This is a Motormouth couple car review of the updated 2026 Lexus IS compact luxury sedan.
What’s New for the 2026 Lexus IS? Fresher styling with an updated exterior and interior design, more standard features, all models are upgraded to Lexus Safety System 3.0 and there are new trims, the IS 350 is offered exclusively in F Sport configurations.
The 2026 Lexus IS 350 is powered by a 3.5L V6 with a 6-speed automatic transmission, 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. In Canada, standard AWD. In the US, both RWD and AWD models are available. The RWD model uses an 8-speed automatic transmission. The IS 350 is made in Japan.
We are driving the 2026 Lexus IS F Sport 3 model with an adaptive variable suspension and the Sport + drive mode select system. In the US, the F Sport trim has these features. The 2026 Lexus IS 350 is comfortable with a balanced ride, it tuned more for comfort than sportiness. There are others in this class that offer sharper handling. However, I am really enjoying the drive, it makes for a great daily driver, it never beats you up and the adaptive variable suspension does such a good job smoothing out the ride.
The 2026 Lexus IS comes with some great standard features like dual 12.3” screens, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, a wireless charger, 10-speaker audio system, 64-colour ambient lighting, Nuluxe upholstery, heated front seats, 8-way power driver and passenger seats, a heated steering wheel, moonroof, Lexus Safety System 3.0 and a
tire pressure monitor system.
In Canada, the 2026 Lexus IS F Sport Design starts at $60,218, F Sport 2 $64,175, F Sport 3 $70,730
And the Sport Appearance Package $72,930. Pricing includes, freight, PDI and fees.
In the US, MSRP, 2026 Lexus IS F Sport Design RWD/AWD $46,795/$48,795, F Sport RWD/AWD $49,245/$51,245, Sport Appearance Package RWD/AWD $61,385/$62,995.
2026 Lexus IS fuel economy, the AWD model gets 12.4L/100 km, 19 MPG city and 8.9L/100 km, 26.4 MPG highway.
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Stop telling everyone about this car! hahaha I want one so the rest of you should probably go get a Pathfinder which is also a NA V6. hint hint. I kid. I kid. I don't know if the $53 to SIXTY THOUSAND makes sense when you can get a reliable car for $38k but it wont be RWD/AWD w/ a V6 like this. I didn't know about the hump!!! TY for that. Great video guys! my first time seeing you.
Just get the rear wheel drive version in the northeast United States. That’s all you can get is all-wheel-drive so you’ll probably have to order from the factory.
Bring back the GS. The IS is a female Lexus
Best car ever. I’ve owned every IS model back to the 300 with the 2JZ ❤️
Get rid of the Edison incandescent exterior lightbulbs unacceptable for a $60,000 car
The most dated vehicle in the lineup and the most unloved
The IS is my favorite
The 2024 Lexus IS 350 FSport AWD Group 3 had the Yamaha tuned suspension, and this car can handle! Fantastic car to drive through the mountains, and great for touring. Certainly the car was not designed to take on the BMW M3. Lots of regrets in flipping it.
Needs mild hybrid. Needs better transmission gear shifting. Needs better high-speed sound deadening.
Overpriced dinosaur.
Nice review.
They got rid of the most distinctive feature. The sliding speedometer. Shame…
It looks so good! I’m still disappointed lexus cancelled the IS for us in the UK 6 years ago now 😅
Stanford or Berkeley does not change basic math. Who really has the money to buy a Lexus and pay off a home loan at the same time?
Barely changed since 2006, because it is so good
V6 one of their best engines, but why premium gas
premium gas for these vehicles?
I agree with the IS500 transmission being slow and unresponsive.. until I did the update. They have an update for the transmission and I don't think about it being slow anymore. It shifts quicker and is more responsive, it's how it should have been from day one.
@motormouth that trim piece you don’t like is not plastic, it is forged bamboo 🇯🇵
I so wish they still had a manual IS. An AWD manual would be a dream.
Pricing is fair to the current market outside of the loaded trims. I'm glad Lexus is keeping the sedan alive at least for a couple more years.
But……………..they took away the analogue clock dial!!!!!!!
Great car. But replacing tires every 15 to 20k miles is a deal breaker.
What's the point of the FSport badge when they are all FSports now?
Another good video.
Strongly dislike black wheels.
Hate the black wheels. Also, a lot of money for a generally non-engaging car with terrible fuel mileage and a lot of missing pieces (manual trunk?, manual sunroof?, no ventilated seats?). Who would buy this over a 3-series who liked cars? Pretty much for the reliability above all crowd, who are happy with fairly generic interior design (that is, those who want a slightly fancier Toyota).