LEXUS GS vs LEXUS IS - IN-DEPTH COMPARISON!!!

Let's compare the Lexus GS (2013-2015) to the Lexus IS (2014-2016)
The IS is a compact sedan, whilst the GS is a mid-size sedan. So there will be some expected differences to these cars. The IS is more nimble, more sporty, compact, whilst the GS is larger, more premium, more smoother. With that comes some standard expectations. But some of the differences don't quite make sense - watch the video to find out!
Anything I missed? Drop it in the comments below.
0:00 Introduction
1:06 Exterior Styling
3:23 Interiors
4:57 Seats
7:48 Audio Systems
10:04 Ride Comfort
11:27 Infotainment
12:52 Rear Seats
15:05 Trunks
16:11 Lane Keep Assist/Lane Departure Warning
17:17 Gauge Clusters
19:54 Head-Up Displays (HUDs)
20:53 Park Brakes
21:40 Final Verdict

[@cliffvictoria3863]

2013-2015 GS is the sweet spot for the GS models. I'm a huge fan of my 2015 GS F Sport. Car still looks relevant and is a good combo of luxury plus some sport fun.

[@sammygoris]

Thanks for your comment! Did the 2015 get the new gauge cluster or was it just 2016+?

[@adnanthetruth]

@@sammygoris 2016 is when it changes.

[@jasonnguyen3055]

agreed. the facelifted GS is ugly

[@cliffvictoria3863]

@@sammygoris As mentioned by adnanhamdan, it's 2016 for the update. Toyota/Lexus is always behind on the gauge clusters and screen displays. They use what works and don't get on the new stuff bandwagon early. My car is nearly 8 years old and still looks/runs close to new. I have to admit, I keep the paint protection up big time and treat the leather to keep it fresh. A friend who is a sales manager for a dealer saw it last weekend and said it smells like a new car. I read the 2016+ cars seem slower to reviewers. Have no idea if this is true. 2015 moves well for "only" 306 hp. Not the quickest car I have owned (2003 modified Mustang Cobra plus several muscle cars when I was young) but it is fast enough for the street. Handles way better than the muscle cars did. EDIT: I have Continental Extreme Contact Sport tires and it's hard to get the car to break loose in corners unless I am really getting on it and turn traction control off. Adaptive suspension on the F Sport is great.

[@sammygoris]

@@cliffvictoria3863 thanks for your thorough comment. Yeah I guess that’s where I don’t understand why they are slow with screens and gauge clusters. It’s software, the skies the limit. There is no additional reliability concerns, once you’ve got a screen in there, there is no additional complexity in improving the functionality of the screen. Take a look at the 2023 LS, the flagship sedan, the best that Lexus has to offer, yet its gauge cluster has the exact same functions as the 2014 IS. However driver assistance tech, I understand. There is a lot more complexity in it so I do get why Lexus is slower with that tech. With the 2016 and up, I believe it’s because of the 8-Speed over the 6-Speed and slightly less aggressive gearing ratios?

[@arturforever2060]

Best review at the KZbin. And best information between GS vs IS. And me like another people that wideo is very helpful to choices one of the car . thank you👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@besamuyembe656]

One of the best car reviews I've ever watched! Thanks..

[@sammygoris]

Thanks! Very kind of you to say. Appreciate the comment!

[@georgezahorcak7764]

One more comment; Excellent review. Your observations are spot on.

[@timj41]

Have been really hoping for this video, bloody awesome Sammy

[@sammygoris]

Thanks! Appreciate it! Hope it’s useful!

[@supersoniqamanyi3075]

Fantastic dissection of a popular confusion

[@Driving_Somewhere]

Greetings from Singapore... Nice compare!

[@RamiAlNashi]

If you think about the purpose of each car, then that might explain why they include some feature and not others for both cars. The IS is a small sport sedan, hence lighter weight, better handling, more aggressive look will have higher priority. This might explain why it has lighter seats with less adjustment and a more driver focused cluster. There is no HUDs as they might have explained it as distracting when enthusiastically driving the car. I would not use the IS for long drives, the seats are tighter and the suspension is tuned for handling (specially the F Sport). The GS is more of a grand tourer, soft rider, with ambient lights, easy to read cluster, easy to to read HUD, more space ... etc. Other than the space difference between the cars, Lexus were targeting different audience for each and included features accordingly.

[@sammygoris]

I do understand that they are targeted to slightly different markets, but I don’t think the feature differences still make sense. All of the IS’ competitors have electronic trunks, why would the IS not get one? Why world a more premium car like the GS have a dated gauge cluster? It has nothing to do with the markets they are targeting. Yes the IS is a more nimble car, but it’s not so track-focused that it would negate having a couple of extra seat adjustments? I highly doubt weight savings were the reason to not add further adjustments. I disagree with the HUD point - the whole point of a HUD is that it’s less distracting than having to glance down. That’s why fighter jets have HUDs in them. I work in an airline and we train the philosophy around HUD use. And all the other compact sport sedans have HUDs. I intentionally designed the video to say that some differences are justified, because of their different markets and I did not mark those differences against the car, becauseI do understand the different purposes of each car. I believe I was being very fair with that. The problems I have are around the unjustified differences between each car.

[@vortexriver1071]

@@sammygorisi feel as though the differences may have been due to cost-cutting and trying to meet some type of budget, so they removed/used different versions for some things.

[@HailAzeez]

Best bloody review on both the cars!

[@sammygoris]

Thanks man! Appreciate it!

[@marcelosoian]

Thanks for the review. I would choose the GS definitely 💯, because of the comfort it offers. ❤

[@sammygoris]

Thanks for the comment. Yep the comfort of the GS never seizes to surprise me whenever I drive in it!

[@adrian_bwn]

GS, yes I agreed when you behind the wheel do look older, but you also look more rich and wiser 😅😂

[@gregblau8082]

Excellent comparison. Being that they're pretty close in price used and the gs has more room for the kids, making it more feasible for trips it would be the obvious choice for me. The is just looks so good though. I honestly think the es looks better too, but personally don't care for the drivetrain layout

[@athansio1122]

I have both.. AWD, F-sports, white w/ red interior. Awesome cars

[@jonathanmeshack7250]

I love the subtle look of the GS, Noone pays attention, and it boogies

[@RadzikOfficial]

Great review 👏🏻👏🏻 Thank you I’m going to buy GS

[@danielsun486]

I have an IS350 and a GS250 at the same time. I just love them both. IS350 is just effortless and the GS250 although less powerful, gives a bit more solid feeling in its chassis.

[@sammygoris]

Absolutely - both are great cars!

[@dlee7288]

I saw that GS listed on Trademe last night. Real clean.

[@MYSTERIO374]

I did my research before buying a Lexus and according to name a few car review’s Motortrend, Edmunds, Car.USNews this is how Lexus brand is being categorized for their sedans. The IS compact entry level luxury, ES midsize entry level luxury, GS midsize luxury and the LS full size luxury. I didn’t want to buy an entry level luxury. So I decided to buy a midsize luxury Lexus 2015 GS 350 F Sport.

[@sammygoris]

Yes, am, aware, and have studied this part of the car segment for a long time. I'm aware of compact, mid-size and full-size. Compact is always entry-level luxury, full-size is full luxury, and mid-size is somewhere in the middle. My complaints are about why some IS features aren't in the GS, which should just be a larger and premium version of the IS? And some features that are in the GS, should be in the IS, because they are not real 'luxury' features, they are just standard features. Why doesn't the IS get a HUD? A 2019 Toyota Corolla has a HUD and it's not even remotely a luxury car!

[@g.s.7383]

that's not true. ES is bigger than a GS, more comfort, more space, more of everything.ES is an Avalon equivalent nto a Camry.

[@maccaccino]

No driving experience comparison?

[@wjm3018]

I love the GS Fspor but hate paying for premium gas in canada. Big difference per tank about $15-20 more than regular unleaded.😅

[@georgezahorcak7764]

My contemporaries prefer me to drive. If it was only my wife and I, I would consider a loaded IS. However, life is more fun when shared with friends. My next purchase will be a loaded 2020 GS F Sport.

[@AliHaider-mg9ei]

Is there built-in WiFi and 3G/4G cellular connection in Lexus GS 2013 ?

[@MasterFDC58]

I have a GS 350 2013 model, and I would like to update the bumper to this exact one on the video. Does anyone know where I can find it?

[@Jairopepa]

eBay

[@off2geo]

I am "Old-Manish" I approve of the GS.

[@adnanthetruth]

I love the is, but boy, do I hate the cup holders. That's a big negative it can be extremely uncomfortable to lay your hand if a drink is there. Something for you to consider.

[@naumanzakir8005]

Besides comfort, What about driving dynamics of both cars? One is v6 rear drive and the other front wheel drive? Whats the difference?

[@RJtheREBEL21]

The GS is rear wheel drive just like the IS. The ES is the one that is front wheel. The GS and IS are essentially the same cars underneath, just the GS is stretched out and rides better. I own one and it's a much more premium experience than the IS. The only thing the IS has on it is the looks but you them around every corner. Plus the 350 motor is harder to find in the IS as opposed to the GS where almost every used one has it. I'm pretty sure the GS250 was never sold in America, only the 350.

[@jaycboii105]

Hey I’m 6’2 tall and I want a Lexus gs 350 2011 or is 350 which car is best for me since I’m tall and if those cars aren’t big enough for me what other good car should I consider?

[@sammygoris]

Hey man, I'd definitely go for the GS if you're 6'2. If you got an IS, there would be virtually no backseat as it's pretty tight. I'm short so it's not so bad for me. You could get an ES, but the ones around the same price range as a pre-facelift GS are fairly ugly. The GS looks a lot better. If you have the money then I'd get a 2020 ES or something, but again that's a different price bracket. Hope that helps!

[@qwertyui5086]

In fact IS has more head and legroom of the 2 at the front.

[@georgezahorcak7764]

I am sixty nine years old. I can actually get out of the car after 800 miles on a one day trip. Cruiser excellance!

[@MasterFDC58]

Greetings, I would like to know where you got that after market bumper for the GS Thank you, 58

[@sammygoris]

Hi there, I purchased mine from CAR-ACT. They were really helpful. I ordered a couple together with the friend which drastically brought the shipping prices down. Services was really good too and really good communication and after-sales support

[@Saramcmillan.]

Ive got a 2nd gen is 350 never used the passenger memory seats ever waste of time thats why no one else done it and they have learned from mistakes

[@gforcecoons5857]

Cool video sir. Something about you reminds me of Elon Musk LOL. I am clearly biased because I have a 2013 rear wheel drive F Sport GS, but I think the pre refresh 2013-2015 GS F Sports are easily the best looking versions of the GS. Also the F Sport trim offers a sharper driving experience than the non F Sport - quite close to the handling ability of the IS honestly. Also the IS is everywhere, and I like how the GS is not as commonly seen. The IS is definitely sharp looking but too small for me, and the interior in the GS is superior IMO. To each their own, they are both awesome cars.

[@sammygoris]

Thanks for your comment! Yep some good points you raised. See if I filmed this video like a few months back, I would’ve leaned slightly more in favour of the GS! I’m really on the fence. That’s definitely a point I thought of after too about there not being as many GSs, they’re more rare. I’m saying that, at least in NZ, Lexus is still fairly rare compared to BMW, Merc, Toyota, Ford etc. I do really like the space of the GS too. And I do wish I did say a bit more about how most people don’t like the PFL non-F GS, but there are some people who prefer the simpler looks of the larger grille etc, and I respect that. In the end I had to rush the video a bit because it was getting really windy! But yeah to each their own, too very great cars and different pros and cons and at the moment slightly more leaning towards the IS! Haha that’s quite funny about Elon musk! Made me laugh! Have a great day!

[@gforcecoons5857]

@@sammygoris Thanks for the detailed response I appreciate it. Just to reiterate I loved the video it was very well done. I'm not very typical as I would actually prefer an ES to an IS and I know that's a rare opinion. I respect the ES's cushiness and overall comfort over the IS's tight and cockpit like feel. I know most who care about cars like the IS more, but I'm unusual that way. I'm definitely glad I have a GS though, I feel it has a great balance between sportiness, comfort, and luxury.

[@qq3528]

I like that the is 2014 don’t have any keep assisting system and electronic parking brake

[@armanmirk]

Good review but the mentioned expectations and reasonings seems strange because you seem to expect every feature in GS to be available in IS. Well the IS series is intentionally a less premium product. They are nudging you towards the GS. It seems to me you actually like GS features and therefore that should be the car for you.

[@sammygoris]

I see where you're coming from, but I have taken those things into consideration. I tried (but maybe failed!) to clearly state that some things are premium features that you should only be available in a luxury mid-size sedan. I understand that. But in my opinion, across the industry standards, SOME of those things should be available on a luxury compact sedan. Look at how many luxury compact sedans come with HUDs? Look at how many luxury compact sedans come with powered trunks? Look at how many luxury compact sedans come with heated rear seats/3-zone climate? My friend's Hyundai i45 even comes with heated rear seats! The fact that the 2IS was industry-leading but the 3IS is industry-lagging? Do those expectations seem strange to you? Bear in mind that there were also plenty of things that I said that I will accept won't be as good in the GS too, I wasn't against every decision that was made, but just a small number of key things. Please also read the comment in a light-hearted conversational tone, not trying to sound argumentative but hard to capture my tone in a comment!

[@Oneofakind91]

IS starts around 40k which is lower than many of its competitors,. At that starting price you should expect some cost cutting. For the IS that was the non power trunk and power side mirrors. I used to drive the 16 IS and now I drive a 18 GS

[@EME-ep7ck]

Ok but which ones faster that’s what i was waiting for 😂

[@zureai]

You didn't mention how the IS is detuned meanwhile GS isn't

[@MichaelBraid-xf3dw]

Our IS 250 2nd gen sports has the Alcantara seating is far better than the leather if you can get that option grab it

[@g.s.7383]

try spillng liquid and youll see the difference in cleaning time and cost

[@leschampagnes1]

you haven't had a gs F sport though. The luxury package is old-manish lol. The F-sport is completely different and looks much better

[@arturforever2060]

Very big mistake at IS300h is the screen fit so down lower then air went, what look so bad. And if someone is les then 170cm high cant see a half of screen. Passages site front look so cheap and bad. Rest off the car is so beautifull.

[@gordonyz4]

U can't get the rear steering in IS

[@seanmcpherson7962]

How the GS is better and at the end but the is looks better so I'm going with that one. Kind of kind of funny. Why not just buy an Audi if looks are important to you? I'm sure an A4 85 or 86

[@hemantechnology3638]

IS

[@HarrietBergstrom]

P r o m o s m 🙏

[@mauriceldisgreecanadahaspr9560]

GS LEXUS IS BETTER THEN IS SEDAN GS BETTER LEG ROOM IS SEDAN CRAMPED BACK SEAT

[@cetujavu3466]

How the hack can you be comparing..and complain some features missing on is vs GS Its like comparing Toyota Corolla vs CAMRY..etc... Is250 is a entry level to Lexus line up.😂

[@georgezahorcak7764]

Hey! Old men don't need to make a show of it. We keep it in our pants until needed.