The 2022 Lexus IS rivals European luxury cars with its athletic appearance and cozy interior. It’s your ideal compact luxury sedan.

The 2022 Lexus IS has been in the interest of luxury car buyers since it was first announced. The early Lexus IS models have set near-perfect reliability records at a discount compared to BMW and Mercedes-Benz price tags. The third generation has lived up to every standard set by its predecessors and, as you will see, pushed them even further.

Lexus doesn't come short in styles or trims for anyone buying their 2022 sedan. Drivers can choose between the fuel-saving IS300 for casual everyday driving or the performance-oriented IS500 F if they fancy a Lexus fitted with a V8. Owners are in for an RWD/AWD experience of their choice.

There is a certain elegant feel to the 2022 Lexus IS that is exclusive to the IS. Its sporty mean look sandwiched between luxury produces an air that attracts new owners like bees to honey. The Lexus IS has recorded sales of over 21,000 units in the US during 2022 and 2021 and held its ground between 55,000 and 23,000 for over a decade up to 2018.

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There is no better place to start admiring an automobile than its exterior. The agile-looking 2022 Lexus IS does not disappoint. The resemblance to the previous IS models is clear, preserving Nobuaki Katayama’s genius design philosophy.

Glance at the front, and the 2022 Lexus IS glances right back with its new sleek bi-LED headlights and characteristic grille. The spindle grille is larger than its predecessors and has a striking 3D polyhedral pattern to absorb excessive amounts of air (and attention).

But that's far from all – the compact sedan comes equipped with rain-sensing windshield wipers, smart-looking LED taillights, plus a stylish blade-style rear light bar that spans the entire body.

The various trims and styles offer variance in performance but hardly much difference to the exterior. The IS300 roll on 18-inch alloy wheels. Want larger wheels? The IS500 F Sport derivatives boast 19-inch alloys with a dark metallic finish that adds to its ‘powerful’ appearance.

There is an extra inch of track width and a couple of extra inches in body length on the IS500, giving it a larger appearance. Other available options include premium triple-beam LED headlights and a carbon fiber rear spoiler on the IS500 F.

For owners of its predecessors, the 2022 Lexus IS boasts a familiar interior but with a few exciting new touches. The interior is based on previous models, but the IS has received some much-needed updates to keep it fresh and on par with sedans from other luxurious brands.

The touch screen is now closer to the driver for improved convenience and ease of use. Unfortunately, the touchpad everyone despised is still there (even though it’s unnecessary). The center stack and striking analog clock give the past a nod with their old-fashioned design, but there are plenty of buttons and touch-capacitive zones to keep things modern.

A few steps ahead of the IS300, the IS500 has plenty of performance-focused touches. The F Sport performance badges make a bold statement on the steering wheel and door sill plates, as well as the seats.

The pedals received a unique ‘IS500 Sport treatment,’ and a sleek metal button replaces the push start button. The IS500 introduces a new startup animation with the LFA-inspired dials and their sliding bezel design.

Amidst new technology, It’s the luxurious seats that make the interior of the luxury sedan. The side and shoulder bolster on the perforated NuLuxe leather seat envelope all occupants in comfort. Your rump is shielded from the outside temperature with the seats’ built-in ventilation and heating. Get ready to sink into pure bliss every time you take the wheel of a 2022 Lexus IS.

An issue that cannot be overlooked is the lack of legroom for rear passengers aboard the Lexus. Due to the compact nature of the sedan, both the IS300 and the IS500 seriously lack space for passenger comfort.

Related: Here’s Why The 2022 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Is A Serious Threat To The BMW M3

The Lexus IS is packed with top-notch safety features, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike. For starters, the cabin has 10 airbags protecting the knees and sides of the rear seats.

Every sedan is equipped with a rearview camera with dynamic grid lines and advanced systems like the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5. The safety system includes innovative features like a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. Drivers will feel safer on the roads with the lane departure alert linked to steering assistance, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, and all-speed dynamic radar cruise control. There are extra options available. This includes parking assistance, rear pedestrian detection, and a panoramic view monitor.

No matter where your journey takes you, the Lexus IS has got your back. For a lower price and lower maintenance cost, you too can own a compact luxury sedan that rivals BMW and Mercedes.

This is Jason Malshan, a seasoned writer and life-long gearhead. As expected out of someone with an educational background in creative writing and an unwavering love for cars, you'll either find Jason sitting infront of his laptop and keyboard, or testing the limits of an automobile on open roads. Trusting his knowledge about cars as much as he does his 6 year-long experience in writing, Jason has no trouble tinkering under the hoods of his own vehicles.