2026 Lexus IS 350 F SPORT: Sharp Looks, Sharper Handling
In an era of turbocharged fours and electric motors, the 2026 Lexus IS 350 F SPORT is a holdout: a compact, rear-wheel-drive (RWD) luxury sedan powered by a naturally aspirated V6. It competes with the BMW 3 Series and has been part of the Lexus lineup for years. For 2026, it gets updated bodywork and a new front end, and Lexus has already announced a 2027 IS Special Appearance Package for those who want something rarer.
F SPORT Design
The F SPORT look is bold without being over the top. Triple-beam LED headlights anchor the front end, and 19-inch gloss black aluminum wheels with red brake calipers add a sporty touch. In addition, a gloss black spoiler and dual chrome exhaust tips finish the rear. Our test car’s color is called Wind, which suits the car’s sharp lines.
A Well-Built Interior
Inside, the cabin feels well built. Our test car’s bold red and black interior is a striking contrast to the Wind paint, and it gives the cabin plenty of attitude. The seats are covered in NuLuxe, Lexus’ synthetic leather, which looks and feels close to the real thing. The front seats are heated and ventilated, and they hold you snugly through corners. At night, the ambient lighting creates a calm, upscale cabin mood. Also, the digital instrument cluster and the latest Lexus infotainment display are easy to read and use, and the Mark Levinson sound system stands out.
Convenience features are also thorough, with USB and USB-C charging ports front and rear plus a new wireless charging pad. One quirk: the audio volume control is a roller switch rather than a knob, which takes some getting used to.
However, space is the trade-off. The back seat is tight, and the 10.8-cubic-foot trunk is small, so the IS suits drivers more than passengers.
Performance and Handling
Under the hood, a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 makes 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, sending power to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic. Meanwhile, a performance exhaust adds a bit of voice. It takes about six seconds to go from 0 to 60 MPH, and the EPA rates fuel economy at 19 MPG city, 27 MPG highway, and 22 MPG combined.
However, the numbers don’t tell the whole story. Adaptive dampers and large brakes give the IS 350 a controlled, balanced feel, and the handling is nimble and sharp for drivers who like to stay involved. The chassis turns in smoothly and stays steady through corners.
In addition, Lexus offers a Torsen limited-slip differential on rear-wheel-drive models, which improves traction when you’re powering out of a corner.
Safety and Technology
Additionally, every 2026 IS now comes standard with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. Our test car’s driver-assistance features included:
- Pre-Collision System With Pedestrian Detection
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Alert
- Intelligent High Beams
- Front Cross-Traffic Alert
- Lane Change Assist
- Traffic Jam Assist
- Left Turn Intersection Support
- Panoramic View Monitor
2026 Lexus IS 350 F SPORT Specs and Pricing
- 3.5-Liter Naturally Aspirated V6 Engine
- 311 Horsepower
- 280 lb-ft of Torque
- 8-Speed Automatic Transmission
- Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
- 0 to 60 MPH in About 6 Seconds
- EPA-Estimated 19 MPG City, 27 MPG Highway, and 22 MPG Combined
- Premium Gasoline
- 383-Mile EPA-Estimated Range
- 10.8 Cubic Feet of Trunk Space
- 4-Year/50,000-Mile Basic Warranty
- 6-Year/70,000-Mile Powertrain Warranty
- Price as Tested: $60,473
The Verdict
In the end, the 2026 IS 350 F SPORT isn’t the biggest or quickest car in its class, and it doesn’t try to be. It’s a polished compact luxury sedan with real character, a well-made vehicle, and a driving experience that stays fun long after the first drive.
