Used 2021 Lexus IS 300 for sale 

"The new IS makes its presence known with a sleek, updated appearance that bolsters the sedan's sporty aspirations. " - Car and Driver

The 2021 Lexus IS 300, just like the 2020 model, is expected to reach the dealerships as a standalone trim only. The only available choice in the case of the Lexus IS 300 will be the choice of drivetrain.  Though the Lexus IS 300 is expected to be offered as a standalone trim, there are numerous customization options available for the buyers. Moreover, the company also offers 3 Packages for the IS 300, namely - Navigation Package, Navigation/Mark Levinson Premium Audio Package, and Premium Package. 

The navigation pack would set you back by $1700, the Navigation/Mark Levinson Premium Audio Package by $2845, and the Premium package by $1000. The Lexus IS 300 will be available in RWD or AWD models. The Lexus IS 300 RWD gets a 2.0L inline-4 engine, whereas the AWD models swap this 4-pot with a slightly more powerful V6 engine. The prices for the Lexus IS 300 are expected to initiate at $40,000 for the RWD models and go up to $43,000 for the AWD models. 

Also read:

• Read about the specification and features of the 2021 Lexus IS 300
• Learn more about the reliability of the 2021 Lexus IS 300

There is no difference between the RWD and AWD trims apart from the drivetrain and the powertrain. However, the V6 engine, in the AWD models may sound appealing, yet when you get to the fact that it just generates 19 additional ponies than the 2.0L inline-4 engine in the RWD trim, and has even greater curb weight, you may get to see the bigger picture.

Hence, we recommend you go for the RWD models as they are cheaper, and just as fun to drive as AWD ones. We also suggest you to check out the Premium Package as it adds a number of safety and convenience features.

"The 2021 IS300 AWD we tested carries one of the weirder and more archaic options available within the IS family; a 3.5-liter V-6 routs power through a six-speed automatic transmission and into an all-wheel-drive system." - Motor Trend

The 2021 Lexus IS 300 gives us a choice of two powertrains. It is motorized by the same engine as its previous variant for RWD models –a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder capable of generating power of 241hp and torque of 258 lb-ft, priced at $39,050. The AWD models enclose a non-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine beneath the hood producing a slightly higher power of 260 hp and a reduced torque of 236 lb-ft and can guide about 50 percent of its accessible power to the front wheels, at $41,050.

The powertrain of RWD models is teamed up with 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters while the AWD is linked up with 6-speed automatic one. V6 gets hold of enhanced smoothness and power than the other, while the turbocharged engine has the ability to make IS 300 more fuel-efficient.

Alfa Romeo Giulia has the same engine as the other rivals but produces greater power and torque. Unfortunately, Lexus IS 300 generates the lowest amount of power and torque and it can be overcome by employing its AWD version. But still, it falls back in torque. The 2021 Lexus IS 300 does a 0-60 mph sprint in 6.9 seconds. It takes 17.6 seconds to traverse a quarter-mile. When equipped with a 3.5-liter naturally-aspirated V-6 engine, it takes just 6.1 seconds for the 0-60 mph sprint.

Moving on to the braking department, four-piston calipers with 13.1 inch ventilated discs at the front and two-piston calipers with 12.2 inch ventilated discs at the rear are equipped on the IS 300 for braking function. The braking system includes four-wheel power-assisted discs with a four-sensor and four-channel Anti-lock Braking System along with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and brake assist features, all aiding to take 125 ft for a halt from 60 mph.

Also read:

• Read about the performance of the 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia
• Read about the acceleration of the 2021 Audi A4

"Improved from last year, the 2021 Lexus IS still trails the pack on efficiency." - The Car Connection

Since it holds the same kind of engine as its predecessor, we can expect the same figures. This implies that the RWD models of the 2021 IS 300 will cover 21 mpg around the city, 31 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg for combined driving. AWD models have reduced figures of 19 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on highways, and 22 mpg combined.

With the fuel tank indicated as full, IS 300 can travel around 365 miles in the city, 522 miles on the highway, and 417 miles for combined driving situations. The Jaguar XE is the most fuel-efficient car in the segment, is followed by the 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia, 2021 Audi A4, and the 2021 Lexus IS 300 in that same order.

Also read:

• Read about the gas mileage offered by the 2021 Jaguar XE
• Read about the gas mileage offered by the 2021 Audi A4

"The 2021 Lexus IS best handles two passengers." - The Car Connection

The 2021 Lexus IS 300 gets minor interior upgrades. The first feature which catches every eye is the new standard NuLuxe synthetic leather. The previous-gen model lacks a leather-wrapped interior which is compensated in the 2021 model. The $39,050 Lexus IS 300 gets new trims in the door and dashboard, new circular-shaped air vents at the corners of the dash, and an HVAC panel at the upper part of the center console polished in gloss black.

Turning onto the seats, Lexus retains its comfortable seats along with the new standard 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and 8-way adjustable passenger seats. Other interior upgrades include dual-zone automatic climate control and push-button start for ignition as standard, and power moonroof is optional. The infotainment system is moved 3 inches closer to the driver to create a more driver-focused environment.

The 2021 Lexus IS 300 has a low cargo capacity of 10.8 cu.ft. Jaguar XE has the largest and impressive cargo capacity of 16.1 cu.ft. Audi A4 Premium and Alfa Romeo Giulia have the same trunk capacity of 12 cu.ft. All the rivals provide ample front leg, shoulder, and head rooms while IS 300 doesn’t offer much rear room but it is tolerable. 

The previous variant had mouse-like controls for directing the infotainment system and luckily it was changed to a touchpad this time. An augmented reality app is provided to check the status of the car, turn on the music, and so on. To rock on during the ride, Mark Levinson's premium audio system package is offered with 17 speakers with much-boosted wattage of 1,800 watts. 

Also read:

• Read about the interior offering of the 2021 Audi A4
• Read about the interior offering of the 2021 Jaguar XE

"Subtle updates to the outside and inside freshen the aging 2021 Lexus IS." - The Car Connection

2021 Lexus IS 300 witnesses few changes in the exterior which cannot be spotted at the first glimpse but it does attract casual customers. 2021 IS 300 gets updated front and rear fascia, a new aggressive grille restyled with a three-dimensional polyhedral structure, new LED headlights, and optional triple-beam LED headlights.

Rear updates include redesigned rocker panels and wide LED taillights sparkling the trunk. 2021 IS 300 has turned out to have a slight increase in dimensions. It grew up 0.19 inches taller, 1.18-inch longer and wider, than its previous-gen with the same wheel radius to house the 18-inch wheel. The exterior gets a shade of either of these colors –Iridium, Grecian Water, Cloudburst Gray, Infrared, or Matador Red Mica.

The 2021 Jaguar XE Base is the heaviest and longest sedan with large width when compared with others. The height of the Lexus IS 300 and Alfa Romeo Giulia is almost the same. Jaguar XE Base has the largest wheelbase among the group.

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• Read about the exterior dimensions of the 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia
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"Good crash-test results and impressive standard safety tech helps protect the Lexus IS." - The Car Connection

The 2021 Lexus IS 300 adds blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high-beam assists, and road-sign recognition as standard to the book of safety features. The standard Lexus Safety System Plus gets enhanced safety features loaded with automatic high-beam assist, advanced forward-collision warning, high-speed dynamic radar cruise control.

Lexus Enform Safety Connect and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management are also included to shield the vehicle and passengers. Crash test results are not yet out but are expected to be the same as the previous one. The 2020 Lexus IS 300 scored all five stars. IIHS moved 2020 IS 300 into the ‘Top Safety Pick Plus’ category by rating it as Good. The driver assistant features that you would find on the IS 300 are:

• automatic emergency braking
• Pedestrian and vehicle detection
• Lane-departure warning,
• Lane-tracing assist.

Also read:

• Read about the safety offering of the 2021 Audi A4
• Read more about the safety offering of the 2021 Jaguar XE

2021 Lexus IS 300 VS 2021 Jaguar XE 

Both of them come with the same engine but Jaguar XE provides more power. When the IS 300 is equipped with all-wheel drive, a much better performance vehicle is formed to conquer the market. Lexus has a better interior and shines in the field of safety and fuel economy. In terms of exterior, both look classy but Lexus is longer than XE.

2021 Lexus IS 300 Vs Audi A4 Premium

Audi A4 is one of the best-selling luxurious cars packed with many attractive interior features, good infotainment systems, and safety features, all available at low cost compared to similar sedans in the market, especially the Lexus IS 300. Audi has a better performance engine with a great braking system making it a performance vehicle or a sporty one. Audi A4 conquers in every field and is the biggest threat to Lexus.

2021 Lexus IS 300 Vs Alfa Romeo Giulia

Alfa Romeo Giulia offers a powerful engine compared to the Lexus IS 300 but not fuel-efficient as the latter. It comes with decent interiors as the IS 300 but is more spacious. Both of them are loaded with a good amount of tech and safety features. Both models have a luxurious appearance.

The 2021 Lexus IS 300 is a good sedan, especially in its AWD form. Its new N platform makes its handling smooth by offering enhanced chassis and suspension specifications. Sticking to RWD will be worth it as it costs within $40,000. 2021 Lexus IS 300 will be on sale in late 2020. If you have put your sights on the current gen then wait for the 2021 model for enhanced features.

Also read:

• Read about the best deals on the 2021 Audi A4
• Avail of the maximum discounts on the Jaguar XE