What are the changes in the 2021 Lexus IS?
The 2021 Lexus IS marks a mid‑cycle refresh, bringing updated styling, smarter technology, and upgraded safety features while keeping the model’s core driving character intact.
To understand the update, it helps to look at three broad areas: visual design, interior tech, and safety and performance. Lexus used the 2021 model year to refresh the sedan’s appearance, modernize the cockpit electronics, and expand driver-assistance features—without a full redesign.
Exterior design refresh
The following exterior updates were introduced for the 2021 IS, giving the sedan a more contemporary look while preserving its compact-luxury identity.
- Revised front fascia with a larger, more aggressive spindle grille
- Updated LED headlights and new daytime running light signatures
- refreshed rear fascia and taillight design
- New wheel designs across trim levels
- Additional color options and minor styling tweaks to reflect the mid-cycle refresh
The exterior refresh helps the IS look more current in a crowded segment, aligning its visual language with other Lexus sedans and SUVs without altering the fundamental proportions of the car.
Interior technology and infotainment
Inside, the 2021 IS gained upgrades designed to improve usability and connectivity, along with refined materials and finishes in line with Lexus’ updated cabin feel.
- Updated multimedia system with a larger, more responsive display
- Standard smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto)
- Improved user interface and controls for the infotainment system
- Enhanced interior materials and fit-and-finish across trims
These tech refinements aim to reduce friction for daily driving and keep the IS competitive with newer rivals in the same price tier.
Safety and driver-assistance technology
Safety and driver aids were given a substantial update for 2021, aligning the IS with contemporary expectations for traffic automation and collision mitigation.
- Introduction of Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 with expanded capabilities
- Improved automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection
- Enhanced steering assist and lane-keeping features
- Refined adaptive cruise control and smoother highway performance
The move to Safety System+ 2.5 enhances both active safety and driver convenience, helping the IS compete with other compact luxury sedans that emphasize advanced driver aids.
Performance, handling and driveline options
Powertrains and core driving dynamics continued from the prior generation, with attention to tuning and available packages to sharpen handling.
- IS 300 continues with the turbocharged four-cylinder engine in most markets, paired with an automatic transmission
- IS 350 retains the 3.5-liter V6 with updated tuning for response
- Eight-speed automatic transmission remains standard; all-wheel-drive availability varies by trim and market
- Suspension and chassis tuning adjusted for improved ride comfort and sharper handling, especially with the F Sport package
While the mechanicals stayed true to the model’s lineage, refinements to suspension tuning and drive modes helped the 2021 IS feel more composed and engaging on a day-to-day basis.
Trims, packages and market positioning
Alongside feature upgrades, Lexus adjusted standard content and optional packages to improve value and customization for 2021 buyers.
- Standard and optional features adjusted across IS 300 and IS 350 trims to reflect the refresh
- F Sport package refined with updated handling components and styling touches
- Continued availability of Premium, Luxury, and other optional packages, with some content moving to standard equipment
- All-wheel-drive availability maintained on select configurations where offered in a given market
The result is a lineup that offers more standard features and clearer option paths, helping buyers equate price with modern tech and safety content.
Market availability and context
Introduced for the 2021 model year, the refreshed IS carried into ongoing model cycles in major markets such as the United States and Europe, with pricing and trim-specific features varying by region.
The 2021 refresh positioned the IS as a current, competitive choice in the compact luxury sedan space by combining a refreshed appearance, modernized tech, and stronger safety capabilities without a complete redesign.
Summary
The 2021 Lexus IS updates are best understood as a strategic mid-cycle refresh focused on three pillars: styling updates to keep the sedan visually aligned with Lexus’ current design language, upgraded interior technology for better connectivity and usability, and enhanced safety features through Lexus Safety System+ 2.5. Together, these changes maintain the IS’ sporty identity while improving daily usability and competitiveness against rivals in the segment.
