LEXUS IS (2021)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 79 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,192
£183/month
MOT Pass Rate
89%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2494cc Hybrid
Solid Option
89% pass rate, £2192/year to run. 7 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the national average of 82%.
At 5 years old, 89% of LEXUS ISs from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 79 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 38,425 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
38,425
Average miles
37,000
Expected for age
The average 2021 LEXUS IS has 38,425 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 37,000 miles for a 5-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2013 model has the lowest at 87%. The 2021 sits between the two at 89%.
LEXUS IS by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2021 LEXUS IS
The 2021 LEXUS IS is a premium with a 2494cc hybrid engine. 79 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 82% of 2021 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 38,425 miles at 5 years old, LEXUS IS owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2021 LEXUS IS Fuel Costs
The 2494cc hybrid engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current hybrid prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). As a hybrid, real-world fuel costs will vary significantly depending on how much electric-only driving you do.
What does it cost to own a 2021 LEXUS IS?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,192 (£183/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 89% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
LEXUS IS Reliability Trend
The LEXUS IS has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2021 LEXUS IS
At 5 years old, the LEXUS IS offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 94%. Note: with only 79 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2021 LEXUS IS's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Hybrid Battery Health
Medium riskAfter 5 years, hybrid battery capacity may have reduced. A full replacement costs £2,000-£4,000, though reconditioning is cheaper at £500-£1,500.
Inverter and Power Electronics
Low riskThe inverter converts DC to AC for the electric motor. Failures are expensive (£1,500+) but relatively rare. Listen for unusual buzzing sounds.
Regenerative Braking
Medium riskBrake discs can corrode from reduced use (the electric motor handles most braking). Surface rust is normal but deep pitting needs attention.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2021 LEXUS IS stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LEXUS IS(2021) | 89% | £1592 | £195 | Grp 25-38 | £2192 |
| LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT(2019) | 94% | £1327 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1772-£420 |
| TOYOTA RAV4(2020) | 95% | £1592 | £190 | Grp 25-38 | £2037-£155 |
| LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER(2019) | 94% | £1327 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1772-£420 |
| BMW 330E M SPORT AUTO(2021) | 88% | £1327 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1922-£270 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Lexus Models
Explore other Lexus cars or similar models in the same category.
LEXUS NX
2021 · 2494cc Hybrid
LEXUS UX
2021 · 1987cc Hybrid
LEXUS CT
2012 · 1798cc Electric
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT
2019 · 1997cc Hybrid
TOYOTA RAV4
2020 · 2500cc Hybrid
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER
2019 · 1997cc Hybrid
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