2026 Lexus IS350 First Test: Old-School Charm, Modern Limits
Key takeaways
- A naturally aspirated V-6 and sharp style keep the IS relevant, but our testing reveals flaws.
- The 2026 Lexus IS350 we recently had in for evaluation is a sexy little number in red (Infrared to be exact), a color that accentuates the compact luxury sedan’s sculpted sides and 19-inch F Sport alloy rims.
- Its bolstered bucket seats were a welcome reminder that this wasn’t an SUV or pickup truck.
Why this matters: an automotive development that could shape industry direction or buying decisions.
A naturally aspirated V-6 and sharp style keep the IS relevant, but our testing reveals flaws.
The 2026 Lexus IS350 we recently had in for evaluation is a sexy little number in red (Infrared to be exact), a color that accentuates the compact luxury sedan’s sculpted sides and 19-inch F Sport alloy rims. It was a delight to slide behind the wheel of a car again; they’re becoming scarcer, especially sportier models like the F Sport version of the IS350 we tested.
Its bolstered bucket seats were a welcome reminder that this wasn’t an SUV or pickup truck. The IS is a bona fide sedan, and I was eager to spend some time with it, despite its aging bones, because there’s no bones about it: This Lexus is long in the tooth. The current generation was launched in 2014, received its first facelift in 2017, and then underwent a major refresh in 2021. For 2026, it got another sprucing up in the form of redesigned front and rear ends, some minor suspension and steering tweaks, and updated technology including enhanced safety features.