2026 Lexus IS 350: Last Naturally Aspirated V6 Sports Sedan Standing
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The 2026 model year brings another update for the Lexus IS 350, and honestly, Lexus is keeping the formula very simple. No downsized turbo four cylinder. No hybrid setup. No fake sporty redesign. Just a traditional rear wheel drive luxury sports sedan with a naturally aspirated V6.
That alone makes the IS 350 different in 2026.
The current generation has been around for a long time now, but Lexus has given it another refresh with updated styling, a redesigned interior, improved tech, and simplified trim options. The biggest news, though, is what Lexus decided not to remove.
The V6 survives.
2026 Lexus IS 350 Engine and Performance
Under the hood, the 2026 Lexus IS 350 continues with the familiar 3.5 litre naturally aspirated V6 engine.
- 311 hp
- 280 lb-ft
The engine produces:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5 litre V6 |
| Power | 311 hp |
| Torque | 280 lb ft |
| Transmission | 8 speed automatic RWD |
| Transmission AWD | 6 speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear wheel drive or AWD |
| 0 to 60 mph | Around 5.7 seconds |
| Top Speed | 143 mph |
| Fuel Economy | 19 city / 27 highway mpg |
Lexus says this powertrain accounted for roughly 80 percent of IS sales, which explains why the company dropped the lower powered trims for 2026.
The IS 500 with the 5.0 litre V8 is gone now. The old turbocharged 2.0 litre engine is also discontinued. That leaves the IS 350 as the only version available.
In a segment filled with turbocharged four cylinders, the IS now feels almost old school in the best way possible.
Exterior Changes Are Subtle
Lexus did not completely redesign the IS for 2026. Instead, the company cleaned up the styling.
The spindle grille remains, but the Lexus emblem now sits higher on the hood line instead of inside the grille itself. The front bumper also gets revised air intake detailing.
The F SPORT models continue to look the best, especially in the new Cloudburst Gray paint finish.
Exterior highlights include:
• Updated spindle grille design
• New 19 inch alloy wheels
• Available BBS forged wheels
• Triple beam LED headlights
• Gloss black rear spoiler
• Black chrome exterior trim
• Monochromatic F SPORT badging
• Dual chrome exhaust tips
The proportions still work well. Long hood, short deck, rear wheel drive stance. Even after all these years, the IS still looks clean without trying too hard.
Interior Finally Gets the Tech Update It Needed
The cabin update matters more than the exterior refresh.
Previous IS models started feeling outdated because of the old infotainment system and touchpad controls. Lexus finally fixed that.
The 2026 model now gets a standard 12.3 inch touchscreen infotainment system across the lineup.
12.3 inch touchscreen display
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now come standard. Lexus also removed the old trackpad and CD player.
That alone improves usability immediately.
Interior upgrades include:
• 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster
• New Lexus steering wheel design
• Wireless phone charger
• USB C charging ports
• 64 color ambient lighting
• Redesigned climate controls
• Heated and ventilated seats
• Available Mark Levinson 17 speaker audio system
• New Radiant Red interior option
The F SPORT seats remain supportive and comfortable, especially with the stronger side bolstering.
Lexus also continues using physical buttons for important controls. Thankfully, the heated seats and climate functions are not buried inside menus.
Rear Seat and Cargo Space Still Trail Rivals
The IS has never been the roomiest sedan in the segment, and that does not change here.
Rear seat legroom remains tight for taller passengers, especially compared to newer rivals like the Genesis G70 or German competitors.
Trunk space also stays small.
| Cargo Specification | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Trunk Capacity | 10.8 cubic feet |
| Rear Seats | 60/40 split folding |
For buyers focused on practicality, this may still be a weak point.
But honestly, people shopping for the IS usually care more about driving feel and long term reliability than maximum cargo room.
Lexus IS 350 Still Focuses on Driving Feel
What makes the IS interesting today is how traditional it feels.
You still get:
• Rear wheel drive architecture
• Naturally aspirated V6 power delivery
• Conventional automatic transmission
• Mechanical driving feel
• Available adaptive suspension
• Limited slip differential on F SPORT Handling models
That combination is getting rare.
Most rivals now rely on turbocharged engines, artificial driving character, or electrified setups. The IS still feels mechanical and straightforward.
Even the exhaust note has personality. Lexus added enhanced interior sound tuning for Sport Plus mode, though some of it is digitally amplified through the speakers.
2026 Lexus IS 350 Price
Pricing has increased slightly because Lexus removed the lower trims.
Starting prices:
| Trim | Price |
|---|---|
| IS 350 F SPORT Design | Around $47,000 |
| AWD Option | Around $2,000 extra |
| F SPORT Handling | Around $50,000 |
| Fully Loaded Models | Around $56,000 |
A fully equipped IS 350 can still undercut many European rivals once options start adding up.
That matters because competitors like the BMW M340i can easily move well beyond the $60,000 mark.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Lexus IS 350 is not trying to reinvent itself.
Lexus simply updated the areas that needed attention while keeping the core character intact. That is probably the smartest thing the company could have done.
The cabin technology finally feels modern. The styling still looks sharp. Most importantly, the naturally aspirated V6 survives.
In today’s market, that alone gives the IS 350 a personality many newer sports sedans simply do not have.
Sources and References
- Lexus USA Official 2026 IS Page Official specifications, trims, features, pricing, and gallery for the US market.
- Lexus Pressroom – 2026 Lexus IS Official Lexus media release with detailed updates, design changes, and technical information.
- Lexus Pressroom – Five Things to Know About the 2026 IS Quick overview of major updates, special editions, and new features.
- MotorTrend 2026 Lexus IS Review Expert US-market review with pros, cons, pricing, and driving impressions.
- Car and Driver 2026 Lexus IS Review Performance-focused review with specs, verdict, and comparisons.
- Consumer Reports 2026 Lexus IS Road Test Reliability and real-world driving analysis from a trusted US publication.
- Cars.com 2026 Lexus IS 350 F SPORT Listings US pricing, inventory listings, and ownership FAQs.
- MotorTrend First Look – 2026 Lexus IS First-look coverage explaining the refresh and lineup changes.
- Lexus Canada Official IS Page Canadian-market specs, AWD variants, and feature details.
- Lexus Canada Media Release Canada-specific updates and multimedia system details.
- Kelley Blue Book 2026 Lexus IS 350 Ownership costs, depreciation, and resale value estimates.
- MotorTrend Lexus Lineup Updates 2026 Explains discontinuation of IS 300 and IS 500 models.
2026 Lexus IS 350 FAQs
What engine does the 2026 IS 350 use?
The 2026 IS 350 uses a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine with both direct and port injection. It produces 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. It remains one of the last naturally aspirated V6 engines available in the compact luxury sports sedan segment.
Is the 2026 IS 350 rear-wheel drive?
Yes. Rear-wheel drive comes standard on the IS 350. Buyers can also choose an all-wheel drive version for an additional cost depending on the trim.
How fast is the 2026 IS 350?
Lexus claims the rear-wheel drive IS 350 can go from 0 to 60 mph in around 5.7 seconds. Top speed is approximately 143 mph.
What transmission does the 2026 IS 350 have?
Rear-wheel drive models use an 8-speed automatic transmission, while all-wheel drive variants continue with a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
Has the IS 500 V8 been discontinued?
Yes. Lexus has discontinued the IS 500 and its 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine for 2026. The IS 350 V6 is now the only powertrain available in the lineup.
What are the biggest updates for the 2026 model?
The 2026 update brings a redesigned dashboard, a larger 12.3-inch digital display, a new touchscreen infotainment system, updated steering wheel, revised spindle grille, ambient lighting, improved climate controls, and refreshed exterior styling.
Does the 2026 IS 350 support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. The updated infotainment system now includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment.
What fuel economy does the 2026 IS 350 deliver?
Lexus estimates fuel economy at 19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined for the rear-wheel drive IS 350.
How much cargo space does the IS 350 offer?
The trunk offers 10.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The rear seats fold in a 60/40 split configuration to help carry larger items.
Is the 2026 IS 350 reliable?
The IS 350 is expected to remain one of the most reliable vehicles in the segment thanks to its proven naturally aspirated V6 engine and long-standing rear-wheel drive platform.
What is the starting price of the 2026 IS 350?
Pricing starts at just under $47,000 for the IS 350 F SPORT Design. Higher trims and optional packages can push the price close to $56,000.
Does the 2026 IS 350 still feel sporty?
Yes. The rear-wheel drive layout, naturally aspirated V6 engine, adaptive suspension, limited-slip differential, and traditional automatic transmission continue to give the IS 350 a classic sports sedan feel.
Source: Motoryaan
