2021 Lexus IS Review: IS300 Snapshot

The Lexus IS 2021 model that opens the lineup is the IS300, formerly known as the IS200t. This name would be more appropriate because it has a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine.

Power is decent: 180kW and 350Nm, and an eight-speed automatic sends drive to the rear wheels. Claimed fuel consumption is 8.2 l/100 km.

The IS300 is available in Luxury or F Sport classes. 

The IS300 Luxury opens the 2021 lineup at $61,500 MSRP. Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels (with a spare to save space), automatic LED headlights with automatic high beam and LED daytime running lights, keyless entry with start button, 10.3-inch touchscreen with sat-nav and Apple. CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as an audio system with 10 speakers. Heated eight-way power front seats (plus driver memory settings), power steering column adjustment, dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, and adaptive cruise control.

Need more? The $2000 Enhancement Pack adds a sunroof, and the $5500 Enhancement Pack 2 (or EP2) adds 19-inch alloy wheels, a great 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, cooled front seats, premium leather trim. and a power rear sun visor.

Want a sportier IS300? The $70,000 (MSRP) F Sport model is your choice. It has a bodykit, 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive suspension, cooled sport front seats (plus heated and electrically adjustable), sport pedals and five drive modes, a 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster and leather trim.

Buying the F Sport Enhancement Pack for the IS300 costs $3100 and includes a sunroof, a 17-speaker audio system, and a rear sun visor.

The safety package has been improved across the entire IS lineup for 2021, including AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert with automatic braking, lane keeping assist, junction turn assist and new Lexus Connected Services for emergency backup.