Lexus IS Is Back For 2026: Hidden Upgrades You Will Notice On The Road

Lexus is keeping its compact sport sedan in the fight. While the larger ES grabbed headlines recently, the IS is not bowing out—in fact, it is getting another refresh. Lexus calls it “new,” but the dimensions tell a familiar story: width, height, and wheelbase carry over, while overall length grows by 0.4 inches, likely from reshaped bumpers. In a segment that keeps shrinking, it is nice to see variety stick around.

The outside gets tasteful tweaks, including a Neutrino Gray paint option that joins seven other colors, fresh 19-inch wheels, red brake calipers with the Lexus script, and a new rear spoiler. Inside, the tech story is stronger: a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen are now standard. The climate controls are reworked, the analog clock is gone, and the round vents give way to sharper, more modern elements. The gear lever still feels substantial, a reminder of the car’s roots, but the notoriously frustrating trackpad has been shown the door. In its place are simple buttons for the heated and ventilated seats and an honest-to-goodness volume knob. You also get a wireless charging pad, USB Type C ports, and cleaner door trim. A natural bamboo fiber finish now surrounds the start button and upper console, adding a quiet, premium touch.

The engineering team did more than tidy up the cabin. The 2026 IS adopts rack-parallel electric power steering for a clearer, more connected feel, and a linear solenoid adaptive suspension that aims to smooth out broken pavement without dulling feedback. There is no mention of an eight-cylinder option, which is not shocking in today’s market.

For the United States, the lineup is straightforward: IS 350 with rear wheel drive or all wheel drive, plus the IS 300h hybrid with rear wheel drive only. Both versions gain an expanded suite of driver assistance features, including a hands-off highway function designed for low-stress cruising. Lexus plans to begin rollouts in select markets early next year.