The 2021 Lexus IS Gets An Extensive Facelift And A Sportier Driving Experience

The third-generation Lexus IS dates back to 2013, but it’s getting a significant update for 2021.

While the model isn’t all-new, the car has been extensively revised and it’s far better looking than its predecessor.

Starting up front, there’s a new spindle grille with a “three-dimensional, polyhedral structure.” It’s flanked by new headlights which now feature integrated LED daytime running lights. This gives the car a much more modern and upscale appearance.

The styling changes don’t end there as designers gave the IS a fresh silhouette complete with restyled side skirts and larger 18-inch alloy wheels. The model also has restyled door, a sportier greenhouse and lower character lines which flow into sleeker rear fenders.

Out back, there’s a new rear end with a curvier trunk – and at least one of us over here at CarScoops even saw a hint of the infamous ‘Bungle’ butt in the boot design. The model also sports a new bumper and restyled taillights which are now connected by a thin illuminated strip.

In terms of size, the 2021 IS is slightly larger than its predecessor as it measures 1.18 inches (30 mm) longer, 1.18 inches (30 mm) wider and 0.19 inches (5 mm) taller than before. The only dimension that doesn’t change is the car’s wheelbase of 110.2 inches (2,800 mm).

Barely Noticeable Interior Updates

While the exterior styling changes are pretty dramatic, the interior updates are barely noticeable. That being said, there’s a modestly revised dashboard with new circular air vents at the outside edges. The trim on the glovebox has also been removed, while the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system moves 3 inches (76 mm) closer to the driver for improved access.

The model also gains a newly available 10.3-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility as well as Amazon Alexa integration. The larger display is included on vehicles equipped with the navigation package and it can be paired with the upgraded Mark Levinson premium audio system which now boasts 17 speakers and 1,800 watts of power.

While a number of interior components carryover, the 2021 IS comes nicely equipped with power front seats that are trimmed NuLuxe upholstery. Buyers will also find a dual-zone automatic climate control system and a SmartAccess system with a push button ignition.

No IS F, But There Is An F Sport

The IS F Sport returns to the lineup and it features unique styling inside and out. Starting with the latter, the model has sportier bumpers, a unique grille and a rear spoiler. There’s also has a sports exhaust system, a diffuser and 19-inch alloy wheels.

F Sport buyers can order an optional Dynamic Handling Package which includes an adaptive variable suspension as well as 19-inch forged BBS wheels with a matte black finish. The latter aren’t just for looks as each weighs approximately 4 lbs (1.8 kg) less than the standard 19-inch wheels. The package also includes carbon fiber mirror caps and a carbon fiber rear spoiler.

Moving into the cabin, F Sport drivers will find heated / ventilated sport seats, a heated leather steering wheel and a perforated leather shifter. Other niceties include alloy pedals, stainless steel scuff plates and special door panels with “embossed intersecting lines.”

A Familiar Engine Lineup

Under the hood, the rear-wheel drive IS 300 has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 241 hp (180 kW / 244 PS) and 258 lb-ft (349 Nm) of torque. It’s connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission which features an “advanced G-force Artificial Intelligence system that monitors multiple performance parameters to determine the optimum gear selection.”

Despite the similar sounding name, the all-wheel drive IS 300 features a 3.5-liter V6 with 260 hp (194 kW / 264 PS) and 236 lb-ft (320 Nm) of torque. It’s paired to a six-speed automatic which sends power to a rear-biased all-wheel drive system.

Lastly, the IS 350 has a 3.5-liter V6 pumping out 311 hp (231 kW / 315 PS) and 280 lb-ft (379 Nm) of torque. The rear-wheel drive variant has an eight-speed automatic transmission and can run from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 5.6 seconds. The all-wheel drive IS 350 makes do with a six-speed automatic and it’s a tad slower as the dash to 60 mph (96 km/h) takes 5.7 seconds.

A New Driving Signature

While the 2021 IS isn’t all-new, that doesn’t mean the chassis carries over as Lexus told us the “changes are on the scale of a partial redesign.”  In particular, the model was tested and developed at the Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama and is the first vehicle to feature the new “Lexus Driving Signature.”

Thanks to the extensive testing, engineers focused on enhancing body rigidity by “reinforcing the radiator side supports, increasing the number of front-side-member weld points, and optimizing reinforcement structures from the C-pillars to the sides of the roof.” Lexus said the changes help to reduce noise and vibration, while also improving ride comfort and driving performance.

The car has also been equipped with a thoroughly revised suspension which has forged aluminum A-arms that are 18% lighter than their steel predecessors. That wasn’t the only weight saving measure the 2021 IS has a new stabilizer bar and new coil springs which are 17% and 20% lighter, respectively, than the old components. The model also features hub bolts which improve braking and handling, while also eliminating approximately 2 lbs (0.9 kg) of unsprung weight.

Other highlights include new swing-valve shock absorbers with ultralow-velocity valves which can “response to the most minor of road irregularities.” Engineers also added new bound stoppers which “help manage the sprung weight more effectively for enhanced ride comfort.”

New Safety Tech

On the safety front, the 2021 IS benefits from an upgraded Lexus Safety System+. It features an improved camera and millimeter-wave radar that allows the car to better see bicyclists, pedestrians and other vehicles. The model also features an improved Lane Tracing Assist function.

Other safety features include a Pre-Collision System, Frontal Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking. The model also has Emergency Steering Assist, All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Intelligent High Beams, Road Sign Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and a Blind Spot Monitor.

On Sale This Fall

The 2021 Lexus IS will arrive at U.S. dealerships this fall and pricing will be announced closer to launch. The model will also be available in approximately 39 other countries.