In numerous ways, the 2021 Lexus IS 300 AWD feels like the automotive fellow of a time capsule. Though refreshed and restyled, the current- generation IS still dates back to 2014; you ’d be forgiven for wondering whether Lexus’most affordable – and alternate-best-selling – hydrofoil has fallen too far before.
With the big plutocrat in SUVs and crossovers right now, Lexus took a targeted approach to polish up the IS’ rough edges. For the 2021 model time, the compact luxury hydrofoil got revamped frontal and hinder styling, tweaks to the suspense and lattice, and upgrades outside, primarily to the infotainment system. Pricing kicks off at a competitive$ (plus$ destination).
That gets you a2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 that brings 241 power and 258 lb-ft of necklace to play, directed via an eight- speed automatic transmission through the hinder bus. My Grecian Water IS 300 AWD review auto, meanwhile, has a3.5-liter V6 with 260 power and 236 lb-ft of necklace, and dyads its each-wheel drive with a six- speed automatic.
Confusingly, there’s an IS 350 RWD which has the same V6 – though tuned for 311 hp and 280 lb-ft – and an eight- speed automatic. An IS 500, meanwhile, throws in a V8 it’s a nice memorial that Lexus has n’t relatively given up on big relegation, naturally-aspirated machines yet.
Despite what the numbers say on paper, the IS 300 AWD is suddenly punchy. No, the six- speed does n’t feel as fresh and lively as the transmissions in some of Lexus’ rivals, but as long as you ’re not seriously pushing effects it keeps up just swell. It’s smooth, too, and the tactile essence paddle-shifters mean you can stamp its kindly reticent decelerations when you want to push harder.
While the machines may be old, the lattice and suspense tuning is new. There’s more underpinning to make it stiffer, while the suspense has gone on a serious diet. Factor in nicely-weighted steering and it leaves the IS 300 AWD feeling suddenly fresh and lithe. Film to Comfort mode, meanwhile, and however there are no trick malleable mutes it’s still refined and smooth. Lexus easily paid attention to what really demanded it, and that focus has paid off.
You could say the same for the surface changes. Though the IS wears Lexus’ sizable frontal tulle, it handles the scale of that gullet well; better, I ’d argue, than some of the automaker’s larger cruisers. Design is private, but the tasteful crimps and judicious (but not lavish) operation of chrome pay off. I particularly like the new hinder treatment, where the angular lights, box- gauging light bar, and some clever interplay of the sundeck lid spoiler and concave surfacing under leave the IS looking fresh and distinctive.
Inside, utmost of the cabin is unchanged. The seats are comfortable, the switchgear sturdy, and Lexus’plastics remain forcefully top- notch. On the wise side, there’s an notable absence of storehouse, and the whole thing feels snug, particularly in the reverse where passengers in rival cruisers get further legroom. The same goes for the fairly small10.8 cu-ft box. Lexus, of course, could n’t make any meaningful changes there, but it did address the IS’most common complaint.
Praise be, the standard 8- inch infotainment screen is now cutlet-friendly. There’s a touchpad in the center press, but you can reach out and tap the touchscreen rather to interact with Lexus’Entune system or, indeed more gratifyingly, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. They ’re wired rather than wireless, but I ’ll take what wins I can get.
Enform itself is, well, not the topmost system out there. Lexus easily knows that, as it has formerly developed a relief, though it’s unclear when that might weep through the range. The$ Mark Levinson audio package gives the speakers a W upgrade and sounds great, as well as throwing in navigation on a larger,10.3- inch touchscreen.
$ adds the Comfort Package, with heated and breezy frontal seats, a heated leather steering wheel, and a power moonroof. I ’d envy, however, paying$ for the 360- degree camera, parking backing, and hinder rambler discovery. It feels like that really should be standard in the Lexus Safety System2.5, which includespre-collision with rambler discovery, adaptive voyage control, lane- tracing help, lane departure alert with steering help, road sign help, and bus headlamps. At least, eyeless- spot monitoring with hinder cross business alert is standard, which is further than you can say about some of the competition.
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