2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport: The Brand’s Sporty Four Door Sedan

 

Highlight: The IS is no longer available with a 4 or 8-cylinder engine. 

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $55,333 (Base MSRP): $41,830

Seating Capacity: 4

Standard Safety Equipment: ABS; air bag; pre-collision system with pedestrian protection; lane departure alert; an automatic high beam system; an electronic blind spot monitor; a left-turn detection braking system; a 36-degree camera; and tire pressure sensors

Standard Equipment: 19-inch wheels; 8-speed automatic transmission; rear wheel drive; a dual exhaust system; leather like power front seats; aluminum pedals; heated steering wheel; a dual zone climate control system; a wireless phone charger; LED headlamps/taillights; F-sport tuning suspension; and 12-inch touchscreen infotainment screen

Options: F Sport handling package: adaptive variable suspension, torsen limited slip rear differential, drive mode select with Sport; triple beam LED headlamps; Mark Levinson premium audio systems; premium paint; power moonroof; technology package front cross traffic alert; lane change assist, and traffic jam assist; trunk mat/key glove/cargo net/wheel locks

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a xx-speaker AM/FM audio system with SiriusXM

Android/Apple CarPlay: Yes

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 6 years or 70,000 miles

Engine/Horsepower (Test Vehicle): 3.5-liter, 6-cylinder/311-hp

Standard Fuel Mileage: 19-city/27-hwy (test model)

What’s New: The IS receives a mid-cycle refresh with a tamer fascia and larger infotainment system.

Why:

Stylish design with a spoiler

Rear wheel drive configuration

AWD available

Spunky powertrain

A new large infotainment screen

A Mark Levinson speaker system

A high level of safety driving aids

A radar-activated co-pilot steering system

19-inch F-sport wheels

Ventilated and heated front seats available

Heated steering wheel available

Wireless charging

A power sunroof

But:

No manual transmission 

Ni 8-cylinder will be avaialble this model year

Inconsistent voice audio system to operate infotainment system

Limited rear seating

No HUD (Heads Up Display) on the test car

Seats were more comfortable in the Mazda3 with the Premium Plus package

Verdict: In an era where trucks, crossovers and SUVs dominate the new vehicle market, it’s refreshing to spend time behind the wheel of a sedan.

Unlike a typical sedan, the IS, which has been around for two decades, is a sporty performance-oriented compact riding on a rear-wheel drive platform. The IS with its freshened fascia and larger infotainment system is only available in two trims for the 2026 model year. 

At a starting price near $42,000, the IS, with its tamer looking grille, is available in a variety of trims and powertrains. Ironically, out of all of the Lexus vehicles, the previous in-your-face bold grille which exuded a level of aggression, seemed fitting for the sports sedan. However, while this year’s refresh offers less bite, it’s still somewhat alluring. In fact, the new headlights seem as though they were taken from the Buick brand, one of Lexus nemesis.

Overall, the IS with its thoughtfully placed creases and curves, which are integrated into the side panels of the sedan, pumps out 311- horses from underneath the hood. Buyers who opt for the vehicle can accessorize with the vehicles with such features as 19-inch alloy wheels, a power sunroof, a wireless charging system and a host of safety driving aids.

And while the cozy sports car isn’t designed for a growing family, the IS is the perfect vehicle for those seeking an engaging driving experience.

Competition: Audi A3, BMW 3-Series, Genesis G70 and Mercedes-Benz C Class