4 Minutes
What’s new for the 2026 Lexus IS?
Lexus has given its long-running third-generation IS a fresh face for 2026, representing the model’s third mid-cycle facelift. The updated IS arrives in the U.S. early next year with revised exterior styling, a reworked interior and the latest multimedia software. Lexus is positioning the facelift as a way to keep the compact executive sedan competitive against a packed field of European and domestic rivals.
Exterior and interior updates
Visually the 2026 IS receives sharper front-end detailing, a new rear spoiler and 19-inch Y-spoke wheels available with red brake calipers. Lexus adds two new colorways — Neutrino Gray and Wind — alongside five returning paints including Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0 and Infrared. Inside, expect an updated instrument panel, a redesigned center console, new trim finishes and the brand’s latest multimedia interface.
.avif)
Highlights
- New front fascia and rear spoiler
- Y-spoke 19-inch wheels and red calipers option
- Updated instrument cluster and center console
- Latest Lexus multimedia software and fresh interior trims
Powertrain and U.S. availability
For the American market Lexus is simplifying the lineup: the 2026 IS will ship as the IS 350 only, powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 rated at 311 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel-drive examples pair with an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic, while all-wheel-drive versions use a six-speed automatic. Lexus has opted not to offer the hybrid variants in the U.S. this cycle.
Official 0–60 mph times, fuel economy ratings and final pricing for the 2026 IS were not published at announcement, but Lexus is expected to price the refreshed IS 350 near the current 2025 model — roughly mid-$40,000s for the U.S. market.
How the IS stacks up against key rivals
The IS 350 now competes in a saturated premium compact segment. Key rivals include the Audi A5, BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Cadillac CT4, Genesis G70 and Infiniti Q50. Each brings a different mix of packaging, power and price.
Quick comparisons:
- Audi A5 (2025): now a five-door liftback on the new Premium Platform Combustion architecture, the base A5 uses a turbo four with about 268 hp. MSRP starts around $49,700, making a similarly equipped IS 350 potentially cheaper and stronger on paper.
- BMW 3 Series: competitively priced from roughly $47,500 with a 2.0-liter turbo four (about 255 hp) and strong fuel-economy figures (EPA averages around 35 mpg for base 3 Series). The M340i and higher trims move to six-cylinder power and much higher MSRPs.
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class: the C 300 begins near $48,450 with a 2.0-liter turbo mild-hybrid setup and ~255 hp.
- Cadillac CT4 and CT4-V: the CT4 base model undercuts many competitors on price; the CT4-V adds a 2.7-liter turbo with 325 hp and shifts the entry-level performance calculus upward.
Genesis G70 and Infiniti Q50: the G70 (2.5T with about 300 hp) is a close rival on performance and price, while the Q50’s inventory and design are increasingly aged compared to the refreshed IS.
Market positioning and takeaways
Lexus is clearly emphasizing a sportier character for the IS in the U.S. by keeping the V6 and focusing on styling and chassis details rather than expanding hybrid options. That strategy could appeal to buyers who want immediate performance and traditional driving dynamics over electrified efficiency.
For shoppers comparing compact executive sedans, the 2026 Lexus IS 350 will be judged on three main points: value (expected mid-$40k pricing), the driving feel of the retained 3.5-liter V6, and how convincing Lexus’s visual and interior updates are versus newer rivals like the Audi A5 and Genesis G70.
Source: autoevolution
Leave a Comment