2026 Lexus IS Launched In PH, Priced From P3.128M

As promised by Lexus Philippines earlier this year, the facelifted 2026 Lexus IS has arrived in the Philippines. Three variants will be offered, and all versions feature a comprehensive redesign inside and out. Though when we mean comprehensive, this is more of a third major facelift for the model.

Of those three variants, two are the IS 300h hybrid called the Executive and Premier. Regardless of which variant you choose, the new IS gets a reworked front end with a wider Spindle Grille where the Lexus logo is now placed on top of the grille.

IS 300h Executive

IS 300h Premier

IS 350 F Sport

For this third facelift, the sportiness level of the hybrid IS and the F Sport model is very similar, but in the case of the IS 3500 that comes in F Sport form as standard, the grille features a slightly sportier front end, featuring a black lip below the slightly enlarged side air intakes. Wheel sizes range from 18 inches for the Executive to 19 inches for the Premier and F Sport. The F Sport variant, in particular, gets BBS wheels.

Lastly, the rear end of the IS has also seen a slight rework, with the LEXUS script now written across its trunk lid, on top of the full-width LED taillights.

IS 300h Executive

IS 300h Premier

IS 350 F Sport

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.

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 for features, power-adjustable front seats are fitted as standard, while seat ventilation is offered for the IS 300h Premier and IS 350 F Sport. A 10-speaker sound system is fitted in the IS 300h Executive, while a Mark Levinson 17-speaker sound system is fitted to the IS 300h Premier and IS 350 F Sport. Lexus has also joined the ambient LED crowd by giving the IS’s interior a more comprehensive set of LED strips. And then lastly, in terms of advanced safety, the Lexus Safety System+ suite is now fitted to all variants as standard.

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 13 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.