Third-generation Lexus IS to continue into adolescence with another significant update to keep the premium sedan fresh for a few years yet.
Lexus has, once again, updated its IS luxury sedan to keep the BMW 3 Series-rivalling model soldiering on for years to come.
Still not available in Australia since 2021 due to tightening safety standards forcing the discontinuation of the model, the 2026 Lexus IS’ largest market is now North America.
Distinguishing the updated IS from its predecessor is a new front end with reworked spindle grille and bumper accents, while fresh wheel designs are also available.
The rear is also revised with brand lettering across the boot lid and a more prominent spoiler – at least in F Sport trim.
The connected tail-light signature carries over from before, a design element introduced in the 2020 update.
As a result of exterior styling changes, the 2026 Lexus IS’ length has grown 10mm to 4720mm, while width (1840mm), height (1435-1440mm),d and wheelbase (2800mm) remain static.
However, the biggest change to the 2026 IS is on the inside, with a reworked dashboard incorporating two 12.3-inch displays – one for the instrument cluster, and the other for infotainment.
That infotainment screen is now also touch-operated, meaning Lexus has ditched the centre-console controller for a cleaner interior look, while revised climate controls and a new steering wheel are also added.
Lexus has also finally seen fit to remove the IS’ CD player and analogue clock in the latest update.
There are tweaks under the skin of the Lexus IS too, with steering and suspension both adjusted with the goal of creating a more driver-focused experience.
The Japanese luxury brand has also added to its Lexus Safety System + to allow for hand-free driving under certain conditions.
The 2026 Lexus IS will launch in two forms – the IS 300h and IS 300 – but the brand is yet to detail if there are any changes to powertrains.
For reference, the existing IS 300h pairs an electric motor to a 2.5-litre petrol engine for a 164kW output, while the IS 350 uses a 3.5-litre petrol V6 with a 232kW punch.
The IS500 F Sport Performance has been retired, with the 352kW 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 sedan culminating earlier this year with the limited-run Climax Edition in Japan and Ultimate Edition in the United States.
Lexus first launched the third-generation IS sedan in 2013, and was updated with its first facelift in 2017, followed by another major overhaul in 2020.
Tung Nguyen has been in the automotive journalism industry for over a decade, cutting his teeth at various publications before finding himself at Drive in 2024. With experience in news, feature, review, and advice writing, as well as video presentation skills, Tung is a do-it-all content creator. Tung’s love of cars first started as a child watching Transformers on Saturday mornings, as well as countless hours on PlayStation’s Gran Turismo, meaning his dream car is a Nissan GT-R, with a Liberty Walk widebody kit, of course.
