Lexus IS

How it looks when you see on the street: The Lexus IS bends and slopes in dramatic fashion to communicate the form language of sport and is a great option for a city friendly sports sedan. It was redesigned for the 2021 model year and for the 2022 the F model gets a touch up. There are a wide variety of trim packages avail: IS 300, IS 300 AWD, IS 350 F Sport Design, IS 350 F Sport, IS 500 F Sport Performance and IS 500 F Sport Performance Premium.

How it makes you feel when you get in: Like its driving time. Touch system infotainment 8-inch pad is smaller than the current trend. In addition to standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, our model came with a standard Amazon Alexa system.

How it drives: Steady and sure footed, like an old fashioned gas powered, spirited sports sedan down. We drove the nifty V6 version, which had solid 311 hp power to the top-of-the line 500 F Sport, 472-hp, 5.0-liter V8 engine. Its available in rear wheel drive or all wheel drive across its various trims. Uniquely well suited for city driving with pedestrian and daytime bicycle detection.

Space for people and things: Across the board, the IS is on the smallish side for storage compared to its competitors. The front seat is cozy but the back has small seats by design, and the trunk is also not ample.

What to compare it to: Audi A4, Genesis G70, Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

The latest version we drove: The 2022 Lexus IS 350, all-wheel drive sedan in a shade Lexus call Grecian Water, equipped 3.5 liter V6 engine.

How much does it cost: The base price is $45,000, and our test vehicle was $56,600 and includes the additions of a Mark Levinson audio system.