When Lexus unveiled the IS 500 Climax Edition and Ultimate Edition in Japan and the United States, respectively, many of us thought that the luxury sports sedan would be discontinued. Well, it seems those special editions were meant to be the swansong for the V8-powered IS 500 only, because what you’re seeing here is the 2026 Lexus IS. Yes, the luxury sports sedan is still alive and kicking.
The current generation IS first came out in 2013, making this a twelve-year-old car in 2025. This also marks the third facelift for the popular Japanese luxury sports sedan. The industry expected a full electric replacement for the IS, as multiple reports have suggested, but it seems that the fragmented growth of the electric vehicle (EV) market globally has led Lexus to extend the life of the IS.
Nevertheless, here we are with the 2026 Lexus IS, wherein its biggest visual change is what immediately greets you. The Spindle Grille has been reshaped and is now visually connected to the LED headlights. Even that has been reshaped, together with a restyled front bumper and the Lexus badge being repositioned on top of the grille. New five-twin-spoke alloy 19-inch wheels are fitted into this F Sport model we’re seeing here, but we still have no clue yet on whether a non-F Sport model will even be sold.
Everything else in the IS remains largely unchanged, except for the “Lexus” lettering on the trunk lid replacing the signature L logo. There’s also a new color option called Neutrino Gray, which is the paint that you see in these photos.
More comprehensive changes take place inside the new IS, wherein it’s been given a completely new dash design. The overall structure remains similar, but you now get a more straightforward look with more sculpted air vents and a larger expanse of leather panelling. Lexus has also joined the ambient LED croud by giving the IS’s interior a more comprehensive set of LED strips.
The new dash also incorporates two new 12.3-inch screens, making up the current Lexus Interface infotainment and digital gauge cluster combination. This is complemented by a new steering wheel. Little will probably miss the CD player, but we’re sad to see the analog clock disappear.
As expected, the 2026 Lexus IS doesn’t get any new powertrain options. The IS 300h continues to feature a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid system with a 217-horsepower system output, while the IS 350 continues to feature the venerable 3.5-liter V6 that produces 314 horsepower. Both models are rear-wheel drive (RWD), with the former using an e-CVT and the latter using an eight-speed automatic.
Despite being stuck with the same underpinnings for the last 12 years, Lexus has tweaked the platform for improved sportiness. There’s a new electric power steering with a variable gear ratio for improved responsiveness, while the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) uses a linear solenoid to offer smooth damping forces and quicker response. Finally, there have been a number of chassis rigidity improvements, all in the name of making the IS feel sportier than ever.
If you’re interested in the 2026 Lexus IS, worldwide deliveries aren’t expected to begin until early 2026. Until then, you’ll have to wait a bit before Lexus Philippines offers the IS in our shores.
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