The Lexus IS brings a lot of excitement for the 2022 model year, but that does not mean it was never exciting. Lexus was intelligent enough to give it a facelift for the 2021 model year, ensuring that the lack of a new generation has no bearing on sales. The IS was always a daily-driver kind of sports sedan, which offered both, comfort and decent performance. But, rivals like the 3 Series, the C-Class, and the A4, are more dynamic on the road when compared to the IS. Surely you would love to take the IS on the highways, but what if you wanted to take it to the track? For the 2022 model year, Lexus has started rolling out the more performance-focused IS500 F Sport Performance models. These models are not only powered by a throatier 5.0-liter V-8 but also come with an adaptive sport suspension, quad-exhaust tips, and upgraded brakes. As for the standard IS300, there are still two engine options, one is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot, and the other one is the underpowered 3.5-liter V-6 which also powers the IS350 F Sport, but is rated at 311 horsepower. It is a bit confusing about the whole IS, but we will try to simplify them in the latter part of the review. Apart from performance, Lexus cars are more about luxury and exquisite craftsmanship, which we witness with every line-up. Do all of these make Lexus a more approachable brand? Is the Lexus IS the best buy for you?

What’s New for the 2022 Lexus IS?

As promised, Lexus brought the all-new IS500 F Sport Performance models, which come powered by a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V-8 engine along with more aggressive exterior styling elements, such as a bulged hood, quad exhaust tips, and a rear spoiler. The base IS300 and the mid-trim IS350 now can be optioned with the Premium package, which packs 19-inch wheels with summer tires and door jamb protectors for the front row doors. Rain-sensing wipers and an auto-dimming rearview mirror are also available through the Comfort package. The IS350 brings an additional Memory package that packs memory settings for the driver seat, the power-adjustable steering wheel, and the exterior mirrors. The IS350 can be optioned with a rear power sunshade, too.

2022 Lexus IS Trims

2022 Lexus IS Trims

IS Exterior

If you choose any of the performance sedans in the segment, based on the looks, we would happily choose the Lexus IS. With the 2021 model year facelift, the IS now has both aggressive front and rear bumpers. The LED headlights have become slimmer with the L-shaped DRLs on top of them. The spindle grille is now bigger and has 3D-mesh patterns all over it. Moving to the lower part of the front fascia, the sides have the fake brake-cooling vents, but they add to the overall aggressiveness of the IS. As for the new IS500 F Sport Performance models, the fake brake-cooling vents are replaced with the working ones. The hood has considerable bulges and has been raised by two inches to accommodate the beast of a V-8 engine.

The sides of the Lexus IS expose aggressive side skirts, 18-inch wheels (IS300) or 19-inch (IS350 F Sport, IS500 F Sport Performance) wheels, and a sloping roofline. The rear is pretty much the same in all the models, which includes an L-shaped LED light bar and a rear spoiler. The differences lie in the exhaust design, in which the non-IS500s sport twin exhaust tips and a fake rear diffuser, while the IS500 models come with a quad exhaust set-up, along with a real diffuser. A sunroof is optional on both, the IS300 and the IS350 F Sport, but is standard on the IS500 F Sport Performance. We love how the facelifted Lexus IS looks, and that makes it a real head-turner on the road.

Dimensions

The current Lexus IS300 and IS350 F Sport measures 185.4 inches in length, while the IS500 F Sport Performance is about two inches longer at 187.3 inches. The 72.4-inch width, 56.7-inch height, and 110.2-inch long wheelbase remain standard across all models. The ground clearance available in all three models is 5.5 inches. The base IS300 weighs 3,847 pounds, while the range-topping IS500 F Sport Performance weighs 3,891 pounds. The 3 Series and the IS are similar in terms of the overall length, width, height, and even ground clearance. The former, however, has the longest wheelbase followed by the C-Class, which has the least ground clearance. The Giulia might be a bit shorter, when it comes to the overall length, but is the widest option among the other three cars.

2022 Lexus IS Exterior Dimensions

Exterior Colors

A wide range of colors are available for Lexus’ only sports sedan. Grecian Water, Atomic Silver, Caviar, and Matador Red Mica are available free of cost. Other available color choices like Iridium, Eminent White Pearl, and Cloudburst Gray are available for $425. The IS350 F Sport models drop the Matador Red Mica and Eminent White Pearl for Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0, Infrared, and Ultra White. These colors too are available with the top-spec IS500 F Sport Performance models. However, the limited production Launch Edition model comes wrapped in Incognito Dark Gray, and with the black accents on the front fascia, it looks sportier than it ever did.

2022 Lexus IS Exterior Colors

IS Performance

When it comes to performance, it seems that the IS never was meant to take down the competition, where the Germans thrive. Yes, the driving pleasure is present, but there are a couple of shortcomings that come with that. The base 2.0-liter engine is turbocharged, but its 241 horses and 258 pound-feet of torque, do not match the competition, especially the base Giulia’s whopping 280 horsepower and 306 pound-feet. If you are thinking of going for the all-wheel-drive model of the IS300, the result is even worse. You have to bid goodbye to the instantaneous torque of the turbocharged engine, and welcome a more sluggish experience. Also, the gearbox will change from an eight-speed unit to a six-speed. Longer gear ratios are great for highway driving, but you will not be able to squeeze every bit of power available to you unless you have the transmission come to ideal temperatures.

Launch the base IS300, and you will do a 0-60 in 6.9 seconds. Woah, that’s slow! The V-6 equipped IS300 does a little better at 6.1 seconds to 60 miles per hour. The IS350 F Sport is a better performer, overall, which is being powered by the same 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V-6 from the IS300 AWD, but gains a lot more power, thanks to the F Sport badging. It puts a good 311 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, driving either rear wheels or all four wheels. As a result, the 0-60 is faster at 5.6 seconds, as per Car and Driver. The last offering from the group is the monstrous IS500 F Sport Performance, which is an all-new model for 2022. A 5.0-liter V-8 roars under the hood, and it puts out a good 472 horsepower. Car and Driver tested this V-8 powered IS and recorded a 0-60 miles per hour in 4.3 seconds, and a standing quarter-mile in 12.8 seconds. If you are interested in performance, either the IS350 F Sport or the IS500 F Sport Performance will be the best for you. But keep in mind that none of the IS models can beat its equivalent rivals from Germany or even Italy, if you consider the Alfa Romeo Giulia.

Engine and Transmission

The whole powertrain details are a little confusing with the whole Lexus IS range, but we have got it simplified for you. The base IS300 is available in two models. One of them is a rear-wheel-drive model, which is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine. This engine puts down 241 horsepower, 258 pound-feet of torque, and is mated to an eight-speed gearbox.

The other IS300 model, which is $2,000 more expensive than the other model, is powered by a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V-6. This engine cranks out a slightly better 260 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, but is mated to a six-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

The mid-trimmed IS350 F Sport comes next with the same 3.5-liter V-6 from the IS300 AWD, but the power increases to 311 horsepower and 280 pound-feet. Better power, yes. But the peak torque is available at 4,800 revs, which means you will have to build up the revs to get the most out of the engine.

The new addition is the IS500 F Sport Performance, which sports a big 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V-8 that belts out 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque. There is an eight-speed shiftable automatic gearbox and the engine drives the rear wheels only. The V-8 can rev up to a madly 7,100 revs, but is not as responsive, when changing gears, as its equivalent turbocharged options from other brands. We can blame the transmission, as Lexus installed a torque converter automatic gearbox instead of a dual-clutch system.

2022 Lexus IS Performance Stats

Handling and Driving Impressions

Lexus cars are downright unenthusiastic when it comes to racetrack performance and driving. But it seems that the brand realized that the majority of the IS buyers will not do track sessions, but whoosh on the highways. So, the suspension setup is more relaxed even if you go for the IS350 F Sport, which comes with a sportier tune. Lexus claimed that with the 2021 model year, they have made the chassis more rigid, and even made the coil springs lighter by 20 percent. But you will hardly notice any difference on the road. One of the key points is its increased weight, the IS is one of the heaviest cars in its segment. Nevertheless, both the IS300 and the IS350 F Sport have good steering feedback, but nothing like the 3 Series, or the Giulia. But that is not always a bad thing, either. Most luxury car owners want a comfy, fast driving experience, and for the price, the Lexus IS is a good option.

If you want better handling capabilities, you have to pay $4,200 extra, or $3,800 for the AWD variants to unlock a limited-slip differential, adaptive suspension, and a Sport+ mode for the most dynamic experience. However, these features are available as standard, if you choose the IS500 F Sport Performance models. The driving dynamics of these range-topping models are not as sporty as you would think, if you compare them to their AMG equivalent, which is the Mercedes-AMG C63. But given that the steering feel is more accurate, along with the limited-slip differential, the cornering stability is sporty enough. From a luxury-oriented performance sedan, the driving experience is smooth, and it is the way a lot of you guys would prefer.

2022 Lexus IS Mileage

As for the EPA ratings, the base IS300 with the small four-pot engine leads the group with a good 21 miles per gallon in the city, 31 miles per gallon on the highways, and 25 miles per gallon combined. But the 330i is more efficient with 26/36/30 for city/highway/combined. Even the 280 horsepower Giulia is more efficient than the Lexus IS300 RWD, with 24/33/27 for city/highway/combined. It gets worse if you consider the higher and more powerful; which you will.

The underpowered V-6 powered IS300 with AWD is rated at 19/26/22 for city/highway/combined. Surprisingly, the numbers are the same with the AWD-equipped IS350 F Sport, which has the 311 horsepower tune. The rear-wheel-driven IS350 F Sport produces 20/28/23 for city/highway/combined. The IS500 F Sport Performance is rated the least, and that is quite obvious for a car that can rev its engine up to 7,100 RPM. It scores 17 miles per gallon in the city, 25 miles per gallon on the highways, and combined mileage of 20 miles per gallon. All the models are equipped with a 17.4-gallon gas tank, which can deliver up to 500 miles on the highways, depending on the trim level.

2022 Lexus IS Fuel Economy

IS Interior

Lexus cars have been at the top for providing unmatched luxury for the price, and the 2022 IS is no different. For a sporty car like this, the good use of high-end materials on the inside gives out a comfy vibe. The facelift has provided the IS to chuck out the older non-intuitive infotainment system with a new touch-sensitive eight-inch display as standard. There is a bigger display available too through a package, or you can have it fitted as standard, if you choose the IS500 F Sport Performance Premium. The dashboard comes wrapped in leather on the higher trims, but has an analog clock in the middle of the center air vents. The base IS300’s interior looks dated, especially with the old-school analog-digital instrument console. Also, the materials are not cheap, but there are soft-touch plastics and leatherette wrappings on the door panels.

The IS350 F Sport sports the eight-inch driver information display with the iconic moving bezels. The center console remains cluttered with buttons and knobs, but it is good to have physical buttons instead of touch-sensitive ones for the HVAC systems for on-the-go intuitiveness. A dual-zone automatic climate control system comes fitted as standard. There are two cupholders on the front passenger side, along with a driving-mode selector knob at the front. The driver’s side of the center console houses the eight-speed gear selector, the infamous touchpad, along with heating-ventilation buttons for the seats and the steering wheel. The leather-wrapped steering wheel comes with heating functions from the IS350 F Sport onwards. Heated seats are available for the IS300, but then you have to choose the AWD variant. The IS350 F Sport has both heated and ventilated front seats. The range-topping IS500 F Sport Performance models have all the above features but add a power-adjustable steering column and a power sunroof. The interior ambiance is sorted with the whole IS range.

Seating and Interior Space

All the Lexus IS models come with faux-leather upholstery as standard, and there are no genuine leather seating options. The front row has eight-way power-adjustable seats with optional heating and ventilation support as standard. They are built to last and have good bolstering support. Seating comfort was never a problem with the IS. Thanks to a relaxed suspension. The cabin insulation is great, too, with minimal road and tire noise when you get up to triple-digit speeds. You will, however, be mistaken if you believe you can fit five people inside. While the front row is extremely comfortable because it is a driver-prioritized car, the rear row is severely cramped.

The front row has a good 38.2 inches of headroom, a shoulder room that measures 55.9 inches, and a huge 44.8 inches long legroom. Coming to the rear, you will only have 36.9 inches of headroom, 53.4 inches of shoulder room, and a poor 32.2 inches long legroom. Children and teenagers will feel good back there, but we are not sure about average American adults. Comparatively, the C-Class, the 3 Series, and even the Giulia have better rear legroom. Both the Bimmer and the Alfa even have better rear headroom, making it slightly roomier back there. You wouldn’t prefer a performance sedan to your weekend trips with your family, but if you do so, you will be far, far away from the Lexus IS.

2022 Lexus IS Interior Dimensions

Interior Colors and Materials

The base IS300 comes in three interior color options, which include Black, Rioja Red, and Glazed Caramel. The F Sport models replace the Rioja Red and Glazed Caramel with White and Circuit Red. The IS500 F Sport Performance has a Black/Gray interior color scheme. Apart from the IS500 F Sport Performance, all the other trims have leatherette upholstery. Microfiber-suede upholstery is only available for the top-spec IS. All the models come fitted to a leather-wrapped steering wheel, have aluminum trim, aluminum paddle-shifters, and contrasting stitches on both the dashboard and seats. The Launch Edition is the most premium IS on the list, which comes with Silver Ash wood trim as standard.

Lexus IS Trunk and Cargo Space

For a mid-size performance sedan, the Lexus IS is one of the least practical options in its segment. It has only 10.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row seats, which is smaller than the C-Class’ 17.9 cubic feet, and the 3 Series’ 13 cubic feet. The rear seats can be folded to 60/40, which can make cargo space useful. You can easily fit two full-size suitcases along with a couple of duffles for your weekend trips, without having your second row folded. However, if you want better practicality out of a performance sedan, the C-Class is clearly a better offering.

Lexus IS Infotainment and Features

Features

Lexus cars are well-equipped with features, and the IS is no exception. The base IS300 RWD comes with dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button ignition, eight-way power-adjustable front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and even heated front seats for the AWD model. The next-in-line IS350 F Sport adds ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and even an eight-inch fully digital MID with moving bezels. The top-spec IS500 F Sport Performance, which is new for 2022 packs all of the above goodies and adds a power-adjustable steering wheel, which is found as an option on the lower trim levels. Lexus could have added a three-zone automatic climate control and more seating adjustments to the front seats of the IS500 models. Not to forget that these models are priced north of $50,000. Other important features include special driver aids, which include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, and a blindspot monitor.

Infotainment

In the past years, Lexus struggled to keep a steady reputation regarding its Remote Touch Interface and how fiddly it used to be. Thankfully, they have resolved the bad with a new infotainment system, which now has a touch-sensitive display. The touchpad is still a part of the system, you will hardly use it, knowing the comfort of using a touch-sensitive screen. So, there is an eight-inch touchscreen display fitted as standard across the whole IS range. There is a bigger 10.3-inch touchscreen display available as an optional add-on in all but the IS500 F Sport Performance Premium trim. Both the displays are high-resolution and are decently responsive. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration are standard, along with a Wi-Fi hotspot, a satellite radio, a ten-speaker audio system and two USB ports. A navigation system and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio unit are available optionally, unless you choose the IS500 F Sport Performance Premium.

2022 Lexus IS Problems and Reliability

Lexus indeed outperforms every other competitor when it comes to reliability, and they have done it again with the Lexus IS. If you look out for its recall history, it has none, even if you look for the older model years. This is insane, right? According to J.D. Power, the 2021 model of the Lexus IS scored a whopping 86 out of 100 in the overall Consumer Rating. It even bags the first position for the Best Compact Premium Car of 2021, beating both the C-Class and the 3 Series. As for the warranty, you will have a typical Toyota-like experience, which includes a four-year or 50,000 miles of basic warranty and a six-year or 70,000 miles of drivetrain warranty. You will also have a warranty against corrosion for six years or unlimited miles, a cost-free maintenance for the first year of the purchase or up to 10,000 miles, and roadside assistance will be provided for up to four years or unlimited miles.

Warranty

2022 Lexus IS Warranty

2022 Lexus IS Safety

Like the reliability ratings, the Lexus IS kills it in the crash tests performed by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. You are looking at a full-on five-star rating from the former agency and the “Top Safety Pick+” award from the latter. It shows how Lexus cares about its consumers' on-road safety.

Key Safety Features

Lexus’ updated advanced driver assistance suite, the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, is found standard on all the IS models. It packs features as necessary as

- Adaptive cruise control

- Automatic high beams

- Lane-keeping assist

- Lane-departure warning

- Blindspot monitoring

- Forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection

- Rear cross-traffic alert system

Other important safety features include

- Ten airbags

- Traction control

- Stability control

- Tire pressure monitoring system

- Child seat anchor

- Emergency braking assist

- Rear door child safety locks

Verdict: Is the Lexus IS a Good Car?

The Lexus IS is a stylish luxury sedan, which has the desired performance if you pay well. A well-rounded car with good features and decent performance, while keeping the price lower than the competition is rare, especially when the Germans are involved. Both the 3 Series and the C-Class start from over $42,000, which might be a dealbreaker for a lot of you guys. The Lexus IS models are typically known for how reliable and safe they are, along with the unmatched luxury.

But yes, there are some shortcomings, if you want engaging driving dynamics. There are no turbocharged powertrains, so quicker accelerations off the line are absent. The ride quality is compliant, even when the adaptive dampers are set to the most aggressive modes. Also, the fuel economy suffers, especially with the range-topping IS500 F Sport performance models, which come powered by a 5.0-liter V-8. But on the flip side, if you want an old-school performance from a modern car, the IS is waiting for you at your dealership. There is not much time before Lexus shifts to complete electric mobility, so this is the best time to experience the IS with the V-6 or the V-8, according to your preferences.

What is the Price of the 2022 Lexus IS?

The 2022 Lexus IS starts from $39,125 with the rear-wheel-drive variant of the IS300. The all-wheel-drive variant of the same model will set you back another $2,000. The mid-level IS350 F Sport is also available in both RWD and AWD. The former holds a pricetag of $43,550, and the latter is $2,000 dearer. Next, we have the top-level IS500 F Sport Performance models, which are new for the 2022 model year. The standard IS500 is priced at $56,850. The next-in-line Launch Edition model, which is a limited edition car and has seized production in January 2022. It was priced at $67,400 and is the most expensive IS ever. At last, we have the Premium model of the IS500 F Sport Performance, which sells for $61,350. Please note that there is no AWD variant for the IS500s. All the prices mentioned above are excluding the $1,025 destination and handling charges.

2022 Lexus IS Models

The 2022 model year of the Lexus IS comprises three main trim levels: IS300, IS350 F Sport, and IS500 F Sport Performance. All three variants come with three different engine options along with different drive types and transmissions. We have all the models and the list of features below.

3IS30033}

- 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four/3.5-liter naturally aspirated V-6 (AWD)

- Eight-speed/six-speed (AWD) torque converter automatic

- LED headlights, DRLs, and taillights

- 18-inch alloy wheels

- Heated and auto-dimming (driver’s side) outside mirror

- Keyless entry

- Push-button ignition

- Dual-zone automatic climate control

- Eight-way power-adjustable front seats

- Leather-wrapped steering wheel

- Leatherette upholstery

- Heated front seats (AWD)

- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration

- Eight-inch touchscreen display

- Ten-speaker audio unit

- Wi-Fi hotspot

- SiriusXM

- USB connectivity

All the IS models come equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, which include:

- Adaptive cruise control

- Lane-keeping assist

- Lane-departure warning

- Blindspot monitoring

- Rear cross-traffic alert

- Forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection

3IS350 F Sport33}

- 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V-6

- Six-speed torque converter automatic

- RWD/AWD

- Carried over features from the base IS300

- 19-inch wheels

- F Sport exterior trim

- Dynamic suspension tuning

- Rain-sensing wipers

- Heated and ventilated front seats

- Eight-inch driver information display

- Heated steering wheel

3IS500 F Sport Performance33}

- 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V-8

- Eight-speed torque converter automatic

- RWD

- 19-inch wheels with summer tires

- Adaptive dampers

- Quad exhausts

- Sunroof

- Power-adjustable steering wheel column

- Parking assist

3IS500 F Sport Performance Premium33}

- Navigation system

- 10.3-inch touchscreen display

- Power rear sunshade

- 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system

- 360-degree camera system

3IS500 F Sport Performance Launch Edition (Discontinued)33}

- Limited production model

- Unique 19-inch alloy wheels

- Ultrasuede upholstery in Black and Gray

- Launch Edition badging

Additional Packages

Apart from the top-spec IS500 F Sport Performance models, both the IS300 and the IS350 F Sport models are offered with a couple of additional packages listed below.

Packages and standalone features available for the IS300 models are as follows.

3Comfort package33}

Price- $2,475

- Heated steering wheel

- Sunroof

- Heated and ventilated front seats

- Auto-dimming rearview mirror

- Automatic rain-sensing wipers

3Premium package33}

Price- $4,120

- Features from the Comfort package

- 19-inch wheels

- Auto-dimming outside mirrors

- Wood trimmed dashboard

- Driver’s seat memory functions

- Power-operated rear sunshade

- Power-adjustable steering wheel

3Navigation package33}

Price- $1,670

- Navigation system

- 10.3-inch touchscreen display

3Mark Levinson Premium Audio package33}

Price- $2,750

- Features from the navigation package

- Aluminum knobs

- 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio unit

Other standalone options are as follows:

- Triple-beam LED headlights- $1,250

- Parking sensors for both the front and rear with automatic braking- $565

- Panoramic view monitor with parking assist and rear cross-traffic braking- $1,365

- 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio unit- $1,080

The following list of packages are for the IS350 F Sport.

3Memory package33}

Price- $575

- Power-adjustable steering wheel column

- Memory settings for the driver’s seat

- Auto-tilt-down for the outside mirrors when reversing

3Navigation package33}

Price- $1,670

- Navigation system

- 10.3-inch touchscreen display

- Voice assist

- Lexus Enform

3Mark Levinson Premium Audio package33}

Price- $2,750

- Features from the navigation package

- Aluminum knobs

- 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio unit

3Navigation package33}

Price- $4,200

- Additional driving modes

- 19-inch forged aluminum-alloy wheels

- Adaptive dampers

- Limited-slip differential at the rear axle

- Carbon fiber rear spoiler

- F Sport Ash Wood steering wheel

- Card key to access engine ignition

Other important standalone features which you can get it optionally are:

- Triple-beam LED headlights- $1,250

- Power moonroof- $1,100

- Parking sensors for both the front and rear with automatic braking- $565

- Panoramic view monitor with parking assist and rear cross-traffic braking- $1,365

- 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio unit- $1,080

3Mark Levinson Premium Audio package30}

If you want to consider a Lexus IS model, we would recommend the IS350 F Sport, for it is well-equipped with features and has good performance on offer. Yes, there is the price tag of $43,550, which is slightly on the heavier side, but you will benefit from features such as a more powerful 3.5-liter V-6 with 311 horses ratings, 19-inch wheels, sport suspension, digital driver’s display, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats.

3F Sport Dynamic Handling package30}

2022 Lexus IS Comparisons

What Lexus IS Model Should I Buy?

BMW, as you know, has a lot of fan-followers who are loyal to the brand. The 3 Series, BMW’s mid-size budget luxury sedan, is a great offering that is loaded with features, has a good quality cabin architecture, and even boasts powerful engines. However, both the IS350 F Sport and the IS500 F Sport Performance are a lot more powerful options. But, if you are concerned about fuel economy, and better handling dynamics, you can choose the 3 Series, or else, the Lexus IS is more than sufficient. It is the most reliable option between the two, with great J.D. Power ratings. It is cheaper, too, for the record.

Read our full review on the 2022 BMW 3 Series

2022 Lexus IS vs 2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia

Giulia is a beast on its own, and being an Alfa, you won’t need to think of performance. The base variant comes with a 280-horsepower four-pot, and the handling capabilities are far better than the Lexus. The cabin is well-built and quite feature-rich. If you want the big-fat Quadrifoglio, you will have to pay about $80,000, but it is an experience you cannot say no to. But again, the IS500 F Sport Performance is a lot cheaper than the top-spec Giulia, and in terms of reliability, the latter is nowhere close to the IS.

Read our full review on the 2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia