Our Thoughts Exactly: 2026 Lexus IS
It has survived a series of updates inside and out, as well as threats of its cancellation. This is the latest iteration of this sports sedan.
You can say that we had a long history with the Lexus IS.
It turns out that our experience with the luxury brand’s luxury sport compact sedan is just a drop in the bucket. In fact, Lexus IS celebrates its 25th year in 2026.
We have seen it all, haven’t we? Not just the coupe-convertible for the second-generation model. The SportCross from the first generation IS has become an enthusiast’s icon. Yet almost every generation has been a four-door sedan aimed at the heart of the premium/luxury sports sedan segment.
It has also seen its share of power sources. From turbocharged four-cylinder engines to F Performance V8s. Always rear-drive biased, it added all-wheel drive in the third and current generation model. For trivial reasons, there has not been any form of electrification added to the IS in North America. The enthusiast base would have a fit if that ever happened.
The third-generation model went on sale for the 2014 model year. It has survived a series of updates inside and out, as well as threats of its cancellation. The 2026 IS 350 AWD F Sport Design AWD model you are looking at on this page is the latest iteration of this sports sedan.
What has changed for this newly revised 2026 IS? Exterior-wise, it adds a new front and rear clip. The front clip de-emphasizes the “Spindle Grille” motif towards a melding of the last revision, with the rounded lower grille area connecting with a thin opening above. There is now a lower hood line featuring the placement of the primary logo on the hood. The front LED lighting signatures are thinner and sleeker. In all, this is the sleekest looking front end in the IS’s 25-year run.
Out back, the the LED taillight treatment is tweaked, yet it still bridges both outboard units with a light strip across the trunk. Instead of the “oval-L” logo, Lexus is spelled out to match the latest models in its lineup. It also appears that the trunk gets a larger “tail.” They also put a black spoiler on top of this “bulge.”
The F Sport Design model adds a set of 19-inch alloy sport wheels with gray caliper covers exposed to the world. In fact, all 2026 IS models are called F Sport – the gateway model is called the Design model. Some could call it an “F Sport Light.”
Our test vehicle wears my favorite Lexus color – Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0. In that hue, it looks absolutely lovely.
Lexus updated the interior to align it with current models. That starts with the elimination of the track pad and CD player. Instead, Lexus adds a 12.3-inch center touchscreen display to the edge of the center stack. It runs the Lexus Interface system, which means it gets the latest infotainment software and wireless smartphone integration.
Can I get an “amen” up in here?
Sadly, they also eliminated the signature analog clock. We will always remember it.
They went further to introduce the latest digital instrument cluster for the first time in the IS. It is similar to what we have seen across the Lexus lineup. We are also grateful that they separate the climate control switches from the Lexus Interface screen. The center console is cleaner in design, thanks to the omission of the trackpad.
Our F Sport Design interior featured Glazed Caramel (or Palomino) NuLuxe upholstery set against aa black metallic trim motif. The seats are supportive with solid bolstering. Yet, I found that I have to maneuver a bit to get out of the IS 350, since I am tall (George has no problem here). Rear seat room is pretty tight for taller people.
Trunk space is measured at 10.8 cubic feet. The size and shape of the trunk challenged the proper placement of the rollator (my ability device). Eventualy we were able to fit it inside the trunk without any resistance from the trunk lid.
All 2026 IS 350 models are powered by the 311-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. Our all-wheel drive model is connected to a six-speed automatic transmission. This is a very familiar engine with a strong power band. Acceleration is strong and controlled. However, this V6 is happiest when it is cruising down the highway. It also looked good doing so.
The ride quality was never harsh nor soft. It was just right for comfortable drives in shrt and long distances. If you step up the “full-in” F Sport, you can get a firmer suspension setting through the Sport S+ setting. Yet, this F Sport Design trim exhibits an inherent knack for cornering and handling that encourages you to be a tad more enthusiastic behind the wheel.
You can put the 2026 IS 350 F Sport Design into the Sport setting to weigh down the steering a bit for more control and feel. That sharpens the reflexes coming from the steering wheel. If you put the drive mode knob back into Normal, the steering feel was still solid with good on-center feel. It was also quite precise on the turns as well. The same could be said about the brakes. Pedal feel was excellent, with solid response down the wheels. It exhibited great stops in normal and panic situations.
With just two trim levels available, the 2026 IS 350 comes with either rear- or all-wheel drive. Pricing starts at $46,895. Our IS 350 F Sport Design model with all-wheel drive came with a sticker price of $51,844.
The current consumer wave towards creating the demand for sedans helps the Lexus IS’s cause tremendously. We got lucky when they decided to continue this offering in this country, as there is still a strong following for this car. It also helps that the latest updates are turning heads and sparking conversations. It also helped that it was a lovely car to drive overall.
On the other hand, this current generation’s basic platform and main body shell has been around for 12 model years. Some say that we should’ve received a more updated body with more interior space, a turbocharged engine, and so forth. We know of a few enthusiasts who miss having the F Performance V8 that was a part of the 2020 refresh.
Keeping the lineup simple – powertrain choices and focusing on the F Sport badge – is what will help entice enthusiasts to the 2026 IS. Not because some of its competitors may have lost their way by design, electrification, and disengaged driving manners. It is because Lexus kept their sports sedan "real."
DISCLAIMER: Vehicle was provided by Toyota Motor North America. – our opinions are of our own.
All photos by Randy Stern