DecodedCars2016 Lexus IS
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 200t RWD Sedan, 300/350 AWD Sedan
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.5L 6-cyl
- Horsepower
- 241 hp
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 22 city / 32 hwy
- Length
- 183.9 in
- Curb weight
- 3,583–3,737 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 29 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Lexus IS is a compact car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.5L 6-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 184 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 110-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,583 lb (200t RWD Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (22 city / 32 highway), 2% worse than the 2016 compact car average of 26.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,150 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 17 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.
What changed for 2016
- Engine added: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Engine dropped: 2.5L 6-cyl
- Best combined MPG up from 24 to 26
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 IS →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Tahara, Aichi
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 3 2016 IS configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200t RWD Sedan | 183.9 in | 71.3 in | 56.3 in | 110.2 in | 60.6 / 61 in | 3,583 lb | 55/45 |
| 300/350 AWD Sedan | 183.9 in | 71.3 in | 56.3 in | 110.2 in | 60.6 / 61 in | 3,737 lb | 55/45 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IS 200t | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 / 32 / 26 | -2% | $3,150 | 345 |
| IS 350 | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | -17% | $3,750 | 396 |
| IS 300 AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 21 | -21% | $3,900 | 415 |
| IS 350 AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 21 | -21% | $3,900 | 415 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Lexus IS.
Similar 2016 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Lexus IS (this car) | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 BMW 3 Series | 35 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2016 BMW 5 Series | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2016 Audi A4 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Audi A6 | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2016 Lexus IS.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2016 Lexus IS is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Lexus IS buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Service Brakes — 5 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Electrical System — 3 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 2 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 31,300 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Lexus IS. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other IS years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 IS | 22 | 185.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2025 IS | 25 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2024 IS | 25 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2023 IS | 25 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 5 |
| 2022 IS | 25 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 5 |
| 2021 IS | 25 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 3 |
| 2020 IS | 24 | 183.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 9 |
| 2019 IS | 24 | 183.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 10 |
| 2018 IS | 26 | 183.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 9 |
| 2017 IS | 26 | 183.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 21 |
| 2015 IS | 24 | 183.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 30 |
| 2014 IS | 24 | 183.9 in | Not rated | 4 | 56 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lexus. How we calculate this →