2015 Lexus IS250 AWD - Redline: Review

With BMW clearly in their sights, Lexus offers up it's most refined, luxurious, and sporty IS sport sedan with the third-generation 2015 model. Those of you who are smitten with the new look will find plenty to like with this current model, those of you expecting German levels of acceleration should look elsewhere.

[@luisgaldamez4487]

How can u think this car looks “hideous”? Its a gorgeous car

[@victoria653]

He is comparing this car to Mazda and BMW rofl.

[@credales17]

I love these taillights actually..

[@ezeo.7315]

muhammad awda someone that read my mind. Their very unique.

[@josephdlonewolf9155]

@WalkinOSF I like everything in this car!!!

[@alejandrosepulveda8615]

They look so beautiful at night

[@BrianJKuz]

@@josephdlonewolf9155 źzzz

[@ryanalamin8737]

Onggg brooo

[@zacisler]

WHAT! THE TAIL LIGHTS ARE THE GEM OF THE CAR! THEYRE BEAUTIFUL!

[@leec2629]

Gosh i get annoyed with everyone saying the is250 is slow. Yes, it has average power, but not everyone cares about getting from 0-100 in 3 seconds. It's all about the smoothness and reliability, two things that turbo 4-bangers don't have. There will always be insecure people who only care about hp ratings and sprint times..

[@ezeo.7315]

Lee C preach

[@miahazel4135]

Right it’s not like your going to a battle race😂 I love the car I’m saving up to get one

[@Jkngz]

Some people like me like racing, so we take power into account. In fact, the whole car scene cares about the power. If the car were faster i would get it. And for the price, ot should be faster.

[@kimberlypacheco2008]

It’s not what under the hood it’s who’s behind the wheel don’t matter if you have a fast car it depends if you know how to drive it . I’ve beaten muscles cars with a Honda Civic in the freeway 😂 and they always end up getting mad

[@dizzywow]

Why are you talking nonsense, like "0-100 in 3 seconds"? How about "0-60 in under 8 seconds"?

[@paulpaplinski7443]

Love that rear end... Best part of the car.

[@jamessisoutham1466]

I have 2015 Lexus is 250 and I love it. The 200 hp is more then enough to get me to work and out on the weekend. I'm not going to race anyone. The best car I ever had . Coming from cheaper car . Just buy a use one and you will not regret.

[@buckcannon1811]

You never discussed quality and dependability. I drive the exact same car, I have driven Mercedes and BMW. They don’t have the build quality or not as dependable. I have driven every car that Lexus offers except the ISF. If you drive in the power mode in the IS 250, the transmission shifts are quicker and the handling is better. I would choose Lexus over any German brand!

[@charlesizard4008]

The tail lights are my favorite part!

[@olasek7972]

+Tommy Izard Yes, they aren't bad at all.

[@Jk-ho5op]

Uu

[@benjaminsiffel1577]

For me, this is one of the coolest interiors I've ever experienced.

[@TonyKimtheamusementparkfan]

It’s still like this for the face lifted model, so nice and simple 😌

[@DisneyMusicVideos]

@@TonyKimtheamusementparkfan Agreed! I used to have a 2017 IS200t F-Sport & drove a 2023 IS350 F-Sport loaner vehicle last year & I'm glad they kept it mostly the same.

[@JetBlackThreat]

feels like a damn fighter plane inside swear

[@RomanM803]

this car is not ugly its unique.

[@drinkingthatkool-aid3193]

Most people who criticize new cars sadly say that though...

[@TroublingStatue]

+Moaiz Shahzad Well at the end of the day, looks are an entirely subjective thing. Whether a car looks good or not is for the consumer to decide.

[@drinkingthatkool-aid3193]

True.

[@12345bobjr]

+TroublingStatueVII yeah for the 3rd gen IS, people either love it or hate it. I personally love the styling.

[@rdinapoli1971]

Love this car

[@caseydean5751]

I have driven race cars for years. I know speed and love it haha. This car is low on hp but when you consider you can't really use the hp in the other cars without breaking the law I think this car is a steal. Just bought one and it's as fast as you need.

[@OneSweetDay489]

i appreciate this comment

[@princesearcy]

Power House thank you 🙏🏽, why drive fast on the road; knowing damn well a ticket is coming after you. People always want to drive fast and act like nothing will happen to them🤦🏽‍♂️

[@DianaSanchez-sk4mz]

I agree i love my Lexus 👊❤

[@MegaPepelocuaz]

I must say, that Sofyan is one of the best car reviewers, explains everything in detail and straight to the point.

[@olasek7972]

+jl chavez I agree.

[@omoniyikaye]

I have driven 4 different models in Lexus currently pushing RX450H 2009 and my little toy IS250 2009. They made Lexus to last forever. Love them.

[@luigynkaren062011]

well finally he review a lexus, i love this car so damn beutiful. i still own a 2004 is300.

[@vaajchang]

I feel like you came in to this review biased. Of course being an enthusiast, you're always looking for more power, faster acceleration and maybe better mpg. But for the masses that actually own the is models in the long run makes much more sense than its German competitors. And to name one unfair comparison, this car is awd version and you're comparing it to open differentails fwd sedans' mpgs.

[@theredline]

+vaajchang We were mostly comparing the acceleration to a FWD family sedan, especially since a new Mazda6 or Honda Accord 4-cyl will hit 60 in the mid 7-second range [a half second quicker than this Lexus]. Regarding the fuel-economy, the main competitors for the IS250 AWD would be a BMW 328i xDrive, Mercedes C300 4Matic, and Audi A4 Quattro, which are rated at 22/33, 24/31, and 22/31 compared to the 20/27 rating for the Lexus. All of which, have WAY more horsepower and torque. Not to mention, hit 60 MPH in the 5.5-6.5 second range. If you're going to spend $45,000 or more on a sport luxury sedan, wouldn't it make sense to actually get the performance and economy that exceeds an everyday family sedan? That's our thinking, we wouldn't fault you for choosing the IS350, but the IS250 is WAY behind the times in powertrain technology.

[@rayaanshaikh5830]

+Redline Reviews The IS200t has already been announced - Lexus claims 0-60 in 7s but its very conservative as the NX200t does 0-60 in 7s with less hp and a slower 6 speed transmission. Id say the 200t will hit 0-60 in 6.2-6.5s easily.

[@tuolumne9]

+vaajchang oh please. the 250 engine is outdated and embarrassing. stop trying to write it off as no big deal. And btw, the big 3 German brand's entries in this segment outsell the IS 3-4x worldwide, each respectively. So much for the masses choosing the best choice.

[@amiller2121]

+n777ua Totally agree. Lexus should've had this engine ready for the new body style as this engine is way behind the times.

[@rayaanshaikh5830]

Andrew Miller It doesnt work like that. If they left the car too late, IS would look outdated and then people like you would complain the IS is "way behind the times". Due to the history of Lexus which has never had a turbo engine in a car before, they probably went the extra mile to test it out before putting it in the NX and IS. I agree that the engine is "way behind the times" - BUT, it still sells!! Now that not only proves that people find the IS250 adequate for their needs, but also that they may prefer a V6 over 4 cylinder engines. Now the IS200t is available, there should be no complaints. As for the competitors selling 3-4x worldwide, yes they do, but so what? They have multiple engine choices, with multiple options, essentially leading to most people getting base models with poverty pack specification. Also, German cars are available in more countries than Lexus is, for example, India where the luxury car market is growing. Lexus is not available in India therefore its not just about choice, but also availability. Its worth noting that in Europe, Lexus also doesnt do as well as the Germans due to no diesel engines but that's fine, Lexus don't like diesels and opt for hybrids which are more refined and much smoother so all good there. The majority of cars in Europe are either leased (basically rented) or they are company cars where you only get certain choice. BMW seems to be a favourite due to cheap prices when opting for base models and down to diesel running costs. Lexus is not usually in these sort of company car choices.

[@sprague49]

Today I saw a '15 IS 250 on my local Lincoln dealer's used lot. 92K miles but looking showroom new for 15K. I'm so tempted

[@Unplugged704]

Today (Sept 21'), that same car and mileage I have seen asking for $20K. SMH!

[@marzzgli1278]

I’m looking at a 2015 f sport with 185k miles. $14,000.

[@urthere0]

3:43 "I just think the tailights look stupid" I laughed so hard 😂😂😂

[@SecretWeaponV2]

Tail lights is one of the best looks of the car lol...

[@AlxN52]

Those taillights my friend give this car a even more aggressive look which is very unique. IMO

[@Moisi547]

I have driven this car and it is pretty responsive quite and very comfortable

[@DenonGregory]

This car is beautiful, and the rear lights are the best part to me! so crazy how people's taste can vary so much. I can't see how this is unattractive lol

[@Jtob410]

What Camry has that small round glove box? And I don’t remember seeing those buttons on any Toyota’s let alone a Rav 4.

[@xLOVExGODx]

Great review! Would you please review the 2015 Audi A4?

[@IcyAlex23]

Great Review !

[@NOLAItsNotOva]

I love the looks of the new Lexus vehicles. This one is my personal favorite

[@zmaximilian]

good review as always

[@natet53]

Review the new Lexus IS200T Fsport! PLEAASE! Love the reviews.

[@marcorodriguez7748]

Are u gonna do a Hyundai Genesis coupe 2016 review. When it comes out, of course. Would love to see that! Thank you for ur reviews.

[@dantheman218]

Hey make a review for the new 2016 lexus is200t ? I havent seen any reviews..

[@tjhouston1280]

I look back and I actually love those taillights. But the second gen is the one I remember the most.

[@MinisterGabe1]

thanks for this good review i was thinking the 250 should be fast but now i know the 350 is better.

[@curseknight5]

LOL Sofyan sounded so sassy when he mentioned the lack of power on this car... 16:24

[@tiramisu327]

How does the IS feel compared to the TLX?

[@phillipschoe9518]

About time, wish you did the 350 though

[@oneeyedtrousersnake8843]

All of these car reviewers complain about engine power. The trade off is better fuel economy. This car was made to get you from point A to point B, and not to race other cars between stop lights.

[@jonathanmoga5188]

It gets mediocre mpg though

[@olivierletellier8280]

You can get de is 350 for power 300 hp

[@UnicronTGOC]

I'll stick with my second generation is and a few sport upgrades.

[@LarryLane07]

The taillights are exactly what I like about the car

[@Alex-bc7wz]

Is it weird that this is my dream car!!

[@freddyd17]

I have this car. Absolutely love it. Same color and everything

[@staticshock1646]

Can you do a comparison of a lexus es and gs? Or a honda accord vs toyota camry?

[@hossamhaddad7]

Why you didn’t post any review video for 2015 Lexus ES 300h?

[@Liger._King]

What was that at 17:32? Did you run over a bump? It actually scared me a lil bit.

[@muhamadkhan9334]

This dude is literally hating on this car. This car is so damn perfect in my opinion. Very aggressive front and rear end. Just great😍. The interior of this car is just flawless.. better than bmw in my opinion. I’ve had a white one before and will get another one very very very soon!!!

[@Mrs.TJ516]

Yes love mine 🖤

[@dwaynesmith4094]

@@Mrs.TJ516just got one. I know it’s been a year lol

[@Mrs.TJ516]

@@dwaynesmith4094 have fun 🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@wonkwe9181]

i really like the design..in n out

[@hl7843]

What differentials come with the awd? Thanks

[@EllysaE]

How does it do in snow?

[@MsDejavue]

How reliable are the 2014 is250? I'm little concerned about the carbon build up lol

[@felixash9716]

Beautiful car

[@montrillanes5183]

Please have a review for 2017 IS200t thanks

[@erikahall85]

Please do the 2015 and 2016 Kia Optima and 16 maxima

[@erikahall85]

Please do the 2015 and 2016 Kia Optima

[@curseknight5]

Hopefully the IS300 AWD doesn't disappoint, I prefer AWD because I live in a rain city and slight snow or else I would go for that turbo is200t in a heartbeat.

[@Minhowaa]

I do wish I ended up getting a IS 350 or a F-sport version, But I'm happy with my 250 regardless lol. Thanks for the review !!

[@ismailmohamud9390]

Minho waa hows it holding up? Any reliability issues?

[@hasoon0ab]

Still no ES review :(

[@jumbie4972]

do u plan to review csx?

[@marinashishko4153]

Lexus makes the best looking cars

[@umeayorchiagozie7969]

Please sir, am confused to make a choice between IS 250 2015 model and IS 350 2015 model. I love the two cars but am afraid of fuel economy of these cars and confused on which one to go for as i don't know the one that retain more fuel or rather the one that is preferable. I really don't know which one to go for cos am considering my pocket in buying fuel. I don't need the F sport model. Please i need an honest answer on which one to go for 🙏🙏

[@letoyachantelle2229]

This car is soooo pretty to me I gotta have it lol

[@soufimhadi8001]

Did you buy it ?

[@letoyachantelle2229]

@@soufimhadi8001 yes lol I got the Lexus is 200t love it

[@javiercruz66ify]

Did you put it on sport mode ?

[@anthonyrobbins8647]

Watching this from my black 2014 is250 with brown interior.

[@nicholasroy8835]

Can u do a review of an older 2007-2009 Acura MDX for me plz

[@cbcautomotive3690]

you should do the Lexus ES 350 2016

[@DiegogomezGTO]

I regret not getting a 350. I didn’t know anythig about Lexus when I got it. I was 16 and picked out the nices looking one

[@hermit527]

I highly agree that people should either wait for the 200t or get the 350. The 250 was always an underwhelming engine and I'm glad Lexus is finally killing it. Anyway, thanks for the review Sofyan! I always look forward to your reviews!

[@Bonzeye182]

I like how that van got out of your way because of your aggressive driving.

[@nickdee1913]

I luv the car , sure it’s not the fastest but speed wasn’t even a concern when I bought it. When need to get out of a tight jam it delivers.

[@TigixPK]

If I remember correctly, it has a V6 because a 4 cylinder was not Lexus smooth enough

[@pedrof830]

As a rule, I despise front license tags that some states require, but in the case of some cars, like this model, a much larger tag would improve the looks of the front fascia.

[@terrellchia7788]

U should try testing lexus gs350 fsport

[@skywarpchannel5577]

Are the Toyota/Lexus V6's reliable? I heard the Honda ones aren't or have they improved?

[@ThePdxster]

+Skywarp Channel Yes they are, Lexus is rated #1 as the most reliable brand and the 3.5L V6 is the engine used in most of their cars. We just bought a 2016 IS300 (detuned 3.5 V6), and the runner up was the Mercedes C300 (turbo 4). Bought the Lexus as we keep our cars for many years and felt the Lexus would be much more reliable over the long term. If you only keep a car for as long as the factory warranty, then a BMW, Audi, or Mercedes would be fine. The IS300 has the same engine as the IS350, just a little less horsepower/torque. Since we don't plan on racing anyone, the 0-60 6.1 second time is fine for us vs 5.7 seconds for the IS350 AWD, and we saved thousands of dollars.

[@elliottmanning4116]

Sofyan, do people sometimes stare at you while you driving and talking to a camera? Just a thought I had while watching your review.

[@theredline]

+Elliott Manning All the time, I've had people wave at me too. I've gotten used to it though :) -Sofyan

[@SGBassplayer]

Not gonna lie...that itty-bitty V6 sounds pretty good.

[@jasonloui9704]

Do the Lexus IS 200t PLEASE!!!!!

[@Habib-ec5xp]

IS200t FSPORT PLEASE DO A REVIEW!!

[@michaelmahjoub1061]

was wondering if you are going to review the 2015 challenger and Lexus NX200t. Also the 2016 camaro when it comes out. Love the reviews thanks.

[@Soh90]

Watching this is 2018 and thinking about purchasing an IS. I’ve more than warmed up to the design over the past 3 years. I actually love it now. My biggest gripe with the IS and Lexus in general is the lack of AA/ACP, but it’s not a deal breaker for me. I don’t want to lease, I want to buy. I do need AWD however. The IS 250 AWD is the perfect car. There is always the BMW 3, but with a stale interior design, skimpy features, and questionable reliability (when purchasing) I would steer clear of it.

[@SchmuckBoi]

Is he 6'4?

[@tonyaguinaga3340]

Does this engine also have the carbon build up issue?

[@tts.7657]

Solid car!!!!

[@michaelbanko9965]

One of my friends where I work floored his is250 awd and I chased him in my accord 1.5. He got out in front(obviously) and I was pretty even with him up until about 50 then we slowed down. Lol I won’t do that again though cuz it’s not very safe. His is also a 2011 and I think the older ones are slightly quicker for some reason but I could be wrong.

[@bulletsweeper93]

1. To the right of the steering wheel, switch power mode on (so the green PWR light on the dash lights up) 2. Next, press AND HOLD your traction control button (next to the PWR switch) until BOTH yellow "idiot lights" turn on. Release button. 3. With both yellow lights on (and your green PWR light), come to a stop and press and hold the brake pedal FIRMLY to the floor with your LEFT foot. 4. with your left foot PLANTED on the brakes, rev the gas pedal to about 3k RPM or when your car begins to shake (SHE WANNA GO NOW) 5. DUMP your left foot, PLANT your right foot.

[@Jumperman12mac]

I'm hoping he'll review the volvo s60, even better if the r-design model

[@ethanw.2202]

Yes the car is slow compared to its competitors, but I have never been disappointed with the power in my IS250

[@jeevansingh1959]

review the lexus is350 f sport

[@unclepeanut15]

Dual mop pockets??????

[@bg147]

That is a tiny V6. It must have a super small bore. I can understand that certain buyers don't care about big power and they care primarily about smoothness, but still.... why not up the displacement a bit?

[@KAZ109]

I am thinking of trading in my 2014 accord hybrid touring for this AWD IS, my only question is, does this 250 or any other IS model come with adaptive cruise control? It is something that my very basic accord has spoiled me with

[@henryhil4690]

Maurice Webb Just go to a dealer and test drive one or look it up :p

[@iwhbyd2683]

The funniest thing about this engine to me is it’s the same displacement as Toyota/Lexus’ common 2ar-fe 4 cylinder Until watching this video today, I’ve never even took notice to how far down and forward the taillights stretch.

[@rayaanshaikh5830]

A Lexus after a very long time! This version is actually being replaced by an IS300 AWD with 250hp. An IS200T(RWD only) is coming too with 241hp + 350nm of torque and the IS350 remains unchanged! The base engine is going to be a peach!

[@raisinbranden]

didn't they just refresh it for 2016

[@jayparmar4558]

I assume you'll eventually review the 2016 Accord.. Any idea on how soon it'll be?

[@theredline]

+Jay Parmar Honda has yet to add the 2016 to our press fleet in the area. We've already requested one and we'll keep you updated on when we get it

[@idiotrun1997]

+Redline Reviews How do you usually get your vehicles for the reviews? I assume nobody in your organization is actually buying them out of their own pocket. Do you still have a partnership with that dealership?

[@UhhhhhnooOOo00oO]

+Redline Reviews Great review! I just leased an IS350 fully loaded (minus F sport because I didn't like the look of it) and I'm 90% pleased. As you said, the screen needs to be bigger and has black borders for some reason. It also decent face the driver and faces dead straight for some reason. It is also one screen and not 2 and requires multiple presses to get back to map view. My other Lexus RX350 doesn't require that. (my 3rd vehicle is not a boring Lexus ;) Fully loaded it doesn't come with sonar (intuitive park assist -fancy) on thr front and back because they didn't want to screw up the bumper look. (especially when competing with the 328xi and C300--test drove wasn't a huge fan of both---C300 being better finally) It also doesn't come standard with crash prevention/brake assist. (one option I really wanted) It's a special $500 feature that really no car in anyones inventory has. Sport packages are much more important to people in the compact sport luxury class for humans. You won't find a BMW with blindspot...but 1000s with sport packages. So, I have the Mark Levinson (I used to own his expensive speakers) 835 watt stereo and $398 rear lip spoiler...but I'll be crashing into the wall in my garage and if a don't see a car or a brick wall, at least I've opted for $110 door edge guards and plastic rear bumper protector ,) Hood stuff. Added, The center console also looks like a late 90s BMW and the blinker plastic/turn indicator stalks are out of a 1980s Pontiac Grand Am. There is also slightly too much play in the wheel as it is a Lexus. Besides that I'm happy with it ;)

[@UhhhhhnooOOo00oO]

+Redline Reviews Added....sorry for the length, the IS350 doesn't really compete with the 335i. The 335 is much more expensive, especially when leasing. it falls between the 328 and 335. Also the IS250 is more in line with the horrid 320i. The IS250 leases well below the 328. Whereas my fully loaded $51k plus is350 leases for decently under a fully loaded C class or 328Xi. I'd have to take around $2k in packages out of each one for it to be comparable. Of course my prices are well below standard lease deals but, comparable.

[@theredline]

+joe black Thanks for coming back, I'd love to be able to do more videos a week, but production takes a good amount of time and Redline Reviews is not my only job. I've also got another full-time job during the day. Stick with us and I promise, you'll see this channel grow and progress very quickly. Glad you enjoyed the review :) -Sofyan

[@yungblade7]

Soyfan turns into a whole different person when he is speeding

[@zodiac909]

In terms of reliability, it will outlast all the competition.

[@MoookOfDuty]

How do Lexus vehicles handle road salt? Lots of aluminum parts used in those cars, any known issues with corrosion?

[@ivonetics]

I have had a 2005 Lexus IS300 since 2010, and there is no corrosion what so ever.

[@BuffaloBills28]

lol my favorite view is from the back i love the tail lights

[@LuisGomez-jz2lt]

Same here

[@joshuapressley4441]

The turbos are cool but I’ve seen all or most engines with turbos not last as long bc all that air your canning into the engine wears it out quick .

[@briangarcia3012]

its clean 😊

[@giorassiccuriosity1796]

At 14minutes when you opened up trunk while running, engine is making that funny noise? Is that normal? Mine does the same thing, I may have to bring it to a mechanic. Let me know if you got the same issue.

[@motobum6695]

Smashing Rock I think it's the direct injection I think he mentioned it too

[@MrWalker1000]

Yeah but is at good to drive as the germans? It's more reliable but still lacks the driving dynamics

[@LukeO-1234]

review the Lexus is 200 turbo