Did Lexus Do Enough? | 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport
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- Опубліковано 11 тра 2021
- Rather than an all-new IS for 2021 Lexus took their existing sedan and gave it a thorough workover, tweaking the exterior design to make it look more sleek and modern, the infotainment system gets a much needed touchscreen, meanwhile the suspension engineers overhauled the chassis. What Lexus didn't do however is change anything under the hood. Yet. Coming soon is a 5.0L V8 for those that need more oomph.
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I apologize for the legroom chart. Somehow the figures for a Hyundai Venue got sucked up by our editing program. At 77.0 inches of combined legroom the IS's numbers are almost identical to the 3-Series and C-Class
Alex, Although I am not exactly a fan of Hyundai/Kia, you have to give the little Venue credit for having plenty of interior room. It is so space efficient it merits mention in your IS video.
Another typo... on screen graphic says 6 speed auto instead of 8 speed auto.
Hi Alex. Thank you always for the brilliant reviews, of course including this one. Is there a reason why the CT5 was excluded from your comparisons? Thanks again. Cheers.
you also mentioned the stelvio when comparing it to the IS and an XE
I’ve noticed little oversights like this are happening more often recently, while it’s not a huge deal, it does distract from the video just a little bit. Is everything ok with the team?
Lol. The leg room chart is showing the Hyundai Venue 😁
He also referred to the Stelvio instead of the Giulia as the Alfa competitor
The as tested also showing 6 speed instead of 8 speed
@@Alumnikiid Lexus IS350: RWD = 8 speeds, AWD = 6 speeds (No IS 350 RWD here in Canada...)
Thanks, Alex! This refreshed IS looks sooooo good. Bring on the v8!
Honestly, I don’t know what I would do while pooping if it wasn’t for you, Alex. And TFL 😢 You rock 💪🏾
@@Soh90 nice and classy👍
I was behind an TLX A Type and never knew it looked pretty good in person. There are some great choices from the Far East right now
@@timw2083 The A-Spec looks decent, but overall I can’t get past the large front and rear overhangs of that car. I’m also not a fan of the Superman-shield grille shape. It’s not a bad looking car, but I prefer the design of virtually all of its competitors. The IS, 3 Series, C Classe, G70 are all better looking cars to me.
@@Soh90 I didn't see the grill but I'll swing by the dealership. There are some great choices but.... IS500 is my pick
Alex’s review does a good job of selling the car, unlike most other reviewers that immediately trash it. I wish it had a better interior with newer technology though.
I think the main reasons to buy this car are reliability and the fun-to-drive factor.
Hyundai really upped the design and power on this Venue!
LOL
5:40 why does it show the Hyudbai Venue and not any sedans lol
I just got an AWD MAZDA3 sedan with the 2.5T. And let me tell you, I really really really wanted an IS350 F Sport but just couldn’t swing the price, especially since my wife’s lease is up in October and she would have to get a new car. The IS looks so good it hurts. Best looking sedan in its class, best driving sedan in its class, most reliable sedan in its class. To me the “dated” interior still looks better than some cars (G70, Giulia, CT5, Q50) and the touch screen adds tons of function to it. I don’t even think the 3.5L V6 is bad either. It’s plenty of power for the streets and a back road. And if you need more power, the IS shall reintroduce itself through the howling V8 of the 500 FSP model.
This car is the Kawasaki ZX6R of cars. A damn good car that is overshadowed by flashier alternatives when in reality is the one you should be buying.
Yes, so true, please see my comments in the main flow
@Alex, there is a goofup in the legroom figures chart.
If you think it handles well, then why give it a B?!?
Beautiful vehicle.
Waiting for the IS500 and ISF !
Alex, This will do just fine until the totally bitchin' IS500 V8 gets here. Lastly, your assertion, "Lease a German car buy a Lexus," is as soundly logical as ever.
BMW CPO
Lexus really hit this out of the ballpark when it comes to style. Bravo!!
@Alex on Autos
13:09 WHY only rate it "B" for handling then? Iit should have gotten at least an "A" rating...
14:45 again... But then you give it a worse rating than a transverse engine CLA or a PHEV 330e... This makes zero sense...
Lexus RULES. can’t beat their reliability, fit and finish and dependability. I just owned a 2013 ES350, sold it 4 weeks ago after owned it for 2 years and 12k miles. Only changed the oil twice and not one repair or issue. Sold it and bought a 2002 Lexus ES300 with 161k miles one owner serviced at a Lexus dealership up to 110k miles. Amazing condition, quality is unparalleled. Feels like it’s a few years old not 19 !!
Love the rear wheel drive IS350, And yes if I was to buy I would get the Lexus I would never lease so it’s not an option.
Didn't realize the Stelvio was a compact luxury sport sedan
Giulia it is
Traded in my 2020 ultra white is350 f sport for a 2021 ultra white is350 f sport and I do love the touchscreen it was much needed the suspension handles bumps much better then my 2020 great car that puts a smile on your face. Team Lexus.
Great review Alex keep up the good work
Thanks for explaining the different engine options!
Was excited for the upcoming TLX-S but I think the IS500 will be my forever daily.
If only there was an IS500 with AWD as an option (which I know is a near impossibility because of the packaging). But I understand why Lexus didn't choose to go twin turbo V6 like everyone else.
@@gns942the v8 has more horsepower than the twin turbo v6 like in the ls
Excellent review and info as always. Are the graphics for the Interior specs for small cross-overs? Love the IS looks and yes, I think it's enough and glad Lexus still have it in the lineup. Love sport sedans.
Alex thanks for another excellent review. Lexus ❤️
Hello. I tested many cars in this budget. Being in Canada, we have only the AWD version of the IS 350 2021. I bought the IS 350 AWD F3 model because I liked a lot more than all the car I tested. I tested:
- Kia Stinger - fine V6 Bi-turbo engine and fully loaded but that's all - all the plastic move in the car, strange sounds and on the roads we have in town in North America, it feels like a chariot
- Volvo T5 & T6 - I liked the T6 with his less turbo lag, because, I think, its supercharger and I tested an R-Design with a Polestar Optimization, very good handling and I'm still thinking at it
- Genesis G70 - even on the paper looks enough space, once I was in front seat (I'm 6.2"), my son (who's 5.7") wasn't able to enter in the back..so a hard pass for us
- Audi A4 and A5 - I liked more the A5 for the space, the smallest turbo lag - but I was tired after 30 minutes, because it's so harsh suspension, tough not the chariot feeling as I had with the Kia
- VW Artheon - big full loaded handsome car, but the engine is not powerful enough in this car
- Subaru GT Premier - what a wonderful surprise - good engine, good handling, luxurious inside...but I hate the CVT, even with the simulated pads
- Acura TLX - my biggest disappointment - coming from a Honda 2017 V6 Touring I had great expectations and UA-cam did a very good job to market for me this car, so I tested it first - the car looks big outside, but seems the same space inside and I feel it with less legroom space in the back, once I had the front set for me, no big deal. But the Turbo laaaaag on this car is huge and no difference between the A-Spec (where is a tuning, it looks the same ?) and I tested also the Elite trim with the Adaptive Suspension. The 10 speed shift permanently in town. The "new" screen no-touch with their touchpad is even worse than on the Lexus (God Thanks, that the Lexus has a touch one and a new and better touchpad). Instantly from the top of my list it became the last. Sure, the S-Type is on the corner, but also the IS500 is - within other budget
- BMW series 3 - from my personal taste, you are the closest reviewer on UA-cam to my thoughts, I personally don't like it for all day long and for all types of roads
- Alfa Romeo Giula - very tight space for me, very good torque...but after a turbo lag that I cannot stand. The screen and the manipulation is a let down. Otherwise a good car
- Tesla Model 3 - it was slightly over for the buget (100 CAD more a month) but being an electrical one, you save on the cas, not in the assurance ;)) We tested the Long Range AWD (2 motors) one and after the likes like instant torque, good handling, panoramic rooftop, 15" touchscreen with awesome technology and after my euphoria passed, I understood that in my case, I cannot stand to the sub-par quality of the materials (Skoda level), even with a good sound system and I cannot look only to the right, not having information in front of me (it should be not even legal - not safe). I understand that winter comes with a lot of disadvantages for this car and I'm not disciplined enough or not having enough patience. Sorry Tesla, not for now - will see in 3-4 years (but maybe Lexus will come with something then).
- IS 350 F3 - me, my wife, my son (who is 23 and has a HEMI Charger) felt in love with the interior, handling, the roaring and the power that builds progressively and you feel it instantly - so we are waiting it straight from Japan in a form of a F3 Atomic Silver, red interior. No need to do rally (I miss this sometime), but even with my actual Honda I stay in the back of a BMW in a S-Shape road. The feeling in the car is that is there for you and the balance between power, comfort and handling in the curves is the best for me. No speaking about reliability for this car and the big cost for the maintenance for some of the cars I tested. This is the one for us and I cannot comment more, because I respect all the other people who can like in other cars.
Your journey to purchasing the IS sounds VERY similar to mine. I narrowed my choices down to the Volvo S60 T5 and the Lexus IS. I leaned more towards the Lexus because I typically keep my cars for 7 years and need for them to be as robust as possible. However, I had to move down one class because my wife decided that she would go with the Tesla Model Y as her next car. We simply cannot swing the payments of both cars so I looked at the MAZDA3 Turbo instead. I’m glad that I’m not the only one that sees just how incredible this car is. I still have my eyes on the IS and if that IS 500 FSP is as good as I think it’s gonna be, I may just have to suck it up and get one. We may have a future classic on our hands.
That engine note is excellent! NA V6’s all the way!!!
(Coming from a G37 owner)
Hey Alex, I think you have the wrong information shown at around the 5:28 mark
Hey Alex, good review. This Lexus seems to be in the category of "driving a slow car fast" a la Mazda Miata.😊 At 14:15 you compare it's driving dynamic favorably to the Alpha Stelvio.High praise indeed.😁 We know you meant the Giulia.👍
very well explained, thanks
Easily the most stunning car in its class! The question is, why do such an extensive exterior refresh and change little else? 😂 Why not wait to do it properly?
❤️@ alex in the trunk.! always makes me laugh when he does that.
5:22 Those are some interesting headroom/legroom comparisons for the Hyundai Venue...
I have a 2021 Stelvio TI Sport... nice ride, good oomph in the mid to upper range in the power band, but I've been looking at the Lexus IS 350 for a week now! Just bought my 18 year old son a CPO 2016 IS 300. Here's the thing, foreign cars are fun to drive and all, until the warranty runs dry, and one is hit with a $2800 dollar Brembo brake job repair. Not so with a Toyota/Lexus!! Hell, at 52 years young, its going to be my classic car!😁
great vehicle, agree about habdling / dynamics
The car still is the penultimate pick for a long term, reliable 4 seater sport sedan which drives with the best of them. The IS 500 would bring additional firepower & sound to the mix, but you can't really go wrong with the IS 350.
penultimate actually means "next to last"
Definitely a good take on the 9/10th on winding roads vs the more autobahn focused German competitors.
I'm very interested to see how the IS500 delivers. The Naturally Aspirated V8 I'd going to make an extremely more compelling second-owner purchase than many of the forced induction competitors.
Being the new kid on the block I would have liked to seen more comparisons with the TLX, especially an interior size chart as the TLX's outside dimensions are misleading
I just drove one of these the other day back to back with an RC and I have to say, the IS felt cheap in comparison. For two similar interior spaces, the RC just felt nicer and more special. Also, the IS was hard to get in and out of for me but it was much more fun to drive then my ES. It is super good looking though minus the incandescent rear signal lights.
Definitely looking forward to the Lexus IS500
At this price point, Lexus needs to lose the 6 spd option, and make it an 8 spd across the board on all models.
I dont like that all the scores come right away..
hi alex. the thing i want to ask u is how the lexus is 300rwd compare to acura tlx advance trim? if u have to choose between these two which one will u choose? what is their pros and cons.
From 2013 white frs to 2021 is350 sonic blue. Feels way better. Fun fun fun.
What a world we live in. A Lexus thats more fun than its BMW equivalent? I never thought I’d see the day 😢
The leg room chart is showing the Hyundai Venue
14:12 Alfa Romeo Stelvio? I think you meant to say Giulia...
I knew Stelvio was wrong. But for the life of me I could not remember the name of the sedan! That's prolly what happened to Alex...
Earlier this year, this was the second fastest selling vehicle in the country. Not just sedan, but total vehicles. I would say Lexus did more than enough.
You said Stelvio but I think you meant Giulia.
I'm looking for something in this segment and considering this or Audi A4. It's very conflicing
Rear seat measurement info (5:26) is for a totally different class of vehicle, not for the Lexus IS. It appears to be for the Venue.
I'm waiting for the IS500. All are pretty good choices but the last N/A V8 is it for me
Maaaan if it wasn’t for the incandescent rear turn signals the exterior of this car would be perfect
Also I hope they keep this car for like ever and offer a hybrid!
Great styling and what might be categorized as old, I see as proven and reliable. I see those attributes as an additional luxury. That IS 350 F awd seems like a fun and sublime daily driver. Also, don't forget the dealer and service experience that is well known to be very good.
If you’re not innovating you’re dying as a car brand. You can get away with it from brand loyalty for awhile but eventually you’ve got to be competitive.
That unibrow tail light still hasn't grown on me yet.
The rear seat space numbers are from a different video.
The IS300 AWD has the same engine (2GR-FKS) as the IS350, it's just been detuned. You can see the engine code at the top of the hood when you open it up.
How does the ct4 compare to this?
Somebody made an editing boo-boo. Or that's world's nicest/fastest Hyundai Venue ;-). This actually makes me feel better as I am not immune to inserting the wrong graph in my test reports.
The good news is that it's more more gear than the 2021 4Runner. The bad news is that someone will pay new car money for a car that wasn't very good back in 2014.
I can’t find a review of the current 3 series from Alex, except for the 330e. He should review a 330i or M340i.
I'm holding out for the Acura TLX Type S coming out (hopefully) soon. I'm on a waiting list and even put down a deposit. It's a little more money, but I think it will be worth it!
Would you take the Type S over an IS500? I'm curious because I like both but leaning IS500
@@timw2083 it will be much more expensive bro and less equipped. but V8 might be worth it
The only things I prefer about the IS are the RWD and smaller dimensions which I think at least makes it a true sports sedan. The TLX is worlds better but I don’t like how it’s become a boat, it’s definitely more of a family size sedan now.
You should drive the 2021 TLX with SH-AWD, it doesn’t feel like a boat at all
@@drivescene6747 guess I'll have to give it a test drive. Just seemed so gigantic when i saw one on the lot.
@@caglioso lol yeah it looks huge, but I can guarantee you’ll love it
Acura tlx looks and handles much better than this IS
I had a 2013 GS 350 FSport. I loved almost everything about the car. But by far the biggest letdown was the powertrain. It was just lazy and uninspiring. I drove everywhere in Sport Plus and I never do that. To hear that in 2021 they are still soldiering on with the same lineup is just sad.
Waiting for the 500, but the 350 F Sport is great value as a handler.
wrong chart for legroom and headroom alex :D
It it really exclusive if nobody else wants to do it?
The germans models with optional engines that offer better acceleration are more expensive to buy and on top of that they depreciate much more and are more expensive to own too.
Compared to all the turbo 4-cylinder engines the IS 350's V6 engine sounds much better, huge difference.
The German's cars and all 4 cylinders with turbo , I tested, have better torque, but also the turbo lag I cannot stand, like all not-german cars with the same technology in 4. They say modern cars, but turbo is also an old technology. Please, see my comments in the main flow.
CD player for your GNR, Megadeth, and Pearl Jam CD’s
Interior dimensions tables are from the Venue test.
The Venue is so space efficient for a small car, I don't mind it appearing in a Lexus IS video.
I hope lexus always stay with their philosophy, because the brand is so desirable, love Lexus philosophy. But i have to admit the interior of the lexus IS is looking a bit dated.
I really don't understand giving the F Sport seats on this a 7/10 but the seats on the 330e a 10/10. The IS F Sport seats are ventilated, a lot more plush and comfortable. Is it just because only 2 way and the passenger doesn't have the same range of motion? I would sit driver in the IS 350 over the 330/340 any day. You also gave the base IS seats a 7/10 despite saying these are a bit more comfortable.
Wow I didn't know Jaguar killed of the XE it was a good looking car, but it's unfortunate that they struggle most with sedans.
Better competition for the 3 series! But all luxury sedans are higher priced right now due to production shortages
I maybe some "older" dude but I do like the fact that Lexus still has a dash mounted CD player. I do have a preference for my own music tastes/likes. Really looking forward to your take/review on the TLX S type option! THEN we'll find out what's what!
It is in fact a DVD-Video Player that does CD, too ;)
@@ninja777de Thanks..I will refer to them as just that from now on.
Agreed. If you own lots of CDs and are investing in Mark Levinson sound, why would you prefer compressed, lower-fi streamed or mp3 music vs. full hi-fi CD sound from your own carefully curated CD collection? (including rarities not available from Spotify, et at). Moreover, the CD player is a relatively small and unobtrusive component of the dash console. "Get with the times, grandpa" is just short-sighted/illogical, IMHO
Stelvio twice! The G70 is the most appropriate comparo and is missing here? Not enough info on the new one I suppose.
Venue on the leg and hear room. 5:53
I have a 2020 V60 T5 and am trading it in Monday for a 21 IS 350 F-Sport with the Dynamic Handling package and Mark Levinson sound. A. How is the sound system? Is it worth the money? B. Do you rate the IS higher than the V60 as far as driving dynamics go? I've never been concerned with having the fastest 0-60, but my T5 has, in part, been the reason for trading in. Let me know, as I've only got two days before my 1 of 3 (in America) V60 goes to a new home!
Lexus challenges the popular notion that people buy these cars for drag races. Also, everyone dislikes new technology (screens, computer nannies), so why do people trash Lexus' interiors?
@Alex on Autos Why did you simply give it the same ratings as the IS300? This makes zero sense. Obviously this 350 F Sport handles better and it has an adaptive suspension. So why give it exactly the same ratings as the much cheaper, worse base version??? You didn't do that with other cars...
Both Alex and his friend Sofyan dislike Toyota/Lexus and prefer German and Korean brands.
@@braetonwilson4296 haha not sure about Alex on autos but sofyan definitely yes he’s a Toyota or Lexus hater
@@naveenthemachine Alex finds every chance he gets to put down the Corolla. He even described the CHR as the "better Corolla" which is patently false!
@@braetonwilson4296 right? Actually no corolla he likes
He strangely likes the Camry a lot especially the v6
I had a 2010 IS250. Loved it. Best car I ever had. Better than my current Tesla M3. Wish Lexus would go electric so I can get one again.
Yes, so true. See my comments in the main flow
I need this in a 2 door version
That's pretty much what the RC is, except that wasn't updated along the IS.
@@vegetarianbacon718 ya, but the rc is painful in the transmission department and feels outdated now
Model 3?
I think all this car really needs is the 8-speed. Idk why Lexus hasn't figured that out yet with the AWD system.
I was going to get this, but the lease deals compared to the 2021 Acura TLX are terrible!!
All IS350 are F-Sport, lol
I dont understand you said this car handles better than the BMW 3 series but you gave this car a B, but the 330e an A-??
I’m so glad I got one of the few last Gs Blacklines . Simply because I was waiting for this alternative IS . Even though it was a bit smaller . And after all the pre hype. It’s basically a little refresh. They made two wrong choices. Killing the iconic GS that didn’t sell because of a higher price and no new inputs. And refreshing the IS to the basic minimum. Lexus is great reliable Company but the wheel needs to be reinvented there
Please compare the Lexus IS500 to the Acura TLX Type S 🙌
Heck yeah. That’s the comparison I’m waiting for. IS 500 FSP drops in fall. I imagine that things are gonna get pretty uncomfortable over at Acura..
@@Soh90 some might cross-shop the two, but i just don't see most doing that.
@@entertained... as a member of several Acura groups, you might be very surprised at how many are comparing the 2.
The touchscreen is COLOR...oh my.
This is going to become a vicious circle - Lexus doesn't want to redesign the car because people aren't buying cars and people don't want to buy cars that are old designs. Lexus used to be the leader in luxury but they seem to be slipping in my eyes. They have let several of their designs get really old and tired looking.
@8:59 I can't believe Lexus is still putting cd players in their cars😮
I'm pretty sure the SC430 had the very last cassette deck in the industry. Twenty years ago Lexus had some of the best tech, but now they are pretty much dead last.
It is a Video DVD player with CD capabilities and I will like it when my car will arrive. You can see my comments in the main flow
If you own lots of CDs and are investing in Mark Levinson sound, why would you prefer compressed, lower-fi streamed or mp3 music vs. full hi-fi CD sound from your own carefully curated CD collection? (including rarities not available from Spotify, et at). Moreover, the CD player is a relatively small and unobtrusive component of the dash console. "Get with the times, grandpa" is just short-sighted/illogical, IMHO
Lexus is the type of company to call an exterior refresh a "redesign".
Toyota and Honda does that for many years.
I love Lexus Is 350 F Sport is Like a Toyota Camry TRD
They really shoud`ve kept GS and sell it as the new IS. The GS size is closer to A4 and new 3 series, vs IS.
The 5th Generation GS was turned into a 2nd Generation Toyota Mirai sadly. 🙁
My wife just got a new daily in a 2021 BMW 330i with the M Sport package. As a former IS owner, I find the 330i to be a breath of fresh air when it comes to thg technology, roomy interior, and the low end torque. However, the steering feels pretty artificial, and the brake pedal feels weirdly touchy, even compared to my GLI. It's a great car, but it's not as confidence-inspiring as my old Lexus IS 300 AWD was. I'm honestly most interested in the IS 500 F Sport Performance. That seems like a special vehicle that would be worth the upcharge compared to a 350, and really unique in the class of vehicle.
Yes, you have right. Please see my comments in the main flow
I ended up getting an IS 350. 😎
Once I owned a Hyundai never again. I’m going from 2019 STI to a Lexus IS 350 F today, I’ll give you my opinion on it, in a month. No other car beats the looks of this car today, in my opinion.
No one drives pedal to the metal all the time.
I actually like it.
Wow it has a 6 speed auto just like my 2006 BMW 330i.
That maybe better than the new one. See my comments in the main flow
Give us a HATCHBACK IS please!
Disagree that the IS is more fun than the TLX. Rear wheel drive is overrated somewhat. With the SH-AWD you are a set of tires from out-handling many of the luxury rear wheel drive competitors while you can't just slap on a torque vectoring system to the IS or the Germans.
I cannot wait for IS500 and that is over any of its competitors.
The IS350 is one of the top selling cars in the US currently lol
Hell no. G70 all day 💯
For sure. Has the handling precision and driving dynamics, POWER, tech and safety features and more comfortable seats for about $5k more fully loaded.
Where’s the Genesis G70 in your comparisons? Seems like a very compelling alternative to all 5 of these, especially the 3.3 TT V6.
The G70 3.3T destroys the IS ... that's why. The 2.0T is more of the lesser IS competitor.
@@biglee13m It destroy it for only the torque and it is for midgets or two persons - I try it and tested it and No thanks (I was so eager to try it). See my comments in the main.
@@biglee13m that turbo and engine will break down years before the IS engine breaks down. I prefer Lexus IS.
@@braetonwilson4296 not sure how long keep ur car but hyundai engines are pretty reliable and will go for hundreds of thousands easily. The engine in the IS is an insult to your hard earned money. Would make sense if it was 10k cheaper.
You tested the IS 350 at 5.6 sec. 0-60. What are the 0-60 times of the germans with their 4-cylinder turbo engines? Compared to them the IS 350 isn't slow.
It’s decent I agree. Although i think the 0-60 is identical to a v6 Camry
True
@@naveenthemachine And the new Acura SH-AWD TLS is slower than the new Honda 2.0 Turbo - both with a superb turbo laaaag. There are other things than the 0 to 60. However, within the same budget, most of the 4 cylinders with turbo will be in the 5+s
ua-cam.com/video/8Nc3xn9Zvng/v-deo.html
Thee AWD IS350 with inferior 6 speed and a bit heavier did 5.1 second in this video....