How much does the 2021 Lexus IS cost?

Prices are up 2.07% year-over-year — a sign of continued demand for this model year.

There are 521 listings available, which gives you a modest amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

If you find a listing below $33,155.14, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2021 Lexus IS a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Lexus IS earns a 4.62/5 user rating, and our experts rate it 7.33/10. The model scores 8/10 across Look and feel and Cost effectiveness.

Owners consistently praise the stylish design, sporty feel, and luxurious character. They also highlight the handling and value for money, while the overview points to a clear appeal for buyers who want a premium sedan with a sporty edge rather than a comfort-first commuter.

The main trade-offs are the underwhelming base engine, the irritating transmission, and outdated technology. That means you should expect the strongest appeal if you care more about driving feel and design than about the latest cabin tech.

With 27.4% of listings marked as good or great deals, there is still some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Lexus IS reliable?

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

The owner summary points to a car that feels dependable, with buyers repeatedly calling out the stylish design, sporty feel, and luxurious character they can count on. The expert notes also emphasize Lexus’ reputation for quality and reliability, which supports the case for long-term ownership.

The performance write-up adds that the IS feels crisp, precise, and balanced, which reinforces the sense of a well-sorted car rather than one that feels loosely assembled or hard to live with.

If you buy used, the main long-term risk is less about outright durability and more about whether the specific car has been maintained well and equipped to your expectations.

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 the car has been in any collision. Focus on body condition, panel alignment, tire wear, and signs that the car’s sporty suspension and steering have been used hard or repaired poorly.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The cabin is described as tastefully simple, but the tech and luxury presentation can feel more basic than some rivals, and the base setup lacks some modern conveniences buyers may expect.
• Powertrain: The IS 300 RWD uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the IS 300 AWD uses a 3.5-liter V6 with 260 hp and 236 lb-ft; IS 350 models use the V6 tuned to 311 hp and 280 lb-ft. Fuel economy ranges from 21 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, 25 mpg combined for the IS 300 RWD to 19/26/22 for the IS 300 AWD, and 20/28/23 for the IS 350 RWD to 19/26/22 for the IS 350 AWD.
• 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 gets a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Lexus Enform Service Connect comes with a 10-year complimentary subscription, Lexus Enform Remote is free for three years, and the Navigation Package includes Dynamic Navigation and Destination Assist for the first three years only.
• Fuel efficiency: The EPA estimates 21 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, 25 mpg combined for the IS 300 RWD; 19/26/22 for the IS 300 AWD; 20/28/23 for the IS 350 RWD; and 19/26/22 for the IS 350 AWD.

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 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder, rear-wheel drive, 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 car’s sporty character.
• IS 300 AWD: Choose this if you want the V6 and all-wheel drive without stepping up to the higher-output F Sport models. It adds traction and a smoother-feeling powertrain, but it costs more and returns lower fuel economy.
• IS 350 RWD F Sport: This is the best-value choice if you want the strongest blend of performance and price. You get the more powerful 311-hp V6, rear-wheel drive, and the sharper F Sport setup without paying for AWD.
• IS 350 AWD F Sport: Pick this if you want the top gas-model performance with all-weather traction. It is the priciest version, so it makes the most sense if you specifically want the extra capability and are willing to pay for it.

Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 is standard across the lineup, so you do not need to move up trims for the core safety suite.

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

Act selectively, because this is still a seller’s market and the best cars will move quickly.

• Deal availability: 27.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 521 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices are up 2.07% year-over-year.
• Clean inventory: 72.4% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $33,155.14, 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 $35,119 sits slightly above last year's $34,408.

That upward move suggests the market has held up reasonably well for this model year. If you buy carefully and keep the car in good condition, you should have a decent chance of preserving value better than you would with a weaker-demand luxury sedan.

The price range also shows that buyers are still willing to pay for the right example, especially one with the right trim, condition, and history. That matters because a car with steady demand is usually easier to sell later without taking a steep haircut.

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?

It 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 a 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 with SOS emergency assistance, roadside assistance, automatic collision notification, and stolen vehicle notification.

The main caveat is that formal crash-test results were not yet available in the source data, so you should lean more heavily on the standard safety equipment and the condition of any used example you consider.

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:

• 27.4% 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 2.07% year-over-year.
• Owners rate it 4.62/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 brings a fourth-generation redesign with sharper styling, multiple powertrain choices, and a touchscreen infotainment system.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $37,875, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $35,119 average.
• It adds the IS 500 F Sport Performance with a 5.0-liter V8 and much stronger performance.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, style, and sporty character, the 2021 is the smarter buy. If your priority is maximum performance and you can spend more, the 2022 is the better path. For most used-car shoppers, the 2021 offers the stronger value proposition, while price-sensitive buyers should focus on well-kept examples near the low end of the market.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.