets a slight power bump when you choose one of its two available V6 engines, as well as a handful of new features.

Related: Research the 2018 Lexus IS 350

The base model, which features a 241-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and rear-drive, is now designated the IS 300 instead of IS 200t. Other models come with a 3.5-liter V6 that gains 5 horsepower and is now rated at 260 hp in the all-wheel-drive IS 300 and 311 hp in the IS 350, which is available with rear- or all-wheel drive. All versions of the vehicle are available in the sporty performance-oriented F Sport form.

A backup camera now comes standard from Lexus, and the Enform safety and service telematics features are free for 10 years instead of one. Adaptive headlights are a new option.

The base price of the RWD IS 300 is $39,205 (including the $995 destination charge), an increase of $385 over last year. Base prices are $460 higher for the IS 300 with all-wheel drive and IS 350, which start at $41,655 and $42,825, respectively, including destination.

Though the ES sedan remains the best-selling Lexus car model by a wide margin, Lexus sees its future in the IS, a sport car that offers more excitement and attracts younger buyers. That said, the IS’ performance and cabin controls underwhelmed us in Cars.com’s recent 2017 Luxury Sports Sedan Challenge, where it finished last in a field of seven cars.

Additionally, shoppers who want to integrate their smartphones with their vehicle’s multimedia system should know that Lexus and parent company Toyota do not offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, having instead decided to develop their own interface.