2021 Lexus IS vs. Its Competition

2021 Lexus IS300
Robert Duffer Robert Duffer Senior Editor

Compact luxury sedans still matter in luring customers into the brand.

The C-Class spans a wide range for performance, and features elegant styling and impressive tech.

Same could be said of the BMW 3-Series that sets the bar for performance.

The Audi A4 tends to the conservative side but has intuitive technology and a wagon variant.

The Cadillac CT4 is an underwhelming newcomer that makes the Genesis G70 seem like a class above.

2021 Lexus IS3002021 Lexus IS
2021 Audi A42021 Audi A4
2021 BMW 3-Series (330e)2021 BMW 3-Series
2021 Cadillac CT42021 Cadillac CT4
#8 in Luxury Small Sedans
2021 Genesis G702021 Genesis G70
2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class2020 Mercedes-Benz C Class
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Quick Specs
6.2
The 2021 Lexus IS doesn’t gain any ground on the more performance-oriented compact sedans, but it’s priced right.
6.8
The 2021 Audi A4 blends a conservative luxury compact car with spicy performance and robust wagon flavors.
7.7
The flexible 2021 BMW 3-Series lineup offers something for everyone, so long as they’re not smitten with SUVs.
6.2
The 2021 Cadillac CT4 is well-equipped and fun to drive, making it a good small sedan choice.
6.8
The 2021 Genesis G70 has the footwork of a contender; it’s a jab or two from landing a knockout punch on its German rivals.
7.3
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is as gorgeous inside as it is outside, and it has moves to match.
MSRP From     
$39,050$39,100$41,250$33,395$36,000$41,400
Gas Mileage     
19 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy20 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy16 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy20 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy17 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy17 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy
Engine     
Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4Intercooled Turbo Gas/Electric I-4Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4Turbocharged I4Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
EPA Class     
Compact CarsCompact CarsCompact CarsCompact CarsCompact CarsCompact Cars
Style Name     
IS 300 RWDPremium 40 TFSI quattro330i Sedan4-Door Sedan Luxury2.0T RWDC 300 Sedan
Drivetrain     
Rear Wheel DriveAll Wheel DriveRear Wheel DriveRear Wheel DriveRear Wheel DriveRear Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity     
555555
Passenger Doors     
N/AN/AN/A4N/AN/A
Body Style     
Sedanquattro SedanSedanSedanSedanSedan
Transmission     
Automatic w/ODAuto-Shift Manual w/ODAutomatic w/ODAutomaticAutomatic w/ODAutomatic w/OD
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2021 Lexus IS vs. 2021 Audi A42021 Lexus IS vs. 2021 BMW 3-Series2021 Lexus IS vs. 2021 Cadillac CT42021 Lexus IS vs. 2021 Genesis G702021 Lexus IS vs. 2020 Mercedes-Benz C Class