Used 2021 Lexus IS for Sale near California

How much does the 2021 Lexus IS cost?

Prices are up 1.98% year-over-year — a sign of continued demand for this model year.

There are 533 listings available, which gives you a modest amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

Is the 2021 Lexus IS a good car?

Yes — 4.62/5 from owners, and the expert rating is 7.33/10. The model scores 8/10 across Look and feel and Cost effectiveness.

Owners consistently praise the stylish design, sporty feel, luxurious atmosphere, handling, and value for money. The same feedback also points to a car that feels well suited to you if you want a compact luxury sedan with personality rather than a purely comfort-first commuter.

The trade-offs are familiar: the base engine is described as underwhelming, the transmission as irritating, and the technology as outdated. That makes the 2021 IS a stronger fit if you care more about driving enjoyment and premium feel than the latest convenience features.

Only 36.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so the market still rewards shoppers who move carefully.

Is the 2021 Lexus IS reliable?

Owners rate it 4.62/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

Owner feedback highlights reliability, quality, and a car you can count on over time, while also reinforcing the brand’s reputation for dependable ownership. The expert notes also point to Lexus’ quality-and-reliability reputation and a well-equipped package that should age well if maintained properly.

The main long-term ownership risk for used buyers is that technology and powertrain satisfaction may not match the car’s strong durability reputation.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Lexus IS?

At 71.7% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a close inspection of body panels, paint consistency, and signs of prior repair. It also makes sense to focus on how the car feels on the road, since the transmission and base-engine behavior are recurring concerns in the feedback.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The lineup includes the IS 300 RWD, IS 300 AWD, IS 350 RWD F Sport, and IS 350 AWD F Sport. The F Sport models add a more performance-oriented presentation, while the base trims are the ones most likely to leave you wanting more equipment and presence.
• Powertrain: The IS 300 RWD uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The IS 300 AWD uses a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 with 260 hp and 236 lb-ft, while the IS 350 models use the same V6 tuned to 311 hp and 280 lb-ft. RWD models use an eight-speed automatic, and AWD models use a six-speed automatic.
• Safety package: Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 is standard and includes pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, low-light pedestrian detection, daytime bicyclist detection, left-turn intersection support, lane-departure warning with steering assist, road-sign recognition, enhanced lane-tracing assist, full-speed dynamic adaptive cruise control, and intelligent high beams. It also includes blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a backup camera with dynamic gridlines, and Lexus Enform Safety Connect.
• Infotainment: The 2021 IS finally offers a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The touchpad remains, and Lexus Enform Remote, Service Connect, WiFi, and Safety Connect are part of the connected-services mix.
• Fuel efficiency: The IS 300 RWD is rated at 21 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. The IS 300 AWD is rated at 19/26/22, the IS 350 RWD at 20/28/23, and the IS 350 AWD at 19/26/22.

Which 2021 Lexus IS trim should I buy?

The 2021 Lexus IS is offered in 4 trim levels: IS 300 RWD, IS 300 AWD, IS 350 RWD F Sport, IS 350 AWD F Sport.

Here's the short version:

• IS 300 RWD: This is the least expensive entry point and the best-value choice if you want the lowest starting price and the most efficient rear-wheel-drive setup. It gives you the core IS experience without pushing the budget too far.
• IS 300 AWD: Choose this if you want the V6-powered all-wheel-drive setup and are willing to pay more for it. It suits you if traction matters more than outright value.
• IS 350 RWD F Sport: This is the stronger pick if you want the most engaging rear-wheel-drive balance and the more athletic F Sport presentation. It is the trim to target if driving enjoyment matters most.
• IS 350 AWD F Sport: Pick this if you want the top-end AWD version with the strongest output in the lineup and the F Sport treatment. It is the most expensive route and makes sense if you want the fullest feature-and-performance combination.

Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 is standard across the lineup.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Lexus IS?

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you should compare listings carefully and move quickly when you find a strong one.

• Deal availability: 36.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 533 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices are up 1.98% year-over-year.
• Clean inventory: 71.7% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $33,096, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Lexus IS's resale value?

The current average of $34,656 sits slightly above last year's $33,982.

That upward move suggests the market has held up reasonably well for this model year, which is a positive sign if you plan to sell later. A price increase like this usually means buyers still see value in the car’s styling, brand appeal, and driving character.

Because the year-round range stays fairly tight, a well-kept example should remain easier to position competitively than a neglected one. Strong demand tends to favor cars that present cleanly, have solid history records, and show consistent maintenance.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.62/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Lexus IS safe?

The 2021 Lexus IS hasn’t yet been rated for crashworthiness by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), nor has it received an overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

It earns a 7/10 safety score from our experts.

Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 is standard, and it includes pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, low-light pedestrian detection, daytime bicyclist detection, left-turn intersection support, lane-departure warning with steering assist, road-sign recognition, enhanced lane-tracing assist, full-speed dynamic adaptive cruise control, and intelligent high beams. You also get blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a backup camera with dynamic gridlines, and Lexus Enform Safety Connect.

The main caveat is that formal crash-test results were not yet available in the source material, so you should lean more heavily on the standard driver-assistance equipment and the car’s condition when shopping used.

Should I buy a 2021 Lexus IS or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 36.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 71.7% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices are up 1.98% year-over-year.
• Owners rate it 4.62/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 brings a new-generation redesign with a touchscreen infotainment system and standard Lexus Safety System+ 2.5.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $37,551, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $34,656 average.
• It adds a significant performance boost and the new IS 500 F Sport Performance.

The bottom line: If you want the better value and the more accessible entry into this generation, the 2021 is the smarter buy. If you care most about stronger performance and can stretch your budget, the 2022 is the more compelling upgrade. For price-sensitive buyers, the 2021 remains the more balanced path.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 6, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.