Japan vs Japan — 2001 vs 2022
| IS 300 SportCross | IS 500 F Sport Performance | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 215 hp | 472 hp |
| Torque | 221 lb-ft | 395 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,997 cc | 4,969 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 7.1 sec | 4.4 sec |
| Top Speed | 142 mph | 168 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 15.3 sec | 12.8 sec |
| Weight | 3,352 lbs | 3,891 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,670 mm | 2,800 mm |
| Length | 4,400 mm | 4,710 mm |
| Original MSRP | $32,350 | $58,750 |
| Value (Excellent) | $28,000 | $65,000 |
| Collectibility | 6/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 5/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 2001 Lexus IS 300 SportCross brings lighter weight, stronger collectibility, better value to the table, and the 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance answers with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Lexus IS 300. The 2001 and 2022 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance holds a clear advantage in raw power with 472 hp compared to 215 hp, a 257-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Lexus IS 300 uses a Inline-6 DOHC 24-valve (2JZ-GE) displacing 2,997 cc, while the Lexus IS 500 relies on a V8 DOHC 32-valve (2UR-GSE) with 4,969 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance edges ahead at 4.4 seconds versus 7.1 seconds. The Lexus IS 300 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 539 lbs lighter. On the collector market, the 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance commands a significant premium over the 2001 Lexus IS 300 SportCross, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.