The Lexus IS Sedan Is Still Alive and F-Sport Kicking for 2026
Now limited to just the 350 model, the 2026 IS gets an updated exterior, refined interior, and added standard features.
Justin BannerWriterManufacturerPhotographerSep 10, 2025
2026 LEXUS IS350 Front HERO scaled
It’s time to pour out some motor oil in memoriam, because the 2026 Lexus IS will mark the first model year that the brand’s long-running 5.0-liter, naturally aspirated V-8 engine will be missing from the Lexus IS lineup since it was first offered in the 2007 IS F. Honestly though, we thought we’d be pouring out the same for the Lexus IS in general, as we were half expecting the compact sport sedan to be dropped entirely by now. For 2026, the only model on offer will be the IS 350, but it comes with some new updates and standard features inside and out.
Set to arrive early next year, the 2026 Lexus IS 350 will come in two trim levels, F Sport and F Sport Design, both with the brand’s naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6 as the sole engine choice. Producing 311 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, the six is mated to an eight-speed automatic for rear-drive models or a six-speed automatic for the all-wheel drive cars.
2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Sedan Luxury 2
While both models receive a mild nip-tuck to the front end designed to help accentuate its low and wide, sport-sedan stance, the primary difference between the two boils down to the upgrades available for the F Sport, which adds a newly designed rear spoiler, optional red brake calipers, and updated styling for the 19-inch aluminum wheels. There’s a new color available for the 2026 IS called Wind, a light-gray color with metallic to make it seem less boring than your standard gray paint. This is one of the seven colors that buyers will have to choose from, including Ultra White, Iridium, Cloudburst Gray, Caviar, Infrared, and Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0.
2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Sedan Luxury 13
Inside, the 2026 Lexus IS has been fitted with the brand’s 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, which is now standard and joins the new 12.3-inch digital dash display. A 10-speaker sound system is also standard, or owners can opt for the Mark Levinson 17-speaker system. The center console features a few new updates including what Lexus calls “forged bamboo” cues, which use natural bamboo fibers to create a unique look.
Also added were a standard wireless charging pad and four USB C charging ports, with two found just above the charging pad and two placed in the rear of the center console for rear passengers. Owners will also get the option of a new Radiant Red interior color for the F Sport trim. Aiding the driver is the new and standard Lexus Safety System Plus 3.0, which adds the safety and autonomous features you’d expect from a modern luxury car, including pre collision with pedestrian protection, dynamic cruise control, and lane tracing and departure assist.
2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Sedan Luxury 3
As mentioned, the 2026 Lexus IS is expected to arrive at your local Lexus dealer in early 2026, with final pricing and other vehicle details made available closer to its launch date.
Justin Banner
Having experience in many forms of the automotive industry, Justin Banner has done more than just write about cars. For more than 15 years, he’s had experience working as an automotive service technician—including a stint as a Virginia State Inspector—service advisor, parts sales, and aftermarket parts technical advisor (a fancy way of saying he helped you on the phone when you had trouble fitting your brakes over your aftermarket wheels and the like). Prior to his tenure as a full-time editor, Justin worked as a freelance writer and photographer for various publications and as an automotive content creator on YouTube. He’s also covered multiple forms of motorsports ranging from Formula Drift, drag racing, and time attack, to NASCAR, short course off-roading, and open desert racing. He’s best known for breaking down complex technical concepts so a layperson can more easily understand why technologies, repairs, and parts should matter to them. At MotorTrend, Justin is part of the news team covering breaking news and topics while also working as a judge for MotorTrend Of the Year events and other major comparison tests.
