2016 Lexus IS 200t Quick Review & Road Test - In 4K UHD!

In this video we check out Lexus' all-new 2.0 liter turbo engine and take a deep dive into the Japanese BMW 3-Series fighter.
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[@foojitive]

I think it's worth discussing why the Lexus turbo isn't as strong or fuel efficient as the competition. It has both direct and port injection. The reason is that direct injection alone has a problem with carbon build up over time which can be very problematic. The retention of port injection washes out the carbon and make the engine much more reliable over time, but you lose some power and fuel economy by keeping it. Toyota elected to go with long term reliability with its turbo design so it should be an engine that lasts for a long time.

[@JDMHaze]

ahi poke Yeah I'm familiar with that too but a lot of people don't know that

[@Juan-vn9fn]

This made me feel more comfortable with my is200t i love the car!

[@jonathancmonzon]

I've owned many German vehicles and they all gave me problems down the road and cost me big bucks in repairs. However nothing drives like a German car. I recently turned a new chapter in life got rid of all my German cars and leased a 200T. I think the key for anybody that doesn't want to go thru the hassle of having to sell a German car (which have horrible resale value) or deal with high maintenance cost is to lease them. I'm the dummy that didn't do that with any of my German cars. I miss the driving dynamics, but I feel at peace when I drive my Lexus. I don't feel like I'm driving a non-luxury vehicle but I know I'm not the slowest guy on the freeway either...and I'm okay with that.

[@javadsuggs6993]

I just bought a used 2016 IS 200t F Sport, silver with red interior. I love it. I was slightly worried about horsepower (coming from a G35 coupe with 300ish hp), but I'm not trying to be Michael Andretti on the highway. This has enough power to pass folks, and driving at 80+ mph highway speeds is barely noticeable. Plus the peace of mind that I get from the reliability of a Lexus vehicle is nearly invaluable.

[@CoolGuynumbawan]

give me some piece of mind. About to check one out tomorrow

[@tuaronwalker4527]

@@CoolGuynumbawan I bought one last month, Electric Blue...great vehicle with surprisingly roomy interior and huge trunk space coming from a Colorado storage was definitely a concern. Totally satisfied!

[@CoolGuynumbawan]

@@tuaronwalker4527 Sup beast thanks for the reply. I couldn’t find an is2.0t in my area (low stock + inflation) and ended up getting lucky asf and found a ‘19 civic si coupe w/ low miles. I’m not worried ab power bc it’s a commuter car for me. Just gotta save up to add some clean mods to it

[@knockout35189]

owned my 01 lexus gs300 for 13 + years now, I drive that thing hard too... only big repair was timing belt and water pump... love Toyota/Lexus.. super reliable.

[@jamesmin2837]

Superb and accurate review as always. Covered everything. Not just track times... bravo.

[@dongshuowu3454]

Best review as always. Keep on your nice work Alex!

[@texasyank48]

Always the best reviews! Thanks, Alex

[@alexhuang870]

Really like your reviews, so detailed and the size ruler is absolutely helpful. Love it!

[@albertobaez9148]

hey Alex, I always watch your videos. Ilike your reviews. I learn a lot from you.

[@mm-zj5qw]

Hey mister, it's so easy to listen to your speech! Thank you very much!

[@curseknight5]

Thank you so much Alex for doing more Lexus IS review... if you get to review the IS300 it would be even more awesome!

[@oceans2533]

For some people it is not about the toque, KW of power, time to get to 60. Newton Metrics , turbo or any of that. It is about comfort, reliability , smoothness and quietness.

[@ny1fanta]

Please do Lexus GS too awesome review Alex!

[@lameyste]

lexus all the way! thats why i ditched my bimmer!

[@subhradyuti]

Nice, informative review. Can you please review the new GS/GS F as well?

[@Wolvesq]

Alex you're the only reviewer I've encountered who likes the Q50's handling. Most reviewers seem to despise it -- arguing that Infiniti took a once great steering column from the G37 and ruined it through electronic conversion, and in the process made the Q50 a soulless robot of a drive. Hopefully they can improve things with the 2016 refresh of the engines and suspension.

[@gino7869]

Love this car!

[@LacoteCohen]

For looks I would take the IS hands down. For the performance and the sound of that turbo the 3/435i is a must!

[@benjmiester]

I love the idea of this car, and that torque curve!!! I can't wait to race one in my lightly modded 1st gen G35 sedan :D :D

[@user-nf8jm5li1k]

Dream car!

[@robg5509]

Best review

[@arthurfernandes2402]

+Alex on autos hello Alex I will like to know if you can do a review of the 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK thank you keep up the good work

[@derek8591]

what can I say, I like to watch your video!!

[@cadsux]

Your title still says, "New cars every Friday!" Huh? Well, it's still great to see 2 reviews during the weekend. It's been a long time since you filmed at the Milbrae BART station. And with the rainy season finally hitting California after years of drought, you caught the now occasional sunny day as well.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+cadsux I try to target Friday for new videos but the next two weeks or so we may have two videos per week so one will be up Friday and one on Sunday or Monday.

[@JimNortonsAlcoholism]

+Alex on Autos Have you reviewed the 2016 Lexus GS AWD?

[@CarandLife]

Hi Alex, i know it's a weird question but what car feels more fun to drive to you Honda Civic Si or Lexus IS200t? And why?

[@Victoria-uv5zt]

I'm a bit confused about his remarks concerning the seat adjustments (mine adjusts in 6 ways and is far more customizable than my BMW 325i was, and much more comfortable than my A4 was). Additionally, I live in LA and commute to and from from DTLA & Century City every day, yet I still manage 28-30 mpg, resetting at each fill up. Perhaps it comes with learning how to drive your car, but the 200t is far more fuel efficient than the 250 ever was. I think the biggest disappointment is the infotainment system. Everything else is excellent for both stop & go rush hour traffic down the 10 and 405, as well as for long road trips.

[@shahedhasnat]

Which one is better if you compare the Lexus IS 300 or 350 with the Acura TLX V6 SH-AWD?

[@robbiefazle7802]

I'm buying this car, can't wait!

[@danielbosch153]

Is it possible to do a video on the Lexus CT?

[@cargeek4940]

Alexonautos...Thank you for all your reviews......I am in a dilemma here and I need your advice. Currently I am looking for a new car and I have picked out 2 cars for that matter. A mazda 6 touring or a Lexus IS 200t F sport. Now, I am not after power but all I care for is handling and steering feel. I do not drive aggressively and neither do I plan to take my car on a track so I do not need to worry about RWD or FWD here. What I plan to do with my car is just normal city and highway driving. My question is ...between these 2 cars which would be most fun to drive when considering body roll, steering feel when going on a straight highway and maintaing speed when taking highway exits. ....now this might be the most stupid question but I would highly appreciate your response. Thanks a lot.

[@xDJerome95]

how do you memorize your script, you are so clear and fluid. excellent

[@arnoldguisa2096]

csalas rehearsals everyday

[@Healthylifelex]

Editing 😅

[@xDJerome95]

@@Healthylifelex but some single takes are like 10 mins long and hes going hard

[@surekaashish]

can u do a review on the Dodge Journey?

[@MahalaniM]

Are you going to be reviewing the 2016 Malibu?

[@jsiszero]

Which is the quietest car in the segment?

[@omarmannaa6195]

can you review the 2016 Nissan Titan XD platinum reserve

[@HaSh6064]

Again excellent review. In your comparison you named all the other luxury cars in this price range, how about Genesis V6, this car start at $37800 US and it is luxury. How you compare Genesis V6 to all those cars you named. I test drove all the ones you named and I got the Genesis , that was May 2014. Genesis offer more HP, more room, standard NAV, much better look for the same price.

[@22358]

Isn't Lexus put 140 treadwear rating tires on the IS to give it good handling?

[@SuperSmellyBob]

Optical disk for a 2016 model... They need to update that panel.

[@altafahmed436]

Overall wot u suggest to me Shall i buy this of 2017 model in dubai Or shall i go for something else

[@danielbosch153]

Is the turbo any good?

[@derek8591]

what is your daily drive?

[@Tendertroll1]

I wish we could get the IS hybrid like in Europe

[@timschultz7072]

Wondering if these Lexus turbos would be easy to tune in the near future or if Lexus is going to make it hard to crack a code on the software. I like the styling and it might be a nice change up after only driving euros for the last 11 years. Another 40-60hp would make this car happier perhaps.

[@Shadow-lq7rx]

+Tim Schultz you think there would be aftermarket parts to increase the hp? or not really cause its a 4 cyl?

[@timschultz7072]

If tuners can create a true reflash of the ECU and not just piggyback the current than that could lead to a lot more options of parts becoming available. I google this particular new engine and yes so far it seems to be a struggle for tuners to flash this ECU. However a company named "TTFS, Tuning Tech FS" claims to have solutions for this engine and other Lexus models. This Lexus coming in at near 3600lbs but rear wheel drive, 8 spd trans and a LSD, with the extra boost and HP could be a lot of fun and finally take Lexus to the next level for tuners, IF they can get the software done. It's brand new engine, someone will get it figured out, hopefully.

[@Panthere.vision]

Lexus is 200 or Honda accord 2.0?

[@darylogle6696]

Wouldn't the ISF go up against the M series BMW's

[@lukak6372]

No sport s+ mode?

[@rapidfirerob4]

I got my 2016 in October of 2019. I love it, except for the awful gas mileage and lack of Carplay.

[@1northsparrow246]

A sport sedan needs to offer a manual option. If BMW and Cadillac can do it Lexus can too.

[@CarefreeRambler]

ATS all the way for handling in this class.

[@brucec43]

I did not find the handling "excellent" on this vehicle. Maybe compared to family cars. But in this segment you expect a little more.

[@raymondadams6433]

So what does the Audi A3 compare too? It's never mentioned in reviews.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

The IS is an A4/3-Series/C-Class/ATS sized car. The A3 is a CLA/CT200h sized car

[@raymondadams6433]

Alex on Autos thank you.

[@danwooten4554]

Raymond Adams Lightroom

[@myfreakinopinion]

they need to introduce cheaper 1.8 liter turbo from the Toyota corolla to make an entry level price of $32,000, i rather get the 320i over this, that red is beautiful.

[@marcosestrada2012]

I keep asking, -Why you haven't reviewed the 2016 civic? Or have you? Can you tell, please?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+Joe Black I'm not sure what you're referring to, AoA does not have a paid premium channel. The 2016 Civic review will be out in a few weeks.

[@marcosestrada2012]

Thanks! Looking forward.

[@brucec43]

Alex, what are you talking about "low maintenance costs" for a Lexus? Unlike some other lux brands, they do not offer free maintenance, they require(d) it at 7500 miles, rather than double that for some others (Volvo, BMW, ), and they charge a nice fat price for routine "inspections" and oil changes. Over 4 years you might pay an extra $2000-$2500 in maintenance vs a BMW or Volvo.

[@chrissorreda4982]

Everyone thinks Lexus produces reliable cars and cheap maintenance cost. Wait as the fanboys call the 10 speed in the LC 'reliable'

[@brucec43]

I test drove the IS350 F sport twice and it was shockingly weak at anything but high revs and had way more body roll than you'd expect. This version just replaces the smaller V6 with a cheaper engine.

[@retardrobo9427]

Why do people come to lexus vid , and then compare the product with other similar products . If you not a fan of lexus, dont come on lex vids and make silly comments. I dont go on BMW mercs etc... and leave stupid comments and i dont usually watch there vids about their car, because their generally design signature never and doesn't appeal to me. so if you dont like lexus, get out of here!

[@boboutelama5748]

It's because they are no fans in the strict way of word. They are fanboys. Peoples liking cars and simply wanting to talk about it. Most of those commenters will never drive a BMW, a Lexus nor an Audi. They will drive the only car they can afford, a beaten up Renault Clio, and will change it for a Fiat. Some of the comments above also are showing that teenagers without a licence are posting up comments. Ignore them.

[@akramh9982]

Is there a review of the Subaru STI?

[@ast5515]

+Ash R You click the channel name, click the little magnifying glass, type Subaru, and look.

[@akramh9982]

+ast5515 okay thanks you

[@mountainhobo]

+Ash R For STI vs. WRX check also the channel "Engineering Explained". That guy owns STI and compares it to WRX (and recommends... I will let you find out).

[@jtomtl]

I would rather take the old 2.5L non-turbo engine....

[@tiltheendoftim3]

I enjoyed the LEXUS review but I didn't like the comparison to soooo many cars. I would do a different video for that

[@danielbosch153]

BMW3 or the IS?

[@danielbosch153]

I test drove both 200t and the 350i, I am not a big fan of turbo charger, but BMW does seem to be like a better car. but at the end of the day, Lexus seems to be a better manner and well around car, with low mentance cost. here in the New England Lexus dealership does a better service. let me know if you have any suggestion that BMW should be consider. let me know. Thank you.

[@boboutelama5748]

In Switzerland, this car costs 59'000$. I will not pay this price for this car. If this car would have a 2.8 L inline 6 turbo engine, yes, maybe. But not for a i4.

[@qwertyui5086]

3.5L v6 everyday

[@lamshao]

Sad my 03 accord is quicker than most these models.

[@csereal100]

That car will not brake down so still its worth to pay more for fuel. Most of german cars have engine or electric issues after 50k miles

[@6godbreeezyy]

Jaszczurka Janusz I recently bought a 200t is that bad ? I’ve seen a lot of people say it’s a terrible car and that you shouldn’t get that car. But I like it, is that true ?

[@csereal100]

@@6godbreeezyy Hi mate, im just saying that this car is very good, reliable and personally I would buy it :)

[@6godbreeezyy]

Jaszczurka Janusz I did get one but it’s a 2016 :( but it’s a beautiful car I love using the shift pads and sport mode and the interior is beautiful

[@trilingualkid]

I can't imagine a car that claim the word "sport" in the name yet slower than a BMW 328i...

[@zxbc1]

+trilingualkid Sporty has never been just about speed. In fact, I'd say it's much less about speed than it is about handling, and more so now than before. Besides, saying anything running slower than BMW 328i is kind of silly, since that car is actually one of the fastest in its competition. It's like saying any team that ranks below 3 in the league shouldn't call themselves a team.

[@trilingualkid]

zxbc I believe you are mistaking the 328i for the 335i or now known as the 340i, the 328i is very underwhelming in power. There need to be a standardize for these terms, throwing the word sporty for a car like this is ridiculous.

[@zxbc1]

trilingualkid No I'm not mistaking. The 328i runs 0-60 at 5.5s, one of the faster ones at its price. The ATS 3.6L is faster, but also more expensive, the 2.0T is slower, and the Volvo S60 Drive-E engine one is faster, but the T5 is slower. The ones that are faster, priced similarly to the 328i are only faster by a hair (0.1-0.2s). So saying anything slower is not sporty is like discrediting a large portion of the segment.

[@brucec43]

+trilingualkid 328i is now 0-60 in under 6 seconds. Some rate it at 5.7.

[@trilingualkid]

zxbc I honestly dont think that is much, anything above 5 is pretty standard to me, 4.0-5.0 is sport and 2.0-4.0 getting into the super car/ hyper car range.

[@gino7869]

Was the old is250 turbocharged?

[@fuelmj]

No it had a 2.5 V6

[@gdcat777]

Are you in a hurry? You sound like you're at a cattle auction.

[@kcufdurttnuc5384]

ludgury

[@future62]

I just don't get it. Worse fuel economy and performance for the competition for more money? Not very Lexus like. +savagegeese didn't have kind words for its dynamics either. It's a shame but the IS has never been a solid contender. Aside from the 350 from the previous and current gen I couldn't see myself in one.

[@afa6361]

+future62 You forget that this is by far the most reliable car in the segment. You are paying for the quality and durability of the car.

[@_Mario_PL_]

+future62 with you 100%. Can't be slow and have a bad fuel economy and cost a lot for what you are getting.

[@afa6361]

***** The standard IS is more equipped with tech and gadgets than the standard car from the competition. You need add perspective.

[@_Mario_PL_]

+AF A In that case I'd rather go for Acura TLX, that's just me.

[@cargueone1971]

+MarioPL different cars. Can't compare the two. If you are going to get a TSX, you might as well get an Accord 5 speed sport, the TSX drives like an American Buick, not like the Current German ones. The Handling and driving Dynamics of the Lexus IS embarrasses the TSX

[@lameyste]

somebody's a little irritated lol so much for not owning an amg! lol

[@thaithanh3446]

Get Camry SE for better deal and value and save $15k

[@RDDHopsing77]

I live in Australia. Despite having a population of 23 million as opposed to the USA with well over 300 million we have more choice of motor vehicle manufacturers and vehicles than the US and have a greater per capita vehicle ownership. It is arguably the most competitive car market in the world and very difficult to ascertain which car is the best for one's needs. As someone who has been researching all areas of the motoring media from all sources, including international, I found your review to be too shallow to be meaningful. Also what is this 300 is? What's the point? Is it cheaper that a 200t ? more frugal than a 350.? There doesn't seem any justification. Other countries don't have it because it would be an anachronism. Anyway, after testing most of the Lexus's direct competition (ie BMW, Mercedes, Volvo, Infinity, Audi, etc) over the past 2 years I decided to buy a Lexus is350 F Sport. Basically because it is as good ( or better) than the opposition but as someone who intends to keep it for many years it most likely will be far more reliable and less frustrating longterm. I must admit you did say that normally aspirated engines are more reliable and cheaper to maintain than their turbo charged equivalents.

[@ladyvee7110]

That price and imitation leather seating? :-(

[@ladyvee7110]

+Lexusguy0525 That's a damn shame. Smh... :-/

[@vh9network]

+Lexusguy0525 Audi doesn't do this.

[@vh9network]

***** turbo engines that Lexus has now adopted.

[@vh9network]

***** Yeah, but that's another topic, Lexus is trailing the German auto makers at this point adopting inline 4 turbo engines and 6-speed autos which is not a bad thing. The older IS-250 V6 was a dinosaur. FYI. Korean auto today has surpassed the Japanese. You can see it in the car designs.

[@tumee1661]

I think IS200 front exterior design is too extreme and UGLY. I like the RX, NX, style but this just does not work.It looks too whimpy.

[@marky678]

Slowest fast looking car ever.

[@waynewilliams1487]

You lost my interest as soon as you said it runs on a 4-banger! Id rather have a 260hpmurano! Same luxury experience for so much cheaper.

[@heilong79]

Disapointed. Head lights are so ugly and the performance is terrible. Toyota were make 280 hp turbo sedans back in the 90s(like my jzx chaser for example) that would destroy this car, arnt things meant to be getting bettet.

[@wonderwall135]

this car is bad. please nobody buy this

[@BillySmith808]

That is one outdated and very cheap looking interior

[@thareallest23]

Its a Toyota dont get fooled lol if u want laxury get beamer or benz

[@ARentz07]

Have you actually even sat in the car? Right off the bat it doesn't feel like a Toyota on the inside, let alone how it drives.

[@lameyste]

this guy above has probaby never been inside a lexus, i owned a bmw and the lexus is better in luxury, more comfortable and better looking than the bmw.

[@kickcitydc8215]

lexus is garbage i drive a benz u idiot

[@lameyste]

your garbage! if its not an AMG, im not interested in hearing idiot

[@kickcitydc8215]

stfu u japanese car lover fuck boy 😂