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

Drive modes

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: 9,612
Likes: 4,801
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


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -7. The time now is 02:07 PM.

story-0
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-1
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-2
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-3
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
story-4
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!

Slideshow: How to Get the Best Fuel Economy with a Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-05 20:54:44


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers

Slideshow: 10 best Lexus models no one remembers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 17:33:28


VIEW MORE
story-6
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing

Slideshow: diving into 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium's pricing, performance, fuel economy, features, and amenities!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-23 13:09:18


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!

Slideshow: the 10 Lexus and Toyota vehicles you need to drive before you die.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-23 10:34:24


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation

Slideshow: Top 10 Lexus/Toyota models with the lowest 5-year depreciation rate.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 12:19:06


VIEW MORE
story-9
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?

The LC hasn't even disappeared from the Lexus lineup yet, and we're already seeing signs of an explosive market.

By Brett Foote | 2026-04-06 09:25:02


VIEW MORE