2026 Lexus IS Gets Another Update, But Only One Model Survives
The Lexus IS isn't done yet, as it turns out. While we thought for a while that it would retire with the Ultimate Edition of the IS 500, the luxury compact sedan is back for the 2026 model year.
Units will arrive at dealerships early next year and further details (including pricing) will be announced closer to the on-sale date, but what we can tell you for now is that there will be significant changes to the car and the lineup.
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First of all, forget the base IS 300, powered by a 3.5-litre V6 that produces 260 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. It's being discontinued along with the performance-focused IS 500, whose 5.0-litre V8 generates 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft. The only model left is the IS 350, which cranks the aforementioned V6 up to 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft, as always with the help of a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
For 2026, Lexus engineers have made modifications to the suspension and steering in order to enhance the driving feel and control on the road, the company said without being more specific. We’ll have to be the judges of that when we get to take the car for a spin.
Refreshed Outside and Especially Inside
After styling updates in 2017 and 2021, Lexus is giving the IS another refresh for 2026. The front grille has been revised and now merges with the headlights, while the lower part of the front bumper has been redesigned. The F SPORT package adds a newly designed rear spoiler and red brake calipers, while the F SPORT DESIGN and F SPORT 2 packages bring in redesigned 19-inch light-alloy wheels. The F SPORT 3 package adds forged BBS wheels in the same size.
What’s more, the exterior colour lineup will include a total of seven options. The newest addition, called Wind and pictured above, is described as hard-toned light gray base infused with metallic highlights.
The changes inside the 2026 Lexus IS are more significant, mind you. A 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster replaces the old unit, the controls on the steering wheels have been revised for easier use, while the centre console has been simplified and made more convenient with readily accessible controls. In particular, the dreaded touchpad is gone, which we’re extremely thankful for.
For the interior design, a newly developed finish featuring natural bamboo fibres has been applied to the centre console and start switch bezel, creating a distinctive shading effect. Meanwhile, a new Radiant Red colour is available exclusively on F SPORT models.
On the tech front, the optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system is definitely worth the extra money for music lovers. Two USB-C ports are located at the front of the centre console and two more are located at the rear of the console, while a wireless phone charging pad is located next to the shifter.
Canadian sales of the Lexus IS dropped by 7 percent in 2024 and by 20 percent in the first half of 2025. Will they rebound in 2026 despite a reduced lineup? Time will tell.
