2026 Lexus IS 350 F SPORT

Lexus has always been synonymous with being a luxury brand geared toward drivers seeking comfort and refinement at an affordable price range. After all, it is the luxury brand to Toyota, which means that it oozes the same value proposition as its commuter-focused counterpart, but with fancier amenities and more comfortable, quieter driving dynamics. But that depends on which model you select, as the midsize ES and the compact UX have different ride qualities.

But then there's the Lexus IS; the brand's compact sedan offering which has straddled the line between being sporty and comfortable in its past iterations. In fact, some reviewers think it's too soft and it could use a tighter suspension, more precise steering, and more power. Lexus gave us that with the recently-defunct Lexus IS 500, but some reviewers still shrugged it off as being more of a luxury cruiser than a genuine sports sedan, especially compared to rivals from BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Sheesh, I guess nothing can impress the car reviewers these days.

But considered this one mildly impressed. I don't need a teeth-shattering, kick-in-the-pants sports sedan with over 500 horsepower to gain my approval as I drive to the grocery store. In fact, I think the 2026 Lexus IS 350 is sporty enough, especially with its F SPORT package.

Exterior: Looks Better Than Ever 

I have always liked the Lexus IS, even from its humble beginnings as the U.S.-spec Toyota Altezza. It has always been a charming car with an elegant, but sporty look and this new model is no exception. The new-for-2026 front end is handsomely styled with sharp-angled headlights, mesh F SPORT grille, and bulging hood.

The rest of the car carries that same mix of elegance and aggression. The F SPORT 19-inch wheels fill the arches nicely, while the sharp character lines and low roofline keep the IS looking planted even when it is parked. Out back, the full-width taillight and available rear spoiler add just enough drama without making the design feel overdone. It is a shape that has been around for a while, but these details keep it looking fresh—and, to my eyes, more distinctive than many of its increasingly anonymous rivals.

Interior: A Little Tight, But it Looks Right

Inside, my Lexus IS 300 F SPORT tester came equipped with a black and red interior that looks elegant and not overdone. Some Lexus IS interior designs in the past looked too red, complete with red door panels and center console, which ended up looking tacky. But this model does it just right. To me, it screams performance and subtlety in the same sentence, which complements its sporty exterior styling.

The cabin does show its age in a few places, and taller passengers may find the back seat and low roofline a little cramped. Still, the snug dimensions work in the driver’s favor: the controls sit within easy reach, the seating position feels properly tucked in, and the new 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster bring the dashboard up to date. The heated NuLuxe-trimmed seats and thematic ambient lights added a luxurious touch. It may not be the airiest or flashiest interior in the class, but it feels purposeful, well put together, and suitably special from behind the wheel.

Driving Dynamics: I Swear, It's Sportier Than You Think

On the road, the Lexus IS 350 F SPORT feels very composed, and yes, comfortable. Its adjustable suspension softens or firms when you switch between its drive modes – Eco, Normal, Sport S, or Sport + -- allowing you to choose between refinement and performance. My favorite mode was Sport +, because the car sounded louder, its steering tightened, the suspension firmed, and the throttle felt more responsive. One blip and the 311-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine came alive as the car sprung forward like your favorite greyhound at the racetrack.

In the corners, the car felt agile, but not as nimble as say, a Mazda Miata. This car weighs nearly 4,000 pounds after all. Despite its heft, the Lexus IS never felt lazy, as every backroad corner I chucked it through came and went with the blink of an eye. The throaty V6 sounded intoxicating, and although I did find it to hesitate after the six-speed automatic transmission shifted into the next gear, it felt quick nonetheless. Lexus says it can go from 0-60 mph in only six seconds. What more do you need, really?

Also, my tester's all-wheel-drive configuration aided with the cornering traction on the dry pavement I was driving on, just as it helps on slippery surfaces. If you don't need the extra grip, a rear-wheel-drive version is available.

As for fuel economy, the EPA estimates this sport sedan can get up to 19 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined. After my week of testing, which included highway cruising, some light canyon romping, and surface street cruising, I averaged 19.2 mpg.

Technology: Don’t Worry, It Has Apple CarPlay

When it comes to technology, the Lexus IS 350 keeps it relatively simple. A 12.3-inch touchscreen sits in the middle of the dash. It's easy to reach, responsive, and intuitive to use. The rearview camera resolution is good, and the buttons for the HVAC controller were welcomed. A wireless charger chargers your phone, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto makes it easy to connect your phone.

That's all most people need anyway. Also, the 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system made every song sound amazing. As always, I highly recommend checking the box for it, even if you don't listen to music. 

Safety: The Usual Safety Suspects

As expected, the 2026 Lexus IS 350 comes standard with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, so the usual safety suspects are all here. The suite includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert with steering assist, lane-tracing assistance, automatic high beams, road-sign recognition, and proactive driving assistance. A blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert add another layer of awareness when changing lanes or backing out of a crowded parking space.

In practice, the systems mostly stayed in the background instead of constantly nagging me. The adaptive cruise control maintained a smooth following distance on the highway, and the lane-assistance features offered gentle corrections rather than tugging at the wheel. You can still tell the IS is an older platform underneath, but its updated safety tech feels current, easy to understand, and reassuring without taking over the driving experience.

Summary: I Still Think It's Sporty 

Say what you want about the 2026 Lexus IS. Go ahead, call it "comfortable" or "subdued," I wouldn't blame you. But if you can drive one and really pay attention to how well it handles and responds to your driving inputs, you might reconsider those words. In fact, you may even add the word "sporty" to your description. After all, you really don't need 500 horsepower and a kidney-busting ride to make a sedan feel sporty. It's all in the well-balanced execution, which I think the Lexus IS 350 F SPORT has.