Lexus IS 2021 review: IS300 snapshot

The range opening Lexus IS 2021 model is the IS300, which used to be known as the IS200t. That name would have been more fitting, because it has a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine.

The outputs are decent at 180kW and 350Nm, and it has an eight-speed automatic transmission sending drive to the rear wheels. Fuel consumption is claimed at 8.2L/100km.

The IS300 can be had in Luxury or F Sport grades. 

Explore the 2021 Lexus IS Range

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The IS300 Luxury opens the 2021 model range at $61,500 (MSRP). It comes as standard with 18-inch alloy wheels (with a space saver spare), auto LED headlights with auto high beam and LED daytime running lights, proximity keyless entry with push-button start, a 10.3-inch touchscreen with sat nav and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus a 10-speaker sound system. There are eight-way power-adjustable front seats with heating (plus memory settings for the driver), power steering column adjustment, dual-zone climate control, rain sensing wipers, and adaptive cruise control.

Need more? The $2000 Enhancement Pack adds a sunroof, while the $5500 Enhancement Pack 2 (or EP2) sees the addition of 19-inch alloy wheels, an excellent 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, cooled front seats, high-grade leather-accented interior trim, and a power-operated rear sunshade.

Want a sportier looking IS300? The F Sport model, at $70,000 (MSRP), is your go. It has a body kit, 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive suspension, sports front seats with cooling (plus heating and electric adjust), sports pedals, and five drive modes, an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster and leather-accented trim.

Buying the F Sport Enhancement Pack for the IS300 costs $3100 and includes the sunroof, 17-speaker sound system and rear sunshade.

Safety kit has been enhanced across the IS range for 2021, including AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert with auto braking, lane keeping assist, intersection turn assist and new Lexus Connected Services for emergency backup.