[Auto] 2021 Lexus IS First Look

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KBB Editors’ Overview
The 2021 Lexus IS compact luxury sport sedan is the Japanese brand's answer to European models like the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Audi A4. For two decades, the Lexus IS has competed well with those rivals in terms of driving manners while outshining the rest with the kind of reliability and high resale value you’d expect from Toyota’s luxury division.

For 2021, the Lexus IS gets a refresh that helps it remain competitive. In addition to updated exterior and interior design, the Lexus IS finally gains Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. Lexus says it has made improvements to the IS’ driving performance by enhancing its chassis and suspension components. It is the first model to debut what the brand calls “Lexus Driving Signature,” meant to provide better feedback to the driver across the brand's model lineup.

The Lexus IS is again offered with either a turbocharged 4-cylinder or V6 engine, and with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). A full suite of active safety and driver-assistance features is standard.

Bolstered by this freshening and backed by years of reliability and gratifying manners, the 2021 Lexus IS looks to be more enticing than ever.

Driving the 2021 Lexus IS
The Lexus IS has long impressed us with its refined but taut manners. In the past, we have found it an excellent choice among entry-level luxury sedans, especially when equipped with a V6. We are eager to experience the chassis and suspension improvements Lexus has made for the 2021 IS. Stay tuned after we get behind the wheel.

Favorite Features
STANDARD LEXUS SAFETY SYSTEM +
All 2021 Lexus IS models include this suite that bundles active safety and driver-assist features like forward-collision alert with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning / lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.

MARK LEVINSON AUDIO SYSTEM
Lexus has had a long relationship with Mark Levinson, one of the best names in high-end audio. This year, the optional premium audio system has gotten even better, boasting two more speakers for a total of 17 and a massive increase in wattage from 835 to 1,800. Rock on.

2021 Lexus IS Interior
The updated 2021 Lexus IS retains the basic design of its 5-passenger cabin, with most of the updates focused up front where tech is concerned.

The IS now comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen display thataces displ the previous, aging 7-inch display. Optional is a 10.3-inch widescreen display. The screen sits nearly 3 inches closer to the driver for easier access.

We’ve long found the Lexus’ seats among the most comfortable in the business, and expect the same for this refreshed model. As before, leather upholstery is not available. Rather, Lexus uses a synthetic material called NuLuxe.

2021 Lexus IS Exterior
With its freshening for 2021, the Lexus IS keeps its familiar svelte lines but gets updates to its front and rear fascias, including a new grille. One of is most distinctive new features is in back, where a light bar now spans the entire tail of the car.

Also new, the 2021 Lexus IS now comes standard with 18-inch wheels, while 19-inch variants are available for the first time and reserved for F Sport models.

Dimensionally the Lexus has grown ever so slightly over last year’s model. It is just over an inch longer and wider, and sits just a hair taller. Wheelbase remains the same.

 

2021 Lexus IS Standard Features
The 2021 Lexus IS comes in three main trims: IS 300 RWD, IS 300 AWD, and IS 350.

The based IS 300 RWD includes an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with new integrated Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa integration, NuLuxe synthetic leather upholstery, 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and 8-way adjustable passenger seat, keyless access with push-button start and dual-zone automatic climate control. For 2021, 18-inch wheels replace the previous 17-inch ones. With the base turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, rear-wheel drive is your only choice.

The Lexus IS comes with an impressive roster of safety equipment, called Lexus Safety System +. The system includes frontal-collision warning with bicyclist and pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam assist, and a lane-tracing assist that when used with radar cruise control helps keep you centered in lanes. New for 2021, the Lexus IS includes blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

2021 Lexus IS Options
In addition to all-wheel drive, stepping up to the IS 300 AWD gets you a more potent 260-hp V6 engine. The IS 350 includes a more powerful version of the V6 rated at 311-hp. For 2021, this is the only Lexus IS that offers the aggressive F Sport treatment. Lexus IS 350 F Sport models feature unique front and rear bumper design, rear-lip spoiler, and other exterior aesthetics. 2021 Lexus IS F Sport models also include 19-inch wheels, heated and ventilated front seats with 2-way lumbar support, and 4-way adjustable headrests.

The F Sport's performance can be further enhanced with the Dynamic Handling Package that includes adaptive suspension and a Sport + driving mode. RWD F Sport models can be had with a limited-slip differential.

Other options for the Lexus IS lineup include a power moonroof, a 10.3-inch widescreen display with navigation, and a newly upgraded Mark Levinson premium audio system that boasts 17 speakers and 1,800 watts - that’s nearly a 1,000 more than the previous model.

2021 Lexus IS Engine
The 2021 Lexus IS carries over its powertrain choices of either a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine or a V6 in one of two power outputs. Here’s how it plays out: The Lexus IS 300 rear-wheel-drive (RWD) models use the base 4-cylinder that makes 241 horsepower. IS 300 all-wheel-drive models (AWD) have a V6 making 260 horsepower. All IS 350 models, whether RWD or AWD, get the higher-powered V6 that makes 311 horsepower.

All Lexus IS models use an automatic transmission. RWD models have an 8-speed, while AWD models use an older-style but still smooth-operating 6-speed. Performance-wise, we’ve found the V6 to be smooth and powerful, but the turbo-4 has also impressed us with its liveliness while returning better fuel economy. As with other luxury cars, the Lexus drinks premium unleaded gasoline.