Lexus IS Facelift Reportedly Coming In 2021

Refresh Coming

For some time now, rumors have persisted that the Lexus IS might not be long for this world. Which would be a shame, obviously. But it's hard not to think this would happen when the new IS has remained mostly unchanged since 2013, minus a refresh in 2016. And while we won't seemingly be getting an all-new IS anytime soon, Car Buzz is reporting that the sedan will get another refresh for the 2021 model year, at least.

Photos: Lexus

Little Information

Car Buzz passes along that two different Japanese car sites are reporting the refresh, which will supposedly appear sometime this fall. One of the rags even claims that the IS will come packing a new 2.4-liter turbocharged engine. Otherwise, information on this refresh is scarce at the moment.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about updates to the IS right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Looking to the Past

Of course, we can certainly speculate as to what it will consist of. The last time the IS received a refresh, Lexus gave it a revised front and rear fascia, new headlights and taillights, a restyled steering wheel, a new infotainment system, and a few other tweaks. 

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about updates to the IS right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Keep It Fresh

And those are exactly the sorts of things we'd expect to see this fall. A few styling tweaks and some updated tech, along with maybe some new wheel and color options. Just enough to keep the IS fresh and up-to-date with the competition, and little else.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about updates to the IS right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Wish List

Most of us will be left wanting for more, of course. The current IS still looks great in our opinion, but could certainly benefit from an all-new chassis design and series of drivetrains. And don't even get us started on the possibility of a return for the beloved IS F.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about updates to the IS right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Image Builder

Enthusiasts have been pining for the F's return for years now, but it sure doesn't look likely to happen. But its absence can at least be partially blamed on the car's struggles against the competition from Mercedes, BMW, and Audi. Adding a range-topping performance model certainly wouldn't hurt the IS's image.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about updates to the IS right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Soldiering On

For now, we suppose we should just be glad that Lexus isn't killing the IS altogether. We're still big fans of compact luxury sedans, especially ones with a sporty nature. And as long as Lexus keeps building them, we'll keep buying them, too.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about updates to the IS right here in the ClubLexus forum.

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