The redesigned 2026 Lexus IS 350. Photo: Lexus USA Newsroom.

2026 Lexus IS: Edison Buyers Guide

What actually changed this year

Lexus didn't tweak the outgoing IS for 2026 — it redesigned the front end, reworked the interior around a new instrument panel and center console, and simplified the whole lineup down to a single engine. The four-cylinder IS 300 that used to open the range is discontinued; every 2026 IS is the 3.5-liter V6 IS 350, offered in two grades instead of the longer trim ladder some earlier IS model years carried. The Lexus Interface touchscreen grows to 12.3 inches and comes standard, matched to a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, the brand's current and most complete driver-assist suite, is now standard across the board. There's a new "Wind" exterior color, a new Radiant Red interior color exclusive to F SPORT models, new "Forged Bamboo" interior trim, and — new for 2026 — an available rear spoiler and optional red brake calipers on the F SPORT grade. Lexus also built a run of 350 Special Appearance Package cars for North America, a Hakugin Matte White, Handling Package-equipped version of the F SPORT that's allocation-limited rather than something every dealer can order on request.

None of that is a name change dressed up as news — this is the most substantially different IS Lexus has sold in a while, and a shopper comparing it to a prior model year should treat the whole trim structure as new information rather than a simple refresh.

One engine, one decision: which grade

Every 2026 IS shares the same 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 — 311 hp, 280 lb-ft, no turbo, no hybrid, no second engine option to weigh. That simplifies the shopping decision to grade and drivetrain. IS 350 F SPORT Design is the entry point: standard 19-inch wheels, NuLuxe synthetic-leather seating with heated front seats, the full 12.3-inch/12.3-inch screen pairing, a 10-speaker Lexus Premium Sound system, Gen5 Qi-standard wireless device charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. IS 350 F SPORT builds on that with bolstered front sport seats that are heated and ventilated, a heated F SPORT steering wheel, aluminum sport pedals, satin interior trim, a 10-way power driver's seat with memory, staggered-width performance wheels, and access to an optional Handling Package with adaptive suspension and a limited-slip differential. Independent testing gives the rear-wheel-drive F SPORT a 0-60 time of about 6.2 seconds; other outlets estimate as quick as the high-5-second range depending on drivetrain and conditions, since Lexus itself hasn't published an official figure.

Fuel economy is identical in spirit across both grades and moves only with drivetrain: 19 mpg city / 27 highway / 22 combined on RWD's 8-speed automatic, or 19/26/22 on AWD's 6-speed. That transmission split — 8-speed for RWD, 6-speed for AWD — is genuinely tied to drivetrain, not grade, so don't assume both IS 350 grades share a gearbox.

Pick your 2026 IS

Buyers in Edison are already talking about it

The 2026 IS 350's redesigned rear fascia. Photo: Lexus USA Newsroom.

The IS is one of the more consistently mentioned models in Lexus of Edison's own Google reviews, and the newest ones are already about the redesigned 2026 car. Percy Ruiz wrote in June: "I'd like to share my experience at Edison Lexus; I just got an IS 350, and the salesperson, Abe Shrief, was very friendly and was there to help me through the entire process from start to finish. 100% recommended." John Barreto, who bought his first Lexus this spring, was just as direct: "What an amazing experience buying my 1st Lexus 2026 IS 350 F Sport. The sales representative Dale Johnson was just incredible and pretty straightforward in facilitating the purchase process. I would recommend 110% to anyone looking to purchase a car from this great dealer." Both Abe Shrief and Dale Johnson are listed as Master Certified consultants on the dealership's own staff page.

Owning one in Edison

The ownership side of the equation lives in two other guides on this set. The IS service & repair guide covers LexusCare's complimentary maintenance, the factory warranty terms, and what Route 1 and Turnpike driving does to a sport sedan's tires and brakes. The pricing & leasing guide covers New Jersey's flat 6.625% sales tax and how to think about buying versus leasing on the new lineup.

Lexus of Edison's site already has a general Lexus IS maintenance interval reference from an earlier model generation — the schedule cadence still applies broadly, though the discontinued IS 300 naming reflects an older four-cylinder trim, not the current V6-only 2026 lineup.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a 2026 Lexus IS?

Yes — the 2026 model year brought the IS its first full redesign in some time, with new exterior styling, an updated interior, and a simplified two-grade lineup built around a single 3.5-liter V6.

How much does a 2026 Lexus IS cost?

MSRPs run from $45,500 (IS 350 F SPORT Design, RWD) to $49,950 (IS 350 F SPORT, AWD), before the $1,395 destination charge. The pricing & leasing guide breaks down every configuration and New Jersey's tax on top.

What's the difference between F SPORT Design and F SPORT?

Both share the identical 311-hp V6 and the full standard tech suite. F SPORT adds performance-focused hardware and trim on top: bolstered, heated-and-ventilated sport seats, a heated F SPORT steering wheel, staggered performance wheels, and access to an optional Handling Package with adaptive suspension. Each grade gets its own guide below.

Does the 2026 IS come with all-wheel drive?

Yes — AWD is available on both grades for a flat $2,000 over the rear-wheel-drive price. RWD models use an 8-speed automatic; AWD models use a 6-speed automatic.

Is the 2026 IS the same as the old IS 300?

No — the IS 300, a four-cylinder trim from earlier model years, is discontinued for 2026. Every 2026 IS is the V6-powered IS 350, sold in the two grades covered on this page.

Where can I see one in Edison?

At Lexus of Edison on US Route 1, a short drive from Highland Park, Metuchen, New Brunswick, and Piscataway, and a straightforward trip up the Turnpike or Outerbridge Crossing from Staten Island.

Start with the grade, then the drivetrain

The two guides below go deep on each grade — what it adds, what it costs, and who it fits. The fastest way to settle the drivetrain question in person is sitting in an RWD and an AWD IS 350 back to back; Lexus of Edison keeps current IS inventory on the floor for exactly that kind of comparison.