2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport US Version

• 2026 Lexus IS sedan gets a glow up, with a refreshed and refined look inside and out

• Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 and Lexus Interface with a 12.3-in touchscreen now standard

• 2026 IS will only be offered as 350 model with two available grades: F SPORT Design and F SPORT

Lexus Keeps the IS Formula Intact

Lexus hasn’t reinvented the IS for 2026. Instead, it’s made targeted changes where they matter most: steering, suspension, and cabin usability. The IS 350 F Sport sits at the heart of the lineup, pairing a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6 with either rear- or all-wheel drive. Power remains 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Rear-drive models use an eight-speed automatic, while AWD versions get a six-speed.

These aren’t headline-grabbing changes, but they refine a car that already had a reputation for balance and feel.

Steering and Suspension Updates

The big news is under the skin. Lexus has moved to a rack-parallel electric power steering system with a variable gear ratio. It lightens effort at parking speeds and sharpens response as speeds rise. The Adaptive Variable Suspension also benefits from a new linear-solenoid actuator, which reacts about four times faster than before. The result is more control through corners and a calmer ride when the pavement isn’t perfect.

The tuning isn’t radical, but it’s enough to make the IS more communicative without sacrificing everyday comfort.

Design with a Clearer Edge

On the surface, the IS doesn’t look dramatically different. The front fascia sits lower, with lines pulled tight to accentuate the stance. For the F Sport, visual changes go further. A rear spoiler tuned for aerodynamics joins the package, along with 19-inch lightweight wheels that reinforce its intent. Buyers can also opt for red brake calipers with Lexus branding.

Paint choices now span seven colors, including a new shade called Wind, a metallic light gray designed to highlight surface shapes under different light.

Cabin with More Focus

The interior has been rethought with an emphasis on clarity. Two 12.3-inch displays now handle infotainment and instruments, placed high and within easy sight. The digital cluster allows deeper customization of layouts, while the central touchscreen reduces the need for unnecessary controls.

Materials show the same attention. Forged bamboo trim, applied to the console and start switch surround, introduces a textured, darker tone. The Radiant Red interior finish, exclusive to F Sport, is bolder than anything Lexus has offered before. Ambient lighting can be adjusted through preset themes or custom shades.

Audio options remain: a 10-speaker system as standard, or a 17-speaker Mark Levinson setup for those who want more depth. New USB-C ports and a reconfigured Qi wireless charging pad round out the updates.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Every 2026 Lexus IS comes with Lexus Safety System + 3.0. That means Pre-Collision with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist also joins the suite, broadening active intervention.

On upper trims, Advanced Drive (Traffic Jam Support) appears, part of Lexus Teammate. It handles steering, braking, and acceleration in heavy highway traffic up to 40 km/h. It doesn’t claim autonomy but it does lighten the load in congestion.

Technical Specifications

Dimensions & Body

• Overall Length: 4,720 mm (+10 mm vs. previous model)
  
• Overall Width: 1,840 mm
  

Overall Height:

• IS 350 AWD: 1,440 mm
• IS 350 FR / IS 300h: 1,435 mm
• Wheelbase: 2,800 mm
• Seating Capacity: 5 passengers
• Wheels & Tires: 18–19 inch (designs vary by trim; F SPORT includes lightweight aluminum options)

Powertrain & Drivetrain

• Variants: IS 300h (hybrid), IS 350 (petrol)
  
• Drive Systems: FR (rear-wheel drive) / AWD (select grades)
  

Transmissions:

• 8-speed automatic (8AT)
• 6-speed automatic (6AT)
• Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

Chassis & Performance

• Steering: Rack-parallel Electric Power Steering (EPS) with Variable Gear Ratio
  
• Suspension: Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) with linear solenoid actuator
  
• Brakes (F SPORT option): Red calipers with Lexus logo
  

Exterior

• Design Highlights: Revised front fascia with low-set spindle grille, integrated brake ducts, wide stance emphasis
  
• Spoiler (F SPORT): Aerodynamic rear spoiler improving stability
  

Wheel Options:

• 18-inch dark premium metallic finish (standard)
• 19-inch lightweight aluminum wheels (F SPORT & Version L)
• Color Palette: 8 total, including new Neutrino Gray
  

Interior

Displays:

• 12.3-inch touchscreen center display
• 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster
• Trim & Finish: Newly developed “Forged Bamboo” on console and start switch bezel
  
• Color Options: New Prominence (exclusive to F SPORT)
  
• Ambient Illumination: 14 preset themes + 50 customizable colors
  

Audio Systems:

• Lexus Premium 10-speaker system (standard)
• Mark Levinson 17-speaker system (optional)

Connectivity & Convenience:

• Dual USB-C ports (front and rear)
• Qi wireless charging pad (Gen5, Qi standard)
• Safety & Driver Assistance
  

Lexus Safety System + (expanded):

• Proactive Driving Assist (PDA)
• Enhanced Pre-Collision System (PCS) with cyclist/night and motorcycle/day detection
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with extended radar/camera coverage
• Road Sign Assist (RSA) with red light alert
• Lane Change Assist (LCA) for supported highways
• Lane Departure Alert (LDA)
• Driver Support: Plus Support system suppressing sudden acceleration inputs
  
• Updates: Over-the-Air (OTA) software updates for safety and multimedia
  
• Advanced Drive (Lexus Teammate): Traffic Jam Support (0–40 km/h on highways)

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