The Lexus IS Returns for 2026 With Updates

by Chris Teague

Published: September 9th, 2025

the lexus is returns for 2026 with updates

The Lexus IS has been around for a long time, but the automaker was expected to pull the plug on the sporty sedan soon. The rumors turned out to be unfounded, as the automaker recently announced a new IS for the 2026 model year.

Lexus will offer IS 300H and IS 350 variants of the car, meaning the rowdy V8-powered IS 500 didn’t make the cut. The automaker said it worked to create an “engaging driving experience that allows dialogue with the car.” It also gets electric power steering with variable gearing, which reduces the steering angle and improves steering feel.

The car’s exterior styling got a revision, and the new F Sport package brings updated aerodynamics and unique 19-inch wheels. Lexus will also offer a fresh Neutrino Gray paint color, bringing the catalog to eight choices for 2026.

Inside, Lexus fitted a new 12.3-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Natural bamboo accents give the interior a unique look, and Lexus will offer additional interior color schemes for 2026.

We don’t have pricing details for the new car yet, but it will likely be a bit more expensive than the 2025 model was to start. That would mean a starting price somewhere north of $41,830. The 2026 IS is expected to arrive early next year.

[Images: Lexus]

Become a TTAC insider. Get the latest news, features, TTAC takes, and everything else that gets to the truth about cars first by subscribing to our newsletter.

Chris Teague

Chris grew up in, under, and around cars, but took the long way around to becoming an automotive writer. After a career in technology consulting and a trip through business school, Chris began writing about the automotive industry as a way to reconnect with his passion and get behind the wheel of a new car every week. He focuses on taking complex industry stories and making them digestible by any reader. Just don’t expect him to stay away from high-mileage Porsches.

More by Chris Teague

Comments

Join the conversation

3 of 32 comments

Bd2 on Sep 11, 2025

^ ANAL thinking he's clever...

Like Reply
- Bd2 on Sep 11, 2025
  
  ^ANAL doesn't know when to give up!
  
  Like
07NodnarB on Dec 08, 2025

I think the current front end looks plenty good. I want one tho...

Like Reply

Recent Comments

Peeryog Everytime I see one I am reminded of the current Santa Fe. And vice versa.
Original Guy I watched that Moscow parade thing. (With the Cyrillic captions because my Russian is a little rough.) I won't give the whole thing away, but it started off with a couple of dudes riding around in stupid useless convertibles, standing up like Hitler, who I'm pretty sure was an actual Nazi. They drove around in circles and kept stopping to ask if anyone had seen all the missing military equipment, and all the guys kept moaning back, that no, they hadn't, ask the next section of guys.They looked around for someone shorter and sicker-looking than Putin but they were unsuccessful so they let him speak.The North Korean military was there, I guess the invasion has begun. The North Korean guys were skinny but their rifles were nicely polished, I guess they have plenty of time on their hands between meals.Some of the Russian military guys carried little white flags, I assume they keep those handy in case they run across any U.S. Marines.
Marc J Rauch EBFlexing on ur mom - Ethanol is compatible with more types of rubber, plastic, and metal than gasoline and aromatics. This means that ethanol is less corrosive. The bottom line is that long before ethanol could have any damaging effect on any engine component, gasoline and aromatics would have already damaged the components. And the addition of ethanol doesn't exacerbate the problems caused by gasoline and aromatics; it actually helps mitigate them.
Original Guy Today I learned that a reverse brake bleeder (and a long borescope) can be helpful if you are autistic and don't have any friends and no one wants to work with you to bleed your brakes. Also it is quick, once you figure out the process.When Canada assembled my truck back in circa 1995, they apparently used a different clip to attach the brake pedal (and switch) to the brake booster than what is technically called for. It is tough to realize this when the spring steel clip flies off to who knows where. Of course I ordered the wrong clip trying to match the style that I saw buried up in the dash before it flew away. My truck now has the 'correct' clip, everyone can relax.I ordered some more brake fluid (DOT 3, nothing fancy) but it turns out I still have two fresh bottles (my shelves aren't empty, I just have too many shelves).Went to install my fancy new Optima YellowTop battery and it turns out I need a new side post terminal bolt. (Yet another order placed, bring on THE TARIFFS.) It would be a shame to strip out the threads on a nice new battery, no?Good news: The longer it takes me to get my truck started again, the more I save on fuel. 😁
Normie Weekends here would be a great time for everyone to join in praise of dog dish hubcaps on body-color matched steelies!