Steering Feel
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
Steering Feel
Hey, I have a question regarding the steering wheel tightness of my vehicle.
I have a '14 IS250 RWD F-Sport model, and on normal mode, the steering wheel doesn't take effort to turn. When in sport mode, it's tighter.
I test drove a '16 IS300 AWD Non F-Sport model, and it seems like the steering wheel is tighter in normal mode than my car is in sports mode? When the car is in sports mode, the steering wheel is even tighter.
Is this normal?
Thanks.
I have a '14 IS250 RWD F-Sport model, and on normal mode, the steering wheel doesn't take effort to turn. When in sport mode, it's tighter.
I test drove a '16 IS300 AWD Non F-Sport model, and it seems like the steering wheel is tighter in normal mode than my car is in sports mode? When the car is in sports mode, the steering wheel is even tighter.
Is this normal?
Thanks.
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 363
Likes: 104
From: WA
I suspect it's just Lexus making different decisions about what is "normal" and "sport". If they got feedback from the 2014 that normal steering was too light and sport was what an average driver preferred, makes sense they would calibrate the steering of future cars accordingly.
Also keep in mind Lexus is really on a mission to establish itself as a performance luxury brand, so it stands to reason that they will continue to sport-tune their cars so that even the "normal" setup is very sporty.
Also keep in mind Lexus is really on a mission to establish itself as a performance luxury brand, so it stands to reason that they will continue to sport-tune their cars so that even the "normal" setup is very sporty.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
I suspect it's just Lexus making different decisions about what is "normal" and "sport". If they got feedback from the 2014 that normal steering was too light and sport was what an average driver preferred, makes sense they would calibrate the steering of future cars accordingly.
Also keep in mind Lexus is really on a mission to establish itself as a performance luxury brand, so it stands to reason that they will continue to sport-tune their cars so that even the "normal" setup is very sporty.
Also keep in mind Lexus is really on a mission to establish itself as a performance luxury brand, so it stands to reason that they will continue to sport-tune their cars so that even the "normal" setup is very sporty.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 489
Likes: 22
From: CA
In my 2016 IS350 (non F-sport) the steering gets heavier when speed increase so it very much depends on the speed. While at slow speeds - the steering is light.
I was trying to determine if there is any difference in steering feel between different modes (Eco, Normal, Sport) but I couldn't feel a difference. It seems the speed
is the only distinguishing factor and not the mode you are in but it is entirely possible the Sport mode is a bit heavier if you measured it somehow.
I doubt Lexus dealer can adjust steering to be heavier.
I was trying to determine if there is any difference in steering feel between different modes (Eco, Normal, Sport) but I couldn't feel a difference. It seems the speed
is the only distinguishing factor and not the mode you are in but it is entirely possible the Sport mode is a bit heavier if you measured it somehow.
I doubt Lexus dealer can adjust steering to be heavier.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
In my 2016 IS350 (non F-sport) the steering gets heavier when speed increase so it very much depends on the speed. While at slow speeds - the steering is light.
I was trying to determine if there is any difference in steering feel between different modes (Eco, Normal, Sport) but I couldn't feel a difference. It seems the speed
is the only distinguishing factor and not the mode you are in but it is entirely possible the Sport mode is a bit heavier if you measured it somehow.
I doubt Lexus dealer can adjust steering to be heavier.
I was trying to determine if there is any difference in steering feel between different modes (Eco, Normal, Sport) but I couldn't feel a difference. It seems the speed
is the only distinguishing factor and not the mode you are in but it is entirely possible the Sport mode is a bit heavier if you measured it somehow.
I doubt Lexus dealer can adjust steering to be heavier.
At low speed, my normal mode definitely feels a lot lighter compared to normal mode '15 '16 IS300 AWD non f-sport.
I
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 363
Likes: 104
From: WA
I've looked through the "dealer modifiable" options for my 2016 and nothing was in that category. My guess is you are stuck with how the modes are implemented by Lexus for your car. Also, I strongly suspect steering control would be a safety issue and they would not want it modifiable. Too little assist at low speeds and too much at high speeds could be hazardous. You could as the dealer the next time you are in, but I'd be surprised if you could.
Trending Topics
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 9,523
Likes: 2,582
I am not fond of the "Sport" steering in my IS200t f sport. Way too artificially heavy. Does nothing. This is coming from a BMW E46 sport driver too (way heavier--but better feeling steering)
I prefer the normal steering in my 200t. I wish I could have normal steering with sport throttle response and gear changes. sadly you can't decouple them.
I prefer the normal steering in my 200t. I wish I could have normal steering with sport throttle response and gear changes. sadly you can't decouple them.
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler
Michael S. Palmer
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!
Brett Foote
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,460
Likes: 232
From: CA
I am not fond of the "Sport" steering in my IS200t f sport. Way too artificially heavy. Does nothing. This is coming from a BMW E46 sport driver too (way heavier--but better feeling steering)
I prefer the normal steering in my 200t. I wish I could have normal steering with sport throttle response and gear changes. sadly you can't decouple them.
I prefer the normal steering in my 200t. I wish I could have normal steering with sport throttle response and gear changes. sadly you can't decouple them.
I guess no one is truly happy.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,015
Likes: 78
From: Ontario
my IS350 F-sport steering and handling just perfect enough, too stiff is just stupid, im glad i went with Lexus instead of Infiniti and BMW
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post