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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $34,786–$43,954 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2019 Lexus IS is a sedan that earns a Carivo score of 8.1/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 9.2/10, while Value at 7.1/10 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. Reliability stands out at 9.2/10. The IS nameplate has earned that score through its track record and a comparatively clean recall sheet. Safety lands at 8.2/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
With 7.6/10 for performance, this is a car tuned for daily driving rather than excitement — perfectly capable on the commute, unremarkable on a back road. On technology it rates 8.1/10: a modern, well-integrated suite that compares favorably with anything at this price point.
Priced from $34,786–$43,954, 20 MPG, seating 5, the Lexus IS sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. At 7.1/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 7 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2019 Lexus IS will scare a sensible buyer off. It scores consistently across the board, and it does what a good sedan should — quietly and competently.
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 2019 Lexus IS ranks #117 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 91% of the segment. Its 8.1/10 overall score is 0.6 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $34,786 starting price is about 26% above the segment's median of $27,664.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2016 Lexus IS scores 8.0/10 — within striking distance of the 2019's 8.1 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| 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 (this review) | 8.1/10 | $34,786 | |
| 2018 | 8.1/10 | $33,558 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 8.0/10 | $32,330 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 8.0/10 | $31,103 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.9/10 | $29,875 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Lexus models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.