2021 Lexus IS Review // TLX -'That's all you got?'

#LexusIS
#NewLexusIS
#Fsport
Lexus has unveiled the 2021Lexus IS sport sedan with an new emphasis on driving dynamics. Has the Lexus IS changed enough to take on the challenge from the all-new Acura TLX? Well, not much new here, this is more of a facelift than a whole new car. The changes are subtle, but here to see. The car is lower and wider than before, mostly to make room for the suspension and wheel changes. The body is 30mm longer, 30mm wider, 5mm taller but the wheelbase remains the same. What has changes are wheel sizes are now standard 18-inches, with optional 19-inch wheels seen here.There is a newly designed Lexus spindle grille with a three-dimensional look. F SPORT models also feature a grille-bottom air intake that allows air to flow through to assist in cooling the brakes. New sleeker headlamps are fitted on the Lexus IS that feature daytime running lights with a sharp L-shape signature that runs across the lamp units and they are matched by lowered side character lines that carry all the way. Lexus says that triple beam headlamps are available. The back of the Lexus IS has the lines of the rear fenders blend into the extended, lowered rear deck. The L-shaped blade-style light-bar that spans across the rear of the vehicle is the biggest change aesthetically. The 2021 Lexus IS is sold with RWD and AWD models. The rear-wheel drive IS 300 features a 2.0-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine is updated for 2021, featuring an adaptive transmission control that helps determines the most appropriate gear for each driving situation based on driver input. Rated at 241 horsepower, and 258 lb.-ft of torque the engine switches between the Otto and Atkinson combustion cycles. It comes equipped with an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission. The IS 300 AWD is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 with 260 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque to all four wheels but with only a six-speed automatic transmission. There is also IS 350 AWD powered by a 3.5-litre V6 that produces 311 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of peak torque, coupled a six-speed automatic transmission. The IS 350 AWD is rated 0-60MPH in 5.7 seconds. Inside, just like the outside is more of an evolution, nothing revolutionary here. The base info screen is 8-inches with a larger 10.3-inch unit, both with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The touch screen is touch sensitive, so the screen was moved a full 80mm closer to the driver for access to both Apple and Google assistants. The new IS has a lighter unsparing weight, meaning the hubs and coil springs are lighter by 18 percent. There are new shock absorbers for a more even ride and larger 18 or 19-inch wheels with a wider track. The F-Sport even gets a variable adaptive suspension and lighter BBS wheels. The body is built using stronger material for improved rigidity. Key standard features on the Lexus IS include Lexus Safety Sense +2.5, an 8” infotainment screen, Apple Carplay & Android Auto, Leather wrapped steering wheel and shifter, Heated Front Seats, Faux leather Seats, Dual zone auto climate control,, Smart Key system + push button start, Blind spot monitor + rear cross traffic alert, Rain sensing wipers and 18” wheels.

Get the dealership cost, any rebates and special interest rates, plus secret discounts, go to CarCostCanada. Use the promo code MOTORMOUTH to become an expert member.

[ninjade]

I just bought yesterday the IS350 F2 after I consulted and viewed a lot of documentation, YouTube videos for many, many hours. Finally and of course I tested: Acura TLX, Genesys G70, Kia Stinger, Subaru Legacy GT Premier, Audi A5 (and I will see also the S60 (T5 and T6) even if I already purchased the Lexus). I'm in Canada. I want to mention that there is a lot of disinformation on the Internet or influencer that are not prepared for the real presentations and knowledge.
It is not the case with the Motormouth channel - for this particular review it was very easy for me to have quick and direct information from Legacy Canada site, so maybe more details not found on the site would be welcomed.

Comparing with:
- Genesys G70 - I'm 6.3 feet (189cm) tall and it is so small and once I'm in the driver position, nobody can go and sit in the back - shame! I just not continued to test it, because not interested at all. The next level G80 - well above my budget.
- Acura TLX (The A Spec or the Elite Trim) - it has smaller space than IS in the back, the audio system is very good, the control for the display is a shame and the same thing for the Turbo lag - I cannot stand it - it is so bad done and the 10 speed are too, too much. The interior looks good, it is fool loaded and stay very good (but not the best) on the road. For me it was a deception with the engine. Honda is quicker and muscular than this one (!).
- Kia Stinger - very good also looking car, also full loaded (even more than Acura). The power is more, but not feels like a 365HP bi turbo, it feels a little less. It has a good handling but it shakes after a thigh turn at higher speed. The feeling of the interior with all the bels and whistles feels..cheap, even with all the leather. The same impression for 3 people involved in the test of the car. Something else to consider: the knowledge and the quality of agents has to be changed if Kia wants to go in the good direction - very personal opinion of mine. Still, some turbo lag.
Subaru Legacy GT Premier - what a wonderful surprise: I'm not at all a fan of the CVT, but it works well (well, not at any engine speeds). It was the last in my list (not being considered an entry-level luxury car) - but I like the interior and the quality, even more than Acura - not to mention the interior space - more than all the other. The handling was very, vey good and for me better than for Stinger.
I'm sure than in snow will also be better. The turbo lag far better than on Acura.
- A5 - enough space for me, vey fine interior, almost exceptional handling. The 260HP engine feels more powerful than the same power from Acura or Subaru and the smallest turbo lag. It is not for the Canadian roads - or maybe for younger audience that can stand to feel every inch of the road, every small or big hole. I felt my knees and my kidneys - 50 years old in good shape and with some extensive experience. It was the only but very important issue that prevented me to consider it. Other than this, hat down.

I choose IS350 - despite the 6 speeds, despite missing some bells and whistles (no HUD, no heated seats in the back (in all the trims), no wireless charger and no real leather (but exceptional seats). The new touch screen that works well also with the trackpad, will satisfy, I think both worlds - people that love or hate one system or another.
The handling experience and the engine was all I wanted more than the rest. Me, my son (23 - and Charger V8 owner) and my wife where instantly in love with the car. Even if some people will say that is aging, I didn't like the turbo lag in all the other cars. People speak the better torque for the turbo cars - but where it is ? - i didn't feel fil it this 260+ HP league I tested (Audi A5 was an exception - and is the best in the L/KM). Even the IS300 at 260 HP was better than the rest, for us.
In Canada I didn't want to pay for the F3 package that come with the Adaptive Suspension, it will add 4600 to your invoice and you will need it in mountain areas or excesive speeds.



It is my honest opinion, the tastes of the people are different - but I hope will not have a future where all the full loaded cars will be more appreciated than the ones that offers you the best drive experience for your money. I'm an IT guy, true agnostic when buying a car - looking to the car, not to the brand. I first tested the Acura TLX, coming from the Honda V6 Touring 2017 - it went from the top of the list to the last. It's important how you feel in the car and how it takes the road. If you want to go just straight, take the Kia Stinger, if you want the full experience, go to Lexus.
Some compare it with the V6 or even V6 from competition (BMW, Audi, Mercedes, etc). I compare the best car for my budget, not with something that will cost me 30-50 % or more.

Update (2021-04-07): I tested also the T5 and the T6 from Volvo S60. The T5 is weak and the T6 OK. The T6 with Polestar Optimization (will cost you around 1.4k) will make a good deal. Still love the handling of the Lexus, so for me it is the real deal.

[imdoc]

I love that red color. I own a 2020 black. Looks gorgeous, handles like a dream. I’ve been a Lexus owner since 2014. The best brand I’ve owned

[kennethsmith]

I think they’ve done enough. People are spoil brats! The interior of this car is perfectly fine. Plus this model has a great loyal fan base that will continue to buy this car!

[AFCompany]

This is the best looking IS so far and it is definitely a beautiful car, but I would still get a TLX over it.

[chriss]

This is by far the most beautiful front end on any sedan on the market.

[jazzbeau]

I think both IS and TLX are both nice cars. The center counsel looks a little weird to me in the TLX. However, I prefer the gauge cluster in the TLX. Overall I prefer the TLX because of its overall presence.

[phanomsinhissaramounarart]

The design is outdated to car reviewers and current owners . For someone like me who never own or driven a Lexus, everything about the Lexus is fresh to me. I would still get a Lexus.

[gahjun]

Although there are technologically more competitive options out there, still a good "safe" option! Great review as always!

[Tully]

With reliability nearly equal for both Acura (SH-AWD) & Lexus (AWD), it comes down to aesthetics and ergonomics; in which case the newer TLX gets the nod.

[JohnSandovalesq]

I’m a bit obsessed with this car, looks great and the sound the V6 makes in the 350 F sport trim makes me swoon.

[nathanlam]

The IS350's engine certainly was ahead of its time back in 2006, although the same cannot be said today. Good points regarding reliability, though.

[yarya]

Drove both…easily went with Lexus IS 2021

[LiamG]

I own a 2018 fsport and I can tell you it's amazing. Great on the winter, engine is butter smooth and interior is comfy and seats are best I test drove. It looks better than the Acura hands down and it has such a great stance. Downfall is its thirsty but 80km so far and hasn't spent a day in the shop typical lexus perfection

[venom]

LMAO at the "bulge" comment 😂
Whoever came up with that comment was a genius.

[natnut]

NA V6 will be easier to maintain and be more reliable than the turbo 4 cylinder. Also no turbo lag is a bonus.

[JJS]

Glad to see the review is up! Agree across the board, the IS drives much better than the TLX. You can really feel how flat the vehicle drives on turns - better tire contact. Feels much more rigid as well. I found the TLX to feel a bit “springy” even in sport mode. The turbo lag in the TLX is very noticeable as well. The advantage of natural aspirated engines is a smooth power band. If you’re looking for a fairly fun but luxurious car to drive to for the IS. If you want all the modern gadgets/aesthetics (interior wise) go for the TLX. Let’s see what the Type S brings and hopefully the IS 500!

[scottscott]

The 2021 Lexus IS has the best looking front, rear and side angle of any sedan you can buy.

[yngvar]

Acura has warmed up to me with their new redesigned TLX but Genesis is really up for grabs.

[nathanielcashjr.]

The answer to your question, I just brought a TLX A-Spec and love it. In terms of running forever, I've driven Honda/Acura for 40 years and never took one in for mechanical issues, just oil changes.

[msmintygreen]

Great review. I think the car looks best from behind. The new tail lights look really nice!