Lexus IS 300h (2013-2020) reliability & safety
The Lexus IS 300h boasts a superb safety package and top marks for reliability
| Euro NCAP rating | Adult protection rating | Child protection rating | Safety assist rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 stars (2013) | 91% | 85% | 66% |
Lexus has a peerless reputation for reliability, and the IS 300h hasn’t broken the mould in that respect. Safety is taken care of by a package of advanced systems that make the IS 300h one of the safest cars in its class.
Lexus IS 300h reliability & problems
Lexus topped the manufacturer tables in our sister title Auto Express' Driver Power 2018 satisfaction survey, and is never far from the top slot. The IS 300h itself was placed 11th out of 75 cars, and like all the Japanese manufacturer’s products scored excellent marks for reliability.
There’s no doubt the hybrid technology in the car is tried-and-tested, as similar and related systems have now been fitted to millions of cars across the Toyota group. The same analysis can be applied to the mechanical and electrical systems, although to be fair ironing out teething problems is not something Lexus engineers have ever left to customers. One of the most impressive aspects of Lexus' high satisfaction scores is the praise aimed at dealers – even among owners who may have picked up warranty issues in their car’s first year.
Safety
There’s no shortage of safety kit on the Lexus IS 300h, even on the entry-level Executive Edition. The standard Safety System+ setup includes adaptive cruise control, pre-crash safety, lane-keep assistance, traffic-sign recognition, sway warning system and automatic high beams.
The Lexus IS also boasts a five-star crash safety rating from independent testing body Euro NCAP, although any other result would have been more remarkable. Tested back in 2013, the IS received a 91% score for adult occupant protection, 85% for children and 80% for pedestrians. The safety assistance score of only 66% preceded the adoption of new systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance and autonomous emergency braking, which are now standard on the car.
