Discover the Beautiful Comfort of the 2021 Lexus IS 300 Interior

The 2021 Lexus IS 300 interior truly captures the blend of luxury and sporty comfort you would expect from a high-end vehicle. Its thoughtful design features promise a great driving experience but how does it stack up in terms of practicality and comfort against its competitors? Let's dive into every detail of the interior and see what makes this sports sedan stand out while pointing out a few drawbacks that might make you think twice.

Interior Features and Design

The 2021 Lexus IS 300 boasts a sophisticated mix of high-quality materials along with some elements that fall a bit short in the competition against other luxury cars in the same class. Inside the cabin you’ll notice decent fake leather and beautiful ash wood accents that elevate the car’s appeal. However it also uses unremarkable plastic surfaces here and there which seems a bit out of place considering the otherwise luxurious build.

Interior Review: Materials and Aesthetic Appeal

While the dashboard design and overall fit and finish are well-made the design itself feels somewhat dated. In today's market where exterior and interior innovation is continuously moving forward the IS 300's dashboard does not quite meet the expectations of a forward-thinking luxury buyer. Alex Collantes expressed that "The overall interior of the 2021 Lexus IS 300 is definitely luxurious but I feel the dashboard could use an upgrade to stay fresh against competitors."

Highlights

• High-quality materials include ash wood and synthetic leather

• Some use of plastic materials lowers the luxury feel

• Interior design lacks a modern aesthetic touch

• Seats are comfortable and front seats are power-adjustable

Potential Drawbacks

• Dated dashboard design compared to newer models

• Rear legroom is quite limited making it uncomfortable for taller passengers

Infotainment System and Technology

Infotainment System and Center Stack

The infotainment system of the 2021 Lexus IS 300 is something of a mixed bag. The standard features include an 8-inch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration along with a 10-speaker stereo. The touch-sensitive addition on the screen has definitely improved the system's ease of use but the center console's Remote Touch touchpad controller can sometimes feel cumbersome especially when compared to direct touch screens found in competitors.

The system itself can be upgraded to a 10.3-inch screen with a navigation system along with a premium Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system. This upgrade is worth considering if you value a spacious sound experience in your ride.

• Standard 8-inch touch-sensitive screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

• Available 10.3-inch screen with a premium Mark Levinson sound system

• Center console touchpad sometimes feels less convenient compared to direct-touch screens

Alex Collantes shared their opinion on this saying "The infotainment system in the Lexus IS 300 does have a few improvements over past models but honestly I find the center console touchpad takes a bit of time to get used to especially when you're used to touch-sensitive screens."

Potential Drawbacks

• Remote Touch touchpad controller isn't intuitive

• No wireless Android Auto or Apple CarPlay

Safety Features: Lexus IS 300 Offers a Solid Safety Net

When it comes to safety features the 2021 Lexus IS 300 doesn't disappoint. The car comes equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 from the base level. This includes features like lane-keep assist adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert. Additionally blind-spot monitoring and forward collision mitigation are standard across the board which adds value even at the base model.

In terms of driver assistance technologies traffic sign recognition helps drivers stay alert and follow speed limits and other important traffic signs.

Key Safety Features

• Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 standard in all models

• Rear cross-traffic alert to ensure safer reversing

• Adaptive cruise control for comfortable highway driving

Drawbacks

• Rear cross-traffic alert is standard but more customization options for different driving environments could have been beneficial

Seating and Space: Comfort Levels Inside the Lexus IS 300

The 2021 Lexus IS 300 seats up to five passengers with synthetic leather upholstery and power-adjustable front seats coming standard. The front seats are highly comfortable and nicely contoured although there’s not much room to wiggle around if you are a taller driver. Heated and ventilated front seats as well as a heated steering wheel are also available as upgrades which many drivers will appreciate.

Rear Space and Comfort

One area where the Lexus IS 300 falls short is rear-seat legroom. It's more cramped than what you might expect from a luxury sports sedan. While it can technically accommodate three passengers in the back it’s much more comfortable for two adults.

• Standard synthetic leather upholstery

• Available heated seats and heated steering wheel

• Limited rear legroom compared to competitors

Drawbacks

• Cramped rear seating makes it unsuitable for long road trips with multiple passengers

• Front seats are comfortable but not very spacious

Cargo Space and Storage: Practicality and Usefulness

The 2021 Lexus IS 300 offers 10.8 cubic feet of trunk space which is certainly smaller than what is offered by most other luxury small cars. However the rear seats can fold down in a 60/40 split which allows for a bit more versatility when carrying larger items. It’s still not the best option for those needing a lot of trunk space but it gets the job done for everyday needs.

• 10.8 cubic feet of trunk space

• Rear seats fold down in a 60/40 split but do not fold completely flat

• Holds similar cargo capacity compared to top competitors

Drawbacks

• Smaller-than-average trunk for the class

• Rear seats not folding flat limits versatility

Interior Comfort and Amenities: Pampering Drivers and Passengers

Heating Features for Comfort

For those cold days on the road the 2021 Lexus IS 300 offers a number of heated features including heated seats and a heated steering wheel which enhances overall comfort. The driver and front passenger can also opt for ventilated front seats which is a nice perk for hot summer days.

Premium Material and Attention to Detail

The interior of the 2021 Lexus IS 300 is covered in high-quality materials like synthetic leather and real wood accents adding to the luxury vibe. The center stack is also positioned closer to the driver for easier access to essential controls making driving a more seamless experience.

• Heated and ventilated front seats for ultimate comfort

• Premium materials provide a luxury feel

• Center stack positioned closer for easy driver access

Drawbacks

• Ventilated seats are not standard across all trims

• Some of the materials still fall short of a high-end luxury feel

Technology and Convenience Features: Enhancing the Driving Experience

The 2021 Lexus IS 300 does an excellent job of integrating technology to create a more user-friendly experience. It comes with push-button start smartphone integration and an available navigation system. The center console touchpad however remains an area of mixed feelings as some find it convenient while others find it distracting.

• Push-button start and smartphone integration make daily use easier

• Available navigation system to find any destination

• Touchpad in center console still divides opinions

User-Friendly but Room for Improvement

• Some drivers might find the touchpad distracting while driving

• Wireless phone integration is absent in most trims

Conclusion: Final Thoughts on the 2021 Lexus IS 300 Interior

The 2021 Lexus IS 300 interior offers a mix of luxury and comfort albeit with a few areas that could see some improvement. Interior materials are of high quality and seats provide excellent comfort but the dashboard design and some of the technology features fall behind more modern offerings.

Is the Lexus IS 300 a Fast Car?

The Lexus IS 300 is not particularly fast compared to other performance-oriented sports sedans. It is more about comfort luxury and the refined driving experience than pure performance.

Does the 2021 Lexus IS 300 Have Heated Seats?

Yes heated seats are available as an option which is a nice perk especially for colder climates.

Is the Lexus IS 300 a Luxury Car?

The 2021 Lexus IS 300 certainly qualifies as a luxury car but with a few falls short moments. It’s luxurious but could benefit from an upgrade in some areas to stay competitive.

How Reliable Is the 2021 Lexus IS?

The Lexus IS line is known for its reliability and the 2021 model is no exception. It offers a strong build quality decent engine reliability and comprehensive safety features to give drivers confidence on the road.

The 2021 Lexus IS 300 may have a few flaws but for anyone seeking a reliable comfortable and luxurious ride with enough tech to satisfy the average driver it makes a strong case for itself in a crowded field of luxury sports sedans.

The Versatility of Transmission Options

The 2021 Lexus IS 300 provides a range of transmission options that suit different driving preferences. One notable option is the six speed transmission, which is available for models that prioritize simplicity and reliability over the complexity of more sophisticated systems. This six speed transmission ensures smooth shifts and provides a more direct driving experience, which many enthusiasts appreciate for its mechanical feel. On the other hand, there’s also the eight speed automatic option that’s ideal for those wanting a more relaxed and convenient drive. The eight speed automatic allows for seamless gear changes, delivering an optimized balance between power and fuel efficiency.

All-Wheel Drive: Taking Control in Any Condition

The all-wheel drive version of the 2021 Lexus IS 300 is designed to offer a more confident driving experience in varying road conditions. Whether it’s wet, snowy, or dry, the all-wheel drive configuration ensures better traction and stability, enhancing safety and overall vehicle control. Unlike the rear-wheel-drive-only versions that come with the eight speed automatic, the all-wheel drive version features a six speed transmission that can handle the added demands of distributing power to all four wheels. This setup results in a solid performance package for those who often drive in unpredictable weather or want an extra layer of control.

Performance Dynamics with Transmission Variety

Performance in the 2021 Lexus IS 300 is directly influenced by its transmission choices. The six speed transmission found in the all-wheel drive model is tuned to provide a more predictable and controlled driving feel, often favored by drivers who appreciate a classic approach to driving mechanics. Meanwhile, the eight speed automatic transmission pairs exceptionally well with rear-wheel drive, delivering refined shifts and better fuel economy during long highway cruises. This combination ensures that drivers have the versatility of all-wheel drive when they need stability, and the efficiency of a rear-wheel drive coupled with the eight speed automatic for a more dynamic experience.

Balancing Efficiency and Performance

For the 2021 Lexus IS 300, the inclusion of both the six speed transmission and the eight speed automatic gives it an edge in providing diverse options to match varying driving styles. The eight speed automatic is aimed at those who value effortless and smooth gear transitions, allowing the car to extract maximum efficiency from the engine. On the other hand, the six speed transmission—paired exclusively with the all-wheel drive setup—gives an extra layer of robustness for drivers who face challenging driving conditions. This blend of efficiency and adaptability means that whether you are on a long highway journey or navigating twisty, rain-slicked roads, there’s a configuration that will cater to your needs.

All-Wheel Drive and Transmission: The Complete Driving Experience

The 2021 Lexus IS 300 is more than just a luxury sedan—it’s also a car designed to adapt to the needs of its driver, thanks to its available all-wheel drive system and transmission variations. The six speed transmission works seamlessly with all-wheel drive to ensure that power is efficiently and effectively distributed, while the eight speed automatic is reserved for the rear-wheel-drive models that prioritize comfort and straightforward efficiency. This variety allows the IS 300 to deliver a tailored driving experience, whether it’s the added control of all-wheel drive or the smoothness of an eight speed automatic that you crave on your everyday drives.