The Lexus IS has obtained a refresh for 2026, respiratory some new life into this sports activities sedan which has been in its third era since 2014, albeit with two updates in its run. The largest change may very well be a discount, because the 2026 IS will solely be supplied within the 350 mannequin, cut up between F Sport and F Sport Design grades.
That means a 3.5-liter V6, rated at 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, is the one engine. Its transmission relies on drive format; rear-wheel drive sees an eight-speed automated and all-wheel drive books it off the road with a six-speed auto. According to Lexus, the facility steering and suspension have been optimized to concentrate on “delivering linear, consistent steering feel across a wide range of roads and driving conditions.”
More pertinent to the day by day commute is the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite, normal for 2026. Stuck in gridlock or carving corners, the IS flaunts an up to date fashion with a entrance finish mixing Lexus design language with the Camry’s present vibes– a large, daring grille with sharp cuts within the bodywork, accentuated by angular lighting parts. The facet profile is reinvigorated by new 19-inch wheel designs, behind which purple brake calipers might be optioned. Also obtainable is a redesigned rear spoiler, in addition to a lightweight gray-based “Wind” paint, making seven coloration choices altogether.
“Radiant Red” upholstery is new for the cabin and unique for the F Sport, however the pair of bigger 12.3-inch screens, one for infotainment and the opposite for driver data, is normal. New accents produced from bamboo fibers have been utilized to the middle console and ignition bezel; and forward of that console are two Type-C USB ports, joined by an extra set positioned for rear passengers. A wi-fi charging pad and a 10-speaker audio system are additionally normal, the latter upgradable to a 17-speaker Mark Levinson speaker array.
How a lot the 2026 Lexus IS will value remains to be unconfirmed, as is its official launch date. A 2025 IS 350 F Sport Design, with vacation spot connected, begins at $45,155, an F Sport at $47,230; all-wheel drive a $2,000 possibility for both. We talked about how Lexus added “a dash of youthful spirit” with the IS 300 sport sedan again within the day, solely earlier than doubling down with a five-speed handbook sedan and the SportCross wagon. How far we’ve come; however we’d say this 2026 refresh manages to do a little bit of the identical in a contemporary context.