IS - 3rd Gen (2014-present) Discussion about the 2014+ model IS models

Drive modes

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 5, 2024 | 02:26 PM
  #1  
RKSTRAT's Avatar
RKSTRAT
Thread Starter
Intermediate
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 400
Likes: 41
From: PA
Default Drive modes

I was away for a while, but I’m back with a 2023
IS350 Fsport purchased in November.

I am curious about some perceived differences in the drive modes of the 2023 IS350 Fsport when compared to my old 2017 IS300 Fsport.

2017
ECO: sluggish as a daily driver
NORMAL: more responsive throttle than ECO
SPORT: perky as a daily driver; holds gears dramatically; not useful for merging on to the expressway, as the engine revved like crazy with a long lag in getting to speed; steering tightened

2023
ECO: very responsive throttle as a daily driver
NORMAL: more responsive throttle
SPORT: increased throttle response; smooth acceleration without the lag when merging on the expressway, steering tightening.

Since both cars have the 6-speed I’m surprised by the absence of the annoying lag in the sport mode on the 2023. I am wondering how much the 350 vs 300 difference is contributing?
Reply
Old Jan 6, 2024 | 07:02 PM
  #2  
arentz07's Avatar
arentz07
Moderator
5 Year Member
Shutterbug
Community Influencer
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 9,640
Likes: 4,812
From: GA
Default

Originally Posted by RKSTRAT
I was away for a while, but I’m back with a 2023
IS350 Fsport purchased in November.

I am curious about some perceived differences in the drive modes of the 2023 IS350 Fsport when compared to my old 2017 IS300 Fsport.

2017
ECO: sluggish as a daily driver
NORMAL: more responsive throttle than ECO
SPORT: perky as a daily driver; holds gears dramatically; not useful for merging on to the expressway, as the engine revved like crazy with a long lag in getting to speed; steering tightened

2023
ECO: very responsive throttle as a daily driver
NORMAL: more responsive throttle
SPORT: increased throttle response; smooth acceleration without the lag when merging on the expressway, steering tightening.

Since both cars have the 6-speed I’m surprised by the absence of the annoying lag in the sport mode on the 2023. I am wondering how much the 350 vs 300 difference is contributing?
As a prior 2021 IS 350 owner, I disagree on the throttle of Eco being responsive. However, I'd say that the IS, in general, has a less-touchy throttle setup than most other newer cars I've driven. Even my IS 500 is kind of a softie in Eco. I never use Eco, but I've tried it and found the responsiveness to be similarly dull to how it is in an IS 350.

Throttle lag has been present in every IS I've driven in every drive mode. Sport mode seems to help, but I am not sure whether it is in my head.
Reply
Old Jan 6, 2024 | 07:15 PM
  #3  
RKSTRAT's Avatar
RKSTRAT
Thread Starter
Intermediate
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 400
Likes: 41
From: PA
Default

Thanks as usual!!! I’m just sayin’ that my 2023 IS350 in
the ECO mode seems more responsive than my old 2017
IS300 in the ECO mode. Well it is a 350 vs 300, yes?
Anyway, my overall comparison after a month or so
is that my 300 floated like a butterfly, and the 350
stings like a bee. It is a beast compared to my old 300,
IMHO, YMMV.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Bigguy65
IS - 3rd Gen (2014-present)
8
Jun 6, 2023 09:24 PM
Kimchiguy
IS 500 (2022-2025)
71
Mar 22, 2022 08:32 PM
Arimann
NX - 1st Gen (2015-2021)
3
Jul 1, 2015 11:26 PM
Loe
IS - 3rd Gen (2014-present)
55
Mar 1, 2015 05:40 PM
Jack777
GS - 4th Gen (2013-2020)
22
Jan 3, 2015 08:35 AM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 09:35 PM.

story-0
Toyota and Lexus Join Mille Miglia For The First Time

Slideshow: A five-car lineup spanning more than five decades of Toyota performance and engineering will tackle one of Italy's most celebrated automotive routes.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-15 16:53:16


VIEW MORE
story-1
Lexus NX 350h: A Fuel-Sipping Secret Hot Hatch???

Slideshow: a quick review of the 2026 Lexus NX 350h F Sport Handling

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-18 14:36:21


VIEW MORE
story-2
5 Best & 5 Worst Lexus Daily Drivers

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Lexus daily drivers

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 11:14:58


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 5 Hottest Lexus & Toyotas in 2026 (Hardest To Buy)

These five Lexus and Toyota models are the most sought-after on the market right now.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 10:47:52


VIEW MORE
story-4
2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Review: The Last of Its Kind Still Rocks

Slideshow: the 2026 IS 350 isn't all that new, and that's why we love it!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-04 14:35:23


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!

Slideshow: 10 most confusing things Lexus has ever done.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-04 09:40:55


VIEW MORE
story-6
2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles

Slideshow: Our First-Drive Review of the 2026 Lexus ES!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-29 20:30:16


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4

Slideshow: 10 Lexus bargain that are cheaper than a new Toyota.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 10:28:20


VIEW MORE
story-8
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built

Slideshow: From hoverboards to luxury yachts, these are the strangest projects Lexus has ever attached its badge to.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-16 11:34:36


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Some luxury cars chase trends, but these Lexus models look better now than they did when they first rolled into showrooms.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-06 17:58:29


VIEW MORE