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2021 Lexus Model Year Changes
  
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ES

2021 Lexus ES Black Line

2021 Lexus ES 350 F Sport Black Line, courtesy Lexus Newsroom

Echoing new content in the Toyota Avalon, a 4-cylinder, all-wheel drive model is added to the lineup: ES 250 AWD.

The Black Line Special Edition provides a sportier looking ES with black wheels, mirrors and a black, low-profile rear spoiler on the trunk lid.

Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are now standard on Luxury, F Sport and Ultra Luxury models.

GS

Discontinued.

GX

2021 Lexus GX460 stock photo

A heated steering wheel and power-folding third-row seats are still not standard, but at least you don't have to pop for the full Luxury package to get it: it's now available on GX 460 Premium and Premium Plus.

Amazon Alexa compatibility is new.

IS

2021 Lexus IS F SPORT

2021 Lexus IS F Sport Courtesy Lexus Newsroom

The compact sport sedan from Lexus undergoes a thorough refresh. A larger grille (of course), new, more angular lower side intakes, new lower profile headlights and new side mirrors are all included on the outside. Nineteen-inch wheels will now be the largest available, up from 18, which are now standard. The design and materials of the wheels and the lug nuts were part of the systematic reduction of unsprung weight, which, along with a stiffer chassis, will improve both handling and ride quality. Overall curb weight is up by about 100 to 150 pounds, though.

Exterior changes result in over an inch of added length and over an inch of added width. The track width is about two inches wider, resulting in much more stable handling and a wider, aggressive-looking stance. The wheelbase is unchanged. Overall height is up less than an inch.

Inside, new touchscreens range in size from 8-inches to 10.3. Interior dimensions remain unchanged.

Powertrains remain the same: 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder, 241 horsepower, 8-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive; 3.5 V6, 311 horsepower, 8-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive; 3.5 V6, 260 horsepower, 6-speed automatic and all-wheel drive; and 3.5 V6, 311 horsepower, 6-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. An IS F with a 472 V8 will arrive a little later.

The IS 350 is now only available as an F Sport, but the IS 300 AWD is still a way to get a V6 without all the F Sport trim, albeit with less horsepower. The IS 300 F Sport is no longer offered. An new Active Sound Control plays engine noises behind the dashboard on the 350 F Sport; luckily it can be turned off.

The range and sensitivity of the Pre-Collision System has been improved and it can now detect oncoming vehicles and prevent turning left into traffic.

Rain-sensitive wipers, power tilt-telescoping steering wheel with memory, driver's seat memory, automatically dimming side view mirrors, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are now standard. Adjustable front passenger seat lumbar support is no longer standard on IS 300.

A new Panoramic View Monitor is offered in conjunction with front and rear parking sensors. The sensors now include automatic braking, and if the Panoramic View Monitor is ordered, pedestrian detection. An electronic parking brake with automatic release replaces the pedal on previous IS models. The remote control fuel filler door release is replaced by one controlled by the power door locks.

LC

2021 Lexus LC Convertible @2019 LA Autoshow

2021 Lexus LC Convertible at the 2019 LA Auto Show

The LC adds a convertible model for 2021. Available only with the 5.0 V8 (no hybrid), the drop-top LC 500 utilizes a traditional cloth folding top and a tonneau cover for when it's lowered. The power-operated mechanism can be operated at speeds up to 31 MPH (50 KPH), opens in 15 seconds and closes in 16. Active roll bars deploy to protect during a roll-over. Neck heaters help defeat cold weather with the top down.

Other change that affect the coupe, too, include revising the suspension pieces with lighter arms to reduce unsprung weight and improve ride and handling. The rear sway bar is stiffer to make steering more lively. In addition, Active Cornering Assist is new: it uses the stability control system to help rotate the vehicle during turns to improve cornering. The transmissions of both the 500 and the 500h were also improved to help responsiveness and acceleration.

LS

2021 Lexus LS Series

Lexus has concentrated on tweaking the ride and driving feel of the flagship LS models for 2021, adjusting the suspension and chassis. Larger anti-roll bars help keep the 2021 LS flatter in corners and larger suspension bushings reduce impact harshness. The standrd Adaptive Variable Suspension to further smooth the experience while still maintaining excellent control.

On the inside, the feel of many areas has been improved with additional foam padding, including armrests and seating areas. Front seats also have different springs and new stitching patterns. Control areas, especially on the steering wheel buttons have been given a more uniform appearance and a dedicated button for calling up the seat and steering wheel climate settings controls onto the touchscreen has been added to make heating the steering wheel and heating or cooling the seats simpler. A heated steering wheel is now standard.

LX

2021 Lexus LX Inspiration Series

2021 Lexus LX 570 Inspiration Series courtesy Lexus Newsroom

A limited Inspiration Series will be produced. Only 500 units, three-row seating only, in either Black Onyx or White Pearl. 21-inch black alloy wheels, black grille, smoked headlamps, and other blacked out trim separate the Inspiration Series from other LX Series.

The optional Sport Package gets a revised grille, front bumper and body-colored and chrome side mirrors.

NX

2021 Lexus NX.png

The NX has had standard frontal collision warning and lane departure correction equipment standard for years, but now Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are also standard, equipment that is arguably even more important. Automatic dimming sideview mirrors that automatically lower when the transmission is shifted into reverse are now standard.

RC

2021 Lexus RC

Automatic dimming side mirrors, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are now standard. Android Auto compatibility is added.

RC F

2021 RC F Fuji Speedway Edition

2021 Lexus RC F Fuji Speedway Edition courtesy Lexus Newsroom

A limited 60 unit production of 2021 RC F Fuji Speedway Editions will be built. Replacing the Track Edition, it utilizes its carbon ceramic brakes, titanium exhaust system, a naked carbon fiber hood, roof, fixed rear wing and other weight reduction measures; it is not just an appearance package. The FSEs will be offered in a matte satin white or gray. A special edition self-winding watch will be included with each FSE.

Automatic dimming side mirrors are now standard on all models, and Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are standard on regular RC F, but not offered on the Fuji. The steering wheel is revised. Android Auto compatibility is added.

RX

2021 Lexus RX Series stock photo

Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are now standard. Power folding, automatically dimming sideview mirrors are also now standard.

A wireless phone charger is now available, a stand-alone option.

UX

2021 Lexus UX 250h Black Line Special

2021 Lexus UX 250h Black Line Special courtesy Lexus Newsroom

Black Line Special adds subtle styling to the UX 250h hybrid version of the smallest Lexus SUV. Available in pearl white, dark gray ("Caviar") or a new electric blue dubbed "Grecian Water," the package includes color-matched fender flares, black wheels, lug nuts, grille side mirrors and roof rails plus smoked headlamp lenses.

Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are now standard on all models.

 
 

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