Verified vehicle record
2026 Lexus IS
Car and Driver says the IS receives a styling refresh for 2026 with a new front-end treatment and revised interior, while the lineup is slimmed down: the entry-level IS300 and range-topping V-8-powered IS500 are both discontinued, leaving only the IS350 and its 311-hp V6 in F Sport and F Sport Design trims, plus a new larger 12.3-inch infotainment system and matching digital gauge cluster. MSRP runs $46,895-$51,345. MotorTrend confirms the IS300 and IS500 are gone, with the IS350 sending 311 hp and 280 lb-ft through standard RWD via an 8-speed automatic or available AWD via a 6-speed automatic, and says this refresh seems like Lexus extending the IS's lifespan a few more years before a true replacement arrives; MotorTrend lists top-ranked competitors as the BMW 3-Series, Audi A5, Lexus ES, and Genesis G70.
Current archiveChecked Aug. 28, 2026United States specification
Powertrain3.5L V6
Output311 hp
DrivetrainRWD
Seating5
Decision answers24Trim, ownership and verification
What changed for 2026
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says the IS receives a styling refresh for 2026 and wears a new front-end treatment and a revised interior. The lineup has been slimmed down as well: gone is the entry-level IS300 and the range-topping, V-8-powered IS500 hot rod. What's left is the IS350 -- and its 311-hp V-6 -- in both F Sport and F Sport Design trims. A larger 12.3-inch infotainment system is new, sitting next to a larger 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.
Pricing and powertrain for 2026
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) lists MSRP at $46,895-$51,345.
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) confirms the IS300 and IS500 are discontinued, with the IS350 producing 311 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, sent to standard RWD via an 8-speed automatic or available AWD via a 6-speed automatic.
How it compares to its closest rivals
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says this refresh really seems like Lexus is trying to extend the IS's lifespan a few more years before a replacement arrives, and drivers seeking a more contemporary, capable sport sedan should look elsewhere; MotorTrend lists top-ranked competitors as the BMW 3-Series, Audi A5, Lexus ES, and Genesis G70.
Questions buyers ask
What's new for the 2026 Lexus IS?
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says a styling refresh and a slimmed-down lineup, dropping the IS300 and V-8 IS500.
How much does the 2026 Lexus IS cost?
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) lists MSRP at $46,895 to $51,345.
Research paths
Move from the vehicle to the decision.
Compare like with like: the closest configuration, not an unrelated advertised maximum.
Record summary
What to know first
MY2026 is a significant streamline: Lexus dropped both the base four-cylinder IS 300 and the V8-powered IS 500 F Sport Performance, leaving only the IS 350's 3.5L V6 (311 hp, 280 lb-ft) in two F Sport trims.
Model-year note
The IS 300 (both the RWD turbo-four and the AWD V6) and the IS 500 F Sport Performance (V8) are discontinued for 2026, so their trims, engines and output figures no longer apply. Only the IS 350 F Sport Design and IS 350 F Sport remain, both RWD, both with the 311-hp, 280-lb-ft 3.5L V6.
Trim map
How the lineup separates.
Trim descriptions identify the meaningful change from one trim to the next; individual options can still vary.
| Trim | Place in the lineup | Notable equipment |
|---|---|---|
| IS 350 F Sport Design | Entry trim | See full equipment map |
| IS 350 F Sport | Top trim | IS 350-level 311-hp powertrain carries over, F Sport handling and styling package standard |
01
Entry trim
IS 350 F Sport Design
02
Top trim
IS 350 F Sport
- IS 350-level 311-hp powertrain carries over
- F Sport handling and styling package standard
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2026 Lexus IS: 2 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | 0–60 mph | Top speed | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IS 350 F SPORT Design | 3.5-liter V6 | Automatic, 6-Spd | AWD | 311 | 280 | 6 s | 143 mph | 19 / 26 / 22 mpg | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| IS 350 F SPORT | 3.5-liter V6 | Automatic, 6-Spd | AWD | 311 | 280 | 6 s | 143 mph | 19 / 26 / 22 mpg | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Ground clearance | Turning circle | Fuel tank | Front headroom | Front legroom | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IS 350 F SPORT Design | 3,913 lb | 185.8 in | 56.7 in | 110.2 in | 5.5 in | 35.4 ft | 17.4 gal | 38.2 in | 44.8 in | P235/40R19 |
| IS 350 F SPORT | 3,913 lb | 185.8 in | 56.7 in | 110.2 in | 5.5 in | 35.4 ft | 17.4 gal | 38.2 in | 44.8 in | P235/40R19 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2026 Lexus IS trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | IS 350 F SPORT Design | IS 350 F SPORT |
|---|---|---|
| Safety | ||
| Anti-theft alarm | Std | Std |
| Blind-spot alert | Std | Std |
| Child door locks | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std |
| Pedestrian detection | Std | Std |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std |
| Traction control | Std | Std |
| Technology | ||
| Bluetooth audio streaming | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth | Std | Std |
| Hands-free calling | Std | Std |
| Built-in internet access | Std | Std |
| Premium audio system | Std | Std |
| Satellite radio | Std | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std |
| Touchscreen | Opt | Opt |
| Voice recognition | Std | Std |
| Comfort | ||
| Heated front seats | Std | Std |
| Heated steering wheel | Std | Std |
| Heated mirrors | Std | Std |
| Power front seats for driver and passenger | Std | Std |
| Power driver's seat | Std | Std |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | Std | Std |
| Front and rear climate zones | Std | Std |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std |
| Folding rear seat | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | ||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Std |
| Rear spoiler | Std | Std |
| Power-folding mirrors | Std | Std |
| Remote liftgate or trunk release | Std | Std |
| 12-volt power outlet | Std | Std |
| Power windows | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Std | Std |
| Remote engine start | Std | Std |
| Proximity keyless entry | Std | Std |
| Push-button start | Std | Std |
| Cruise control | Std | Std |
| Integrated garage-door opener | – | Std |
| Rear-window defroster | Std | Std |
| Rain-sensing wipers | Std | Std |
Complete certification table
2 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50048IS 350 | 3.5L 6-cyl SIDI & PFIConventional | Rear-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Premium | 19 | 27 | 22 | N/A |
| 50049IS 350 AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl SIDI & PFIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S6) | Premium | 19 | 26 | 22 | N/A |
Direct answers
24 questions tied to this model-year.
Each answer names its source.
Q01How many trims does the 2026 IS come in?
The 2026 Lexus IS (compact luxury sedan) comes in 2 trims: IS 350 F Sport Design, IS 350 F Sport.
Source: Lexus
Q02What are the 2026 IS trims?
The 2026 Lexus IS trims are IS 350 F Sport Design, IS 350 F Sport, listed from the entry IS 350 F Sport Design up to the top IS 350 F Sport.
Source: Lexus
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2026 IS use?
The 2026 Lexus IS is built around 3.5L V6, rated at 311 horsepower across its compact luxury sedan body style.
Source: Lexus specifications
Q04Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2026 IS?
The 2026 Lexus IS is offered with RWD.
Source: Lexus specifications
Q05What changed for the 2026 IS?
The IS 300 (both the RWD turbo-four and the AWD V6) and the IS 500 F Sport Performance (V8) are discontinued for 2026, so their trims, engines and output figures no longer apply. Only the IS 350 F Sport Design and IS 350 F Sport remain, both RWD, both with the 311-hp, 280-lb-ft 3.5L V6.
Source: Lexus model-year information
Q06How much cargo space does the 2026 Lexus IS have, per EPA measurement?
The EPA lists 11 cubic feet of measured luggage or cargo volume for the 2026 Lexus IS.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov current vehicle table
Q07What engine oil does the 2026 Lexus IS take?
The 2026 Lexus IS owner's manual specifies SAE 0W-20 engine oil. Source: 2026 Lexus IS owner's manual.
Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Q08How much cargo space does the 2026 Lexus IS have?
Cargo volume is 10.8 cu ft. Documented for the 2026 Lexus IS in Web search aggregate (dealer/research pages), read 2026-09-10.
Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q09What does the 3.5L V6 engine in the 2026 Lexus IS deliver?
Horsepower: 311 hp. Torque: 280 lb-ft. These figures belong to the 3.5L V6 configuration of the 2026 Lexus IS, not to a trim name: one engine can appear on several trims and one trim can be offered with more than one engine, so match the engine on the window sticker before applying them. Documented 2026-09-10.
Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q10How much does a 2026 Lexus IS cost?
Kelley Blue Book's national base prices run from $46,795 for the IS 350 F Sport Design to $49,245 for the IS 350 F Sport, across the 2 trims it prices (read 2026-09-10). Those are Kelley Blue Book's figures rather than the maker's starting MSRPs, and they include the destination charge.
Source: kbb.com (opens in a new tab)
Q11What are the 2026 Lexus IS trim levels?
A single IS 350 model, offered in F Sport Design, F Sport, and F Sport Special Appearance Package trims.
Source: CarsDirect and Carbuzz 2026 Lexus IS research
Q12How much does the 2026 Lexus IS cost?
Pricing starts at $46,795 including destination and stretches to $61,385 for the F Sport Special Appearance Package before options.
Source: CarsDirect and Carbuzz 2026 Lexus IS research
Q13What transmission does the 2026 Lexus IS use?
Rear-wheel-drive versions pair with an eight-speed automatic, while all-wheel-drive versions use a six-speed automatic for traction and control.
Source: CarsDirect and Carbuzz 2026 Lexus IS research
Q14Is the Lexus IS 300 or IS 500 still available for 2026?
No — both the entry-level IS 300 and the V8-powered IS 500 have been discontinued, leaving IS 350 as the only model.
Source: CarsDirect and Carbuzz 2026 Lexus IS research
Q15What changed inside the 2026 Lexus IS?
Larger 12.3-inch screens, a single row of physical climate controls, and new trapezoidal air vents.
Source: CarsDirect and Carbuzz 2026 Lexus IS research
Q16What is the warranty on the Lexus IS?
4 years/50,000 miles basic coverage and 72 months/70,000 miles powertrain coverage; hybrid battery coverage runs 10 years/150,000 miles on 2020-and-newer models.
Source: Lexus manufacturer warranty documentation
Q17How far does the 2026 Lexus IS take to stop from 70 mph?
Car and Driver's testing of the 2026 Lexus IS350 F Sport Design AWD recorded a 70-to-0 mph stopping distance of 164 feet.
Q18What kind of brakes does the 2026 Lexus IS have?
MotorTrend and Car and Driver both list the 2026 Lexus IS with four-wheel disc brakes.
Q19What suspension does the 2026 Lexus IS use?
MotorTrend and Car and Driver both describe the 2026 Lexus IS's suspension this way. Front: a double-wishbone design. Rear: a multi-link design.
Q20How did the 2026 Lexus IS do in IIHS crash tests?
IIHS rated the 2026 Lexus IS: Marginal in the updated moderate overlap front test, Acceptable in the updated side test. IIHS states the rating applies to 2017-26, 2025-26 and 2026 models, based on a test of the 2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport 4-door. Grades run Good, Acceptable, Marginal, Poor.
Source: iihs.org (opens in a new tab)
Q21How quickly does the 2026 Lexus IS accelerate from 0 to 60 mph?
The 2026 Lexus IS's 0-60 mph time is 6 seconds on every trim. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q22What is the 2026 Lexus IS's top speed?
The 2026 Lexus IS's top speed is 143 mph on every trim. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q23What size wheels does the 2026 Lexus IS have?
The 2026 Lexus IS's wheel diameter is 19 inches on every trim. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q24How do the 2026 Lexus IS trims differ from one another?
All 2 trims share the 3.5-liter V6 making 311 hp. The IS 350 F SPORT has an integrated garage-door opener as standard equipment over the IS 350 F SPORT Design.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2026 Lexus IS.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Move from the guide to the VIN record.
Trim research establishes the marketed lineup. These primary-source paths resolve recall applicability, manufacturer-submitted identity fields and exact EPA configuration data.
01 · NHTSARatings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck unresolved safety recalls by VINOfficial remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAResolve the exact fuel-economy configuration1984–current browser →
Other model years
Compare the Lexus IS across model years.
Source trail
Evidence behind the record
01
Lexus IS official model pageManufacturer lineup, equipment and specifications
↗ (opens in a new tab)02FuelEconomy.gov vehicle dataEPA-certified configuration and fuel-economy records
↗ (opens in a new tab)03NHTSA vehicle data and recallsVIN attributes, safety campaigns and ratings
↗ (opens in a new tab)Specifications and pricing can change after publication. Critical purchasing decisions should be confirmed against the exact vehicle window sticker or manufacturer build record.