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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $32,330–$38,201 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 8.0/10, the 2017 Lexus IS earns a Recommended rating among the sedans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.9/10, while Value at 7.2/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate the Lexus IS's reliability at 8.9/10 — among the strongest in our sedan database, reflecting the nameplate's track record and recall history. On safety it earns 8.1/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.5/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology scores 8.2/10 — one of the stronger tech packages in the segment. Expect a responsive infotainment system, broad smartphone integration, and a solid suite of driver-assistance features.
Priced from $32,330–$38,201, 18 MPG, seating 5, the Lexus IS sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. Value lands at 7.2/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 9 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: Think of the 2017 Lexus IS as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2017 Lexus IS ranks #201 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 85% of the segment. Its 8.0/10 overall score is 0.5 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $32,330 starting price is about 17% above the segment's median of $27,664.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking → · Best Sedans under $35k →
Across the IS model years we've scored, the 2017 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8.4/10 | $42,152 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 8.4/10 | $42,152 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.4/10 | $40,925 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 8.4/10 | $39,697 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 8.3/10 | $38,469 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 8.3/10 | $37,241 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 8.2/10 | $36,014 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 8.1/10 | $34,786 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 8.1/10 | $33,558 | Read review → |
| 2017 (this review) | 8.0/10 | $32,330 | |
| 2016 | 8.0/10 | $31,103 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.9/10 | $29,875 | Read review → |
We rate the 2017 Lexus IS's reliability 8.9/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.
It scores 8.0/10 overall, ranking #201 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 85% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2017 Lexus IS starts at $32,330 and ranges up to $38,201 across trims (MSRP when new). At 18 MPG, expect roughly $2,917/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Other sedans at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Lexus models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
