Used 2021 Lexus IS for Sale nearColorado Springs, CO

How much does the 2021 Lexus IS cost?

Prices have softened 1.17% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 510 listings available, which gives you a decent amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Lexus IS a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Lexus IS earns a 4.62/5 user rating and a 7.33/10 expert rating. 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 overview also frames it as a compact luxury sports sedan aimed at enthusiast drivers and luxury buyers who want something more engaging than a typical comfort-first sedan.

The main trade-offs are the underwhelming base engine and irritating transmission, along with outdated technology. Even so, the market still shows 35.3% good or great deals, which suggests there are still attractive listings to be found.

Is the 2021 Lexus IS reliable?

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

Owner feedback points to a dependable, trouble-free ownership experience, with strong confidence in the car’s long-term quality. The expert notes also reinforce Lexus’ reputation for quality and reliability, and the cost-effectiveness commentary emphasizes that reputation as part of the car’s appeal.

The ownership risk for used buyers is less about core durability and more about finding a well-kept example with the right maintenance history.

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

At 70.4% 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 careful inspection of bodywork, panel alignment, and signs of prior repair. Because the model’s appeal depends heavily on condition, you’ll want to focus on how well the car has been maintained and whether any accident damage affected its overall presentation or drivability.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The IS 300 RWD starts at $39,000, the IS 300 AWD starts at $41,000, the IS 350 RWD F Sport starts at $42,900, and the IS 350 AWD F Sport starts at $44,900. The base trims give you the core luxury-sedan experience, while the F Sport versions add a more aggressive setup and are the better fit if you want the sportier character this model is known for.
• Powertrain: The IS 300 RWD uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The IS 300 AWD uses a 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, intelligent high beams, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a backup camera with dynamic gridlines, and Lexus Enform Safety Connect.
• Infotainment: The IS uses 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 way into the lineup and the best-value choice if you want the lowest starting price and the strongest fuel economy in the group. It gives you the core IS experience without pushing the budget too far.
• IS 300 AWD: Choose this if you want the V6 and all-weather traction, but don’t need the extra performance focus of the F Sport models. It costs more than the RWD version, so it makes the most sense if AWD matters to you.
• IS 350 RWD F Sport: This is the sweet spot if you want the strongest rear-drive performance and the sportiest feel without stepping all the way to AWD. It pairs the more powerful V6 with the enthusiast-oriented F Sport setup.
• IS 350 AWD F Sport: Pick this if you want the top-end powertrain with AWD traction and the full F Sport treatment. It’s the priciest version, so it suits you best if you want the most capability and equipment in the lineup.

Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 is standard across the lineup, so you don’t need to move up a trim to get the core driver-assistance suite.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 35.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 510 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 1.17% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 70.4% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $33,085, 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 $34,087 sits slightly below last year's $34,491.

That modest decline suggests the market has eased a bit, which can help you buy more confidently now. For a future seller, it also means you should expect resale value to depend heavily on condition, mileage, and trim choice rather than broad market appreciation.

Because the price range is relatively tight, well-kept examples should remain easier to move than neglected ones. Strong presentation and a clean history matter more when the market is already showing some softness.

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 IIHS or 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, intelligent high beams, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and Lexus Enform Safety Connect.

The main caveat is that formal crash-test results were not yet available in the source material, so you’re relying on the standard safety equipment and Lexus’ broader safety reputation rather than published ratings.

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:

• 35.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 70.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 1.17% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.62/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It brings the new-generation design, multiple powertrain choices, and a more engaging driving focus.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $36,968, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $34,087 average.
• It adds a significant performance boost, including the new IS 500 F Sport Performance.

The bottom line: If you want the better value, the 2021 is the smarter buy because it already delivers the refreshed design, strong owner satisfaction, and a softer market price. If you’re willing to spend more for a bigger performance jump, the 2022 is the better path.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 20, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.