Archived model-year dossier
2020 Lexus IS
The 2020 Lexus IS is mostly a carryover, with the Black Line Special Edition expanding to the IS 350 F Sport in a run limited to 900 units. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns and 9 complaints. Used ones run $22,500 to $28,900 per Kelley Blue Book, and EPA rates the IS 21 to 24 mpg combined.
Configurations4
Model/option labels4
Combined efficiency21–24 MPG/MPGe
Electric rangeNot listed
Decision answers5
What changed on the 2020 Lexus IS
The Lexus newsroom (opens in a new tab) says the Black Line Special Edition expands for 2020 to the IS 350 F Sport, rear- or all-wheel drive, in addition to the IS 300 F Sport, limited to 900 units in total. It adds F Sport 18-inch split-spoke wheels with a black vapor chrome finish, a black chrome grille surround, black exterior mirrors, black-and-gray seats with Indigo Blue stitching, and standard triple-beam LED headlamps, navigation and blind spot monitor. Both engines carry over.
Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) puts used 2020 IS prices at $22,500 for the IS 300 up to $28,900 for the IS 350 F Sport at a dealer, and lists fuel economy from 20/28 mpg to 21/30 mpg city and highway.
Recalls and problems owners report
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2020 IS.
Owners have filed 9 complaints: unknown or other with 3, and power train, engine, fuel and propulsion system and suspension with 2 each, and steering with 1. Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) keeps a common-problems page for the year.
2020 IS against the 3 Series and A4
EPA rates the 2020 IS at 21 to 24 mpg combined and $3,250 to $3,700 a year in fuel. The BMW 3 Series lists 28 to 30 mpg at $2,600 to $2,750, and the Audi A4 26 to 30 mpg at $2,600 to $3,000. Both German rivals are clearly more efficient than the IS.
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2020 Lexus IS: 4 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 300 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Direct Shift | RWD | 241 | 258 | 6.9 s | 143 mph | 21 / 30 / 24 mpg | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| IS 300 F SPORT | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Direct Shift | RWD | 241 | 258 | 6.9 s | 143 mph | 21 / 30 / 24 mpg | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| IS 350 | 3.5-liter V6 | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Direct Shift | RWD | 311 | 280 | 5.6 s | 142 mph | 20 / 28 / 23 mpg | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| IS 350 F SPORT | 3.5-liter V6 | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Direct Shift | RWD | 311 | 280 | 5.6 s | 142 mph | 20 / 28 / 23 mpg | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Turning circle | Fuel tank | Front headroom | Front legroom | Payload | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IS 300 | 3,583 lb | 184.3 in | 56.3 in | 110.2 in | 34.2 ft | 17.4 gal | 38.2 in | 44.8 in | 825 lb | P225/45R17 |
| IS 300 F SPORT | 3,583 lb | 184.3 in | 56.3 in | 110.2 in | 34.2 ft | 17.4 gal | 38.2 in | 44.8 in | 825 lb | P225/40R18 |
| IS 350 | 3,594 lb | 184.3 in | 56.3 in | 110.2 in | 34.2 ft | 17.4 gal | 38.2 in | 44.8 in | 825 lb | P225/40R18 |
| IS 350 F SPORT | 3,594 lb | 184.3 in | 56.3 in | 110.2 in | 34.2 ft | 17.4 gal | 38.2 in | 44.8 in | 825 lb | P225/40R18 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2020 Lexus IS trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | IS 300 | IS 300 F SPORT | IS 350 | IS 350 F SPORT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | ||||
| Adaptive headlights | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Anti-theft alarm | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Blind-spot alert | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Child door locks | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Pedestrian detection | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Front and rear parking sensors | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Traction control | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Technology | ||||
| Text-message reader | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth audio streaming | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hands-free calling | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Navigation system | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Premium audio system | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Real-time traffic information | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Satellite radio | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Voice recognition | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Emergency and security services | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Comfort | ||||
| Heated front seats | Opt | Std | Opt | Std |
| Heated steering wheel | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Heated mirrors | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power front seats for driver and passenger | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power driver's seat | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Front and rear climate zones | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Folding rear seat | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | ||||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Privacy glass | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear spoiler | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Remote liftgate or trunk release | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| 12-volt power outlet | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power windows | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Proximity keyless entry | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Push-button start | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cruise control | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Integrated garage-door opener | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear-window defroster | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rain-sensing wipers | Opt | – | Opt | – |
| Limited-slip differential | – | – | – | Std |
Complete certification table
4 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42121IS 300 | 2L 4-cyl SIDI & PFIConventional | Rear-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Premium | 21 | 30 | 24 | N/A |
| 42117IS 300 AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl SIDI & PFIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6) | Premium | 18 | 24 | 21 | N/A |
| 42118IS 350 | 3.5L 6-cyl SIDI & PFIConventional | Rear-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Premium | 20 | 28 | 23 | N/A |
| 42119IS 350 AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl SIDI & PFIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6) | Premium | 19 | 26 | 21 | N/A |
Model-specific answer center
5 answers for this exact family-year.
Q01What changed on the 2020 Lexus IS versus the 2019 Lexus IS?
Model year
Nothing in the certification data changed, so the 2020 Lexus IS carries the 2019 Lexus IS's figures forward: 4 certification records labelled IS 300, IS 300 AWD, IS 350, IS 350 AWD, 2L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI, 3.5L 6-cyl SIDI & PFI, all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive on premium, rated 21-24 combined MPG/MPGe and an EPA annual fuel cost of $3,250 to $3,700.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov certification records for both model years
Q02How quickly does the 2020 Lexus IS accelerate from 0 to 60 mph?
Performance
The 2020 Lexus IS's 0-60 mph time is 5.6 seconds on the IS 350 and IS 350 F SPORT and 6.9 seconds on the IS 300 and IS 300 F SPORT. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q03What is the 2020 Lexus IS's top speed?
Performance
The 2020 Lexus IS's top speed is 142 mph on the IS 350 and IS 350 F SPORT and 143 mph on the IS 300 and IS 300 F SPORT. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q04What size wheels does the 2020 Lexus IS have?
Wheels and tires
The 2020 Lexus IS's wheel diameter is 17 inches on the IS 300 and 18 inches on the IS 300 F SPORT, IS 350 and IS 350 F SPORT. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q05How do the 2020 Lexus IS trims differ from one another?
Trims
The IS 300 F SPORT has heated front seats as standard equipment over the IS 300. The IS 350 has 311 hp against 241 over the IS 300 F SPORT. The IS 350 F SPORT has heated front seats and a limited-slip differential as standard equipment over the IS 350.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2020 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
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