2015 Lexus IS 250 Review - Can Less Power = More Fun?

This is AutoAcademics' review of the 2015 Lexus IS 250 RWD. Can its smaller engine add up to more fun than the IS 350?
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[@o0julek0o]

How did you manage to get the mid 90s feel with this video, in 2015?

[@AutoAcademics]

Yeah, this is an old video, o0julek0o. But when you're ready to check out a newer car, you'll see we've evolved a bit with our style. Thanks for watching.

[@BigPoppa94]

Prob because hes dressed like Carlton Banks

[@marcoAKAjoe]

@@BigPoppa94 🤣🤣🤣

[@trishflorence5880]

Lexus: 200,000+ Miles Germany: Please discard at 20,000 miles. British: Please discard at 10,000 miles.

[@v4sdude191]

Hehe

[@BryanChance]

Italian cars, 5000 miles. LOL

[@marcoAKAjoe]

The rumors ARE true... lol

[@konliner9286]

@@BryanChance British reliability is worse than Italian.

[@larkthomas3371]

Great review ..I. own a 2010 model, and the power is good enough for me.. it goes when I need it too go.. and gets excellent gas mileage, comfortable interior. Great build quality car as well...best fit and finish in its class..👌

[@v4sdude191]

It's lexus, so I'm not surprised by the kind words

[@Masonthatrack]

Just bought one a couple weeks ago and man i love this car

[@AutoAcademics]

Congrats on your new car, Masonthatrack, and thanks for watching!

[@tubedude92]

Awesome job! Will be getting my F-SPORT 250 this upcoming summer.

[@derekorton8055]

Nice work...I appreciated the comments about cabin quietness...Very important for me

[@AutoAcademics]

Derek Orton Glad we could be of help. Thanks for watching!

[@samuelmullen9839]

I got my 2015 is 250 last September and I couldn't be happier. Smooth and flawless

[@AutoAcademics]

Enjoy your car, Samuel Mullen, and thanks for watching!👍🏾

[@samuelmullen9839]

@@AutoAcademics thanks!

[@windsofchange7842]

I have this exact trim on my 2016 IS 200t in atomic silver. Same wheels, same grill etc. It’s not the F- Sport package but I get a lot of compliments on it nonetheless. I feel like it’s classiness makes it a very attractive looking car. Thanks for reviewing this trim!

[@AutoAcademics]

Enjoy your car, Winds Of Change, and thanks for watching!

[@saywhat9451]

Is the cost of insurance easy enough to pay?

[@johnmavracic9650]

Great review sir! Thank you!

[@AutoAcademics]

Thank you for watching, John Mavracic!

[@aquateen77723]

Looks great in Obsidian Black. I am in the minority of people who like the front end styling. Nice work on the presentation, Chris!

[@AutoAcademics]

aquateen77723 Thank you, aquateen77723. We appreciate the kind words and Chris' head will no longer fit his hats. We at AutoAcademics appreciate that front end, too. Chris loves shiny cars, so it's very possible that he wiped that car down every day he was with it. Thanks for watching!

[@aquateen77723]

***** Haha! I thought that paint finish looked a little too glossy! I'd be outside with a feather duster every spare moment I had if I owned this. Give Chris a couple extra licorice whips for a fine job.....🎩

[@AutoAcademics]

aquateen77723 So you've heard about his payment schedule, huh? Well, Chris is currently working on a Camry and a CR-V, so we'll have to see how he does with those first. We can't be throwing that licorice around like it's candy!

[@TheHappy2beme]

I am in the minority with you....LOVE the grill.

[@Toyota4Life]

There is no minority. Tons of ppl love how this car looks. I love it I think it's the most sexy car in its class. That shiny black paint looks sweet with that brown color interior

[@lotus956]

I’m very happy with my new to me 15 IS 250 FSport. Very nice daily. I’ll keep it until the wheels fall off.

[@AutoAcademics]

Congrats and thanks for watching!

[@bratton86]

I have the exact car but switched out the analog gauges, for the fsport digital gauges. Took me 8 months to find one within 80 miles difference on the odometer. I drove the 80 miles and swapped because the new one had more miles. Its been a great car for me and i love the styling.

[@AutoAcademics]

Nice! And clever sync-up for the odometer. Enjoy your car and thanks for watching!

[@bratton86]

@@AutoAcademics You did a really good job on the review...

[@rdinapoli1971]

Great review.

[@AutoAcademics]

Thank you for your comments, Rich Dinapoli. We truly appreciate it. And thanks for watching, too!

[@vickieeke]

Yes 🙌🏾 Thank you God for making this my next vehicle

[@AutoAcademics]

Thanks for watching, Vickie!

[@denoreed9514]

I use to own this car. Thats me sitting it in on my profile picture. The IS250 handled very well especially after I put brand new BF Goodrich comp 2 tires on it. It wasn't very fast but the sport mode helped a bit. If your looking for great handling and control this is the car to get. I also liked the small porportions because im 5'5 and I fit perfectly in the front seats. I had the non F sport and the car still amazed me.

[@AutoAcademics]

Thank you for sharing, Deno Reed. We agree, it's a nice car. Thanks for watching!

[@jesusshuttleworth8523]

Now this is an adults luxury car

[@ulauz11]

Very simple,short,n nice review:)I have a question for you,I have a same model but headlights have one bulb for a lowbeam and a high beam,why is that? I compared to other 2014 models just like mine but they have separate bulbs for each,it's just a out of curiosity,tnx

[@MichaelSRQ]

Thanks for the great review! I am trading in my 2003 Lexus ES 300 (83,000 miles) for a Lexus ES 350. I like the sportiness of the IS 250, and your review here helped me to decide the IS 250 is the car for me. Thanks again.

[@AutoAcademics]

Glad we could help, Mike Sikorski, though we are a little confused as to whether or not you are buying an ES 350 or an IS 250. Maybe you're buying both? That would be nice! LOL Either way, enjoy! Thank you for your comments and thanks for watching, too!

[@MichaelSRQ]

I was actually torn between the IS 250 and the ES 350. I like the sportiness of the IS 250, but I ended up purchasing a fully loaded, certified 2013 Lexus ES 350 today. The IS was way too small and not very comfortable to drive. The ES 350 was roomy, quiet, and comfortable. The ES 350 proved to be the ideal car for me.

[@teezee1000]

I had the same decision to make between a 15 IS250 and a 15 ES350, I actually brought the IS home and found out it was little too small for me on longer trips. The ES 350 was a much better fit, although I miss the steering and handling of the IS the overall power of the ES is better for me.

[@AutoAcademics]

Mike Sikorski Congratulations on your new car, Mike Sikorski. The ES is a larger car and will provide more comfort than the IS would. We've tested a few of them now and have always enjoyed our time with them. Thanks for sharing!

[@AutoAcademics]

Tee Zee Unfortunately, Tee Zee, that is a common dilemma that many of us have to deal with - true practicality vs. fun dynamics. The IS can be a fun car to drive, but for all the other days of the year, many people would prefer the extra comfort and luxurious appointments of the ES. Enjoy your car and thanks for sharing!

[@dakeda2024]

Nice job bro . Ye i have 09 250 .n its def a nice ride..its fun to drive..

[@AutoAcademics]

Thanks for watching, dkd!

[@kenweilu]

I got one with F sport, good SMOOTH power on everyday drive and Sick exhaust artifical sound when you foot down

[@jmullerxx]

+Ken Lu if u got a 250 u could have waited for the 200t or 300 that just came out:(

[@kenweilu]

It will come out end of year. Cant wait to switch to i300 awd.

[@jmullerxx]

im getting a IS300 AWD in 2017! when i turn 16... im fortunate enough for my dad to own a toyota dealership and friends with people who own lexus dealers so what a great car to drive with your permit right?! what colors are you getting? i want ultrasonic blue and stratus gray inside.

[@kenweilu]

Good for you. I go for white exterior with red leather. still go try i200t and i300 see which I am getting. I really want i200t rear drive with tourbo

[@jmullerxx]

that was my original color choice before ultrasonic blue came to the U.S. i wanted an IS200t to but it snows a lot where i live so i need the awd:( imo the V6 sounds better than the turbo engine though

[@gaffnaldo1]

I like Chris, he's the man

[@jamest6850]

Probably one of the smoothest engine/transmission packages out there. I have an old 2010 and the thing is still smooth as silk.

[@AutoAcademics]

Nice! Enjoy your car, Stu T, and thanks for watching!

[@gaffnaldo1]

Totally agree. My 08 automatic was the best car I ever had

[@DavidDavid-yp6zv]

In the owners manual Lexus/Toyota said less than premium fuel could cause damage to engine thus void warranty...READ carefully

[@brucelee7283]

yes very true these are high compression motors that require premium fuel

[@TheT1r1]

Posted on my birfday!

[@AutoAcademics]

TheT1r1 (Coming Summer 2k15) Happy "birfday," TheT1r1! And thanks for watching!

[@Sprxf]

I own this vehicle and the only problem I have with is that it has a hard time going over speed bumps. The bottom gets scratched is you go too fast.

[@Msadri444]

I have this exact vehicle as well & im having a difficult time time with the same issue!! Breaks my heart😩 Sprxf

[@elmothemilkman99]

Just bought this car, and I love it. Drives so smooth, looks stylish also ❤

[@AutoAcademics]

Nice! Congrats on your new car, chin chin, and thanks for watching!

[@Saddamhussain-yo7mw]

How much is price of is250 2015

[@MeshalSS1]

Hi. I have a question : Can I have this leather and the 18-inch alloy wheels without having to buy a certain package? Thank you.

[@AutoAcademics]

Meshal Mohammad Meshal Mohammad, you can get the NuLuxe (man-made leather) seating surfaces and the 18" wheels separately without any special packages. However, if you are interested in the authentic leather surfaces, you will need to get the Luxury or F SPORT packages. Thanks for watching!

[@tiffnsniff]

It's a good car.. I still enjoy mine.

[@Mrs.TJ516]

Definitely 💯

[@gman8578]

There's nothing like a v6...

[@marcoAKAjoe]

My current car :)

[@panam747]

I've had mine up to 152 m.p.h. and it wanted to go faster. Smooth sailin'..

[@F30Gremlin]

152 that's prob the entire 5th gear right? also is yours Is250 or is350? the fastest I ever went was 132 and it wasn't the entire 5th gear

[@panam747]

@@F30Gremlin Mine is the 250, which I had dialed up to the power setting on the automatic.

[@F30Gremlin]

@@panam747 dow did u dial up the power setting?

[@panam747]

@@F30Gremlin The auto transmissions have 3 settings, Eco, normal and power.

[@F30Gremlin]

@@panam747 oh that nob ik of, thank you

[@FORNICATOR1981]

Revvvv up your Lexus!!!

[@AutoAcademics]

LOL Thanks for watching, Alfonso Chavez!

[@gghostrrider]

What would you say is a comparable choice that had more power? I like everything you say about the car but I'm hung up on the 7.7 to 60 and the feeling that it may be underpowered. Great review.

[@AutoAcademics]

For starters, you could get an IS 350 that for that price to solve the power issue, gghostrrider. And Acura TLX might be a bit quicker, too, and save you ten grand. Finally, an Infiniti Q50 with the 3.0L would be another option. Style-wise, we like the IS best, but those other cars would probably offer more power for the same money or less. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching!

[@ourcollectiveinsanity]

pure show, no go

[@RennieAsh]

Computer Simulated Atomic Coded Reality why does it need to have 400hp? Also it’s better for cornering than a car with heavier engine. Add to the fact that some people just want a quiet cruiser so a big engine is no use to them

[@lopeztwin10]

why did you put sunglasses on when you got on

[@grizzlyman329]

Because that's how playas drive

[@bigplanner]

@@grizzlyman329 😎

[@Itsjake908]

So what does it have that the previous year didn’t?

[@sentoneYYC]

engine power bro,, and an rwd

[@Itsjake908]

@@sentoneYYC word up bro

[@futt3865]

i’ve pushed it to 150 😂

[@MarcG7424]

Obsidian Black Me : 😁

[@AutoAcademics]

Thanks for watching, Marc G!

[@chinomsoochuba3897]

The music was too loud

[@AutoAcademics]

Unfortunately, we were still learning back then, Emmanuel. Things have gotten better, tho! 👍🏾 Thanks for watching!

[@mrhawk1924]

I had one. Only 204 hp. My car is faster. 1.5 liter 4 cylinder 201 hp Turbo Verloster 3 doors hatchback on my channel

[@brianmjmario]

The Acura TLX 4cyl is a way better car than this! If you think about it your paying 44k for 204hp really? Plus the Acura is faster it handles better than the small 2.5 v6.... Just saying... You get more for your money with the Acura TLX!

[@MrGunzngirlz]

You get all wheel steering and one of the best DCTs in the segment with the TLX 2.4 as well.  You also get Clean styling rather than.....you know.

[@Toyota4Life]

Did you really say a Acura is better then a Lexus? Log off don't ever comment again

[@MrGunzngirlz]

Brian Vtec​ they honestly have no idea, do they?

[@jmullerxx]

+Brian Vtec lexus just replaced the engine with the turbo engine with 241 horsepower and 258 pound feet of torque and the 300 with 255 horsepower and 236 pound feet of torque nice try but acura is shit compared to lexus

[@MrGunzngirlz]

***** Acuras are incredibly reliable and have the highest resale value of any automotive brand. Your argument is invalid.

[@Wlilgangs]

Is250 exterior same as is350?

[@MultiNickynick]

Yes only difference is the engine and power . Also the 350 comes in more then just red interior

[@Toyota4Life]

Finally a car reviewer that's not white or Asian. Sexy Lexus. It's the best car in its class

[@nathanvallee2142]

I know Right!? hate white people.. they have no idea what they're talking about.. dont even get me started on those asians.. It's about time we rise from the opression to review a Japanese Car.

[@jesusjimenez9957]

Nathan Vallee lmfao other races are mostly broke. You probably live in America fucking racist fuck

[@jesusjimenez9957]

Nathan Vallee I hope you're not black. Thats pathetic

[@nathanvallee2142]

Um.. lol if you didnt sense the sarcasm in there I dont know what to tell you haha

[@RagingBad]

curly Head Ive he's being sarcastic you stupid fuck

[@Willyama]

Not interested in a v6? wtf is this guy talking about...

[@AutoAcademics]

Yup. Believe it or not, Will Lund, there are some people who care more about fuel economy than acceleration, yet who still want to look good while driving. Now we're not saying we represent those people. We're just saying that they do exist and that Toyota has them covered with this IS 250. Thanks for sharing and for watching!

[@temosgarage]

Get rid of the music, hard to hear you over the loud music...

[@l.nguyen4698]

that grill is the deal breaker

[@ForzaItaliaAzzurri7]

Sorry but the front grille just looks so plain and ugly. And, like all other Lexuses, the driving experience is detached and uninspiring. BMW and Mercedes still produce superior vehicles in this segment (and other premium segments). There is no reason for Lexus cars to be priced higher than Toyota's or Hyundai's when all they have going for them are gimmicky and useless interior technology features.

[@richstar85kr]

Gianluca Cannavo 100% agree. The front design looks as ugly as sin. And the rear looks like the KIA Cerato. Lexus needs to replace their design team ASAP.

[@NgocThiuDo]

Gianluca Cannavo There is no way I'm paying even $40K for a Lexus that looks like a Kia.

[@NoToMailOrderBrides]

Gianluca Cannavo Most Germans consider Lexus cars as cheap and tacky. Actually this is what most Europeans consider as well. This is why Lexus cars don't sell in Europe.

[@OneRaceKorea12]

Motorenwerke.de I thought so. Lexus cars are nothing special. They are just rebadged Toyotas. I think anyone with a brain knows that German cars are superior.

[@artilheiro5151]

Lexus has been disappointing recently.

[@KoreanSaram8]

The ugly front grille, underpowered yet fuel-guzzling V6 and unproportional rear design makes this the worst luxury car in this segment. It's just a rebadged Toyota after all. Much rather get a proper premium/luxury car from BMW or Mercedes.

[@stefanschmidt6490]

UltimateDriver The rear design looks exactly like the KIA Cerato. Lexus' are just rebadged Toyota's. Hence why most people don't consider Lexus to be a premium/luxury brand.

[@NukedJapaneseToyota]

UltimateDriver Another reason not to buy Lexus cars: dangerous Fukushima radiation which will cause infertility. Also faulty Takata airbags.

[@Toyota4Life]

Ultimate driver. Your whole comment was a joke. Nice try. This Lexus IS sex on wheels

[@mrmzr-ek9hs]

UltimateDriver LOL i came across a lot of lexus review and these youtube account is make the same comment chains just like this like a copy paste. like some anti lexus campaign team or something. do you guys get paid for this, cus if it is, i am ready to jump ships LOL.

[@FiredEmpire]

UltimateDriver hahaha I see you guys commenting the same stuff on every Japanese car video. I hope you Hyundai/Kia online marketing agents realise what you are doing is just pathetic.