2021 Lexus IS Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$39,050 to $44,950

Original MSRP

7.3
of 10

expert review

4.6

avg user rating

(16 reviews)
7.3
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
8/10
Technology
7/10
Performance
7/10
Safety
7/10
Form & function
7/10
Cost-effectiveness
8/10
2021 Lexus IS Test Drive Review summaryImage

Lexus amps up its compact sports sedan, the 2021 IS, for a new generation.

The new Lexus IS enters its fourth generation of production, embodying lessons learned from the LC and RC. The 2021 IS targets enthusiast drivers and luxury buyers who might be thinking German first, and it seeks to recalibrate expectations of what a compact luxury sports sedan can be.
8/10

Whether we like to admit it or not, our cars reflect ourselves. A boring car tells people something about you; so does a flashy exotic. The IS makes several statements about its driver. It is athletically proportioned and has a great stance. Designers often speak of the challenge of capturing motion in their car designs, and the IS is one of those sedans that look like it is traveling forward even while standing still. Elegance is another elusive quality, often quantified by measuring the distance between the front axle and dashboard. A greater distance (up to a point) conveys elegance, and the IS nails it. The fast roofline splits the difference between the currently fashionable coupe-like dome and a fastback. An interesting kick-up of the window base at the back of the passenger door shortens the greenhouse visually, making the cabin look more compact and sportier. A new version of the Lexus signature “spindle” grille is filled with an attractive diamond mesh, and narrow headlights give the IS an assertive squint. Paint, chrome, and panel gaps are flawless, as expected on a Lexus.

Inside, the dash is tastefully simple. The centre stack looks like a collection of components plugged into an attractive rack, a little retro hi-fi feel that’s cool and different. The interior, in general, matches the exterior with bold, assertive choices, authentic lines and build quality, and a modern aesthetic.

In the context of this modernity, the vestigial analog clock is starting to feel like an obstructive anachronism, rather than the signifier of luxury it once was. It’s time for a brave design team to abandon the clock—unless there’s an opportunity for co-branding with a high-end watchmaker.

Jason Fogelson
Published Nov 24, 2021 by Jason Fogelson
Jason Fogelson has reviewed hundreds of cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles and ATVs for websites, magazines and newspapers. He is based in the Detroit area.

User reviews for 2021 Lexus IS

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User rating:
by quoc L
Aug 08, 2024
Great car I love it! I would love to drive this car!Aug 08, 2024
by Anonymous
Jun 23, 2024
Yes, its a great car! I love it very much!Jun 23, 2024
by Lyndon G
Mar 20, 2024
The cars features are striking and a class of its ownMar 20, 2024

2021 Lexus IS Pricing

Original MSRP
$39,050 to $44,950
Price range
$38,797 to $39,766
Average price on CG
$38,797
YoY price change
$39,575 to $38,797

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · IHeartRadio internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 10

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 13.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.7 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: alloy

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: accessory hook · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.13

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Apply CarPlay ready · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: low battery

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: door unlock · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: perforated

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation app: Waze · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Enform Remote Connect · Smart device app function: engine start · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · IHeartRadio internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 10

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 13.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.7 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: alloy

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: accessory hook · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.77

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Amazon Alexa · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: low battery

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: alert system · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: perforated

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation app: Waze · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Enform Remote Connect · Smart device app function: lock operation · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · IHeartRadio internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 10

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 13.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.7 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Door sill trim: stainless steel · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.13

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: decklid · Rear spoiler color: black · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Enform · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 8 in. · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation app: Waze · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Enform Remote Connect · Smart device app function: lock operation · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 7

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · IHeartRadio internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 10

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 13.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.7 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Door sill trim: stainless steel · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: alloy

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: voice recognition controls · Storage: accessory hook · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.77

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: decklid · Rear spoiler color: black · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Amazon Alexa · Infotainment: Enform · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 8 in. · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: intersection/junction turn · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation app: Waze · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Enform Remote Connect · Smart device app function: lock operation · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: summer performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 7

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse