So my cars in the shop getting some warranty items fixed and they gave me a loaner NX200t which has the same engine as the new IS200t. For a small crossover this thing scoots a lot faster than my is250 which is now in my mind (and many others) a sad sad little powertrain.

 

Do IS250 owners not test drive the IS350 when shopping? Driving the IS350 would show how grossly underpowered the IS250 is.

 

It seems like the 2.0t gets beat up here a bit on CL, but like you, I've had an NX200t loaner and really enjoyed the engine. I haven't tried it in the IS to see how it pairs up with the 8 speed, but my impressions in the NX were quite good.

 

Agreed, it's quicker than the IS, but the responsiveness of the 2.5 V6 is better resulting in power that is more usable in city driving circumstances. Making quick turns or lane changes from a standstill in the 250 is immediate whereas the NX requires careful anticipation due to the initial lag. Out on the highway, different story though. The NX's lag is less noticeable with plenty of power to safely pass/merge. Can't say the same for the IS which runs out of steam.


Underpowered is a relative term and it depends on your use of the vehicle as described above. You may find this hard to believe, but throttle response and a feeling of liveliness is better with the IS 250 than the RC F in city driving. Of course, press the pedal down further on the F, and you're gone.

 

I found the IS250 throttle response on par with the IS350 on normal mode. The Sport mode on the IS350 has superior reponse than the IS250 sport...the 8 speed really keeps the rpm in the meat of that powerband much better. I thought the NX had a lot of turbo lag. Enough so that I'd purchase an RX over it.