The 2026 Lexus IS350 has officially arrived, proving that the beloved Lexus IS sedan still has life left in it. After months of speculation that the IS lineup might be discontinued, Lexus has confirmed that the IS will continue for at least a little longer—thanks to another significant refresh. This makes it the third facelift for the current generation, which has been on the market for over a decade.
While many rivals have disappeared from the compact sports-sedan segment, the 2026 Lexus IS350 refuses to bow out quietly. With a bold new front fascia, a redesigned interior, upgraded tech, and suspension refinements, Lexus aims to keep this sedan relevant in a competitive market.
A Model Narrowed Down to One Hero: The IS350
One of the biggest changes for 2026 is the simplification of the lineup. Lexus has officially discontinued the IS500, which carried the powerful V-8 engine, leaving only the IS350 in the range. Buyers now have two trim levels to choose from—F Sport and F Sport Design.
Under the hood, the 2026 Lexus IS350 continues with a 311-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine. Rear-wheel-drive models come paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the all-wheel-drive variant uses a six-speed automatic. Although purists may miss the rumble of the V-8, the IS350 promises a refined yet sporty driving experience with improved steering and suspension tuning.
Exterior Updates: A Sharper Look
At first glance, the 2026 Lexus IS350 may look familiar, but closer inspection reveals several new touches. The front end receives the most noticeable changes with a reshaped grille that extends higher into the hood, giving the sedan a more aggressive and modern stance.
The trims also bring unique styling elements:
- F Sport trim includes a rear spoiler and striking red brake calipers.
- F Sport Design gets fresh 19-inch aluminum wheels.
- A new Wind exterior color—a sleek gray with metallic highlights—adds an elegant choice to the palette.
These refinements keep the IS350 competitive against rivals like the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, and Genesis G70.
Interior: Modern Tech and Premium Materials
Inside, Lexus has made meaningful improvements to bring the cabin up to modern standards. The dashboard now features a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a much larger 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, replacing the smaller displays from the previous model.
Climate controls have been redesigned for easier use, with neatly arranged buttons and updated trapezoidal air vents. The materials have also been upgraded—most notably with forged bamboo trim on the center console and switchgear, giving the sedan a premium feel.
For F Sport buyers, Lexus offers a bold Radiant Red interior option, creating a sportier vibe.
Key interior updates include:
- Two USB-C ports in both front and rear seats
- Wireless charging pad
- 10-speaker Lexus Premium audio system (standard)
- Optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system
Together, these updates create a luxurious, technology-rich cabin environment.
Goodbye to the V-8
One bittersweet part of the 2026 update is the end of the IS500 and its 472-hp 5.0-liter V-8 engine. While enthusiasts will miss the raw power, Lexus is doubling down on refinement and balance in the IS350. The sedan’s V-6 engine paired with revised suspension and new electric power steering promises improved responsiveness and better road feel.
This shift shows Lexus’s commitment to keeping the IS relevant while adapting to changing emissions standards and consumer demand.
Driving Dynamics: What to Expect
The refreshed 2026 Lexus IS350 continues to prioritize sporty handling. The updates to steering and suspension are aimed at improving driver confidence, especially in cornering and high-speed stability.
The V-6 delivers a smooth yet energetic drive, making it well-suited for daily commutes as well as spirited weekend drives. With rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive options available, buyers can choose the setup that best fits their lifestyle and driving conditions.
Launch Timeline and Expected Pricing
Lexus has not yet released official pricing or production details for the 2026 IS350. However, industry experts predict that the updated sedan will arrive in showrooms by early 2026. Pricing is expected to start slightly higher than the outgoing model, which was priced around $44,000, depending on trim and options.
Key Highlights of the 2026 Lexus IS350
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5-liter V-6 |
| Horsepower | 311 hp |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic (RWD), 6-speed automatic (AWD) |
| Trims | F Sport, F Sport Design |
| Exterior Updates | New front grille, Wind color, 19-inch wheels (Design), red brake calipers & spoiler (F Sport) |
| Interior Updates | 12.3-inch digital cluster, 12.3-inch infotainment screen, forged bamboo trim, Radiant Red option |
| Tech | Wireless charging, USB-C ports, premium 10-speaker audio (optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson) |
| Major Change | IS500 with V-8 discontinued |
| Availability | Expected in early 2026 |
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Why the 2026 Lexus IS350 Matters
The Lexus IS has been a staple in the compact luxury sports-sedan segment since the early 2000s. With competitors either moving toward electric powertrains or discontinuing their sedans altogether, the survival of the IS350 shows that Lexus still values enthusiasts who prefer traditional performance.
This latest refresh also signals Lexus’s strategy of extending the lifecycle of its models by blending subtle design updates with meaningful tech improvements. While the IS may not have received a full redesign, the updates ensure it stays competitive in a shrinking segment.
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Conclusion
The 2026 Lexus IS350 is not just another facelift—it’s a lifeline for a sedan that enthusiasts feared was on its way out. By refining its looks, enhancing interior technology, and updating performance features, Lexus has given the IS350 a fresh lease on life.
While the loss of the IS500 and its V-8 engine will disappoint purists, the IS350 continues to deliver sporty performance, luxury, and reliability—all the qualities that have defined the Lexus brand. For buyers looking for a stylish and performance-focused sedan that still values tradition in an era of SUVs and electrification, the 2026 Lexus IS350 might just be the perfect choice.
