Lexus IS Ownership Cost Calculator 2026
Pre-filled with real Lexus IS specs. Estimate your Lexus IS 5-year cost of ownership — depreciation, fuel, insurance, maintenance, loan, and residual value — then compare against same-class rivals side by side.
Year-by-Year Cost Breakdown — Lexus IS
| Year | Start Value | Depreciation | Fuel | Insurance | Maint. | Reg | Loan Pmt | Yr Out-of-Pkt | Cumulative | End Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $47,000 | −$8,460 | $2,118 | $3,000 | $1,300 | $150 | $9,575 | $16,143 | $25,544 | $38,540 |
| 2 | $38,540 | −$5,640 | $2,118 | $3,000 | $1,300 | $150 | $9,575 | $16,143 | $41,687 | $32,900 |
| 3 | $32,900 | −$5,170 | $2,118 | $3,000 | $1,300 | $150 | $9,575 | $16,143 | $57,831 | $27,730 |
| 4 | $27,730 | −$4,230 | $2,118 | $3,000 | $1,300 | $150 | $9,575 | $16,143 | $73,975 | $23,500 |
| 5 | $23,500 | −$3,290 | $2,118 | $3,000 | $1,300 | $150 | $9,575 | $16,143 | $90,119 | $20,210 |
| 5-yr total | — | −$26,790 | $10,591 | $15,000 | $6,500 | $750 | $47,877 | $90,119 | — | $20,210 |
Combined 23 MPG (EPA). Depreciation uses a luxury segment-average retention curve (editable). Figures are estimates for planning, not a quote.
Lexus IS — Base Parameters
Powertrain
- Engine3.5L V6 (2GR-FKS)
- DrivetrainRWD
- Fuelgas
- Market years2021-2024
EPA Efficiency
- City20 MPG
- Highway28 MPG
- Combined23 MPG
- Source year2021
Trims & MSRP
- Base (entry trim)$42,000
- Popular (mid trim)$47,000
- Top (fully loaded)$52,000
Same-Segment Cost Comparison
Every model below is modeled with identical assumptions (Popular trim, 20% down, 5-year loan at the national average new-car APR, 12,000 miles/year, national average tax & insurance). This apples-to-apples view is exclusive to VehCalc — manufacturer sites and KBB do not show it side by side.
| Model | Popular MSRP | 5-Yr Cost to Own | Avg / Year | Residual (5 yr) | Cost / Mile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lexus IS (this car) | $47,000 | $69,909 | $13,982 | $20,210 | $1.17 |
| Acura TLX | $47,000 | $69,467 | $13,893 | $20,210 | $1.16 |
| Lexus ES | $47,500 | $69,081 | $13,816 | $20,425 | $1.15 |
| Infiniti QX50 | $46,000 | $67,898 | $13,580 | $19,780 | $1.13 |
| Genesis G70 | $46,000 | $69,120 | $13,824 | $19,780 | $1.15 |
Lexus IS Reliability, Fault Codes & Maintenance Specs
Model-specific diagnostic data for the Lexus IS (2021-2024 (3rd Gen facelift), 2021-2024): known OBD-II trouble codes, symptom-to-fix mapping, model-year issues, and the factory maintenance specification sheet. Print it and hand it to your technician.
OBD-II fault codes
5 codes logged for this platform, with the cause most often seen on the 3.5L V6 (2GR-FKS).
| Code | Description | Common cause here | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|
| P0301 | Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected | Carbon-fouled intake valve, worn ignition coil | Medium |
| P0011 | Camshaft Position A - Timing Over-Advanced (Bank 1) | Dirty VVT solenoid / oil control valve, low oil level | Medium |
| P0171 | System Too Lean (Bank 1) | Carbon-restricted intake runner, leaking PCV | Medium |
| P0420 | Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1) | Carbon-coated catalyst from GDI running condition | Low |
| P050D | Cold Start Rough Idle | Carbon buildup on intake valves disrupting airflow at cold start | Low |
Symptoms, causes & fixes
What owners actually report, what it turns out to be, and what the repair involves.
| Symptom | Root cause | Fix | Model years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infotainment screen delamination | Touch panel adhesive | Screen replacement | 2021-2022 |
| VVT cold start rattle | VVT gear wear | VVT gear replacement | 2021-2022 |
| VVT-i cold start rattle 1-2 seconds | VVT gear lock pin wear | VVT gear replacement (both banks). | 2021-2024 |
| 8-speed transmission hesitation 2-1 downshift | 8-speed transmission calibration | TCM software update. | 2021-2024 |
| Carbon buildup causing rough idle | GDI intake valve carbon | Walnut blast at 60k miles. | 2021-2024 |
Model-year issues
Problems tied to a specific production window rather than the whole generation.
| Years | Issue | Fix | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-2020 | Fuel pump recall (certain VINs) | Fuel pump replacement under recall | Resolved in later build |
Common problems owners report
Recurring complaints for this model, summarized from owner-reported fault patterns.
- Infotainment screen delamination
- VVT cold start rattle
- Dashboard cracking
- Fuel pump recall
Factory maintenance specification sheet
Spec-grade values for the Lexus IS. Verify against your owner's manual before service.
| Engine oil grade | 0W-20 |
| Oil capacity (with filter) | 6.4 qt |
| Oil change interval | 7,500 mi |
| Spark plug interval | 60,000 mi |
| Tire size | 225/45R18 |
| Tire pressure (cold) | 33 psi |
| Tire rotation interval | 5,000 mi |
| Air filter interval | 30,000 mi |
| Coolant service interval | 60,000 mi |
| Brake fluid interval | 30,000 mi |
| 12V battery group | Group H6 |
| Battery cold-cranking amps | 600 CCA |
Powertrain & drivetrain identity
Confirm your exact configuration before ordering parts or booking service.
| Engine / motor | 3.5L V6 (2GR-FKS) |
| Drivetrain | RWD |
| Body style | Sedan |
| Generation | 2021-2024 (3rd Gen facelift) |
| Market years | 2021-2024 |
| Original MSRP range | $42,000-$52,000 |
| Market | US/CA |
Data sources & methodology
- OBD-II code definitionsSAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6 standardized powertrain diagnostic trouble codes, with platform-specific causes matched against the model in this dataset. Retrieved August 29, 2026.
- Fuel economy & MPGeU.S. Environmental Protection Agency fuel-economy data (fueleconomy.gov), model-year matched where available. Retrieved August 29, 2026.
- Maintenance specificationsFactory scheduled-maintenance intervals, fluid grades, tire sizes, and battery group sizes compiled per model. Retrieved August 29, 2026.
- Defects, recalls & technical service bulletinsNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defect and recall records. Retrieved August 29, 2026.
Methodology and citations are maintained by the VehCalc editorial team. Where an official schedule is not yet loaded, results are shown as model estimates and the source is stated as a reference.
Lexus IS — Common Ownership Questions
What is the Lexus IS 5-year cost of ownership in 2026?
Based on a Popular-trim purchase at $47,000 with a 20% down payment, a 5-year loan at the national average new-car APR, 12,000 miles per year, and national average tax and insurance, the estimated 5-year cost of ownership is $69,909 — about $13,982 per year — with an estimated $20,210 residual value after 5 years. Use the calculator above to tailor it to your state, down payment, and mileage.
How much does a Lexus IS depreciate each year?
The IS sits in the luxury segment. Applying a segment-average retention curve, it is estimated to keep roughly 82% of its value after the first year and 43% after five years. Depreciation is typically the single largest ownership cost, which is why our calculator shows it year by year alongside every other expense.
What is the Lexus IS MSRP and which trims are available?
The IS ranges from $42,000 (Base (entry trim)) to $52,000 (Top (fully loaded)). Trims shown: Base (entry trim) ($42,000); Popular (mid trim) ($47,000); Top (fully loaded) ($52,000). Select a trim in the calculator to recompute costs instantly.
What are the Lexus IS real-world fuel costs?
EPA combined rating is 23 MPG (city 20 / highway 28). At the 2026 national average of $4.06/gal and 12,000 miles per year, fuel runs about $2,118 per year, or $10,591 over 5 years.
Does the Lexus IS qualify for any tax credits?
The IS is a gas vehicle, so federal EV credits do not apply. State-level incentives, if any, are listed on each state's page — select your state in the calculator to see local tax and fee impact.
How do Lexus IS ownership costs compare with rivals?
See the side-by-side comparison table on this page. We model the IS against Acura TLX, Lexus ES, Infiniti QX50, Genesis G70 using identical assumptions — same annual miles, down payment, and loan terms — so the difference is truly apples-to-apples. That is data the manufacturer's site and KBB do not show side by side.
What are the most common Lexus IS problems?
Owners of the Lexus IS (2021-2024) most often report: Infotainment screen delamination; VVT cold start rattle; Dashboard cracking; Fuel pump recall. Each is broken down with its root cause and the repair path in the reliability section above.
Which OBD-II codes does the Lexus IS throw most often?
The codes logged most frequently for this platform are P0301 (Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected), P0011 (Camshaft Position A - Timing Over-Advanced (Bank 1)), P0171 (System Too Lean (Bank 1)). The full list with the cause usually found on the 3.5L V6 (2GR-FKS) and a low/medium/high severity rating is in the fault-code table above.
Why does my Lexus IS infotainment screen delamination?
On this model the usual cause is touch panel adhesive. The typical repair is screen replacement (reported on 2021-2022 cars). The symptoms table above lists every reported fault for this platform.
Are there model-year-specific Lexus IS issues I should check before buying used?
Yes — 2018-2020 cars are associated with fuel pump recall (certain VINs). Recommended action: fuel pump replacement under recall Later builds were corrected. The model-year table above lists all known production-window issues.
What are the Lexus IS service intervals and fluid specs?
Factory spec is 0W-20 oil (6.4 qt) changed every 7,500 miles, 225/45R18 tires at 33 psi cold rotated every 5,000 miles, air filter every 30,000 miles, coolant every 60,000 miles, spark plugs every 60,000 miles, and a group H6 battery at 600 CCA. The full spec sheet is above and printable.