carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $37,241–$46,784 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2021 Lexus IS at 8.3/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 9.2/10, while Value at 7.2/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 9.2/10, reliability is one of this sedan's best cards — few vehicles in our database score higher on this dimension. The safety score of 8.3/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance scores 7.9/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. The cabin tech earns 8.5/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $37,241–$46,784, 22 MPG, seating 5, the Lexus IS sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. The 7.2/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2021 Lexus IS is a solid, well-rounded sedan that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2021 Lexus IS ranks #31 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 98% of the segment. Its 8.3/10 overall score is 0.8 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $37,241 starting price is about 35% above the segment's median of $27,664.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Lexus IS scores 8.1/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 8.3 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8.4/10 | $42,152 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 8.4/10 | $42,152 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.4/10 | $40,925 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 8.4/10 | $39,697 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 8.3/10 | $38,469 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 8.3/10 | $37,241 | |
| 2020 | 8.2/10 | $36,014 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 8.1/10 | $34,786 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 8.1/10 | $33,558 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 8.0/10 | $32,330 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 8.0/10 | $31,103 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.9/10 | $29,875 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Lexus models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.