2021 Lexus IS: The IS is a compact luxury sedan that seats 5 passengers. It gets significant revisions for 2021, which include a freshened interior with new infotainment system, updated front and rear styling, stiffer chassis and improved suspension. Competitors include the Acura TSX, Audi A3, BMW 2-Series, Infiniti Q50, Mercedes-Benz CLA, and Volvo S60.
Model designations include IS 300 and IS 350. With rear-wheel drive, the IS 300 gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that makes 241 horsepower and 8-speed automatic transmission. With all-wheel drive, the IS 300 gets a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 260 horsepower and a 6-speed automatic. All IS 350 models are rear-wheel drive, badged F Sport and get a 311-horsepower version of the V6 and 8-speed automatic.
The new infotainment system features an available 10.3-inch touchscreen with support for Android Auto and Apple Car Play. Available driver-assist technology includes rearview camera with cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high-beam headlights. Pricing ranges from $38,000 to $47,000.