Is the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport a performance sedan worth the price?

The refreshed IS 350 F Sport is here and Lexus tried to upped their performance sedan game. On the outside you will see some major changes with the front fascia, rear end, and sheetmetal.Our IS 350 came with the Dynamic Handling Pkg and one of the biggest upgrades is the 19in forged BBS wheels and carbon fiber trunk lid spoiler.. On the inside you will find a 10.3in infotainment system, Mark Levinson audio system, and leather seats. Under the hood is a 3.5L V6 that is producing 311HP & mated to a 8-speed automatic transmission.
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[@landonsnowberger8199]

Mr. Joe I would take this over a BMW because the Lexus IS way more reliable

[@G0ddEityawesome]

Lol okay

[@larrykingsenior716]

@@G0ddEityawesomeit’s facts buddy

[@michaelschneider1365]

probably lower in price. but I bet bmw 330i handles better. but I would have to drive and see.

[@Podvertiser]

@@michaelschneider1365 i drove both 350 is way better and feels faster

[@jeremehayes4228]

All it needs to breath with a good air intake and solid exhaust system with a quality tune. With that you would gain 40 true hp/tq and give it a much more deeper exhaust note. Then it would be a perfect bc the reliability makes up for the lack of performance offered by competitors. I’d rather be a little slower and not spend 10k in mystery repairs as with German engineering. Just IMO

[@dylanrepetto2447]

Totally agree very well said !

[@ehh2681]

Absolutely

[@marcomedina7528]

I was thinking about this leaning towards a Lexus instead of a bmw

[@dylanrepetto2447]

@@marcomedina7528 yea they are just more reliable I’m definitely with u my next car is definitely gonna be a Lexus

[@OGbobbydante]

@@marcomedina7528 q60

[@brianreardon7700]

What I like about joes reviews is that there is no sugar coating .. he tells it like it is .. if a car needs work in some areas.. he lets you know.. good or bad.. great review as always.

[@mcypress5333]

When one purchases a Lexus, some folks think they are lacking compared to other prestige models. I own a 2019 NX300 FSport. It's an awesome vehicle. I prefer dependability over all the excessive technology. Great review as always. I'm sold on Lexus. Will be the only brand I will buy from here out.

[@MileHighJay]

The nx300 f sport is such a great vehicle, may lack performance but never seizes to bring pleasure to the driver experience

[@mauriciogarcia4190]

“No guy wants a scratched Twinkie” -Joe Raiti, quote of the year

[@mr.wiggles7535]

My mom bought a 2014 IS 350 F Sport as her 'retirement' car and I think it's wonderful. But this 2021 looks incredibly slick!

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that you like this one. Congrats to your mom!

[@unassailablefacts]

Very nice! Yes, she can actually turn it over and get this one.

[@tonyvega7268]

Is very slow , suspension is very cool sporty I just bought one

[@mr.wiggles7535]

@@tonyvega7268 I'm so sorry

[@charleyqin8202]

@@tonyvega7268 I just got a 2021 is350 as well, I live in NY, so it is more than enough for me! How fast can people drive on the 25 speed limit streets?

[@marcnotarianni1889]

Own a 22 is350 fsport. Worth every penny. Most who can afford it are usually older and 0 to 60 in 5.6 is fast enough for me. I'm not racing it.

[@ezrider5331]

I second that. I just picked one up a month ago and love the build quality and reliability factor. Fast enough for me and love the way it handles.

[@luispulido2786]

Every single car I search up you always pop on top! Love these reviews!

[@thegoodman3810]

Love it cant wait for the IS 500 f sport performance

[@RaitisRides]

Heck yeah!

[@MercOne]

That one will be well worth the price if it's stays under 60K for a base.

[@tigerbiterhater]

@@MercOne lol. The f sport already $55k. The IS500 will be closer to 70-80k.

[@MercOne]

@@tigerbiterhater No, I'm talking base prices. The IS350 F Sport is a 43K to start. That IS500 will likely be around 60K to start. Not talking loaded prices. The IS500 is not worth 70-80K base price.

[@tigerbiterhater]

@@MercOne yeah but that’s how it’s gonna be. . Look at RC350 they’re going for $55k msrp. RCF are $80k. But I’ll take a good $10-15k loss in one year. IS are more sought after and pretty sure there will be dealers marked up too.

[@diannesenko8414]

I drove one yesterday. It was fun to drive and loved the engine sound!

[@ARentz07]

Hey Joe/Lori, just came back here to say thanks for this video. I have been watching all the compact luxury/sport sedan videos to figure out what I wanted, and I ended up going with an IS 350 F Sport very much like the one above. It's Iridium silver with a red interior like this one. I skipped the Dynamic Handling Package, but it just seemed like a lot of money for lighter wheels and an LSD. Plus, it's pretty hard to get the rear wheels to spin without being a complete animal, lol. Anyway, it's a great car - something I can drive all day and get out feeling fresh, but also fun to drive at the same time. The Mark Levinson sound really rocks too... easily the best system I've had in a car. Anywho, cheers, and keep up the awesome content!

[@carlcameron3524]

Looks amazing. Can’t wait to see when you get your hands on the IS 500 F Sport Performance💯💯

[@nfamouslee420]

I love the way it sounds. Definitely gonna get one ASAP. Got a 2011 is250. And it’s been good to me for the past 5 year’s that i’ve had it.

[@erminsabic5768]

Those Twinkie punchlines have me weak 🤣🤣🤣. Love your videos Raiti. Been a fan for so long and I just appreciate how in depth you are / how entertaining your reviews are. Keep up the EXTRAORDINARY work!

[@megaboom69]

Cant wait for the 500 isf review. Awesome review on the 350is f sport

[@ThePriceIsRightKid]

Can’t Wait For The IS500 To Come Out It’s Gonna Be So Much Fun

[@stunnala159]

i have a 2011 is350 and this newer one looks sneakily amazing! their designs always look spectacular and can’t beat the reliability

[@daebak7370]

Lexus design is always on point

[@ronaldosiuuuu1530]

This design is really nice I love the back

[@tylerh2930]

Yea

[@tylerh2930]

Gea

[@tonyvega7268]

Is very cool but too slow, sound system is very bad , my jeep sound system is way better

[@23leiva]

you the man when it comes to car reviews. keep up the good work

[@ultradan1237]

Thank you for the double uploads🙏🙏🙏

[@Lumpygrits76]

Being a Lexus owner I can’t wait for the New IS500. Finally getting that muscle back

[@chinorosario4035]

Hi Joe I never get tired of watching your videos I don't speak English very well but in that perfect way that you explain your reviews you make me feel I speak and understand English 🤣 I wrote this message with the google translator you are the best!!! AMIGO!!!!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks is so awesome! I appreciate you letting me know that!

[@chinorosario4035]

@@RaitisRides God bless you 🙏🏼🙏🏼💯💯💯💯

[@marcomedina7528]

Whenever I’m looking at a review and I see raitis rides I go straight to that one 😌

[@sebastianwhitaker5626]

I have driven the IS 350 it’s a really nice car, drives and handles great, has a great exhaust and V6 sound and has a good enough power to have fun in it!!

[@jeffinza4563]

This vehicle looks so sharp, I've wanted one for years. Next time maybe I'll treat myself. Plenty of power for me.

[@Anthony-dk7de]

They’re charging too much for a 2006 engine/transmission and 2014 interior. “Oh but it’s updated!” Yes but not by much. Should be $45k fully loaded.

[@Cgee3]

You are spot on.

[@latino914]

I've been saying this

[@drivescene6747]

Agreed 100%. Lexus cars are overpriced for what they offer

[@realbeetlejuice]

YEP.

[@g.s.s.o.f.c3084]

They never will! Will take them about another decade to finally admit super charged power!!! The funny thing is that everybody goes “it holds it’s value!!!” But at the end Audi still kicks their butt! That’s why I’m goin to get the Audi RS5 not even the M4 series or the M3 can compared to it! Can’t wait to put my hands on that Audi product!!! It’s that 4 rings emblem symbol!!!!⭕️⭕️⭕️⭕️

[@landocalrissiann]

Joe You brought out your old race skillz in this! You drove that thing sir!!!

[@TonyAlvar3z]

2002 Lexus IS300 here 🤙🏻 This IS350 looks so good

[@peruprofundodance]

Previous redesign was meaaah... but this design?!? Oh yes!!

[@RaitisRides]

Heck yeah!

[@TeXasDadBod]

Except it’s the same slow engine . Reliability can’t be Toyota/ Lexus excuse forever . It should have at least 350 -375 hp

[@RaitisRides]

@@TeXasDadBod so true

[@mattmekhaeil]

@@TeXasDadBod this isn’t a redesign this is a refresh. This generation has been here since 2013

[@TeXasDadBod]

@@mattmekhaeil I get that completely, I had a 2014 is 350 Fsport and now I have a RCF I’m familiar with Lexus progression in style . So with that being said they have a turbo is200 and is250 that where unnecessary they could have made one or the other then put money into making the is350 a slight bit more powerful as we have all been asking for is what I’m saying . To make the vehicle look so sporty and add sport and sport + mode emphasizes that it somehow should be faster than a regular iS 350 with just sport mode , but it’s not . What good is a sportier looking car without the extra power to go with it . But what sucks worse is when a new Kia stinger GT ,Infinity Q50 or Acura TLX type S rolls up next to you costing just as much or in some cases less then pulls away at the green light, all that it’s reliable stuff seems to be the last thing I am thinking of . Hence why I got a RCF I was tired of everything beating me . Now only half of everything beats me lol . So refresh redesign or total restart I just want it to be the vehicle most people are asking for along with reliability.

[@alpadilla7343]

Beautiful car and I do love mine…now imagine this vehicle with panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, F Sport Stamped front seats, power rear view mirrors, HUD, Mark Levinson audio/Triple LED Headlights on all models, new infotainment (RX)….that would be a Lexurious launch for the IS 500/350 in 2022!

[@RaitisRides]

I like the way that you think!

[@GHotel-fb1or]

Best in his class, I've always loved Lexus, (I owned a Uxfsport ) but now the new generation is really awesome. Damn good work Lex.

[@andyn4797]

What an excellent review!!! As usual Joe Raiti was born for this , and besides being such a polite and professional guy , he knows what he is talking about ! Thanks for such a great review Joe & Lori ! Hola from WI

[@gabea.458]

Saw one in person a couple days ago. It looks good, especially in the color I saw. I don't usually love silver but they have this metallic that is darker than the one in the video but not as dark as gunmetal. It looked really good on the F sport I saw. The performance is really sad though, especially for the price. IT should have more power and and E-diff on the F sport. If the IS500 should be that price, then you'd have a winner.

[@laidspipe]

I been seeing them around town and they look amazing. I would buy one just for the reliability.

[@RaitisRides]

I agree with you!

[@2kdim]

This car looks beautiful, love the shape and red interior

[@sandeepsandy9265]

I don’t know how u mange’s ur schedule ......u rockstar ....I keep on checking every day for new video ....keep it up 🎊🎊🎊

[@evanvaughn7449]

It's been my dream car since i first laid my eyes on one, wouldn't want anything else, they keep getting better and better and I want one more and more, one day I will own one I hope, great review!

[@NS416]

Have u driven anything else in its class?

[@evanvaughn7449]

@@NS416 I used to own a 07 335i but I blew a rod in the Mojave desert not fun lol, but then I got a 03 IS300 F Design and I loved it, made Lexus my favorite brand but sadly I don't own it anymore.

[@pontiacGXPfan]

It has a naturally-aspirated V6 and it sounds lovely and it's likely to not fall apart at around 75000 miles

[@lunarblackstar1]

It's not going to fall apart after 175000, heck 275000 easy with regular maintenance

[@No_Name_FR]

I saw one on the road my god it looks amazing and has a lot of road presence

[@Nicktheflawlesskid28]

Thank god for Joe. The in depth detail for your reviews I love it. Looking for a 4 door to drive weekly so I can keep my Mustang up and keep the miles off of it. Appreciate this video!

[@mrraymond99]

I just love everything about this Lexus! Just how fast do you want to drive on the streets? It looks like it handles real nice, sounds great and looks like a jewel on wheels! If only I had the bucks!! Great video by the way!

[@charleyqin8202]

You are right! IS350 is way more than enough for regular people, How fast can people drive on those 25 speed limit streets? What is the point of having a super 800 HP car if you got stuck in NY traffic.

[@alldaysaint]

Thanks Raiti! This is my (realistic) dream car!

[@tylerh2930]

Yes

[@RaitisRides]

You are so very welcome!

[@RaitisRides]

@@tylerh2930 Oh yeah!

[@clays1507]

Bought one yesterday 2022; great review Joe… Lexus should have you on retainer

[@mugensamurai]

Where I come from this car is the MarkX GRMN's spiritual successor. It's nice to see people on the other side of the planet enjoy this car.

[@revniw1]

The IS styling, including the cramped back seat, is legendary. I love it.

[@kedeld4306]

Can’t wait for you to review is500. It’s gonna be so litt!

[@mrrims]

Sounds really good on throttle! I'd rock it!

[@batch8144]

2013 frs whiteout to 2021 IS350 sonic blue. Not a dull moment. Just cruising man!

[@Luminary2024]

Got this car and dropped an exhaust on it. The design, quality, sound and drive is phenomenal for its class. Acceleration is not an issue but fuel economy is. Overall, I’d say definitely a top competitor when you consider its strong points combined with lower running costs, higher reliability and Lexus superior financial system relative to others.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks you for sharing that great ownership input and experienece!

[@Luminary2024]

@@RaitisRides thanks for the response man! Love your content! I had a bmw 3 series prior and you’re right, it’s up the to buyer. For me, the better design, finance terms, sound, quality and higher reliability won me over the bmw performance and fuel. Entry sedans are quick but none are fast so performance was not a priority - segment is mostly for commenters and grocery getters with some fun on occasion. In the bmw m340i price bracket, I’d say acceleration matters because those are fast. In the 228i and even 330i bracket… not so much 🤷‍♂️

[@axelrosado9645]

How much you spend on gas?

[@drone1028]

​@devan singh what's the mpg?

[@Luminary2024]

@@drone1028 I get about 23-24 mpg on a week with more highway driving whereas I get about 19mpg on a week with more city driving. Like i said, pretty bad when you compare it to the turbo 4’s lol. However, I know the IS is also available with a turbo 4 cylinder now, so maybe that does better.

[@pope9349]

Just a great car,that engine is legendary.

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that you like this one.

[@kwaseb]

Saw the exact same one today. Looks better in appearance for sure

[@lunarblackstar1]

Best looking car on the road today imo and tbh every generation of the IS has had amazing Looks

[@stellantistom6881]

What up Joe? LEXUS LET'S GO!!!

[@RaitisRides]

Hey Tom! Double feature tonight!

[@stellantistom6881]

@@RaitisRides ;D

[@mingyuhuang8944]

It just looks so nice. Like I like how they made the front very subtly round and curved. Not dumb squarish. All proportions are perfect. This is a stunner. But to be honest could have more power

[@legion2275]

Drive in manual with paddles

[@karthikvishnu040]

Great job Joe🙂 very neat and organized

[@khaledhekmat5980]

This man is hilarious 😂 I love you brother. Such a great review man 👏

[@CPMUNSEY]

I love the IS line of Lexus but I’ve always felt that they were underpowered,minus the ISF. Great cars tho and they will last forever if you take care of them.👌🏽🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@theosantana7750]

Imma trucker i need this im getting one soon.. something that gon last and good investment

[@opwave79]

True, but in my old age I’m good with this styling. I’ve had my eye on the IS line since my dad bought an LS300 thirty years ago.

[@wileoutunorthodox3479]

Fr they should've tuned the 350 to do 330-340, and have the same engine but tuned down a bit in the Camry TRD model so it's not just an appearance/suspension package

[@PlayWaves1]

Over 300hp in a compact size car. It’s not underpowered.

[@timothybracken1728]

Joe do you ever freaking sleep!? You upload every day , I can't keep up with the throttle here !!!!!

[@jackr6896]

It's his job

[@lotus956]

Lol, you do know that these guys income are these videos.

[@xlWillyWonkalx]

Just seen one when I went grocery shopping, couldn’t take my eyes off of it

[@mrteaz302]

Just bought a 21 is 350 f sport. I love it

[@aadeeshdhiman6538]

Great review!!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks man!

[@capn.c5321]

I absolutely Love Naturally aspirated engines and Toyota knows how to make some of the best, if not the best. I'm actually in the market for An IS 350 F sport or An ES 350 F sport but I can't decide at the moment. I am also looking at that IS 500 F sport they were talking about. Also I want to add that I would never buy any of these cars if they had a turbo

[@vingonzal]

Glad they reattached the LED daytime running lights, so that headlight housing is one unit. Was not a fan of that space in between in previous gen, but now the lights look more aggressive along with the front fascia. Looks good

[@vingonzal]

Joe I think your account was hacked...

[@ziyadzuhair9829]

Amazing review thank you sir 🙏

[@darkhaven9119]

I’ve always hated the front ends/grills of Lexus but holy shit this one looks nice! I like the updated look I finally like the front end of a Lexus. I want to get this for my 4 door family car to go alongside my 2020 Audi S5 coupe

[@brandon6541]

What a sweet Lexus!!

[@MdRDan]

Thanks Lori!!!!! Great videos guys!!

[@RaitisRides]

Lori is the best!

[@michaelangel8133]

Had a porche carrea, 1990, five four wheel drive, hard to drive in traffic, but great car, sold for far more than I paid, just bought a Lexus RX two days ago,am thrilled by ease in heavy traffic, almost as much fun on rim of the world to home in lake Arrowhead, great car

[@michaelangel8133]

Also much less money to buy

[@josemanuelruiz2036]

It may not be the fastest but has the highest level of quality and engineering. I agree with you about the lack of USBs in the back, no memory seats and standard-size sunroof. Also I noticed the speaker grills at the doors; is just perforated plastic and they look CHEAP!! But, is a car that you can have for 12 to 15 years without major issues and I like that.

[@rook3364]

People sleep on the lexus is f sport model its quicker then what lexus claims to be tbh

[@bryandavis1221]

Me: starts to look up lexus cars You: release a lexus video Me: He knows...

[@peakspider.]

(2)

[@adama047]

Competent, but not quite there yet. That interior is sexy, though. Looks fun enough, for sure. Thank you so much for all you do, Lori! Love it all

[@what4687]

Love the reviews 👍🏽

[@AwesomeKicks]

Eyyyy it's you at 3 am in Sweden. Why do you keep me awake?

[@anthonybaez52]

9:06 I love of the sound of a v6

[@tylerh2930]

Yea

[@Nate-bm8vk]

LMFAO

[@hawghawg381]

Said no muscle car owner.

[@Bondrkmz]

Nice hearing the Whitesnake and Warrant reference. Rock on 🤘

[@ALCONMAA]

My wife’s 2018 300 F Sport v4 Turbo has that driver 3 memory seating with that red leather! Beautiful car! But the rear lights on that 2021 I would like to see illuminated!

[@MediaTruth_]

Start saving up my lunch money😂

[@RaitisRides]

You got that right!

[@CryptoCwis]

I gotta give credit to Lexus. The most reliable luxury/sport brand. Props to the Japanese.

[@RaitisRides]

I totally agree with you!

[@Xagovi13]

Gotta love the dedicated twinkie box holder.

[@zane6389]

Just bought mine last week. I love it

[@mutualdecline2174]

What color?

[@handyman1016]

I appreciate your content bud. Thanks for keeping it short and sweet with not much fluff. Do you think Coupe's will ever make a comeback? I'm in the market and I am so tired of 4 door 'sports cars'.

[@TheCarKrazeOfficial]

It looks so great!!

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that you like this one.

[@johnnyroc]

Finally, a fantastic review. Just watched someone else’s review talk 10 min about the cup holders and the usb charger. Coming back to Lexus after a v8 c6 vette, hoping this will be a small downgrade or maybe even an upgrade.

[@robertsanders7888]

My dream. Thanks Joe!

[@mkhf77]

Well, I turned in my 2018 for this new one today- the new seats are superior.

[@ARentz07]

Heck yea. Congrats. I had a 2016 IS 300 AWD, got my 2021 IS 350 F Sport RWD about three weeks ago. The seats are indeed fantastic.

[@onterrioredmon5711]

That red interior is 🔥

[@troytruong8246]

And some idiots dont like red. They must be on crack. Lol

[@Nigel__]

@@troytruong8246 😂

[@salazara559]

Got me one of these a couple of months back… nice car but I feel it could have a little more power. Overall loving this car

[@williamgilles3368]

Joe great review as always. When will we see a review on a 2022 ES 350

[@autonewstv86]

My gosh... The license plate says "6ET 500" bring on the IS 500 already, Lexus!

[@shyro76]

As soon as I heard the words “ 5 liter V8 “ and “ Lexus IS “ spoken in the same sentence, I was sold

[@RaitisRides]

Good eyes!

[@RaitisRides]

@@shyro76 soooooo true

[@itcantrainallthetime9886]

Uh... I see 6ER 626?

[@TeXasDadBod]

The license plate says 6ER 626 . What am I missing ?? I must have not caught that .

[@jaspera8502]

Lexus is on fire. This is the best looking car in its category! Anyone who chooses to buy a BMW 3 series, Mercedes C Class, and Acura ILX over this is just plain stupid.

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that you like this one.

[@isaiahkaulaity9467]

Best part: that lexus twinkie shelf. Top notch engineering. 👌

[@Sam-760]

Love the rear flare 🔥🔥🔥

[@sacattack49]

Spot on review Joe. I had a 2016 IS350 and loved it, but it couldn't hang in the sport sedan category with some of the faster cars and eventually, the Lexus dependability wore off and I wanted something that had more HP's. The IS does everything well, but doesn't differentiate itself enough in some key places (mainly HP's). IS500 is definitely interesting....

[@rafidalbotany1109]

I mean lexus is more of a luxury brand then anything sport much If your looking for more hp probably not the best car choice to get but remember I'd you have a car with a turbo all that extra air intake and boost causes more wear and tear to engine components it's a compromise car with tons more power much less reliable or car with some less power with solid reliability

[@astrogen1960]

That supercharged Toyota 3.5 in the Lotus Evora, shows that this car is one step away from being something really special.

[@LoveLikeaHurricane]

is the evora engine the same as this one in the IS350?

[@astrogen1960]

@@LoveLikeaHurricane Yes. the only thing Lotus does is adds the supercharger and changes the mapping. They don't touch the engine's internals at all, because the 3.5L is overbuilt, easily handle the forced induction of the supercharger and will last for 200,000 to 300,000 miles or more without a hiccup. The supercharger is an Edelbrock, intercooled unit that they started using in 2017 and helps pump up the power to over 400 HP. Prior to that, the Evora S had a non-intercooled supercharger made by Harrop, that put out 345 HP. Jay Leno had a nice video from February, 2021, that he did of the latest Evora GT, that you may want to watch. He loved it! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZ62kJJ9bs6abJY

[@ED-le1pr]

This guy has mastered cool hand gestures

[@kpatt2006]

Another video today!?!?!?! I'm still not over that perfect, manual, C7 vette! Haha. Oh, and I'm still anxiously awaiting that spicy ZL1 track content.

[@RaitisRides]

Stay tuned man!

[@jpizel1070]

I already started my piggy bank savings for the upcoming IS 500.

[@omarelsayed7997]

Good luck 😂

[@s2kgpwcrlee126]

Better save alot gonna be 65k+

[@Alex-tv3jy]

@@s2kgpwcrlee126 Be patient and let mr. depreciation help

[@mutualdecline2174]

@@Alex-tv3jy Lexus has some of the highest retention of value & their other brand Toyota.

[@user-tl7de9dd1p]

Yes, i'd love to get this car, but I am having my eyes on Q50 red sport.

[@RaitisRides]

Nice to have options.

[@graceli1878]

I would get one too if it’s not cvt

[@Al_Sayid_Sanad]

@@graceli1878 q50s? They don’t have a car, isn’t it a 9 speed auto

[@user-tl7de9dd1p]

@@graceli1878 It's not CVT, it's a traditional 7 speed automatic transmission. I prefer the look of the infiniti Q50 even though the infotainment is like Dinosaur Age

[@Cgee3]

I’d go 2022 G70 or Stinger GT2.

[@anthonybaez52]

Inside is awesome looks luxurious

[@Xyleryx]

Great videos! Great car. Lexus, you have a buyer right here