2026 Lexus IS Returns — But With V-6 Only

The 2026 Lexus IS compact sedan returns with a new look and streamlined configurations. Only the IS 350 F Sport and IS 350 F Sport Design trims will be offered, which means only one engine choice: a 3.5-liter V-6. The base four-cylinder IS 300 and sporty V-8 IS 500 will no longer be offered, the latter of which also included the top-end F Sport Performance trim. Still, the continuation of the aging IS 350 may be relief for fans of the shrinking compact sedan class.

Related: With the Acura TLX Being Discontinued, What Other Sports Sedans Should You Consider?

What’s New?

The third-generation Lexus IS launched for the 2014 model year, so the return of the aging IS marks this generation’s 12th year without a major overhaul. Lexus freshens it yet again with sharper ends, and the interior gains larger tech interfaces and more refined trim finishes.

On the outside, the Lexus hourglass grille appears lower and broader. Both grades roll on newly styled 19-inch aluminum wheels, while the F Sport variant can be equipped with an available rear spoiler and red brake calipers. Seven exterior color options can be had, including a new Wind hue that’s light gray.

The interior wears more significant updates to match newer Lexus vehicles. It comes standard with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster beside a 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment that’s a significant update over 2025’s 8-inch touchscreen. Buttons and switches for climate controls remain, lined up neatly in a row beneath the touchscreen. Other modern updates include two USB-C ports in the front and rear, a wireless smartphone charger, and either a standard 10-speaker Lexus Premium or an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system. A bright red interior color is also available.

Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 becomes standard for 2026. It includes automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alerts, lane departure steering assist, road sign recognition, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, emergency steering assist and intersection assist. It also comes with Proactive Driving Assist that works when the adaptive cruise control is on and will slow the vehicle down for curves and provide braking and steering to maintain the distance between the IS and the vehicle, pedestrian or bicyclist ahead.

Powertrain Specs and MPG

With the turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder and endearing 5.0-liter V-8 no longer offered, the only engine is the 3.5-liter V-6 tuned to make 311 horsepower and 280 pounds-feet of torque. The IS 350 still comes standard with rear-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic, whereas all-wheel-drive versions use a six-speed automatic. While the lone engine carries over, the 2026 IS comes with electric power steering and a tweaked suspension intended to smooth driver inputs.

The 2025 IS 350 was EPA-rated at 23/28/20 mpg city/highway/combined with RWD and 22/26/19 with AWD. Though official EPA estimates are not yet available, expect the 2026 model to carry over those ratings.

Trim Level and Release Date

The 2026 Lexus IS 350 goes on sale early in 2026. Pricing details will be announced closer to its on-sale date.

Read More About the Lexus IS 350:

• Silver on the Horizon, Yellow in Your Retinas: 2025 Lexus IS Starts at $41,360
• Study: These 3-Year-Old Cars Are the Most Dependable
• 2024 Lexus IS Luxury Sedan Expands F Sport Options, Pricing Starts at $41,235
• 2023 Lexus IS Offers New Appearance Packages, Modest Price Bump
• Research the Lexus IS 350

Related Video:

Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.