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Review of the 2009 Lexus IS 250

2009 Lexus IS 250

Price Range $31,305 to $34,935

suitable for: Diapers
School
Teens

18 to 21
City MPG

26 to 29
Hwy MPG

5 Seats
2 Rows
2 Latch Connectors
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Interior

The kids liked the IS 250 best when it was just me and only one of them in the car; otherwise they felt cramped when they were both in the backseat. You know who else will feel cramped? The person sitting in front of a rear-facing infant-safety seat. The Latch connectors are easy to locate and access (they’re under a leather flap), but you’ll likely be driving with your knees at your chin if you have an infant seat in back of you. Yes, the IS 250 would probably still be a kick to drive in that scenario, but it’s less than ideal, people. If you have one child, you’re golden.  Have two and … well, you know where I’m going with this. Maybe consider the IS 250 as a second car.

The seat belts were deceiving because they seemed to be recessed, which is a big hurdle for smaller kids trying to buckle themselves in. I was getting ready to gripe when the receptors came out from their little recessed hole, making my complaint almost moot.  I say almost moot because some kids — most likely kids who are new to booster seats — will struggle with the flimsy receptors.

Once I got the kids off to school, I had some me-time in the IS 250 and found there’s a lot to like. I love the layout of the interior because everything was within reach. The center stack has a simplistic design to it. I was insanely, perfectly comfortable in the eight-way power-adjustable leather seats, too. I also was relieved that my test car didn’t have a navigation system; a navigation system with a backup camera is available. I know it’s my job to review these technological wonders and report back to you, but navigation systems really make me crazy.  It was so refreshing to get into a nicely appointed, beautiful car and not be confronted with screens forcing me to press a button to accept that driving while nav-ing is dangerous just so I can get to the stereo controls.

I think the IS 250 liked it best when it was just the two of us because she only has one cupholder that’s easily accessible in the front seat. The second cupholder is in the center console, under the lid. This isn’t a travesty, given many who buy this car probably won’t use it as a family truckster. However, consider yourself warned.

The IS 250 has one of my favorite over-the-top test car features: ventilated seats. Ventilated seats mitigate the argument against black-colored leather seats that become hot in the sun and burn the backs of your thighs. Yes, the argument that black leather scuffs too easily and shows too much gunk is still relevant, but I’m sure Lexus is working on that. Right, Lexus?

IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT

Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Puny
Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Puny

shopping around: At cars.com

key interior: Features

    ● Simple buttons and controls
    ● Eight-way power-adjustable seats
    ● Heated and ventilated seats available
    ● Covered storage areas

available interior: Colors

  • Black/Silver
  • Ecru/Silver
  • Light Gray/Silver

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