2026 Lexus IS Small Sedan With Flaws

Price Range: $45,500 - $49,950

2026 Lexus IS 350 F SPORT Sedan Exterior Shown

Average

The 2026 Lexus IS rides and handles well, has comfortable front seats, and now has tech features that bring it into the current decade. But there's no disguising the car's underpinnings that are at least a generation old. Before settling on an IS, we recommend looking at other small luxury sedans.Read full review

Rank #7

8 Small luxury sedans

3 Offers Near Ashburn, VA

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Lexus IS for Sale

Pricing

Select year

Edmunds suggests you pay

$44,304

1 for sale near you

Prices based on sales in VA thru 3/30/26

Final assembly in Japan

6 Colors
2 Trims
2 Packages

Build & Price Lexus.com

Pros

Smooth ride quality and comfortable front seats
Nimble and secure handling
More features for the money compared to German alternatives

Cons

Back seat is tight for the class
Lackluster acceleration
Limited storage and cargo space

What's new

Refreshed exterior and interior styling
IS 300 and IS 500 discontinued
New infotainment system with larger touchscreen
Part of the third Lexus IS generation introduced for 2014

Entry-level luxury sedan stays sporty, rides smooth

Written by automotive expert Alex Nishimoto

4/8/2026

The 2026 Lexus IS serves as the entry point to the brand's line of luxury sedans. It's the smallest and most affordable four-door Lexus makes, and it offers sporty handling while managing to deliver a smooth ride. A 311-horsepower V6 mated to rear-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available on every trim level. The IS is comfortable and entertaining to drive, but it's less spacious than some of its competitors and one of the oldest cars in the class.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$268/mo

$220/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

Calculate my fuel costs

Edmunds spotlight: All of the changes for the 2026 IS

The 2026 IS soldiers on with the same underpinnings it debuted with in 2014. But there are some subtle exterior and interior updates this year. One of the biggest changes is a bigger touchscreen running a new version of Lexus' infotainment software. The lineup has also been streamlined to just the V6-powered IS 350 — the turbocharged four-cylinder IS 300 and V8-packing IS 500 are no more. Finally for 2026, a limited-production trim called the F Sport Special Appearance package has been introduced with unique styling elements and a loaded features list.

Competitors to consider

Unfortunately for the IS, there's a broad spectrum of luxury sport sedans to choose from — and most of them are based on newer platforms. The BMW 3 Series has long been the standard in the class, and it continues to be a solid all-around pick. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is the leader when it comes to tech thanks to its easy-to-use infotainment system and advanced voice recognition capabilities. A value-packed option is the Genesis G70, which offers sleek, upscale styling and engaging driving dynamics. Keep reading to hear our test team's thoughts on the Lexus IS in our Expert Rating.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

Driven, tested, rated by automotive expert Reese Counts

Average

5.7

out of 10

We drove the 2026 Lexus IS on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Performance: Surprisingly athletic, but underpowered

6.4/10

How does the Lexus IS drive? We tested the Lexus IS 350 F Sport. Not only does it deliver the comfort expected of a Lexus, but it is surprisingly athletic and nimble, with responsive steering and a suspension that's firm enough to keep the car planted without feeling so stiff that midcorner bumps unsettle it. Our test vehicle included the optional adaptive suspension and limited-slip differential, both must-have options if you want to maximize the sportiness of your IS 350.

Unfortunately, the engine is underpowered. Our rear-wheel-drive IS 350 went from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, which is well off the pace of even the base four-cylinder variants of the class leaders. On the upside, this naturally aspirated V6 is silky smooth and builds power evenly from idle to redline. The transmission shifts gears a lot, but at least it's quick and smooth while doing it.

The IS 350's age shows itself in the subpar number of available driver assistance features. It offers only what we'd consider the basics (lane keeping, adaptive cruise control) and what's there lacks the polish of the class leaders. Adaptive cruise, for example, is slow to respond and leaves large gaps between the Lexus and the car in front.

Comfort: Front seats impress, rear squishes hard

5.6/10

How comfortable is the Lexus IS? The driving position and front seat comfort are excellent. The seats don't have as many available adjustments as those in rivals, but the basic shape is so good that you settle in quickly. They are a highlight of the IS 350. Things are worse in the rear, as the IS has a cramped back seat that is one of the smallest in the class. Getting in and out is a squeeze for adults, and passengers of average height or taller will feel claustrophobic. It's bad news for child safety seats too. There's not much space to move around when you're anchoring a seat or putting a kid into it, and larger rear-facing seats will likely force front passengers to scoot forward.

In-cabin tech: Fast screen, subscription nav, easy CarPlay

7/10

How’s the tech? We haven't tested the IS' new infotainment system yet but we've driven other Lexus vehicles with the same setup. The graphics on the 12.3-inch touchscreen look sharp, and the screen responds quickly to your inputs. In our testing, we've found that the factory navigation system isn't quite as useful as using map apps from your phone, and it's only available by subscription after three years. Thankfully, connecting and integrating your phone wirelessly through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are pretty easy. Every IS comes standard with four USB-C ports (two in front and two in the rear) and a wireless phone charger.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

Save as much as $2,491 with Edmunds

2026 Lexus IS pricing in Ashburn, VA

Edmunds suggests you pay

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$46,795
Starting MSRP
2026 Lexus IS
See All Trims
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Build & Price

Buying Tips for the 2026 Lexus IS for April

Here are some key tips for buying and negotiating a great deal on the 2026 Lexus IS.

The Edmunds True Market Value for the Lexus IS is approximately 2% below the MSRP, which translates to savings of around $1,123, so use this in your negotiations.
The Lexus IS 350 F SPORT Design trim offers the best savings at about 3% off MSRP, which can save buyers roughly $1,395.
Qualified buyers like students, college grads, and military personnel can receive a $1,000 rebate, which adds an excellent opportunity for additional savings.
There is strong demand for the Lexus IS, with cars spending only about 10 days on dealer lots. This might mean less room for negotiation, so act promptly if you find a good deal.

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Storage & cargo: Usable trunk, cabin disappoints

4/10

How’s storage and cargo? The IS' trunk space is near the bottom of the class for volume, but it is wide and tall, making it more usable than the cargo areas in some rival sedans with superior on-paper specs. The rear seats fold in a 60/40 split, so you can expand the space if you don't need the rear seats. Storage inside the cabin is really lacking. There's no good place to set your phone or sunglasses besides under the armrest.

Value: Lexus warranty helps offset real drawbacks

5.9/10

Is the Lexus IS a good value? The Lexus IS costs less than rivals, but its significant drawbacks in terms of space, tech features and performance need to be factored in. There are also a few buttons and controls inside that feel a bit cut-rate, but most of the car is solidly constructed. Lexus' warranty and ownership experience are slightly above average. Lexus includes a class-standard four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, but powertrain coverage is more generous than usual, at six years/70,000 miles.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

MPG: Luxury sedan thirst IS the problem

5/10

How’s the fuel economy? We tested a rear-wheel-drive Lexus IS 350 F Sport. This model gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in combined city/highway driving. This isn't great for a small luxury sedan. The BMW 330i, for example, was quicker from 0 to 60 mph in our testing and yet it gets an EPA-estimated 31 mpg combined.

X factor: Japanese flair and F Sport style

7/10

Especially in the F Sport versions, the Lexus IS has a distinct Japanese flair that helps it stand out in a crowd. The grille is still divisive, but we think it works well with the other design updates to the car's front and rear. The F Sport's styling does enough to give the IS some purpose without looking gaudy or overwrought. The interior, too, features a design that you won't find on anything coming out of Germany. The design is backed by a generally fun-to-drive nature. Yes, it's slower than most rivals, but the IS is pretty enjoyable on a winding road where raw horsepower is less of a factor.

2026 Lexus IS trim level differences

The 2026 Lexus IS 350 is available in three trim levels: F Sport Design, F Sport and the limited-production F Sport Special Appearance package. All trims use a 3.5-liter V6 with 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. That engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission in standard rear-wheel-drive configuration or a six-speed automatic when paired with the available all-wheel-drive system. Compare the 2026 Lexus IS trim levels in-depth.

Which IS trim does Edmunds recommend?

We think the base IS 350 F Sport Design represents the best value. With all IS models now powered by the same 311-horsepower V6, you're not getting a significant performance boost by paying extra for the full-bore F Sport. The base model comes well equipped, too, offering much-appreciated standard features like onboard navigation, adaptive cruise control, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Lexus IS Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.4

17 reviews

5(70%)

4(12%)

3(5%)

2(5%)

1(8%)

Owners Say

The 2026 Lexus IS has a mixed sentiment from owners. People love its sleek style, comfortable ride, and some enjoy the powerful V8 sound. However, many owners are unhappy with the outdated technology, lack of space, and some find the driving experience disappointing. Overall, while it looks great, some feel it's not worth the price due to tech and performance issues.

This summary is AI-generated from the text of owner reviews

See all 17 reviews of the Lexus IS

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Most Helpful Owner Review

The last of the V8's

HJP, 01/10/2024

2024 Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance Premium 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 8A)

Just purchased a 2024 IS500 vector blue as soon as I saw it at the dealer. Happy to pay MSRP as this will be a classic. The car is fast and fun to drive and unlike a hard core M3 or AMG it is actually very comfortable as a daily driver, and that V8 sound is SPECTACULAR! This is probably the best looking sports sedan in the market. Some reviews complain about a dated interior, however I …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2026 Lexus IS, so we've included review for other years of the IS since its last redesign.

Helpful shopping links

2026 Lexus IS Features & Specs

Trim:

350 F SPORT Design

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$45,500
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	22 MPG
Cost to Drive	$268/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	10.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Reliability

The 2026 Lexus IS has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and no recalls.

Recalls

There are no recalls for the 2026 Lexus IS

Warranty

4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 6 years / 70,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 6 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 4 years / unlimited miles
Free maintenance Warranty: 1 years / 10,000 miles

Where the Lexus IS ranks:

#7 in Small luxury sedans

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Build Your 2026 Lexus IS

At a Glance:

6 Colors
2 Trims
2 Packages
$46,795starting MSRP

Build & Price Lexus.com

Safety

Key safety features on the IS include:

Back-up camera
Blind Spot Monitoring
Lane Departure Warning
Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Pre-collision safety system
Post-collision safety system

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	Not Rated
Driver	Not Rated
Passenger	Not Rated
Side Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Driver	5 / 5
Passenger	5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings	Rating
Front Seat	5 / 5
Back Seat	5 / 5
Rollover	Rating
Rollover	5 / 5
Dynamic Test Result	No Tip
Risk Of Rollover	9.5%

Research other IS years

2026
2025
2024

FAQ

Is the Lexus IS a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2026 IS both on the road and at the track, giving it a 5.7 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2026 IS gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 17 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the IS has 10.8 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Lexus IS. Learn more

What's new in the 2026 Lexus IS?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2026 Lexus IS:

Refreshed exterior and interior styling
IS 300 and IS 500 discontinued
New infotainment system with larger touchscreen
Part of the third Lexus IS generation introduced for 2014

Learn more

Is the Lexus IS reliable?

To determine whether the Lexus IS is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the IS. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the IS's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2026 Lexus IS a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2026 Lexus IS is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2026 IS and gave it a 5.7 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2026 IS gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 17 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2026 IS is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2026 Lexus IS?

The least-expensive 2026 Lexus IS is the 2026 Lexus IS 350 F SPORT Design 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $45,500.

Other versions include:

350 F SPORT Design 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $45,500
350 F SPORT Design 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) which starts at $47,500
350 F SPORT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $47,950
350 F SPORT 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) which starts at $49,950

Learn more

What are the different models of Lexus IS?

If you're interested in the Lexus IS, the next question is, which IS model is right for you? IS variants include 350 F SPORT Design 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A), 350 F SPORT Design 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A), 350 F SPORT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 8A), and 350 F SPORT 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A). For a full list of IS models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

2026 Lexus IS Small Sedan With Flaws

Pricing

Pros

Cons

What's new

Entry-level luxury sedan stays sporty, rides smooth

Cost to Drive

Edmunds spotlight: All of the changes for the 2026 IS

Competitors to consider

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance: Surprisingly athletic, but underpowered

Comfort: Front seats impress, rear squishes hard

In-cabin tech: Fast screen, subscription nav, easy CarPlay

Buying Tips for the 2026 Lexus IS for April

Storage & cargo: Usable trunk, cabin disappoints

Value: Lexus warranty helps offset real drawbacks

MPG: Luxury sedan thirst IS the problem

X factor: Japanese flair and F Sport style

2026 Lexus IS trim level differences

Which IS trim does Edmunds recommend?

Lexus IS Reviews

Owner Reviews

Owners Say

Most Helpful Owner Review

2026 Lexus IS Features & Specs

Reliability

Recalls

Warranty

Where the Lexus IS ranks:

Check a dealer's price

Safety

Key safety features on the IS include:

NHTSA Overall Rating

FAQ

Is the Lexus IS a good car?

What's new in the 2026 Lexus IS?

Is the Lexus IS reliable?

Is the 2026 Lexus IS a good car?

How much should I pay for a 2026 Lexus IS?

What are the different models of Lexus IS?