Lexus IS trim comparison
2024 Lexus IS 300 F SPORT Design vs 300 F SPORT
The IS 300 F SPORT Design starts at $41,905 while the 300 F SPORT is $43,155. That $1,250 gap buys 1 meaningful difference.
$1,250 more is ~$22/month. The question is whether the added equipment will matter to you every week.
The extra $1,250 does not buy a measurable hardware change in our data. Treat the 300 F SPORT as an appearance or packaging decision, not a core-trim upgrade.
The cleanest way to feel this upgrade is through the payment: about $22/month more over 60 months, or roughly $1,320 extra all-in once interest is included.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you want the nicer equipment factory-installed and under warranty.
When both feel the same
The 300 F SPORT Design and 300 F SPORT are mechanically identical where it counts: the same 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
$1,250 price difference.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 1 specification difference, 6 shared.
There are no measurable spec differences in the current source data. If these trims still matter to you, the real separation is likely styling, appearance packages, or dealer inventory.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2024. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | 300 F SPORT Design | 300 F SPORT |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $41,905 | $43,155 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.0L I4 Turbo | 2.0L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 241 hp | 241 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 21 | 21 |
| Highway MPG | 31 | 31 |
| Combined MPG | 25 | 25 |
| Fuel Tank | 17.4 gal | 17.4 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $2,300/yr | $2,300/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,715 lbs | 3,715 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 110.2" | 110.2" |
| Length | 185.4" | 185.4" |
| Width | 72.4" | 72.4" |
| Height | 56.5" | 56.5" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 4yr/50k | 4yr/50k |
| Powertrain | 6yr/70k | 6yr/70k |
| Corrosion | 6yr/unlimited | 6yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 4yr/unlimited | 4yr/unlimited |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2024 Lexus IS 300 F SPORT Design vs 300 F SPORT Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Lexus IS lineup, the Lexus brand hub, the Compact Cars, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2024 IS 300 F SPORT cost than the 300 F SPORT Design?
The 300 F SPORT starts at $43,155 compared to $41,905 for the 300 F SPORT Design. That is a $1,250 difference, or approximately $22/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2024 Lexus IS 300 F SPORT Design and 300 F SPORT have the same engine?
Yes. Both use the 2.0L I4 Turbo producing 241 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The engine hardware does not change between these trims, so the real differences are in equipment and feature content.
Do the 2024 IS 300 F SPORT Design and 300 F SPORT have the same drivetrain?
Yes. Both come with RWD as standard. The differences between these trims are in features and equipment, not drivetrain.
Is the 2024 IS 300 F SPORT Design or 300 F SPORT safer?
Both share the same Lexus IS platform with an overall 5-star NHTSA safety rating. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2024 Lexus IS come with?
All 2024 Lexus IS trims, including both the 300 F SPORT Design and 300 F SPORT, come with Lexus's standard warranty: 4yr/50k bumper-to-bumper and 6yr/70k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
Is the IS 300 F SPORT Worth $1,250 More?
At $1,250 more, the IS 300 F SPORT adds minor equipment changes. This is a situational call. If those features are on your must-have list, the upgrade makes sense. If not, the 300 F SPORT Design delivers the same core IS experience for less.
What Both Trims Share
The IS 300 F SPORT Design and 300 F SPORT share the same engine, drivetrain, transmission, and fuel economy. The $1,250 difference comes down to 1 feature and equipment change, not mechanical differences.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Lexus IS 300 F SPORT Design
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the 300 F SPORT Design best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Lexus IS 300 F SPORT
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the 300 F SPORT when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2024 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Lexus or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.