- Lexus has detailed the 2026 IS for the US after Japan debut.
- The sedan gains a new nose and larger screens inside.
- Only the IS 350 stays, with a 3.5-liter V6 in RWD or AWD.
An updated version of the Lexus IS sedan is heading to US dealerships soon, giving one of the brand’s longest-serving sedans a new lease on life. First revealed in Japan this past September, the 2026 model brings a sharper look, notable interior improvements, chassis revisions, and a simplified lineup.
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The 2026 IS wears a redesigned front end and arrives with a more focused trim strategy, dropping several previous variants that significantly increase the entry price in the process.
Price Climb With a Thinner Lineup
The biggest pricing shift comes from the removal of the entry-level four-cylinder IS 300 and V6-powered IS 300 AWD, which means the IS 350 is now the base model.
That alone bumps the starting MSRP from $41,830 to $46,795, a jump of nearly $5,000. Still, when comparing equivalent trims, the increase is less dramatic. The F Sport Design rises by $1,640, while the fully equipped F Sport version goes up by $2,015. All prices include the $1,295 destination and handling charge.
Even with this higher baseline, the IS 350 remains competitive in its class. The 2026 BMW 330i starts at $47,500 and moves to $49,500 with all-wheel drive. The Lexus, however, offers a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 making 314 horsepower, compared to the BMW’s 255-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. That extra displacement still counts for something.
What’s New For 2026?
The current generation of the IS has been around since 2013, but Lexus decided to keep it on sale for longer with a third facelift for 2026, following updates in 2017 and again in 2020. . The overall shape remains largely intact, but the 2026 refresh adds a more sculpted front bumper, a tweaked spindle grille, and reshaped air intakes for a sharper, more aggressive front end.
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Aside from the revised face, the changes are relatively restrained. There’s a new design for the standard 19-inch wheels, and buyers can opt for red brake calipers and a larger ducktail-style rear spoiler. The Lexus badge on the trunk lid has also been replaced with spelled-out lettering.
The color options include returning finishes such as Ultra White, Iridium, Cloudburst Gray, Caviar, Infrared, and Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0. A new exterior shade called Wind is added to the list.
How Much Has the Interior Changed?
Inside, the IS arguably feels the most transformed. A new dashboard design, reworked door panels, and a redesigned center console give the cabin a more current, more cohesive look. These updates could easily be mistaken for a generational leap.
The touchscreen now measures 12.3 inches, and Lexus has paired it with physical toggle switches for climate control. The turbine-style vents borrow some visual drama from the GR GT supercar. A new Radiant Red interior theme and optional Forged Bamboo trim inserts add some variety to the usual black and gray fare.
The standard 10-speaker audio setup can be upgraded to a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system. The cabin also offers four USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad. On the safety front, the latest Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 brings updated driver-assist features.
Special Appearance Package
For early adopters, Lexus is offering a limited-run Special Appearance Package for the first 350 units of the Lexus IS 350 F Sport sold in the US. This adds a matte Hakugin White exterior paired with a contrasting black-and-white interior treatment.
The package also adds unique black BBS 19-inch forged wheels, triple-beam LED headlights, a moonroof, and a bundle of upscale features including the Handling and Technology packages, Mark Levinson audio, power rear sunshades, and custom floor mats.
V6 or Nothing
Lexus has streamlined the US lineup to a single engine for 2026. Every IS now comes with a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 producing 314 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. It can be paired with an eight-speed automatic for rear-wheel drive models or a six-speed automatic for those with all-wheel drive.
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Gone are both the entry-level IS 300 and the burly V8-powered IS 500, and there’s no indication either will return. In Japan, buyers also have access to the IS 300h, a hybrid model with a 2.5-liter engine and a combined output of 217 hp, but that variant isn’t coming to the US.
Chassis upgrades for 2026 include new settings for the steering and the suspension. The brand says the updates deliver more consistent steering feedback and a more natural response through corners. They’ve also fine-tuned the return motion of both the steering wheel and pedals to improve smoothness and control in everyday driving.
The goal, according to Lexus, is a more intuitive and rewarding experience behind the wheel, even if the hardware itself remains familiar.
Detailed pricing for the updated Lexus IS is shown in the table below, alongside figures for the outgoing model for comparison. The refreshed sedan is expected to arrive at US dealerships in early 2026.