2021 Lexus IS350 F Sport: A Sporty Sedan Review

Hey guys, let's dive into the 2021 Lexus IS350 F Sport RWD. If you're in the market for a sedan that blends luxury with a bit of sporty flair, this might just be your next ride. The IS350 F Sport is all about giving you that engaging driving experience without sacrificing the comfort and refinement Lexus is known for. We're going to break down what makes this car tick, from its performance chops to its interior goodies, and see if it holds up in today's competitive sedan landscape. So, buckle up and let's get into it!

Performance and Handling: Is It Actually Fun to Drive?

When you're looking at the 2021 Lexus IS350 F Sport RWD, the big question on everyone's mind is: how does it drive? Well, Lexus has really stepped up its game here, especially with the F Sport package. Under the hood, you've got a 3.5-liter V6 engine that pumps out a healthy 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. This isn't going to pin you back in your seat like some of the hardcore performance sedans out there, but it's more than enough for spirited driving and confident passing maneuvers. The power delivery is smooth and linear, thanks to the 8-speed automatic transmission. This gearbox is tuned for responsiveness, offering quick shifts when you're in the mood for some fun, but it also shifts seamlessly for comfortable cruising. What really sets the F Sport apart is its handling. The RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive) setup is key here, giving the car a more balanced feel and allowing for a more dynamic driving experience. Lexus engineers have tweaked the suspension for the F Sport model, making it firmer and more responsive. This means less body roll when you're taking corners, and the steering feels more precise and connected to the road. You really feel like you're in control, which is exactly what you want in a sport sedan. The F Sport also gets some unique styling cues and performance-oriented tires, further enhancing its athletic stance. It's a car that feels agile and nimble, making it a joy to drive on twisty roads or just navigating city streets. While it might not be a track-day weapon, the IS350 F Sport offers a fantastic blend of power, agility, and driver engagement that makes it a compelling option for those who appreciate a car that's fun to drive. It strikes a great balance, ensuring that your daily commute can be just as enjoyable as a weekend getaway. The sound of the V6, while not overly aggressive, adds a satisfying note when you really step on the gas, further enhancing the sporty feel without becoming intrusive. It’s a car that encourages you to take the long way home, just to enjoy the drive a little more. The adaptive suspension, often a part of the F Sport package, allows you to dial in your preferred ride comfort or sportiness, making it versatile for different driving conditions and moods. This means you don't have to sacrifice daily comfort for performance.

Interior and Technology: Lexus Luxury Meets Modern Features

Stepping inside the 2021 Lexus IS350 F Sport RWD, you're immediately greeted by that signature Lexus sense of quality and craftsmanship. Even though it's a sport sedan, comfort is still a top priority. The F Sport seats are a major highlight – they're supportive, comfortable for long drives, and have that distinctive sporty look with bolstered sides to keep you snug during spirited driving. The materials used throughout the cabin are top-notch, with soft-touch plastics, premium leather, and available wood or carbon fiber trim options. It all feels very well put together, with excellent fit and finish; you won't find any cheap-feeling bits here, guys. In terms of technology, the 2021 model received some nice upgrades. The infotainment system now features a larger 10.3-inch touchscreen display, which is a huge improvement. What's even better is that this screen is now a touchscreen, and it's positioned closer to the driver, making it much easier to use. Gone are the days of relying solely on that sometimes-frustrating touchpad controller. You can now use touch, voice commands, or the controller, giving you plenty of options. The system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can seamlessly integrate your smartphone for navigation, music, and calls. The user interface is intuitive and relatively easy to navigate, though it might take a little getting used to. Other tech features include a premium Mark Levinson audio system (optional, but highly recommended if you love your music), heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a suite of advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The digital instrument cluster is also a nice touch, offering crisp graphics and various display modes that can change with the drive mode. The overall ambiance of the interior is one of refined sportiness. It’s a place that feels luxurious and modern, but also focused on the driver. The F Sport trim adds unique badging, sport pedals, and unique interior color schemes to further enhance that sporty feel. It’s a cabin that’s both comfortable for daily use and engaging enough for when you want to push the car a bit. Lexus has done a great job of balancing luxury, comfort, and technology in the IS350 F Sport, making it a really pleasant place to spend your time, whether you're stuck in traffic or out on a scenic drive.

Exterior Styling: Aggressive and Stylish

The 2021 Lexus IS350 F Sport RWD certainly turns heads, and a big part of that is its aggressive and distinctive exterior styling. Lexus has been pushing the envelope with its design language, and the IS sedan is a prime example of that. The first thing you notice is that signature spindle grille, which is larger and more prominent than ever on this model. It gives the car a bold, assertive face that you won't mistake for anything else. Flanking the grille are sleek, LED headlights that give the car a sharp, piercing gaze. The overall profile of the IS is sleek and athletic, with sharp character lines that run along the body, emphasizing its sporty intentions. The F Sport package really amplifies this. It adds a unique front bumper with larger air intakes, a more aggressive rear diffuser, and a subtle rear spoiler. These elements aren't just for show; they contribute to the car's aerodynamic performance while also giving it a more purposeful, performance-oriented look. The F Sport also typically rides on unique alloy wheels, often in a larger diameter and with a sporty design, further setting it apart from the standard IS models. The RWD version, with its proportions, looks particularly well-planted and dynamic. The rear end is just as sculpted as the front, with sharp LED taillights that echo the headlight design and a neatly integrated exhaust system. It’s a design that’s both modern and timeless, managing to be flashy without being over the top. Lexus has really found its stride with this design, creating a car that looks dynamic even when it's standing still. The available color palette often includes some vibrant and eye-catching options, allowing owners to further personalize their vehicle. Whether you choose a classic white or a bold red, the IS350 F Sport presents itself with confidence and style. The attention to detail in the design is evident, from the way the body panels flow together to the integration of the lighting elements. It’s a car that’s designed to be noticed, and for good reason. The combination of sharp creases, flowing lines, and purposeful aerodynamic elements creates a visual narrative of sportiness and luxury that’s hard to ignore. It's a great example of how automotive design can evoke emotion and excitement even before you turn the key.

Safety Features: Peace of Mind on the Road

When you're considering any car, especially one you might be driving with family or friends, safety is paramount. The 2021 Lexus IS350 F Sport RWD doesn't disappoint in this regard. Lexus has equipped this sedan with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety technologies, many of which are standard. The Lexus Safety System+ is usually included, and it’s a collection of features designed to help protect you and your passengers. This typically includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, which can automatically apply the brakes if it detects an imminent frontal collision and a pedestrian is detected. That's a pretty big deal, guys! You also get High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, which is essentially adaptive cruise control that can maintain a set distance from the car in front of you, even down to a stop. This makes highway driving significantly less fatiguing. Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist is another crucial feature; it warns you if you start to drift out of your lane without signaling and can even provide gentle steering input to help you stay centered. Intelligent High Beams are also part of the package, automatically switching between high and low beams depending on traffic conditions, improving visibility without dazzling other drivers. Beyond the standard Safety System+, there are other available features like Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, which is incredibly useful when changing lanes or backing out of parking spots. Parking support systems, such as Intuitive Parking Assist and a backup camera, are also available to help you navigate tight spaces. The structural integrity of the car itself is also a key safety component, with a strong chassis designed to absorb and dissipate crash energy. Multiple airbags are strategically placed throughout the cabin to provide maximum protection in the event of an impact. Lexus has always prioritized safety, and the 2021 IS350 F Sport is a testament to that commitment. These advanced driver-assistance systems aren't just buzzwords; they genuinely work to enhance awareness and prevent accidents, providing a significant layer of reassurance every time you get behind the wheel. It’s this focus on safety, combined with the car’s engaging performance and luxurious interior, that makes the IS350 F Sport a well-rounded and appealing package for a variety of drivers. You can feel confident knowing that the car is actively working to keep you safe.

Conclusion: Is the 2021 IS350 F Sport RWD a Good Buy?

So, to wrap things up, the 2021 Lexus IS350 F Sport RWD is a really compelling option in the luxury sport sedan segment. It nails the balance between sporty performance and everyday luxury. You get a potent V6 engine, sharp handling that makes driving genuinely enjoyable, and an exterior design that’s both aggressive and elegant. Inside, the cabin offers that premium Lexus feel with comfortable, supportive seats and a host of modern tech features, now with an improved infotainment system that's much easier to use. Plus, with the comprehensive suite of standard safety features, you can drive with confidence. While it might not be the absolute quickest or most technologically advanced car in its class, it offers a refined, engaging, and reliable driving experience that’s hard to beat. It’s a car that Lexus has clearly put a lot of thought into, refining it to offer a well-rounded package. If you're looking for a luxury sedan that doesn't compromise on driving fun, has a stylish presence, and provides the peace of mind that comes with Lexus reliability and safety, then the 2021 IS350 F Sport RWD is definitely worth a serious look. It’s a car that proves you can have your cake and eat it too – a car that’s both a pleasure to drive and a comfortable place to be. It’s a solid choice for anyone wanting a touch of sportiness in their daily driver without sacrificing the comfort and sophistication they expect from a Lexus. It represents great value for a premium sedan that offers so much in terms of driving dynamics, comfort, and style.