Lexus IS trim comparison
2025 Lexus IS 300 F SPORT Design vs 500 F SPORT Performance
The IS 300 F SPORT Design starts at $42,505 while the 500 F SPORT Performance is $59,520. That $17,015 gap buys 7 meaningful differences.
This trim jump changes the engine from 2.0L I4 Turbo to 5.0L V8. Everything else is secondary to whether that powertrain difference matters for how you drive.
Start with the 300 F SPORT Design if the 2.0L I4 Turbo already feels sufficient for the way you drive. Step up to the 500 F SPORT Performance only when the 5.0L V8 powertrain is the reason you are moving higher in the lineup.
The cleanest way to feel this upgrade is through the payment: about $300/month more over 60 months, or roughly $18,000 extra all-in once interest is included. The payment only makes sense if that different powertrain matters to the way you actually drive, tow, or live with the vehicle.
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 are specifically shopping for the stronger powertrain, not just more trim content.
When both feel the same
Both the 300 F SPORT Design and 500 F SPORT Performance share the same 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $17,015 for 6 measurable differences, which works out to about $2,836 per change.
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. 7 specification differences, 1 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2025. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | 300 F SPORT Design | 500 F SPORT Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $42,505 | $59,520 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.0L I4 Turbo | 5.0L V8 |
| Horsepower | 241 hp | 472 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 395 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 21 | 17 |
| Highway MPG | 31 | 25 |
| Combined MPG | 25 | 20 |
| Fuel Tank | 17.4 gal | 17.4 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $2,300/yr | $2,900/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,715 lbs | 3,891 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 110.2" | 110.2" |
| Length | 185.4" | 187.3" |
| 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.
2025 Lexus IS 300 F SPORT Design vs 500 F SPORT Performance 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 2025 IS 500 F SPORT Performance cost than the 300 F SPORT Design?
The 500 F SPORT Performance starts at $59,520 compared to $42,505 for the 300 F SPORT Design. That is a $17,015 difference, or approximately $300/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2025 Lexus IS 300 F SPORT Design and 500 F SPORT Performance have the same engine?
No. The 300 F SPORT Design uses a 2.0L I4 Turbo (241 hp, 258 lb-ft), while the 500 F SPORT Performance has the 5.0L V8 (472 hp, 395 lb-ft). That is 231 more horsepower. Both pair with the same 8-speed shiftable automatic.
Do the 2025 IS 300 F SPORT Design and 500 F SPORT Performance 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 2025 IS 300 F SPORT Design or 500 F SPORT Performance 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 2025 Lexus IS come with?
All 2025 Lexus IS trims, including both the 300 F SPORT Design and 500 F SPORT Performance, come with Lexus's standard warranty: 4yr/50k bumper-to-bumper and 6yr/70k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2025 Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance worth $17,015 more than the 300 F SPORT Design?
The $17,015 buys the 5.0L V8. If that powertrain matters for how you drive, yes. If not, the 300 F SPORT Design does the same job for less.
Which 2025 Lexus IS trim gets better fuel economy, the 300 F SPORT Design or the 500 F SPORT Performance?
The 300 F SPORT Design is the more efficient of the two at 25 combined MPG, versus 20 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
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 500 F SPORT Performance Worth $17,015 More?
The IS 500 F SPORT Performance costs $17,015 more than the 300 F SPORT Design. Whether that is worth it depends on how much you value the 5.0L V8 engine (+231 hp). Power and comfort matter differently to different buyers. Weigh them against your priorities.
The Differences You'll Notice Most
Engine changes between these trims: the 300 F SPORT Design has the 2.0L I4 Turbo, the 500 F SPORT Performance the 5.0L V8. That means 231 more horsepower and 137 more lb-ft of torque. That extra power shows up most clearly once you are out of town and asking more of the drivetrain. The cost of that extra capability is roughly 5 fewer combined MPG.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The IS 300 F SPORT Design gets 5 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $420 per year or $2,100 over five years of ownership.
Bottom Line
$17,015 more for the IS 500 F SPORT Performance gets you 6 real differences. At $300/month more, the question is whether those specific changes are things you will use regularly.
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 500 F SPORT Performance
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the 500 F SPORT Performance 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 2025 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.