In its 25-plus years on the market, the Lexus IS has set a new standard in the sport compact category. A driver’s car through and through, the IS has long offered an engaging—and luxurious—alternative to the typical sedan, leveraging Lexus’s automotive expertise to deliver a well-rounded driving experience that’s never short on excitement.
The current third-generation model has been on the market since 2013—an eternity by modern standards—but the old maxim, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” comes to mind when considering the IS’s longevity. That’s not to say that the sporty company hasn’t been keeping up with the times. The Japanese brand has treated the IS to several comprehensive facelifts over the last decade, and 2026 brings a whole new look to the Lexus, along with some compelling new performance and interior tech.
A new front fascia gives the IS a wider look that speaks to its road-hugging potential, while a new set of brake ducts and a new rear spoiler on certain trims up the compact’s aerodynamic performance. A set of 19-inch gloss black alloy wheels, available on higher trims, lends the IS a futuristic look, and red brake calipers hint at the sort of high-performance fun that the sedan can offer. While these aesthetic upgrades up the IS’s curb appeal, they’re not the only surprises in store for 2026.
Read on as we explore how new suspension and steering technology, displays, and premium materials are helping to keep the IS at the top of its game.
Prioritizing Performance
Lexus has simplified the IS’s trim ladder for 2026, eliminating the four- and eight-cylinder options in favor of a 3.5-liter V6 designed to provide a prime blend of power and efficiency. While some drivers might bemoan the limited options, it’s hard to view the 311 hp engine as a downgrade in any sense of the word. Capable of producing 280 lb-ft of torque, the V6 is expected to deliver on performance; however, the official zero-60 and EPA-estimated MPG figures are not available yet.
Drivetrain Options
Drivers can choose between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive when optioning their 2026 IS. The latter is paired with a six-speed automatic, and while some drivers might appreciate the improved acceleration and traction that the AWD version can offer, the RWD model is difficult to ignore thanks to its eight-speed Sport Direct Shift (SDS) automatic transmission.
Sport Direct Shift (SDS) Transmission
Lexus’s innovative SDS combines the smoothness of an automatic transmission with the control of a manual, making it the perfect pairing for the sport IS. Drivers can use paddle shifters to manually select gears, while the transmission delivers fast and precise shifts, letting drivers select the ideal gear for the task at hand.
Want to take a more hands-off approach while still tapping the IS’s true performance potential? When operating as an automatic, the SDS provides quick, responsive upshifts in as little as 0.1 seconds, and even benefits from a clutch lockup feature designed to artfully eliminate any slippage you might experience when you’re behind the wheel. The SDS is also capable of downshift blipping, matching the engine’s revs to provide drivers with smooth, quick gear changes without sacrificing performance.
Suspension and Handling
Lexus has also revisited the IS’s suspension and Electric Power Steering (EPS) system for 2026, which has a noticeable effect on the car’s responsiveness and consistency. Different types of roads and driving conditions can lead to a very different experience when you’re sitting in the driver’s seat. Still, Lexus has addressed that issue by leveraging two key technologies.
First up is the variable gear ratio, which alters the IS’s steering angle to be smaller in lower-speed scenarios and faster when needed. A new linear solenoid Active Variable Suspension (AVS) also provides the perfect balance between stability and comfort, reacting faster than previous offerings. The AVS constantly adjusts the damping response based on changing road conditions and steering inputs, effortlessly absorbing bumps in the road while still allowing drivers to test the car’s limits when the mood strikes. Throw in an available Torsen limited-slip rear differential and up to four selectable drive modes—Normal, Eco, Sport S, and Sport S+—and it’s easy to see why there’s already so much buzz around the 2026 IS.
Modernizing the Interior
The IS’s alluring new exterior is sure to turn some heads. Still, the recent refresh goes more than skin deep with Lexus treating the sedan’s interior to a full complement of new technology and premium materials. The most obvious upgrade can be found on the dashboard, where a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display replaces the 8.0- and 10.3-inch options that were featured on the 2025 model.
The upgraded interface significantly enhances the ergonomic appeal of the IS’s infotainment system, allowing drivers to navigate through various menus, settings, and features easily. The upsized infotainment system goes a long way towards modernizing the Lexus and bringing it up to speed with some of its peers in the luxury segment. That said, it’s another 12.3-inch display that really caught our attention this time around.
While Lexus has previously offered a very unique gauge cluster dubbed the dynamic digital display on previous IS F SPORT trims, the brand has opted for a more traditional design as it debuts the 2026 model. The 12.3-inch digital gauge display may not be as novel as the previous dynamic digital display, which featured a sliding bezel inspired by the LFA supercar. Still, it standardizes the dashboard by allowing all drivers to enjoy the same 12.3-inch digital gauge display, regardless of the trim level they choose. The customizable display features selectable themes and layouts that allow every driver to craft their perfect automotive command center, adjust between different drive modes, and can be used to track the status of various features like the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0.
The refreshed IS also features new charging options, gaining two rear USB-C ports and a standard wireless charging pad. The tech-forward cabin also gains a few aesthetic enhancements that really announce the sedan’s status as a luxury model. The 2026 IS is the first Lexus model to feature new, bamboo-based ornamentation that enhances the car’s sporty feel. This new Forged Bamboo material is as stunning as it is sustainable, giving the center console and start switch bezel a unique effect that reflects the distinctive Japanese concept of “In-ei” shading, enhancing the sporty feel of the cabin. The IS also announces its performance-focused intentions with a new interior color option, which Lexus is calling “Radiant Red,” inspired by the vivid glow of solar flares and exclusive to the F SPORT trim.
This IS the Way
The Lexus IS was already one of our favorite luxury compact sedans, especially when you consider its reasonable starting price. It’s easy for automakers to go a little overboard when producing performance-minded models, but Lexus has taken a measured approach that never loses sight of how most drivers interact with their vehicle daily.
Sure, rubber-burning acceleration and stiff, responsive suspensions can help to create some indelible automotive memories, but these same qualities can start to work against you when you’re just trying to get through your morning commute or complete some errands around town.
The Lexus IS’s Active Variable Suspension and Electric Power Steering help to create an adaptable ride that’s fit for any application, as do the selectable driver modes and the Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission. The sedan’s interior upgrades seal the deal, making the IS a leader in the competitive sports compact segment. If you’re in the market for a satisfying mix of performance, comfort, and style, look no further than the 2026 Lexus IS.
