Hi all IS expert, i guess some of you had actually upgraded your 3IS to the latest current 4IS model, knowing there are cosmetic as well some technical changes, i'm curious to find out how big is the overall different, and if worth the upgrade?

 

there is no 4IS. the 2021+ models were heavily refreshed/facelifted, but there isn't a fourth generation (yet).

 

Some folks have been calling the 2021+ model a "4IS", but this is technically not correct. I've owned both a 2016 and a 2021, and I can tell you the 2021 is still the same car at its core.

IMO the 2021 was the best-looking version of the 3IS yet when it came out. So there's that. It's barely recognizable as a 3IS at this point. I get a lot more compliments on this car. People really seem to like the dark-chrome wheels on the IS 350 F Sport as well.




The biggest upgrades are actually on the interior though. There is a new 10.3-inch screen available, which looks very sharp and is a touchscreen. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are available on an IS for the first time. Also, the interior layout was somewhat changed, as we now have the track-pad-style controller instead of the joystick-style controller for the infotainment. Finally, the cupholders were moved, and the center armrest is totally new.




Lexus also changed some things with the suspension, replacing some steel parts with aluminum. This saves unsprung weight. They also retuned the suspension. I'd say my 2021 rides a bit smoother than my 2016, though it is still a sport sedan and lets some smaller bumps into the cabin.

Overall, you are getting a similar experience to other 3ISes, just polished a lot more. The looks are the most obvious difference, but outside of that, the upgrades are still very nice. The price difference is pretty large, however.

 

I love the new front end design on the 2021 IS, looks extremely sharp!

 

I had a 2IS that was great, but the early 3IS was not my cup of tea in terms of external style. It appeared less refined and more disjointed to me, compared to 2is. I loved the interior though. Once the 2021 came out I knew I liked it. I had to wait for 2022 to get some features I couldn't find on the limited 2021 models, and I am glad to have it. The touchscreen is nice too. But I understand it is not a "new" car at all.

 

that's total opposite to me. after the mk1 IS300, I thought the 2IS was a let down, especially after seeing the new GS and SC at the time. IMO, the 3IS was a dope comeback... and then the refresh (2017-2020) was meh...but came back strong with this latest model.

 

Haha. This might get me in trouble around here, but when the 3IS came out, I could NOT handle the grill. But it was a shock coming from the taut but simple 2IS. Over the years Lexus has either refined the spindle, or my eyes have just gotten used to it. This new front end is everything to me now and new tail lights, C pillar area, and rear "hips" look great to me.

 

I actually think the 2017-2020 IS is the best looking one from the front. The 2014-2016 had the best taillights. Overall shape goes to 2006-2013. Best interior by far is the current 2022 (not 2021 since those never had memory package). Yes the 2022 IS is perfect inside. More tech than a LC500 and RC F with the touch screen. More sporty than an ES with the way the digital tach looks. More premium than a UX in every way. And if you fully spec it, you actually get more features like all the 360 cameras than even an LS model. THE PERFECT INTERIOR RIGHT NOW!

 

I really like the refresh of the 3is. Especially the addition of the 2UR-GSE V8

 

i'm not going to lie, when i first saw the spindle grille, i was like, WTH??? but after a few looks, had to get one! well...the 2JZ in my mk1 burning oil helped with the decision to upgrade too...haha

 

I felt the same way for such a long time, I could not handle the 3IS grill and thought the 2IS was more pleasing to the eye but I'm slowly coming around. I wonder if it's just seeing it so much and like you say, eyes are getting used to it.

2015 era rear end is still my favorite though...

 

I have to agree with just about everything you’ve said, although I think the front end of all Lexi are damn ugly. The guy who pushed that spindle ought to shove one up his… you know what. Fortunately I rarely see the front of my car, parked nose in to the garage and I walk around the rear.
The tail lights on my 2014 are what sold me on the IS, that beautiful down angle from light tip, matching the up angle from the rocker through the body, was well done. Too bad they threw it away on the recent models.

 

IMO the Ride quality if a pretty big step up from my 16. The 'upgrade' for me would be 2X what my IS is worth, and I don't think it's 2X as good.....But I would have upgraded already had the delta not been so big.

 

thanks for sharing, thats what i've been told and after watched various of YT, suspension and driving response (smarter transmission)

 

Someone can chime in with specifics but pretty sure 85% (if not 99%) of that ride quality you're experiencing vs. your old 2016 came from the 1st refresh in 2017 when the 2017 got essentially GS front suspension dual balljoint/virtual axis setup. a parts bin upgrade/QOL improvement (been a while since I thought about it but that's what i remember)

Then for 2021+ i think it was largely bushing tuning.