Used 2020 Lexus IS 300 Base for sale 

The 2020 Lexus IS300 is available in an exclusive base trim. These are again subdivided into four, two under each with two different engines and powertrains. With rear-wheel or all-wheel drive configuration and 2L inline-four and 3.5L V6 engine options, the IS300 has a variety of options to choose from. The base trim is loaded with all the latest features which is in itself a complete package. 

Along with the various trims options, an array of optional packages are also available. These packages mostly focus on creature comforts. 

Various Add-On packages available:

We recommend

We would recommend the base RWD variant with the humble 2L inline 4 engine producing 241 horses. An additional Premium package with the life-saving safety features is recommended with it. The more powerful AWD variant is not sensible as the slight increase in power is coupled with added curb weight and reduced fuel economy. So the base variant is light on the pocket and not any less fun to drive thus justifying the price tag.

The Lexus is powered by two engine setups: A 2L inline 4 which powers the Rear-wheel driven variants and the slightly more powerful 3.6L V6 powering the AWD variants. The 2L produces 241hp and 258lb-ft of torque which is pretty decent as the IS300 was made as an entry-level luxury sedan. The power figures are way above average. But the 3.5L V6 produces just 260hp and 236lb-ft of torque. With an increase of 19hp, we wonder why Lexus even went on to put up with the V6. The 2L with a few tweaks would have actually made much more power and sense!

The entry-level sedan is the most sought after segment in the industry, with new entries pouring in every six months. All of the competition is powered by a 2L turbocharged inline-4 and power figures are in close proximity. If looked closely, the beemer is the most powerful of the lot with 255 horses and 295lb-ft of torque. The Lexus is the least powerful with 241 horses. 

How quick is the Lexus?

The 2L 4 cylinder pot helps propel the Lexus from standstill to sixty in 6.9 seconds. The power is sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed sequential shift transmission with manual override. It is not a part of the rat race rather is a calm and linear mover.

Unsurprisingly Lexus is the slowest of the lot. Being the heaviest car with the least powerful engine results in such uninspiring sprint timing. The Audi A4 and BMW 330i are the quickest of the lot with a 0-60 time of 5.6 seconds.

Can the IS 300 take on corners?

The underwhelming performance of the Lexus is contradicted by its precise and connected handling. The ride instills confidence with an ample amount of stability. The steering is crisp and gives good feedback on straights, but feels disconnected at curves. Corners are not its cup of tea.

Then IS300 comes with four distinctive drive modes. The Eco mode synchronizes the engine to provide a linear ride and being efficient. Comfort and Normal modes relaxes the transmission and suspension of the car for a more composed and relaxed ride. And the Sport mode flexes its muscles for performance with instant throttle response and tighter steering. 

An optional Sport+ mode is available in the F SPORT Package which pumps the Lexus with steroids! The ride becomes serious with adaptive dampers and a limited-slip differential and makes its presence felt with a throaty exhaust note. This package is exclusive to the F SPORT Trim alone.

How do the Lexus IS300 brakes work?

The brakes on this car are at most moderate. It isn't the most confidence-inspiring one as the pedal is short and stiff.

The front brakes are 13.1 inches and the rear ones are 12.2 inches in diameter 

The Lexus IS300 is not heavy for a compact sedan. The least curb weight helps the Lexus to have an edge over the others in braking.

The Lexus is rated at 21 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. These are pretty good numbers for a compact sedan. As both the engines available on the Lexus are not stressed to its maximum, a moderate fuel economy range is achieved. All the cars in this segment give in at similar numbers.

Looking at the numbers, The IS300 gives the least economy range of the lot. The beemer is the most fuel-efficient of the lot with a combined 30 MPG. The Audi A4 and Jaguar XE are tied in at 27MPG.

Lexus has made the interior of the IS300 at par with its German brothers in luxury. The cockpit is well laid out with all of the controls in the vicinity of the driver. The LFA inspired instrument cluster helps in simple readouts. All the seats are comfortable and are low to facilitate tall drivers as well. The quality of the interior shouts LUXURY. With optional wood and aluminum trims, it adds to the aura of the car. Lexus also has a plethora of leather and color options along with an exclusive F SPORT leather package. 

The numbers don't speak up for the seating arrangements. More focus has been given for the headroom and legroom but the cabin isn’t roomy. The second-row seats are cramped with limited headroom.

The Lexus has a more forward-biased approach, literally. The rear seats on the IS300 are very cramped for a luxury sedan and has below average headroom. All of its competitors in this segment don’t necessarily check-in as a family car as the second-row seating is a compromise. But even then, Lexus provides the least interior space which is a bummer.

What's the tech included with Lexus IS300?

The infotainment system on the Lexus has been improved and now flaunts a 10.3-inch split-screen display. It comes with the Lexus Enform app suite ensures passenger safety in case of mishaps and also seamlessly keeps the car connected with a central agency. A class-exclusive Scout GPS Link navigation system is also included. It also helps connect smartwatches and smartphones and interacting with it seamlessly over Alexa or Google's assistant.

A universal Center console controller serves as a remote for literally all the controls in the car, ranging from the drive mode selection to the infotainment. 

But ironically this universal feature makes it very complicated as well. Android Auto and Apple Car-play are still a missing feature.

Creature features inside

• Heated And Ventilated Front Seats
• Leather-Trimmed Steering Wheel and Shift Knob
• Deluxe Interior Trim
• Dual Zone Climate Control
• Power Rear Sunshade

How much cargo space does it provide?

Lexus has 10.8 cubic feet of cargo volume which is a very big downside. This volume deficiency is mostly directed to its steep rear three-quarter design. With such poor space management, the Lexus is surely a no-go for weekends.

The beemer tops the chart with 17 cubic feet of cargo volume which is almost double that of the Lexus. The Jaguar and Audi go hand in hand with 12.5 and 13 cubic feet.

Lexus has always gone all out with their styling. With sharp lines and the huge spindle grille, it embraces it all. The design makes this Lexus stand out of the crowd without going too over the top. Even with all the crazy lines it still manages to keep it luxurious.

A wide array of colors are available, seven to be precise. It includes two shades of black, two shades of white, two shades of silver and an eye-catchy redline to top it all. There are four types of rims available as well.

The Lexus has the least curb weight of the lot, but it doesn't help it much. Its short dimensions do help in retaining its compact structure but at a loss of interior space. Wheelbase is the least at 110 inches which keeps the car more planted thus helping in improving its stability around corners.

Exterior Features

• Triple Beam LED Headlamps
• Adaptive Front Lighting System
• 17-inch standard split five-spoke alloy wheels 
• 18-inch optional wheels
• Distinctive Lexus Spindle Front Grille

The Lexus has a strong point and its the safety features available in it. A host of safety features are available from the bottom up in the Lexus Safety System+ pack. Apart from that, the IS300 also fares well in the NHTSA and IIHS ratings. A list of active and passive safety features are available on the Lexus which makes it a sweet place to be in.

Safety Features

• Pre-Collision System With Pedestrian Detection
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
• High Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Intelligent High Beams
• Lexus Enform Safety Connect
• Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management(VDIM)

Lexus IS300 VS Jaguar XE 

The baby Jag stays true to its pedigree. It provides a balanced combination of styling, reliability, and technology which is rarely found in other brands. The Jag has more power and is more practical of the two. It delivers way more than the Lexus IS300. At a marginal increase in price, the Jaguar XE provides a better value for money car. The downside is the use of cheap plastic bits on the inside which might divert the luxury-oriented ones.

Lexus IS300 VS Audi A4

The Audi A4 is the entry-level luxury sedan that provides way more than the Lexus. It has more power, better driving dynamics, a large boot and most importantly a much more powerful engine. Apart from a price tag which is not yet disclosed, the Lexus doesn’t stand a chance against its German counterpart. 

Lexus IS300 VS BMW 330i

The beemer is by far the most powerful all-roundiner this set of competitors. It has the most powerful engine and still provides the highest fuel efficiency. It has the largest cargo volume and the interior is well laid out and comfortable, unlike the Lexus. The Beemer slices through the Lexus in the first cut itself.

The Lexus IS300 is a decent car in all but it doesn't stand a chance against its updated and superior competition. It sure does mark its territory with bold and futuristic design. But the lack of optimized interior space and a very lackluster engine gives it away.

It scores poorly in practicality with the least cargo space. There are much better options now in the market which provides the best value for money propositions, and that's where the BMW 330i comes in. With a punchy engine and loads of features and comfort, it makes a much more sensible choice.