Roseville, Calif. – A major redesign still awaits this Lexus compact sedan, the last one coming more than a decade ago.
When it comes to luxury vehicles, the bar resides in a high place. Mediocrity is not acceptable. And perhaps that's a primary reason why the IS 350 ranks among the middle of the pack amid some more impressive rivals like the Mercedes C-Class, Audi A5, BMW 3 Series (330i, M340i) Genesis G70, and a few others.
While the 2026 Lexus IS 350 remains, the company parted ways this year with the entry-level IS 300 and the IS 500. Makes one contemplate – is the IS 350 next? Even though the 350 is a reliable luxury compact sedan, it has an older platform and lacks the overall sophistication of its rivals.
The lack of refinement has shown up in lackluster sales. Introduced in 2005, the IS 350 reached a sales high of 52,358 in 2014. Yet in six years sales dramatically dropped to 13,600 and last year was 19,714, the fifth worst sales year in the 21-year history of the IS.
Lexus seemingly wants the IS brand to survive. New for 2026 is a refreshed exterior and interior styling, plus a new infotainment system with larger touchscreen that replaced an outdated 8-inch screen. The signature spindle grille received some modification, giving the front end a more aggressive appearance.
Performance is one of the vehicle's primary criticisms; it simply lacks the acceleration of many rivals, which typically offer a turbocharged engine. The IS has a naturally aspirated engine that draws in air using only natural atmospheric pressure. A turbo engine generally supplies more performance, while a naturally aspirated one is more effective in delivering reliability.
The lone available IS engine is the rear-wheel drive 3.5-liter, V6 that generates 311 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It travels 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds with fuel economy an unimpressive 19-28 mpg.
AT A GLANCE – 2026 LEXUS IS 350
- Performance: 3.5-liter, V6, 311 horsepower
- Mileage estimate: 19-28 mpg
- Price estimate: $45,600 to $49,950
- Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles; Drivetrain: 6 years/70,000 miles; Roadside Assistance 4 years/unlimited; Corrosion 6 years/unlimited
Although the performance is modest, the IS 350 rates much higher when it comes to handling. It's enjoyable to drive and features agile characteristics that show up on challenging roads. It also delivers a quiet, smooth ride that can absorb the bumps on uneven surfaces.
Standard driver safety features include pre-collision with pedestrian detection; radar cruise control; lane tracing assist; lane departure alert with steering assist; proactive driving assist; road sign assist; automatic high beams; and blind spot monitor.
New this year were some much-needed interior changes. There's now a standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, sitting alongside a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. The IS also includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 10-speaker stereo, and a responsive "hey Lexus" voice assistant.
While front seating in the IS 350 is roomy and comfortable, the back seat won't be appreciated by most adults. It lacks leg and head room and is one of the smallest in the class. The trunk space is also on the small side at 10.8 cubic feet.
The 2026 Lexus IS 350 arrived with some much-needed improvements, yet not enough to match much of its class competitors.
