Is the 2024 Lexus IS 500 F a BETTER performance sedan than an Acura TLX Type S?

[@tigerhoods7927]

I’m glad some cars are still carrying the good ole v8 in 2024

[@TrafficMan7]

Save the V8s!

[@sidehop]

The sound...being able to shift...gas is still damn cheap in the good 'ol USA!

[@Richard_Fouts]

I'm one of the few people that appreciates the CD player! I have a CD collection of Deutschgrammaphone recordings that I can't part with.

[@bryanwashington9511]

The color is slick, the V8 is powerful, a fun car to drive, and of course reliable. Lexus has an awesome vehicle here Joe and Lori thank you both as always for the review, camera work, and on throttle experience!

[@RaitisRides]

We can’t do it without you Bryan

[@RMOnoodles]

I have the 350 f sport version of this vehicle. I didn’t even know they had a V8 🥹 now I’m upset but I will say I’m not a fan of the red Interior but i do love my car and it handles so well and smooth in sports mode I can’t image how this one feels.

[@Richard_Fouts]

@@RMOnoodles I know people generally love the red, but I'm not a fan either. All black or black/tan.

[@ghettosapien1392]

I had a 2014 IS350. Great build quality and rock solid reliability. The IS 500 is at the top of my list.

[@CCANGEL333]

what do you drive currently?

[@JohnnysGarage]

the acura is not even a comparison. get the lexus

[@leechristensen7387]

Im still driving my 1995 ls 400 with 307,000 miles all original it only burns a half a quart in between oil changes! Great video as always Raiti and the crew.

[@Bbc418]

Piece of junk, you should be ashamed of driving an old car like that, go buy a new car!

[@jmoorenyc7382]

Time to ugrade son…

[@pete23soccer]

Still driving my 2006 IS and with 215,000 still purrs. No issues at all. Oil change and tires. That’s it. Reliability to me is luxury. Lexus embodies both.

[@doggedlydetermined7022]

That V8 is an absolute peach!

[@RaitisRides]

You better believe it! Super sweet!

[@tougeruzbay]

Not for the price though 😒

[@Brianuwu622]

v8 with interior from 2007

[@jelicadujmovic9781]

Better 2007 interior than this modern plastic molded "luxury" interior other companies offer.

[@Brianuwu622]

@@jelicadujmovic9781 a bmw m340i would gap this junk while being reliable

[@davidp2888]

Had a 2014 IS 250. It cornered like a beast. The cabin was a bit tight but I loved driving it.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing that great ownership input.

[@ditiprel4]

was it reliable? Im in the market for that generation.

[@alpe6228]

the 2.5 is terrible,one of lexus worst engine ever.Just get a is350 and you are set for life.@@ditiprel4

[@A-Ylover0FtheLordJesus]

@@ditiprel4get the 350 it’s more reliable , Jesus Christ is coming back soon be ready he died for our sins. If you put your faith in him, God will forgive you for all your sins in Jesus name I pray you take this to heart .

[@Vinoisthename]

Very reliable ​@@ditiprel4

[@marcreginvea328]

I visited a Lexus dealership check out a IS500 and 350 and my favorite car KZbinr just posted, such a coincidence. I must say, that V8 is such intoxicating good!

[@Irishmanbikes]

I love the Lexus IS 500 without a pano roof in either red or white with smoked out windows.

[@RaitisRides]

That is a nice setup

[@TRDboi85]

Wow, that throttle response and sound

[@RaitisRides]

It’s beefy!

[@ARentz07]

Lots of quality on throttle in this one, Joe! I am an IS 500 owner, and yeah, I admit I sometimes watch videos of my own model of vehicle, which may seem silly. But I could listen to that V-8 all day long - I don't have the gas money to actually run the V-8 all day long, so Raiti's Rides will have to do. 😁

[@omendarklight1526]

Congratulations 🎉 it's a beast

[@yousef.al-assaf]

Glad am not the only one 😂

[@warriorsdynastypart275]

78k bro? I’m looking at it now

[@Matt-po4kc]

Same 😂

[@alpe6228]

Both are very good cars but I believe the tlx is a better all around daily driver especially in a country that gets harsh winters.If you live in a warm country,the is500 is a no brainer.

[@RaitisRides]

I appreciate you sharing your honest opinion

[@tacotuesday-z3j]

I personally purchased a 2023 IS500 and sold it within a few months - many other owners have done the same. Very special car however it really doesn't feel like a "performance sedan" at all aside from the V8. I do miss the exterior design tho, easily one of the best looking vehicles out there :)

[@RyneLanders]

Can you speak more? I really enjoyed the RCF, and while it's not as performant around bends or the track as the BMW performance sedans, it certainly felt plenty the part of an emotional performance executive car vs the RC 350 F Sport. I'd assume this car with the same power plant and transmission would be pretty similar.

[@madpistol]

Yep. I did the same. I had a BMW M440i before I got this because I wanted the V8... what a mistake. The Lexus V8 is nice, and the seats in the Lexus are very nice, but everything else, BMW just runs away with it. The IS 500 is NOT a sport sedan. It's more of a Grand Touring Muscle car, so make sure you understand this going into it.

[@kendrickmelendez8185]

@@madpistoltrue. Driving a m340i and then a 2023 Lexus IS500, I immediately understood it was a muscle car and a Japanese one ☝️. I like it but didn’t feel sporty, more like something’s you would cruise in.

[@rutgershouses]

I would be buying for the v8 and reliability those bmw will just be issues after issues

[@chrisshore9000]

BMW V8 have always and still have issues.

[@tonysag9626]

Great review as always Joe, I cross shopped the IS500 and the TLX type S and drove the Lexus home. The V8 driving experience and the Lexus quality plus superb sound system did it for me.

[@djsthemetereman]

I never test drove the is 500 but because I'm already an Acura owner, I wound up getting the Type S but I strongly considered the Lexus, Audi S4, & BMW m340i

[@Luv2WatchIt1]

​@@djsthemeteremanWhy would you recommend those brands? Do you have buyers remorse?

[@djsthemetereman]

@@Luv2WatchIt1 I don't at all because I've owned Acura since 2012 plus my dealership is exceptional & I know what to expect from Acura, now once I did on an Audi but the expense to repair is ridiculous outside of warranty and BMW will most likely be the same but Lexus is a quality vehicle, but in the end I'm happy with my car

[@TheSpeedDemon64]

6:06 I’m so glad that Lexus listened to you!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks man! It looks so much cleaner.

[@TheSpeedDemon64]

@@RaitisRides You’re welcome! It sure does look better that way.

[@swmann2]

Ya, wow. Beautiful. 👍​@@RaitisRides

[@reloadingdontshoot1]

It's a Lexus, so automatically yes (to answer your question). As a 2006 IS350 JDM owner, the stock airbox is so restricting, as is the exhaust. Choppy chop those secondary cats and stuff a CAI in one of these ASAP when you get one

[@RaitisRides]

Oh yeah! I love the way you think

[@adventuresandstuff]

Great review. Amazes me how many car brands are adopting this concrete color and calling it something fancy like "Incognito" lol

[@CCANGEL333]

A long time ago in traffic school, a police officer who was leading the class said that the cars that are closest to the color of the street are less likely to get a speeding ticket. However, a car with a high contrast such as firetruck red, is more likely to grab a cop's attention. Incognito is accurate in this case because the police officer said generally gray and silver cars mostly benefit.

[@ARentz07]

I have my IS 500 in Infrared, which I think suits the car a lot more. It's a bright, but not flashy, metallic red, similar to Mazda's Soul Red.

[@NPCHSN]

I call it “NPC Grey,” obviously.

[@stevenlegarretta5198]

Just wanted to show some appreciation for all your content! My drive to work is 45ish minutes and it's always a blast with your video going on to make the drive go by quick! Always end up craving twinkies but still. Always looking forward to what you have next !!

[@VS666]

We are literally just leaving the dealer after test driving one of these. Wow, that V8 is fucking MINT! I think we’re going to wait for a Gray one to come in and pull the trigger. Even on the inside that motor sounds incredible at full throttle

[@alanklaus7774]

That V8 is one BIG check in the plus column. I wish sunroofs were optional because I would prefer not to have one. Nice to enjoy driving vicariously with your on throttles. Thanks Joe

[@euripidesroques6648]

Great video! I remember your first on throttle in the 500! Big smile on you, reason why I bought mine without even driving it. I was I love with my car, unfortunately after 11 month of owning it I was rear ended and deemed totalled. I always come back to the videos to remind my self of this beautiful car. IMO mid 60k worth every penny.

[@Blvck0ne]

Absolutely gorgeous vehicle. That color reminds me of Nardo Grey that Audi offers. Only thing it’s missing is a DCT and AWD.

[@joenguyen2774]

Hi Joe, my name is also Joe Nguyen. I bought a 2022 Lexus IS350 with Dynamic Handling Systems. The MSRP was $60,000 plus tax. The Color is Infra Red. I like the car very much. It's fast, when I bought this car I didn't know they have an IS500. I watched a lot of your Videos. I will buy the IS500 and sell my IS350. Because I do like the V8 and it's faster. Plus Lexus is a great car with reliability and dependable. I don't like Acura at all. Their styles not a good looking car like the Lexus. I also bought a used 2015 Lexus LS460. It is a Beautiful and very comfortable and a fast car with a V8 386 Horse Power. Thank you for doing a great job reviewing all the Cars.

[@lostalx]

Lexus 3IS has bumper sagging. There's no fix for the IS 350 line but for the IS 500 the fix is glue and ziptie with epoxy, go to Clublexus and check it yourself. Lexus dropped the ball on the 3IS. Your car will also sag sooner or later. Sorry there's no replacement for us. Either buy a used GS F or a used RC F or a brand new LC 500, latest RC F has stripped off the Lexus Memory, Lexus Illuminated Entry, No Engine bracing. Lexus is becoming dogshit brand.

[@cruisertechgt]

My IS500 is in the garage and im here watching your video heheheh. Love this car so much - hard to get enough of itttt.

[@ericandrews1661]

Lucky. That's what I intend to do as well. I've been driving a beater for years and haven't even given new cars a thought. Nice to see that this is available.

[@danielfaflik4545]

I think Iv'e watched hundreds of your vids and I am so convinced Raiti has the local PD on his payroll.

[@joeluongo6079]

Thanks for doing these uncut spirited drives it’s really cool to see

[@rocknrolldog5116]

I was in the market for an Acura TLX Type S to replace my AWD TL. I searched everywhere, but there were none to be found in the state. I was very frustrated with Acura. My neighbor had an IS 350mF Sport and recommended one for me. I didn't know much about Lexus, so I did some research. That research led me to an IS500 F Sport Performance Premium with an Infrared exterior. I bought the car and have never looked back. It is so beautiful and gives me a smile every time I go out for a drive. I am now a Lexus enthusiast.

[@bigjdm5460]

Own one, on freeway it’s a dream, the trans, the V8, the suspension , cabin is silent besides the low growl. Great daily

[@Ryan-cp4rh]

It’s a great car. Before buying my CT4 BW I test drove the IS500 among several other cars . Ultimately it felt too heavy for me and not the driving experience I was looking for. It had the grunt but didn’t have the get up and go I was looking for.

[@MrLapley]

One thing, people miss is the rear seat fold down which is great for big item sliding across the trunk.I have mine for a year now, it's great for hailing big item for my business .it's almost like a wagon which I wish Lexus make one.Great review as alway.

[@Kiloechonovember1]

I own a TLX. It's possibly the better car of the two for the money but the IS500 is more exciting. Either way, you aren't making a mistake.

[@RickMentore]

With CD player, red interior and actual control dials this ride has cool retro hints. The 2024 Lexus IS 500 F is a fantastic ride!

[@andrewramirez3107]

That color is absolutely stunning! The wheels look super good and of course that amazing V8!

[@Unsalted375]

Hands down one of THE best V8s of all time. It's not rough sounding like american muscle V8s or germans but it's a very japanese V8, very smooth with a lot of character

[@xochilquetzal18]

I'm biased cause I have an IS500 and would choose it all over again over any other sports sedan

[@robertjackson8790]

It’s the IS for me. It looks great and you get that Lexus reliability. Great review!

[@blu_is500]

You're correct, the transmission in automatic mode can be a bit lazy at times. This is why mine is driven in Sport S+ and Manual all the time, so I stay in the correct gear/power band. The team has reviewed this car several times and I'm sure Lori could film every awesome angle in her sleep! 😀 I'm glad you guys have reviewed this car again, because folks get to see the consistency in each review. Several YT reviewers did not understand the purpose of the car the first go around and their reviews seriously missed the mark. 🙄 The second time around they got it and had to do a 180, but you guys were on it from the beginning. Well done and thanks for posting! 💙✌

[@jrc205]

23:00 haha you know that raiti got a little nervous seeing those two sheriff vehicles on the side of the road

[@dokktekk]

IS 500F for me. Japanese V8 power FTW!

[@Frossyt]

It’s a beautiful car. But why didn’t they put a full digital dash and what are they thinking not updating the infotainment system. They knocked the styling and interior out the park and that color is just stunning. It literally could’ve been a 10 outta the 10 but it’s just no awd and the other things I named.

[@pmiahky]

I bought this and traded in my 21 TLX SHAWD ASpec. I have the same interior but in Cloudburst Gray. Took 3.5 months to arrive. Could’ve been put in a Type S for pretty cheap and drove one. Two were sitting on the lot for awhile. I agree Joe on many points. However, the chassis to me is way more stable. The big reason why I changed. The Acura is still SO heavy and clunky feeling. I feel the IS500 is more planted and it’s a better build quality. The ELS 3D is pretty much on par with the Mark Lev. The ML just delivers more power and I love the CD player personally. I actually like the Lexus touchpad better but the TLX did a few things better like being able to split the Apple CarPlay and stock system on the main screen. But it works fine and I feel the cameras still do more in this Lexus system. I do miss the ambient lighting but that’s all really. It’s a smaller sedan so much easier to park city areas, tight garages, etc. The TLX is just SO big. It kinda became a nuisance for me honestly and again you feel the weight. This just looks so killer on the outside and the sound of the V8 is simply glorious. It’s definitely a head turner and I think my Cloudburst Gray looks more aggressive than the Incognito. Both high quality vehicles but I prefer the Lexus, the build, the better suspension/cabin fit n finish, etc. Over bumps and such this thing really is like a true luxury car. It’s a much tighter space in the cabin but I like that personally. Easily worth the higher price. More character even than a M340i but that car in a straight line burns this or the TLX Type S and the tranny is better than both Japanese.

[@virgilwimberly2071]

Anyone comparing TLX type S to this Lexus is lying to themselves. This Lexus runs circles around the Type S

[@justo4461]

The IS500 or IS350 will be my next ride. Everytime you do one of these or the IS350 I’m here watching!😁 I may be a little obsessed with this car.

[@majafarkhani87]

They are great cars I have a 350 now and will be getting a 500 in the future, for a daily its fun to throw in the corners and you can beat on them and get 200k+ miles easy.

[@abhisheknauduri7013]

I have a IS 350 myself! I love that baby

[@ARentz07]

I have owned both lol. I traded my IS 350 for a 500. There is something special about this platform for sure.

[@abhisheknauduri7013]

@ARentz07 How much extra did you pay for the 500 after trading in your 350?

[@ARentz07]

@@abhisheknauduri7013 I got my IS 500 for MSRP, if that is what you're asking. It was about $66,000.

[@Idtelos]

V8 naturally aspired...that rumble....very nice.

[@Rusty5000]

i always liked this car even with the price. the others are the tlx type s and g70 3.3T. each has its own strengths. but man the V8 rumble...nothing like it.

[@markremington8000]

Sure, there are better performers in this segment. But it sounds and looks great imo.

[@EN_autoblog]

Joe Raiti is da best when it comes to comparing car brands.

[@J.Nev.]

The Is500 Is A Bit Dated But I’ll Still Pick It Over The TLX. The V8 Induction And Exhaust Noises Are Purely Eargasms

[@mattmekhaeil]

The car is ancient as hell I don’t care myself but this car is last of its kind. 5.0 NA V8. I wish it can be here to stay :(

[@csm1015]

I love Arby's, but I'm going to need some Whataburger commentary in the near future!

[@RaitisRides]

You got it man!

[@raist315]

I love the TLX, but when it was time to head to the dealer, I came out with an IS500. When I have the choice, I'll always pick naturally aspirated.

[@edwarddejong8025]

I find red interiors a little ghastly. I prefer saddle brown or burgundy. Something about red seems tacky to me.

[@InsighterofTech]

I love the v8 just for the amount of fun it brings to driving ❤

[@RichSacPan]

This is THE best looking sedan on the market

[@RiceRyder]

Really considering adding this to the garage next to the LC500!

[@Dac54]

No zonk for not having a panoramic moonroof on this vehicle; in fact, to me, it's unnecessary on this and most other vehicles. Speaking for myself, I seldom open up the standard-sized moonroof on my vehicle, especially during the hot summer days; once in a while, I will make use of it in the evening and at night when the weather is warm.

[@jaguarsbeast4020]

Joe you can’t beat Lexus quality money in the bank we have sc430 2003 hard top convertible still looks current with the styling, great car review as usual you make me laugh every time I watch your reviews especially with the bulge comment s, keep rocking the reviews!!

[@BeeFourFifty]

That is a beastly beauty. I know it's asking for a lot these days but imagine that in a 7-speed manual!

[@nygariottley245]

An instant classic. It completes the ultimate collection LFA including

[@dbased1915]

I was looking at getting one of these a silver 2022 IS500 back in june, but insurance rates would be insane like 460-500 a month and that's with my record 100% clean, went with the IS350 f sport instead nowhere near as quick but found the spec i wanted silver with red and RWD!

[@jasonhayman9521]

Thats crazy I just got a quote for $180 a month.

[@dbased1915]

@@jasonhayman9521 yeah i pay around 285 per month for the IS350 i am 30 with no tickets or accidents either. I see videos of younger dudes with 90g BMW m4's claiming to only pay like 240 a month insurance. like what planet do ya'll live on?? lol

[@HappyDaze731]

I am in love with this car and the V8 is simply a big plus man. And that color is NASTY bruh 🩶🩶

[@pyramo3170]

I've owned one of these for a few months now. It definitely feels old at times and yeah, it's RWD so I've had that in the back of my head as I daily this car in bad weather. It gets all of the important stuff right for me. And I agree it's quiet, even with snow tires. And when you're done listening to the V8 (not sure when you would be!), the speaker system is great too.

[@Thebuscommunityleader]

Yeah of course Joe and this car is my daily.

[@RaitisRides]

That would be a great daily driver.

[@LONGWALDO]

And mine, great car!

[@williamfajardo7415]

Although the IS 500 looks long in the tooth in the design, it still holds up pretty well today in overall performance and appeal! I'd get one

[@Rocket9944]

I don't think it looks long in the tooth at all

[@LuisUrbieta]

Loving this Lexus IS500 F Sport & I think this is a dandy.

[@RaitisRides]

I’m so glad to hear Luis

[@LuisUrbieta]

@@RaitisRides Yeah Apostle Joe I love it.

[@nm4698]

I'm old, pushing 50, but why install a cd player? Add a usb 3.0 and have the owner put music on a usb stick. Boom, thousands of songs at your finger tips.

[@yousef.al-assaf]

It's a DVD player. You can watch movies when parked.

[@roxys744]

I do not care about the back seat, it’s all about the driver!! That’s why I am keeping my 4Runner, this 500 is all about me!!

[@johnconnors5123]

Led lights are called Triple Beam Head Lights . Optional comes with premium package on IS500.

[@jacksquat1265]

Will try to pass this off as the new family car. My only gripe is the transmission, but gosh that V8 is just amazing and will outlive us all.

[@vichetkim5533]

I'd get the IS 500 F over the Acura without blinking an eye because complexity is the enemy of reliability.

[@conroexlexx8267]

I want this car in this specific color! Great review!

[@RaitisRides]

You have very good taste!

[@CoolGuy-ux5wx]

I sat in one at the OC autoshow, and man its like love at first sight. Once I sat in this car at the OC auto show, and man its so comfortable. The car felt so comfortable to sit in. And it is one of my favorite sport luxury sedans, other than the CT5V Blackwing.

[@kimberlyanderson8203]

I love. The panoramic view would’ve been nice, but I’ll take the sunroof! I’m really feeling this car! I’m sold and want one!

[@sabbaticalcountdown]

Lexus really needs to update that interior and infotainment, it's sooo outdated

[@jamesbarbato2192]

For me no updating I don’t want an iPhone tablet running across the whole top of the dash. It’s classy it’s a little old-school.

[@RedRyz3n]

@@jamesbarbato2192buy an older model?

[@meapl3]

Why fix what's not broken?

[@jacobeparsels9251]

​@@meapl3 He must be an engineer 😂

[@dz_gt500]

⁠@@meapl3It’s outdated, that design has been around 2014 on the is. 2013 gs350s had it as well. The software itself is dated like joe said and then you have the touch pad which not everyone is a fan of. Previous models didn’t have touchscreen so at least now that’s added. If you have a 3is v1 or v2(250/350/200t)there really isn’t a reason to upgrade unless you like the redesign of the v3.

[@Gius_13]

Acura may have the heads up display but.. ARBYS, WE HAVE THA MEATS! 🍔

[@RaitisRides]

Now this is truly perfect!

[@nhatvu5502]

If you’re buying for power go and the rarity later on go with is 500, if you want to be more practical as all around tlx has it, both has its own league but I’d rather go with tlx type s.

[@kiyalami8478]

Veeeeee8 NA EVERYDAY, ANYDAY. Sounds so good in that IS500

[@macaron3141592653]

Its crazy that Lexus has neglected this car so much that they didn't bother giving it the latest infotainment software. This V8 is cool but the rest of the lineup has ten year old engines, whereas the SUV's get new hybrid powertrains and the ES has the latest version of the V6.

[@lowKut]

Lexus V8 is a win by itself, period!!!

[@RaitisRides]

You are so very right about that!

[@RaulSanchez-mp4om]

It's all about that engine, hopefully I'll get one of those in the future. Great video !

[@kaharimoore9978]

They still haven’t updated the interior

[@shahrukhbakar3248]

I’m probably not the only one thinking this, but I’m cross shopping the IS500 with the ITS and the TLX Type S. Between the IS500 and the TLX Type S, you’re really looking at the IS500 for its NA V8, and in that case, the other positive attributes of the TLX Type S get drowned out because V8 >>> V6. Otherwise, I would pick the roomier ITS with the 6MT.

[@bigjdm5460]

I own a is500 but the Type S transmission and engine sound when shifting is top notch. Honda is elite when it comes to performance engines. Now Ive never driven one so I dnt know what the computer allows and doesn’t when manually shifting or how the car sounds inside but I like it.

[@shahrukhbakar3248]

I like the ITS for the size and 6MT for sure. I’ve driven the ITS and a IS300 but not the IS500. The IS300 felt well made. The ITS’s driving inputs are much sharper and the 6MT is great but I found the engine sound rather unsatisfying and the pops and bangs are obnoxious. I prefer the smooth and sonorous V8 sound for sure. In terms of build quality I am drawn to the IS500 being built in Japan and it is a notch better than the ITS. I was not impressed by the uneven hood shut lines in the ITS.

[@shahrukhbakar3248]

What are you thoughts on your IS500?

[@bigjdm5460]

@@shahrukhbakar3248 not to talk your head off. I’m a former Nissan tech and a Toyota salesman . The IS500 power plant is a performance engine. Its revs without resistance and it screams (even with garbage OEM headers and muffled exhaust system.). Transmission isn’t a PDK (I’ve driven 992 911 GT3’s and Panamera TURBO’s etc) BUT the is500 transmission doing daily duties is smooth , smooth , smooth. It doesn’t like to be on the fence. If ur driving hard , it wants to be driven hard and it’ll give you hard Crisp quick shifts, and downshifts. Throttle response at 4.5K rpm and higher is razor sharp. Bangs off the limiter and everything. Car looks amazing , presence is always 10/10 on road. Cabin is built well, no noise and windows aren’t LS thick but u really dnt get road and wind noise at all. Suspension is soft with Subs stiff anti bars. Car is pretty flat but it rolls and dampers are soft so any high speed bumps the car is slow to rebound. A mature luxury street setup if you ask me. If u want M3/Q50 red sport / etc stiff u will need coilovers. I believe front suspension and chassis is from a GS. So it feels like a luxury cruiser. Has long gears and with the 5.0L it’s home is the expressway, effortless , smooth , and aggressive if you need it. Gears 1-2 are violent in a muscle car way with traction control off. 3-5 are solid . Anything higher the engine makes no growl and ur in a Lexus and ur just cruising. I’m all over the place but that’s my observation for the most part.

[@shahrukhbakar3248]

I think your observations are key. The people who get disappointed are the ones who think this is an M3 rival. It isn’t. It’s a big Japanese luxury cruiser with muscle car tendencies. It has to be appreciated for what it is.

[@paulac1234]

I have the 2021 IS350 refresh, first year of the exterior refresh in pearl white with circuit red interior and still love it to this day! Good enough for daily driving on the main roads, comfortable seats and interior. Some say outdated inside, but I love the old school feel of the interior with the updated exterior. Do I wish it was a bit more torquier and hp and had a bit better gas mileage? Yes! That would be my only two zonks lol. This is where this IS500 comes into play and wish this was out back in 2021. Would have got this to check all of my boxes instead of the 350. Nevertheless, Lexus is an amazing and reliable brand that you just can’t go wrong with Thanks for this one as always Joe :-)

[@cerinawoehrley4199]

Lol I was looking to buy a camry xse v6 3.5 soon to replace my old one that was total out.. for around 37.000. but but. I was offered a is350 22 v6 Awd with 6 000 miles from a dr I work with for 30 I my go on it

[@majafarkhani87]

make sure you drive it and the bump by your right leg for the awd doesnt bother you, I had a 250 awd and ended up trading it for a 350 rwd because it made the driving position uncomfortable plus the extra power was nice.@@cerinawoehrley4199

[@paulac1234]

@@cerinawoehrley4199go for it! You won’t regret it :-) Good luck.

[@ronaldhitchings1847]

Thanks for the review. A couple of comments mentioned that the IS hasn't had a ground up redesign since 2007. If that's true, it's stunning. It would explain why the console touch pad is still there. Why there is no wireless smartphone charging pad and no back seat amenities. Not to mention some other older technologies. I have a 2021 Corolla XSE (Japan made) with the rarer JBL sound system, and it has a wireless smartphone charging pad. There are obviously nice features in this car, but at $70000 out the door, this car needs a redesign to make that price worthwhile. So, no I don't love this car. I prefer luxury performance cars from Japan (not Acura). However, until we get those redesigns, you can't overlook the latest BMW M240i or M340i. I'm looking forward to an "On throttle" in a 24' GR86.

[@ARentz07]

Honestly, while I agree it would be nice to have that stuff, you can't deny there is something special about this car - the looks, the engine, and the promise of reliability in a market segment not really known for having reliable vehicles. While my wandering eyes have gone in the direction of the BMW M240i and M340i recently, I haven't felt super motivated to go check them out because BMW steering is just not great along with iDrive 8 being quite complex. I had an X1 loaner recently while the other car, my X3, was in for service, and it had iDrive 8 - not a huge fan. If I did pick up one of those other cars, it'd have to be CPO so it wouldn't be a new one saddled with the new infotainment - which makes no sense to me to go from an IS 500 I got brand-new down to a used car. Ew. Not that iDrive 8 is a deal-breaker or anything, but like, why can't I have a heated seat button? Is that too much to ask? The IS has a button for everything! I digress...

[@MimicMan0324]

Love this car! Love Lexus! Love the Mark Levinson sound. Don't love the red interior. I know its supposed to be a sports sedan, but in my opinion the red really cheapens up the interior. And the panoramic roof would be awesome 👌

[@sukhothai123]

The V8 in itself puts this car in it's own class. Add the sliding bezel in the cluster gauge, and the nostalgic elements (analog clock, cd player, non-tech climate controls, etc...), and this is an instant classic. Can't believe Lexus dealerships have these in stock.

[@slickrichelicopter8977]

Still one of the best looking cars....PERIOD.

[@b.lemire7453]

I like how you got the Lexus and Acura in almost the same color so we can compare them. Love the V8 in the IS but I think the Acura is my overall choice. Great review as always.

[@RaitisRides]

I was actually impressed by that as well! Thank you for letting me share it with you!

[@Sirlockholmes]

Acura looks basic

[@al_f.miami.semperefideles2879]

Wow, the sound of that V8 at full throttle is the selling point ! Acura TLX Type S is a newer and prob has more advanced tech ( Turbo V6 , SH AWD ) but man I think it all goes out the window with the V8 sound. as a speculator id bet the Lexus V8 will be a rarity and a collectible ….

[@commandertopgun]

FANTASTIC REVIEW RAITTI, I AM BUYING ONE THIS YEAR-LOVE IT. THANKS BROTHER WELL DONE.

[@TheRasta4ri]

So far you're the only one that didn't bypass or overlook cd player like it wasn't there

[@timcriswell2964]

Lexus is 2nd to none

[@matttakahashi8283]

The exterior is sexy, the interior tech is a joke from the 2010s

[@Nobiggiesal]

Owner of a 2011 IS-F and briefly thought about moving it for an IS500, but realized the IS-F is too damn special.

[@pinkisforpimps]

The price on this is ridiculous compared to the competition

[@rohanm54]

I’m pretty sure the SH-AWD in the TLX Type S is RWD bias, not FWD bias like on the advance pakgs and below.

[@DK-by5bq]

26:49 the smoke out the back

[@AaronRobinProductions]

Good looking car and you can’t go wrong with a Na v8. Makes me want to get another Lexus. I had a 2015 is350 for several years and it was a great car.

[@blairbrown4812]

V8 engine and an automatic transmission as opposed to the manual that's the only transmission in the Type S? The IS-500 is certainly perfect for me!

[@PapaHill822]

The v8 on that badass car doesn’t sound aggressive. It’s alright.