Used 2021 Lexus IS for Sale nearRaleigh, NC

How much does the 2021 Lexus IS cost?

Prices are up 1.88% year-over-year — a sign of continued demand for this model year.

There are 543 listings available, which gives you a modest amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Lexus IS a good car?

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

Owners repeatedly praise the stylish design, sporty feel, luxurious feel, handling, and value for money. The overview also frames it as a compact luxury sports sedan aimed at enthusiast drivers and luxury shoppers who want something more engaging than a comfort-first alternative.

The main trade-offs are the underwhelming base engine and irritating transmission, along with outdated technology. Even so, the car’s strong market positioning and 32.6% good-or-great deal share suggest there are still attractive listings to find.

Is the 2021 Lexus IS reliable?

Owners rate it 4.62/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction. The owner summary also points to a car that feels dependable and trouble-free enough to inspire confidence over time, with buyers highlighting its value and the sense that it can be a car you count on.

The expert notes reinforce that impression by emphasizing Lexus quality and reliability, along with the brand’s reputation for durability. The cost-effectiveness commentary also points to Lexus’ reputation for quality and reliability behind the IS.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is less about core dependability and more about whether the car’s tech and powertrain feel dated enough to bother you over time.

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

At 72.4% 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 pre-purchase inspection, especially if you’re considering a lower-priced example. Focus on condition, prior damage, and whether the car’s equipment and features match what you expect from the trim you’re shopping.

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 base versions are more straightforward, while the F Sport models add the sportier positioning and equipment buyers in this class often want.
• 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 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 IS finally offers a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Lexus Enform Remote, Service Connect, and WiFi are part of the connected-services setup, and the Navigation Package adds Dynamic Navigation and Destination Assist for the first three years.
• 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 it gives you the rear-wheel-drive setup, turbo four-cylinder power, and the best fuel economy in the group. It makes the most sense if you want the lowest entry price and still care about the driving feel.
• IS 300 AWD: Choose this if you want the V6 and all-wheel drive without stepping up to the sportier F Sport models. It adds traction and a smoother, naturally aspirated character, but it costs more and uses more fuel.
• IS 350 RWD F Sport: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it combines the stronger 311-hp V6 with the rear-wheel-drive chassis and the sportier F Sport setup. If you want the most engaging balance of performance and price, start here.
• IS 350 AWD F Sport: Pick this if you want the strongest all-weather traction and the same higher-output V6, and you’re willing to pay for it. It’s the priciest version, so it suits buyers who want the most fully equipped and traction-focused setup.

Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 is standard across the lineup, so you do not need to move up trims 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 have room to shop carefully rather than rush.

• Deal availability: 32.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 543 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices are up 1.88% year-over-year.
• Clean inventory: 72.4% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $33,092, 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 $34,775 sits slightly above last year's $34,132.

That year-over-year increase suggests the market has held up reasonably well, which is a positive sign if you plan to sell later. It also means you’re not buying into a model that appears to be sliding sharply in value right now.

Strong owner satisfaction can help support demand when it’s time to resell, especially for a car with a clear enthusiast appeal. 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 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 with SOS emergency assistance, roadside assistance, automatic collision notification, and stolen vehicle notification.

A key caveat is that crash-test results were not yet available, so you’re relying on the standard safety equipment and Lexus’ broader 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:

• 32.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 72.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices are up 1.88% year-over-year.
• Owners rate it 4.62/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It marks the fourth generation and targets enthusiast drivers with sharper handling and a more purposeful feel.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $37,691, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $34,775 average.
• It adds the new IS 500 F Sport Performance with a 5.0-liter V8.

The bottom line: If you want the better value and a broad selection of listings, the 2021 is the smarter starting point. If you’re willing to spend more for a major performance upgrade, the 2022 is the better path.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 15, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.