Lexus IS 350

The 2021 Lexus IS 350 is a V6-powered small luxury sedan that, along with the four-cylinder IS 300, competes against the best four-doors that the world has to offer. Before this year, we considered the IS 350 a solid choice in the segment thanks to its strong value statement, comfortable ride and eye-catching interior. However, its lack of driving refinement, clunky technology interface and small cabin kept it from running near the front of the pack.

The automaker is hitting a soft reset with the 2021 Lexus IS 350. The exterior is thoroughly overhauled with slim headlights, full-width taillights and redesigned rocker panels. Though it's still the same car underneath, the 2021 IS seeks to solve the most pressing problems. Among the changes are structural and suspension revisions and a much-needed rethink of the infotainment system. How well does it all come together? Should you get an IS 350 or stick with something like a BMW 3 Series? Read our in-depth Expert Rating evaluation below to help decide.

Which IS 350 does MatoCar recommend?

Given that the IS 350 is only available in one trim that comes standard with a powerful V6 engine, we recommend improving other aspects of the car to match. Stick with the IS 350 F Sport RWD and its standard eight-speed automatic transmission, instead of all-wheel drive and a six-speed auto. With the savings, add the Dynamic Handling package. It includes an adaptive suspension and limited-slip differential for improved traction while cornering.

The Lexus IS 350 is offered in a single trim level: the IS 350 F Sport. Its only available engine is a 3.5-liter V6 (311 horsepower, 280 lb-ft of torque). The related IS 300, which we review separately on MatoCar, comes with a turbocharged four-cylinder. The rear-wheel drive IS 350 comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the all-wheel-drive version has a six-speed automatic. Feature highlights include:

IS 350 F SportStarts you off with:

19-inch wheels
Push-button start and proximity entry
Heated steering wheel
Power-adjustable front seats
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Heated and ventilated front seats
8-inch infotainment touchscreen
10-speaker sound system
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Lexus Enform communication services

The IS 350 also has a suite of advanced driver aids that include:

Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
Traffic sign reader (sees road signs including speed limits and displays them to the driver)

Available options include:

Sunroof
Navigation system with 10.3-inch touchscreen
17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system
Dynamic Handling package (adaptive suspension system, special wheels, and limited-slip differential on RWD cars)
Surround-view camera system with parking sensors