Archived model-year dossier
2016 Lexus IS
The 2016 Lexus IS drops the IS 250 for the new IS 200t, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four making 241 horsepower and an eight-speed automatic, the first non-six-cylinder IS. The all-wheel-drive IS 300 uses a 255-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. NHTSA lists no recalls and 18 complaints, led by service brakes (5). Used ones run $17,600 to $22,500 per Kelley Blue Book.
Configurations4
Model/option labels4
Combined efficiency21–26 MPG/MPGe
Electric rangeNot listed
Decision answers6
What changed on the 2016 Lexus IS
Lexus (opens in a new tab) says the 2016 IS comes with three engines: the new IS 200t has a twin-scroll turbocharged 2.0-liter four making 241 hp and 258 lb-ft with an eight-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive, and the all-wheel-drive IS 300 has a modified 3.5-liter V6 making 255 hp with a six-speed automatic. The Truth About Cars (opens in a new tab) reviews the turbo, which is the first time the IS has had anything but a six-cylinder.
Carvana (opens in a new tab) lists the IS 250 as gone and standard 18-inch wheels on the IS 350. Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) lists ratings of 19/26 to 22/33 mpg and used 2016 ISs at $17,600 for the IS 200t up to $22,500 for the IS 350 at a dealer.
Recalls and problems owners report
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2016 IS. Owners have filed 18 complaints: service brakes with 5, structure and electrical system with 3 each, and fuel and propulsion system, air bags and tires with 2 each.
Consumer Reports (opens in a new tab) keeps a reliability page for the year.
2016 IS against the 3 Series, C-Class and A4
EPA rates the 2016 IS at 21 to 26 mpg combined and $3,000 to $3,700 a year in fuel. The BMW 3 Series lists 23 to 35 at $2,500 to $3,350, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class 20 to 30 at $2,600 to $3,900, and the Audi A4 24 to 27 at $2,850 to $3,250. The IS trails the 3 Series and A4.
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2016 Lexus IS: 3 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | 0–60 mph | Top speed | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IS 200t | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Auto, 8-Spd w/Multi-Mode | RWD | 241 | 258 | 6.9 s | 22 / 33 / 26 mpg | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | |
| IS 300 | 3.5-liter V6 | Automatic, 6-Spd | AWD | 255 | 236 | 6.1 s | 131 mph | 19 / 26 / 21 mpg | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| IS 350 | 3.5-liter V6 | Automatic, 8-Spd | RWD | 306 | 277 | 5.6 s | 143 mph | 19 / 28 / 22 mpg | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Ground clearance | Turning circle | Fuel tank | Front headroom | Front legroom | Payload | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IS 200t | 3,583 lb | 183.7 in | 56.3 in | 110.2 in | 5.3 in | 34.2 ft | 17.4 gal | 38.2 in | 44.8 in | 825 lb | P225/45VR17 |
| IS 300 | 3,737 lb | 183.7 in | 56.3 in | 110.2 in | 5.1 in | 35.4 ft | 17.4 gal | 38.2 in | 44.8 in | 825 lb | P225/45VR17 |
| IS 350 | 3,593 lb | 183.7 in | 56.3 in | 110.2 in | 5.3 in | 34.2 ft | 17.4 gal | 38.2 in | 44.8 in | 825 lb | P225/40YR18 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2016 Lexus IS trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | IS 200t | IS 300 | IS 350 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | |||
| Anti-theft alarm | Std | Std | Std |
| Blind-spot alert | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Child door locks | Std | Std | Std |
| Rearview camera | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Front and rear parking sensors | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Rear parking sensors | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std | Std |
| Traction control | Std | Std | Std |
| Technology | |||
| Text-message reader | Std | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth audio streaming | Std | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth | Std | Std | Std |
| Hands-free calling | Std | Std | Std |
| IPod connector | Std | Std | Std |
| Built-in internet access | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Navigation system | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Premium audio system | Std | Std | Std |
| Real-time traffic information | Std | Std | Std |
| Satellite radio | Std | Std | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std | Std |
| Voice recognition | Std | Std | Std |
| Emergency and security services | Std | Std | Std |
| Comfort | |||
| Heated front seats | Opt | Std | Opt |
| Heated steering wheel | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Heated mirrors | Std | Std | Std |
| Power front seats for driver and passenger | Std | Std | Std |
| Power driver's seat | Std | Std | Std |
| Leather seats | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std | Std |
| Folding rear seat | Std | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | |||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Std | Std |
| Fog lights | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear spoiler | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Remote liftgate or trunk release | Std | Std | Std |
| 12-volt power outlet | Std | Std | Std |
| Power windows | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Std | Std | Std |
| Proximity keyless entry | Std | Std | Std |
| Push-button start | Std | Std | Std |
| Cruise control | Std | Std | Std |
| Integrated garage-door opener | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear-window defroster | Std | Std | Std |
| Rain-sensing wipers | Opt | Opt | Opt |
Complete certification table
4 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36891IS 200t | 2L 4-cyl SIDI & PFIConventional | Rear-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Premium | 22 | 32 | 26 | N/A |
| 36892IS 300 AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl SIDI & PFIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6) | Premium | 19 | 26 | 21 | N/A |
| 36893IS 350 | 3.5L 6-cyl SIDI & PFIConventional | Rear-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Premium | 19 | 28 | 22 | N/A |
| 36894IS 350 AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl SIDI & PFIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6) | Premium | 19 | 26 | 21 | N/A |
Model-specific answer center
6 answers for this exact family-year.
Q01What changed on the 2016 Lexus IS versus the 2015 Lexus IS?
Model year
Against the 2015 Lexus IS: Model/option labels added: IS 200t, IS 300 AWD. Model/option labels no longer listed: IS 250, IS 250 AWD, IS 250 C, IS 350 C. Engine descriptions added: 2L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI. Engine descriptions no longer listed: 2.5L 6-cyl SIDI. EPA size classes no longer listed: Subcompact Cars. Certification records went from 6 to 4. Midpoint combined efficiency moved from 22.5 to 23.5 MPG/MPGe.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov certification records for both model years
Q02How quickly does the 2016 Lexus IS accelerate from 0 to 60 mph?
Performance
The 2016 Lexus IS's 0-60 mph time is 5.6 seconds on the IS 350, 6.1 seconds on the IS 300 and 6.9 seconds on the IS 200t. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q03What is the 2016 Lexus IS's top speed?
Performance
The 2016 Lexus IS's top speed is 131 mph on the IS 300 and 143 mph on the IS 350. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q04What size wheels does the 2016 Lexus IS have?
Wheels and tires
The 2016 Lexus IS's wheel diameter is 17 inches on the IS 200t and IS 300 and 18 inches on the IS 350. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q05How do the 2016 Lexus IS trims differ from one another?
Trims
The IS 300 has 255 hp against 241 and AWD instead of RWD and heated front seats as standard equipment over the IS 200t. The IS 350 has 306 hp against 255 and RWD instead of AWD over the IS 300.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q06What engine oil does the 2016 Lexus IS take?
Maintenance
The 2016 Lexus IS owner's manual specifies SAE 0W-20 engine oil. Source: 2016 Lexus IS owner's manual. The 2015 model year has the same figure.
Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2016 Lexus IS.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Check the exact vehicle, not just the model name.
Recalls, build data and service applicability are determined at VIN level, not by model name.
01 · NHTSASafety ratings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck open safety recalls by 17-character VINOfficial VIN remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAQuery another year, make, model and option1984–current browser →
FuelEconomy.gov data source (opens in a new tab) · Methodology
Other model years
Compare the Lexus IS across model years.
Ownership desk
Problems and maintenance decisions worth checking next.
Towing and traileringTrailer running, brake or turn lights do not workStop driving →Towing and traileringWhy the payload sticker beats the brochure maximumRoutine →Diesel ownershipDiesel fuel was put in a gasoline vehicleStop driving →Body, water and noiseVehicle door will not latch in cold weatherStop driving →Seasonal and storagePreparing a vehicle for winter storageRoutine →Seasonal and storageVehicle suspected of a lightning strikeStop driving →