As an automotive writer we are to remain unbiased and open minded. I accomplish that. But that doesn’t mean, I don’t develop a “type” or a preference.
This week’s tester is just my type as it’s squatty, sporty and swanky. The three S’s if you will. But I’m a sucker for any combination of those three S’s, and the 2021 Lexus IS 300 has all three.
There’s a laundry list of new features for the 2021 Lexus IS including new exterior styling, an updated chassis and suspension and a much improved infotainment system. The latter of which has always been one of the (justified) knocks against Lexus. More on the infotainment system a little further down.
On profile, the Lexus IS having a European look with a longer hood and shorter back deck. This also gives it a much sportier appearance. For those who found the recent Lexus grille designs to be a little too much, well, avert your eyes as that big bold grille is prevalent on the 2021 Lexus IS too. Honestly, I was always a fan of that big grille. As so many people criticized Lexus for being too stodgy and too conservative, but then criticize them when do something bold. It’s like talking out of both sides of your mouth. I, for one, think the grille of the IS looks tremendous and gives it a perfect blend of aggression and refinement.
Even the back end looks outstanding with the retouches that occurred. A small spoiler hints at the sporty side of this sedan while the wide squinty taillights balance out the overall appeal. As such, the 2021 Lexus IS 300 is one of the most polished-looking sedans in the segment.
There are three engine choices for the 2021 Lexus IS including a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that serves as the base engine. Then the IS300 has a 3.5-liter V6 which is good for 260 horses. But the oh-so-sporty IS 350 F-Sport is the go-to choice for maximum horsepower with a rating of 311 horsepower. My tester was the 300 with AWD and the 260 horsepower output. That seems slightly underpowered and in some ways it is.
But with that doesn’t mean the IS 300 is not fun to drive. The squatty sedan has a sporty feel and the steering adds to the responsive nature. It’s disappointing that there’s a modern eight-speed transmission that is only available for the rear-wheel drive (RWD) versions while the AWD version gets an outdated six-speed automatic. Not fair!
Often I talk about vehicles that over perform their sticker and the Lexus IS is one such vehicle as the 260 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque seems barely adequate, it actually has excellent driving dynamics and is full of personality.
Lexus has been plagued by the integration (in mass) of a confounding touchpad system that drove their entire infotainment system. The touchpad is clunky and lacks intuition. Unfortunately that touchpad is still in the 2021 Lexus IS, but the carmaker found a way around it by adding a touchscreen to bypass much need for the touchpad (hallelujah). For that alone the IS gets high marks.
But for anyone who has criticized Lexus in the past as being an overpriced Toyota, even this small, affordably priced Lexus shows that such criticism is just not true. Indeed, the Lexus IS 300 has luxury and refinement everywhere, including a classy cappuccino-colored interior. It’s both elegant and comfortable. The angle of the driver’s seat has a slight tilt, which is good for seeing the road better.
The back seat is cramped for long-legged adults. The Lexus IS 300 is technically a five-passenger vehicle but is more realistically suited for four people. Adults will be comfortable in the front and may want for more space in the back.
As for that touchpad and the infotainment system, a 10.3-inch touch screen is responsive to commands that were otherwise controlled by the frustrating touchpad. You can now bypass that and what a difference that makes for the overall infotainment system. The screen itself is also angled just right closer and toward the driver, making it better both aesthetically and functionally.
The 10.8 cubic foot trunk is considered small for the segment. But the smaller back end adds to the overall look and sex appeal, so there has to be a give and take.
Starting price of the 2021 Lexus IS 300 AWD is $41,000. With several options including sensor-based safety features and an advanced Mark Levinson sound system, my tester had a final price tag of $49,915.
The AWD version has an EPA rating of 19 mpg/city and 26 mpg/highway. I would like to see that fuel economy be a little better and touch the 30 mpg range. As such, I averaged only 23 mpg during my week with the IS.
You can call it squatty, sporty and swanky or you can find another alliterative way to describe the 2021 Lexus IS 300. But however you call it, it’s definitely a refined, small sedan with the spirit of a sports car.
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November 18, 2021 at 01:45AM
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2021 Lexus IS 300 is squatty, sporty and swanky | Automotive | thecheyennepost.com - thecheyennepost.com
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