Well, who doesn’t have their hearts set on one of the renowned car brands called Lexus IS? Be it the 2008 version or 2020, there is something amazing that seduces customers every now and then. But then this has led to major confusion amongst buyers deciding which one they should purchase. Since both are extremely awesome in their own way, there is a possibility of getting mixed up, surely. Let’s find out what are the major differences between Lexus IS 300 vs Lexus IS 350.
N.B: Prices are reflective of average BE FORWARD pricing as of May 2021.
Lexus IS 300 Lexus IS 350
Capacity/Doors 4 doors/5 seats 4 doors/5 seats
Torque 236 lb-ft - 258 lbs-ft 280 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (arrangement of details
should resemble the left i.e xx lb-ft - xx lb-ft or the
other way around not 280 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm)
Top Speed 230 km/h 300 km/h
0-100 km/h 7.1 s 5.6 s
Max Power 241 hp – 260hp 311 hp
Engine 2.0L – 5.0L 3.5L
Fuel Tank Capacity 65.8L 65.8L
Key Features Dual-zone front climate control, cruise and audio
controls on steering wheel, Engine Immobilizer,
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags, Passenger
Airbag Occupant Sensing DeactivationHeated steering wheel, Heated and ventilated
front seats, 10-speaker sound system,
Power-adjustable front seats.
Gearbox CVT E-CVT
Fuel Consumption 8.4km/l – 10.2km/l 9.2km/l – 9.7km/l
Length x Width x Height 4.66×1.81×1.41 m 4.57×1.79×1.43 m
BE FORWARD PRICE USD 12,790 – 28,750 USD 2,340 – 36,460
Interior & Exterior Comparison
Lexus IS 300
BROWSE LOW COST LEXUS IS 300 MODELS
The Lexus IS 300, (aka the Toyota Altezza), is an entry-level luxury and sports car. It is a car designed for luxury, style, and class, for those seeking an enjoyable car to introduce them into the world of sports cars. Lexus IS 300 manufactured from 1998-2005 is a Japanese compact executive car manufactured by the Japanese automobile producer Toyota from 1998 to the present. It was introduced first in Japan in 1998 before entering global markets like North America in 2000. The Lexus IS 300 comes in all-wheel-drive or rear and the front-engine layout complements its sporty nature offered in 3 generations.
(a) Cabin Storage
BROWSE LOW COST LEXUS IS 300 MODELS
The Lexus IS 300 has a touch of elegance that is not shared with other saloons. The cabin is spacious with enough space for the driver and the front passenger, with those at the back getting a central armrest with 2 cup holders. There are numerous storage sections in the cabin these are suitable for storing items such as smartphones, beverages, handbags, goggles, etc.; at the front, there are 2 cup holders, a center storage tray that acts as an armrest, a storage shelf below the dashboard, and door pockets. At the rear, there is storage on a central armrest with 2 cup holders, the front seat jacket pockets, and door pockets.
(b) Cargo Space
BROWSE LOW COST LEXUS IS 300 MODELS
The Lexus IS 300 has 10.8 cubic feet of boot space. That isn’t much cargo area on paper, and it’s less than what many other luxury small cars offer, but the area can still accommodate a few carry-on bags without issue. The back seats can also fold down in a 60/40 split.
Lexus IS 350
BROWSE LOW COST LEXUS IS 350 MODELS
Minor changes sometimes bring about big improvements. Just take a look at the Lexus IS 350. The Lexus IS 350 didn’t start from a blank piece of paper; it’s a continuous project, it remains on the same platform it’s been on since 2013 but received small mechanical and styling upgrades to make the sedan better. The IS 350 is the Japanese luxury brand’s most significant sedan, and in an era where sedans are on a slow decline, this revised sport sedan carries even more weight in the Lexus lineup. The Lexus IS 350 has a spacious interior with an easy-to-use infotainment system, quality materials, and a sizable boot space.
(a) Cabin Storage
BROWSE LOW COST LEXUS IS 350 MODELS
The Lexus IS 350 (aka Lexus IS F) interior is wonderfully large, and back-seat passengers in particular, will be better off in a Lexus IS than in closely any other sedan. Every Lexus IS has good-looking interior stuff and some creature comforts. The Lexus IS F has less back-passenger space than some of its rivals, and that was visible to this 6-foot-1 scribe. The car’s fastback-like profile limited headroom, while its legroom was just ample enough for the driver to squeeze into the back seat with the driver’s seat set to the driving position.
There are many storage units in the cabin which are suitable for storing items such as handbags, goggles, smartphones, beverages, etc.; at the front, a center storage tray with an armrest, a storage shelf below the dashboard, 2 cup holders, and door pockets. On the second row, there is storage on the door pockets, storage on a central armrest with 2 cup holders, and the front seat jacket pockets.
(b) Cargo Space
The cargo space for the Lexus IS 350 F Sport Sedan is slightly large which can accommodate mid-size luggage which seems fine for a sedan. There’s sufficient space available to accommodate the luggage of 5 for a weekend. For a better view, the boot can hold at least 2 large suitcases and a few small backpacks as well. For extra storage space, you can further lower the back seats to push in a couple of more big boxes inside the car.
Engine and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
Lexus IS 300
(a) Engine & Performance
BROWSE LOW COST LEXUS IS 300 MODELS
The Lexus IS 300 first-generation powered by 3 optional engines, a 3S-GE 2.0-liter I4 (SXE10; RS200), a 1G-FE 2.0-liter I6 (GXE10/15; IS 200/AS200), and a 2JZ-GE 3.0-liter I6 (JCE10/15; IS 300/AS300). These engines were mated with either a 5-speed W55 manual, a 6-speed J160 manual, a 4-speed A47DE/A340H automatic, or a 5-speed A650E automatic.
The second generations came with 5 engine options; a 4GR-FSE 2.5-liter V6 (GSE20/25; IS 250), a 3GR-FE 3.0-liter V6 (GSE22; IS 300), a 2GR-FSE 3.5-liter V6 (GSE21; IS 350), a 2UR-GSE 5.0-liter V8 (USE20; IS F) and one diesel engine option, a 2AD-FHV/2AD-FTV 2.2-liter I4-T (ALE20; IS 220d) which linked to either a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed A960E automatic, or an 8-speed AA80E automatic (IS F).
The third generations came with 5 petrol engines; an 8AR-FTS 2.0-liter I4-T (ASE30; IS 200t/300), a 4GR-FSE 2.5-liter V6 (GSE30/35; IS 250), a 2GR-FSE 3.5-liter V6 (GSE37; IS 300 AWD), a 2GR-FKS 3.5-liter V6 (GSE31/36; IS 350), a 2UR-GSE 5.0-liter V8 (USE30; IS 500) and one petrol hybrid engine a 2AR-FSE/2AR-FXE 2.5-liter I4 (AVE30/35; IS 300h) and linked either to a 6-speed A760H/A960E automatic, or a 8-speed AA81E automatic eCVT (IS 300h).
(b) Fuel Consumption
BROWSE LOW COST LEXUS IS 300 MODELS
Lexus IS 300 has been around for 8 years with several models released in between. These models have a combined average fuel consumption of 8.4 KM/L, with the latest 2020 IS 300 above average with average fuel consumption of 10.2 km/l.
Lexus IS 350
(a) Engine & Performance
BROWSE LOW COST LEXUS IS 350 MODELS
Under the bonnet, Lexus IS 350 powered by a 3.5L V6 with 277 lb-ft of torque and 306 hp is the only engine available in the Lexus IS 350 and it’s mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission on rear-drive variants or a 6-speed automatic in models equipped with all-wheel drive.
(b) Fuel Consumption
BROWSE LOW COST LEXUS IS 350 MODELS
Lexus has produced models of IS 350 for 11 years. Their average combined fuel consumption is 9.2 KM/L; with the latest 2020 IS 350 above average at 9.7 km/l.
Final Verdict
There isn’t a bad choice between the Lexus IS 300 and its Lexus IS 350 rival. Both of these cars offer a composed handling, comfortable ride, upscale interior trimmings, and spacious seating and packed with active safety features. The Lexus IS 350 rates higher for consistency, predictability and it gives better fuel efficiency in its standard outline. On the other side, the Lexus IS 300 feels a bit faster when cruising. Need one of them? Please visit BE FORWARD.
I am a car enthusiast and experienced freelance car writer with over 5 years in automotive journalism. Recognized for delivering engaging and informative content across diverse websites and blogs, prominently featured on platforms like BE FORWARD. A passion for cars, coupled with a proven track record of insightful articles, showcasing a deep understanding of the industry.
With over 5 years of writing expertise in the automotive domain, I specialize in comprehensive coverage of car-related topics. My portfolio spans engaging reviews, up-to-date news, and in-depth features, showcasing a versatile understanding of the automotive landscape. This experience reflects my commitment to delivering insightful content that captivates readers across a broad spectrum of car enthusiasts and general audiences.
My favorite car is the Range Rover Sport for its luxurious design, powerful performance, and unparalleled comfort on and off-road.
