2026 Lexus IS Model Review with Prices, Photos, & Specs
Lexus IS Key Features
- Starting at $46,895 MSRP*
- 3.5-liter naturally-aspirated V6 engine producing 311 horsepower and 280 LB-FT of torque
- Available all-wheel drive
- Lexus Interface with 12.3-inch touchscreen display and complementary digital instrument cluster
- Wireless Android Auto® and Apple CarPlay® compatibility
- Available power tilt-and-slide moonroof
- Lexus Safety System+ 3.0
- Available Mark Levinson® 17-speaker, 1,800-watt, 7.1-channel Premium Surround Sound with QuantumLogic® Surround Sound
About the Lexus IS
The Lexus IS represents a true rarity in the modern automotive landscape - a sport sedan that offers both high-end performance and elite comfort. With a standard muscular V6 under the hood, the IS has neck-jolting acceleration potential. Unlike the alternatives though, it also has the sense to pair that engine up with brakes and a suspension that enhance those capabilities instead of fighting them, making for a fun and spirited drive. Of course, it could prove difficult to notice any of that from an interior that offers everything you’ve come to expect from a Lexus, including cutting-edge technology like the Lexus Interface system on a large 12.3-inch touchscreen and the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. Meanwhile, heated NuLuxe bucket seats serve as a reminder of the Lexus IS’s character, while premium materials throughout enhance its luxury standing.
What the Critics Say
“With the ergonomics sorted, one can better appreciate just how nicely finished the IS 350's cabin is. It's characteristic Lexus: padded surfaces everywhere (including a welcome hand rest at the base of the new touchscreen), a steering wheel that's great to hold, a real shift lever, a fine driving position, and lovely physical-switchgear action. The quality is evident.” — Car and Driver
“The cabin is beautifully made, not a stitch out of place or a rattle to be heard, and it looks good, too. The red-and-black interior in my test car would look equally at home at the golf club or in a Megan Thee Stallion video.” — U.S. News & World Report
What’s New For 2026
Lexus gave the IS a substantial mid-generation refresh for the 2026 model year. The most notable changes include the trim lineup, which has been slimmed down to two: the F SPORT and F SPORT Design, both of which carry a naturally-aspirated V6 engine with 311 HP. Additionally, there were styling updates, including a front-end treatment that fits in with the rest of the Lexus lineup, and the IS also gained a revamped interior. The Lexus Interface infotainment system and digital gauge cluster have both been bumped up to 12.3 inches, and the new enhancements also include a forged bamboo center console.
Lexus IS Features
A Luxurious Cabin
Critics and legions of satisfied drivers agree: the Lexus IS is truly set apart from the competition by its cabin, which received a significant upgrade for the 2026 model year. That’s no surprise from a vehicle wearing the Lexus badge, and the IS backs up that reputation with a pair of 12.3-inch screens, one for the instrument cluster, and other supporting the Lexus Interface infotainment system. Naturally, Lexus Interface includes Wireless Android Auto® and Apple CarPlay® compatibility, and can pump audio through the available Mark Levinson® 17-speaker, 1,800-watt, 7.1-channel Premium Surround Sound with QuantumLogic® Surround Sound. Beyond the tech side of things, the Lexus IS covered in advanced materials, including NuLuxe seating, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, available satin trim, and a forged bamboo center console. Heated front seats and dual-zone climate control round out the premium comfort of the IS.
The Ability to Perform
None of that is to suggest that the sport bona fides aren’t in order. Its 3.5-liter V6 engine, standard on both trims, is naturally aspirated, meaning that it provides an extremely connected driving experience through an instant throttle response and linear power delivery. Naturally-aspirated engines also tend to be more reliable, which follows logically from the fact that they have fewer moving parts and fewer things that can go wrong than an engine with a turbo. All told, the IS pushes 311 horsepower and 280 LB-FT of torque, more than enough to zip along its 3,792 pounds of curb weight from 0 to 60 MPH in 5.6 seconds. Meanwhile its double-wishbone suspension and powerful braking system offer performance in ways that support the engine’s capabilities. For a little extra bite, the available F SPORT Handling Package adds extra drive modes and a limited-slip rear differential.
As Safe as it Gets
It’s difficult to steal focus from the luxury and offroad prowess of the GX, but the superb styling somehow manages. The modern styling of the GX looks offroad-ready and sophisticated at the same time. The large wheel arches that accommodate the bigger all-terrain tires on the Overtrail trims can also fit the 22-inch wheels that come with the Luxury+ trim and inside, the NuLuxe® upholstery is soft to touch and comfortable, but is also easy to clean. Triple-Beam LED headlamps come standard, and LED foglights come with most trims. These both look great and are indispensable once you get offroad and away from streetlights. As an extra styling flourish, bi-tone paint is available for Overtail trims.
Trims & Specs
IS 350 F SPORT Design (AWD Available)
Starting at $46,895 MSRP*
- 3.5-liter V6 engine with 311 horsepower
- F SPORT Design 19-inch split-five-spoke alloy wheels with Dark Metallic finish
- Eight-way power adjustable and heated front seats
- Forged Bamboo center console
- Lexus Interface with 12.3-inch touchscreen display
IS 350 F SPORT (AWD Available)
Starting at $49,345 MSRP*
- F SPORT-tuned suspension
- Available 1,800-watt Mark Levinson® audio system with 17 speakers
- Red-finished front and rear brake calipers
- Available Technology Package, including Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Change Assist, and Front Cross-Traffic Alert
- Available F SPORT Handling Package with adaptive suspension, additional drive modes, and a limited-slip rear differential
*Starting MSRP includes the Delivery, Processing and Handling fee (DPH), which is subject to change at any time. Excludes manufacturer and dealer options, taxes, title and license, and dealer fees and charges. Dealer price will vary.