If you’re expecting a truly performance-oriented sedan on the road, you’ll be disappointed in the IS. But it continues to strike a healthy balance between sport and comfort, which is really what most buyers are after.

WAF (Wife Acceptance Factor) was low. She’s a big fan of anything-but-sedans, so that didn’t help. She found it too small for her liking, and wasn’t a big fan of the dash styling and how it all worked. She did however say it felt luxurious to drive.

I was a bit appalled by some of the things left off the standard equipment list, particularly the back-up camera, but you can always add what was missing in Lexus’ numerous option packages.

Warranty:
4 years/100,000 km; 6 years/110,000 km powertrain; 7 years/unlimited distance corrosion perforation; 4 years/100,000 km roadside assistance

Competitors:
Acura TLX
Audi A4
BMW 3 Series
Cadillac ATS
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Volvo S60

I believe it is the IS’ ability to find the sweet spot in the middle – between looking aggressive and not ridiculous, between performing well enough and providing a good level of comfort – that has allowed it to continue appealing to consumers. And, while not blowing anybody away with any particular facet of its abilities, it is this exact balancing act that continues to impress me. If you’re shopping for a smaller sport sedan, you need to put the Lexus IS on your list. One of its configurations coupled with one of its option packages is sure to check off nearly every box on your wants-and-needs list.

Pricing: 2016 Lexus IS 300 AWD
Base price (base trim): $41,700
Options: $4,050  F Sport Series 1 package
Freight: $2,045
A/C tax: $100
Price as tested: $47,895

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