For the second day in a row, we have good news to share about a passenger car. Yesterday, it was the potential return of the Infiniti Q50 – with a manual transmission, no less – and today, Lexus announced it is refreshing its sports sedan, the IS, for the 2026 model year.
Full details are below in the official Lexus press release, but we thought we’d highlight some of the biggest changes up front.
- 2026 model will be IS 350 only, IS 300 models are being retired
- 3.5L V6 (311 hp / 280 lb-ft.) standard
- 8-spd. auto (RWD), 6-spd. auto (AWD)
- two grades for the U.S. F SPORT DESIGN and F SPORT
- updated styling inside and out; new front fascia, refreshed cabin
- 3-inch infotainment touchscreen standard
- On sale in early 2026, pricing to be announced closer to launch
For context, the IS was last updated for the 2021 model year. The current third gen model has been around since 2013 (2014 model). The 2026 updates suggest its lifecycle will run for at least a few more years, but whether it will see an all-new fourth gen is difficult to predict. Sales, as always, will likely be a key factor.
Speaking of sales, U.S. figures for the IS were down in 2024 by 16.4 percent versus 2023. It remains the second bestselling Lexus sedan in the U.S., however, behind the ES, which is all-new for 2026. Through Q2 2025 (June 30) IS sales are flat (-1.6 percent).
So, regarding its long-term future, time will tell. But today’s news is great for IS owners and aficionados. Here’s hoping it’s in the Lexus lineup for a long time to come.
Lexus USA press release follows below.
PLANO, Texas (Sep. 9, 2025) – Since its debut in 1999, the IS has embodied the pursuit of driving enjoyment as a compact FR (front rear) sports sedan. Over time, it has come to represent the very essence of the Lexus driving experience, earning enduring praise for its dynamic performance and bold, sporty design. With cumulative sales of approximately 1.3 million units across 40 countries and regions, the IS has continued to resonate with drivers around the world for more than 25 years. Its development has involved rigorous testing in a relentless effort to refine the distinctive performance feel known as the “Lexus Driving Signature.”
For 2026, the Lexus IS premieres with a redesigned exterior that refines the sedan’s signature look to its fullest. Along with an interior featuring a restyled instrument panel, center console, trims, and the latest multimedia system, the updated driver-focused design further advances the pursuit of an exhilarating driving experience, allowing for true dialogue between man and machine. The new model will go on sale in early 2026.
IS 350
The latest update is offered in one variant, the IS 350, available in two grades: F SPORT Design, and F SPORT. With “refinement in performance and design” as the key development theme, the IS has been further polished to enhance the qualities it has long pursued, an engaging driving experience that allows dialogue with the car and a dynamic, sporty design.
The Lexus Driving Signature
Since Lexus launched, the tactile feel, behavior and execution for each model has been driven by the vision and efforts of the brand. Lexus Driving Signature is a key pillar of the Lexus Next Chapter and represents a fundamental shift in the brand’s product development process and culture. Through this process, the efforts of the brand are focused on elevating the vehicles to an enhanced standard of performance and handling. The ultimate goal is to deliver Lexus vehicles that are designed with a shared brand identity that includes responsive and linear control; exceptional handling, grip and confidence; and refined ride quality and quietness. These elements are realized through rigorous testing and evaluation.
Refreshed and Refined
The exterior has been updated with a new front design that accentuates the IS’s low center of gravity and wide stance, reinforcing its bold, commanding presence. The F SPORT grade adds to this dynamic appeal with a newly designed available rear spoiler that improves aerodynamic performance, along with optional red brake calipers that reflect its sharp, responsive driving character. The F SPORT and F SPORT Design grades both receive newly styled 19-inch lightweight aluminum wheels.
The 2026 IS Family exterior color lineup will include a total of seven options: Ultra White, Iridium, Cloudburst Gray, Caviar, Infrared, Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0, and Wind. The newest addition, Wind, offers a new hue that expresses a dynamic sense of motion through its hard-toned light gray base infused with metallic highlights. Designed to reflect the sporty character of the IS, the color palette offers a range of options to suit diverse customer lifestyles and preferences.
In-Cabin Ornamentation
The interior is thoughtfully crafted with a focus on functionality, an essential quality in the cockpit of a compact FR sports sedan, creating an environment that keeps the driver fully engaged with the road. Lexus Interface has been enlarged to 12.3 inches, offering excellent visibility and intuitive operation while aligning with the driver’s natural line of sight. The TFT (thin-film transistor) LCD (liquid crystal display) digital instrument cluster in front of the driver has also been increased to 12.3 inches, delivering clear and easy to read graphics that communicate information directly and intuitively.
For the interior design, the newly developed “Forged Bamboo” ornamentation has been applied to the center console and start switch bezel. The natural bamboo fibers create a distinctive “In-ei” shading effect that captures the IS’s dynamic energy and enhances the sporty feel of the cabin. A new interior color, “Radiant Red” inspired by the vivid glow of solar flares, helps to create an aggressive and sporty cabin atmosphere and is exclusive to F SPORT models.
Every model comes equipped with the Lexus Premium Sound system, featuring a standard 10-speaker configuration. In addition, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system is available as a factory option. Designed to deliver an immersive and emotionally rich listening experience, the system features delicately tuned audio and optimally positioned speakers throughout the cabin.
Two high-output USB (Type-C) ports have been placed at the front of the center console for added convenience. Additionally, two USB (Type-C) charging ports are located at the rear of the center console, enhancing convenience for rear-seat passengers. The wireless charging area at the front of the center console is strategically placed for optimal ease of use and accessibility. The system uses Gen5 (Qi standard), designed to accommodate a wide range of smartphone sizes for seamless wireless charging.
Drivetrains and Powertrains
Available in either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the 2026 Lexus IS is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 311 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of peak torque. The rear-wheel drive model uses an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission, while the AWD version sends power through a six-speed automatic. At the time of release, 0-60 times and EPA estimated MPG figures are not yet available.
For 2026, the driving experience was further developed to deepen the sense of steering satisfaction and intuitive vehicle response, enabling the car to better move with the driver’s intent. By optimizing the Electric Power Steering (EPS) and suspension systems, development focused on delivering linear, consistent steering feel across a wide range of roads and driving conditions. Attention was given not only to how the vehicle reacts to steering and pedal inputs, but also to the smoothness and control of their return motion, creating a rewarding driving experience where deceleration, cornering, and acceleration flow together.
Lexus Safety System+ 3.0
For 2026, the IS comes standard with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which brings a suite of key active safety and convenience features to the vehicle. This system includes:
Automatic High Beams
Automatic High Beams can automatically toggle between high and low beams based on the vehicle’s surroundings.
Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection
Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection is designed to help detect a vehicle, pedestrian, bicyclist or motorcyclist and provide an audio/visual forward collision warning under certain circumstances. If the driver does not react, the system is designed to provide automatic emergency braking. PCS uses a camera and millimeter-wave radar for enhanced performance and reliability. Features for LSS+ 3.0 include:
- Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist – designed to provide additional steering torque during an emergency maneuver initiated by the driver, enhancing vehicle stability and helping prevent lane departure. This steering support function is designed to operate when the Pre-Collision System is turned ON, the turn signal is not being operated, the speed of the vehicle is between 25-50 mph and the relative speed to the detected object is between 25-50 mph.
- Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking – designed to provide a warning and automatic braking if the system determines a driver is turning left in front of an oncoming vehicle in certain daytime conditions.
Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control helps maintain a preset distance from the vehicle ahead of you, from highway speeds down to a full stop.
Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)
When Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) is enabled and lane markers are detected, Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) uses the lines on the road and/or preceding vehicles to provide active driving assistance and help keep the vehicle centered in its lane.
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA) – When white/yellow lane markings or certain road edge boundary lines are detected at speeds above 30 mph, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA) is designed to issue an audio/visual lane departure warning if an inadvertent lane departure is detected. If the driver does not take corrective action, the system is also designed to provide gentle corrective steering for lane keeping assistance.
Road Sign Assist (RSA) – Using an intelligent camera, Road Sign Assist (RSA) is designed to detect speed limit signs, stop signs, Do Not Enter signs, yield signs and certain warning signs, and display an icon of the sign on the Multi-Information Display (MID).
Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) – When system operating conditions are met, using the vehicle’s camera and radar, Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) provides gentle braking into curves or gentle braking and/or steering to help support driving tasks such as distance control between the vehicle and a preceding vehicle, pedestrian or bicyclist.
2026 IS Line Pricing
Additional details, including full vehicle specs, options, and pricing information for the 2026 IS line will be available closer to launch.
Photos courtesy of Lexus USA
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