2021 Lexus IS

Lexus, Toyota’s upscale sub-brand, is among the few luxury automakers that successfully merges technologically-advanced designs with consistently great reliability. Interiors are quiet and finished with finely-crafted materials. The engines are generally smooth and powerful. Many of its cars and SUVs are available with more fuel-efficient hybrid powertrains. Lexus continues to sell sedans, with its ES, IS, and top-shelf LS models. Most of its SUVs have done well in our testing, including the NX, RX, and TX. The brand’s first all-electric vehicle, the RZ, is a luxury version of the Toyota bZ4X EV. Lexus also sells two-door coupes and convertibles, the RC and LC. Multiple Lexus models have earned Consumer Reports’ recommendation for used cars.

The redesigned for 2021 IS brings a mild update that doesn't stray much from the previous model. It is offered in rear- or all-wheel-drive with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine for rear-wheel-drive. AWD brings a V6 engine. Handling is said to be improved. The interior remains very snug and still suffers from a protrusion into the driver's legroom in AWD versions. The infotainment system still relies on a distracting touchpad but now the screen is touch enabled. There is a complete roster of advanced safety and driver assistance features that come standard, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and daytime bicycle detection, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assistance. An all-new IS 500 F Sport debuts for 2022, powered by a 472-hp 5.0-liter V8 engine. The ultra-sporty IS also gets a retuned suspension and upgraded brakes, as well as several interior and exterior styling changes. And there's big news for rear-seat passengers: a rear armrest with built-in cupholders is now optional.