If you’ve been waiting on the 2026 lexus IS350 news, here it is: The Toyota luxury brand has unveiled a refreshed Lexus IS that goes on sale in early 2026. First launched in 1999, the IS has sold more than 1.3 million units worldwide, and this update leans into refinement rather than reinvention.
Globally, the new Lexus IS will launch as either the IS 350 or the IS 300h hybrid, depending on market, but in the U.S. it comes only as the IS 350, offered in two trims: F SPORT Design and F SPORT.
Power comes from a 3.5-liter V6 producing 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel-drive models use an eight-speed automatic, while all-wheel-drive versions pair with a six-speed.
Lexus has tuned the steering and suspension to deliver more linear, predictable responses, aiming to keep the IS’s reputation for balanced performance intact.
The exterior gets a sharper front fascia that makes the car look lower and wider. The F SPORT models add a functional rear spoiler and optional red brake calipers. Both trims get fresh 19-inch wheels, and the colour palette expands to seven options, including a new “Wind” gray that reads less flashy, more purposeful—exactly what a compact sport sedan should look like.
Additionally, when you step inside, you notice that the focus is now on both usability and design polish. Drivers now get a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster alongside a matching 12.3-inch center touchscreen.
The cabin also adds wireless charging, more USB-C ports, and a new “Forged Bamboo” trim that creates subtle shading effects. F SPORT models offer a bold new “Radiant Red” interior option. Music lovers can stick with the standard 10-speaker setup or upgrade to a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system.
The Lexus IS 350 2026 doesn’t overhaul the formula but sharpens it: a cleaner design, a more organized cabin, and small but meaningful performance tweaks. Pricing and detailed specs will be released closer to launch. And in the same year, buyers will also see another return of the Honda Prelude, a newly redesigned hybrid coupe that could be one of the year’s most interesting launches.
