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2021 Lexus IS 300 Trims Comparison

2021 IS 300 trim level differences

The 2021 Lexus IS 300 is a small luxury sedan available in two trim levels: IS 300 RWD and IS 300 AWD. The two are identically equipped, with one difference that's somewhat self-explanatory: The former is rear-wheel-drive and the latter is all-wheel-drive. Strangely, each uses a unique powertrain. The RWD model is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (241 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque) paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The IS 300 AWD uses a 3.5-liter V6 (260 hp, 236 lb-ft) and a six-speed automatic.

IS 300
The IS 300 comes standard with:

  • 18-inch wheels
  • LED headlights
  • Auto-dimming mirrors
  • Keyless entry and ignition
  • Dual-zone automatic transmission
  • Heated front seats (AWD only)
  • Simulated leather upholstery
  • 8-inch touchscreen
  • 10-speaker audio system
  • Satellite radio
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
  • Two USB ports
  • Wi-Fi hotspot

The IS 300 is also equipped with a set of advanced safety features, many of which are optional on rivals. These 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)
  • Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Lexus and the car in front)
  • 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)

Packages and stand-alone options for the IS 300 include:

  • Comfort package
    • Sunroof
    • Heated steering wheel
    • Heated and ventilated front seats
  • Navigation package
    • 10.3-inch touchscreen
    • Navigation system
  • Mark Levinson Premium Audio package
    • Navigation package
    • 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system
    • Aluminum control knobs
  • Upgraded headlights
  • Sunroof
  • Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)
  • 360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the IS 300 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)

Which 2021 IS 300 trim does Edmunds recommend?

We recommend sticking with the base IS 300 RWD unless you need the extra traction of all-wheel drive. The turbocharged four-cylinder is more economical than the V6 and is nearly as powerful. None of the options is prohibitively expensive, but if you only have a little wiggle room in your budget, the Comfort package is a must-have. The Mark Levinson audio system is a close second.

Compare 2021 IS 300 trims side-by-side

Comparing average pricing near
Columbus, OH
Vehicle
IS 300 Base
Vehicle
Base
2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A
See all IS 300 Base for sale
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Section Title

Features

Bluetooth
standard
Navigation
standard
Satellite radio
standard
Keyless Ignition
standard
Cruise control
standard
Adaptive cruise control
standard
Parking assistance
optional
Upholstery
leatherette
Heated seats
optional
Cooled/Ventilated seats
optional
Folding rear seats
standard
Sunroof
optional
Section Title

Specifications

Country of final assembly
Japan
Drivetrain
rear wheel drive
Engine power
241 hp @ 5,200 rpm
Engine torque
258 lb-ft @ 1,650 rpm
Engine displacement
2.0 l
Engine configuration
inline 4
Transmission
8-speed shiftable automatic
Tire size
235/45R18
Wheel size
18 X 8.5-in
Wheel type
alloy wheels
Run flat tires
Not available
Section Title

Fuel economy

City/Hwy/Combined MPG
21 / 31 / 25 MPG
City/Hwy/Combined MPGe
Not applicable
Fuel Capacity
17.4 gal.
Driving Range (city/hwy)
365 / 539 miles
Fuel Type
premium unleaded (required)
Section Title

Dimensions

Turning circle
34.2 ft.
Curb weight
3,715 lb.
Ground Clearance
5.5 in.
Overall Width with Mirrors
Overall Width without Mirrors
72.4 in.
Height
56.5 in.
Length
185.4 in.
Wheelbase
110.2 in.
Seating Capacity
Cargo Space
10.8 cu. ft.
Cargo Space, Rear Seat Down or Removed
Front Head Room
38.2 in.
Front Leg Room
44.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room
55.9 in.
Rear Head Room
36.9 in.
Rear Leg Room
32.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room
53.4 in.
Section Title

5-Year Ownership Costs

True Cost to Own®
$48,809
Average Cost Per Mile
$0.65
Depreciation
$12,556
Financing
$4,746
Taxes & Fees
$1,928
Fuel
$13,124
Insurance
$4,300
Maintenance
$8,751
Repairs
$3,404
Section Title

Colors

Interior
Black, leatherette
Glazed Caramel, leatherette
Rioja Red, leatherette
Exterior
Matador Red Mica
Grecian Water
Eminent White Pearl
Atomic Silver
Caviar
Cloudburst Gray
Iridium