2026 Lexus IS 350 Specs, Features, and Performance
Lexus simplified the IS sport sedan for 2026. Every new IS is an IS 350, powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 across the entire new lineup. The decision is no longer which engine — it is which grade, which drivetrain, and whether you want the Handling Package.
The Short Answer
- F SPORT Design is the value grade at $46,895* MSRP. Identical engine, identical safety suite, identical cabin technology as the F SPORT.
- F SPORT starts at $49,345* MSRP and adds sport seating, cockpit hardware, and eligibility for the Handling Package.
- All-wheel drive is a consistent $2,000* step on either grade.
- The F SPORT Handling Package is a $1,090* MSRP option, available on the F SPORT grade in either drivetrain.
*Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
2026 Lexus IS 350 Pricing and Grade Lineup
Lexus offers the 2026 IS 350 in two grades, each available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
| 2026 IS 350 Configuration | Drivetrain | MSRP* |
|---|---|---|
| IS 350 F SPORT Design | RWD | $46,895* |
| IS 350 F SPORT Design AWD | AWD | $48,895* |
| IS 350 F SPORT | RWD | $49,345* |
| IS 350 F SPORT AWD | AWD | $51,345* |
*Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
Model Year Information: 2026 model-year specifications, pricing, packaging and availability are preliminary and subject to change. Pricing and model-content figures sourced from Lexus USA Newsroom; grade equipment, package content and EPA-estimated fuel economy figures sourced from Lexus.com.
Source: Lexus USA Newsroom, “2026 Lexus IS: Perfecting the Sport Sedan” — 2026 IS 350 pricing table, updated May 1, 2026.
Two patterns are worth noting. All-wheel drive is a consistent $2,000* step on either grade, and the move from F SPORT Design to F SPORT is $2,450* — a narrower gap than most shoppers expect given what it unlocks.
F SPORT Design vs F SPORT: What the $2,450 Step Buys
Because the engine does not vary across the 2026 lineup, the grade decision is about equipment rather than power.
| Feature | IS 350 F SPORT Design | IS 350 F SPORT |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L V6, 311 hp | 3.5L V6, 311 hp |
| Wheels | 19-inch lightweight aluminum | 19-inch lightweight aluminum |
| Front seats | Heated NuLuxe-trimmed front seats | Bolstered heated and ventilated sport seats |
| Steering wheel | Standard steering wheel | F SPORT power-adjustable heated steering wheel |
| Pedals | Standard | Aluminum sport pedals |
| Rear spoiler | Not offered | Available |
| Handling Package eligible | No | Yes |
| Starting MSRP | $46,895* | $49,345* |
*Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
Source: 2026 Lexus IS grade features and specifications, Lexus.com — F SPORT Design and F SPORT standard equipment.
Choosing Between Them
- F SPORT Design is the value pick. It carries the identical engine, the identical safety suite, and the identical cabin technology as the F SPORT.
- F SPORT earns its premium two ways: the seat and cockpit hardware, and eligibility for the Handling Package. If you have no interest in the Handling Package, the case for stepping up is comfort, not capability.
Engine, Transmission and Drivetrain
One engine serves the entire 2026 lineup. What changes with drivetrain is the transmission behind it.
| Specification | IS 350 RWD | IS 350 AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L V6, naturally aspirated | 3.5L V6, naturally aspirated |
| Horsepower | 311 hp | 311 hp |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed Sport Direct-Shift | 6-speed automatic |
| Torsen limited-slip differential | Available with Handling Package (F SPORT grade) | Not offered |
Which Drivetrain Fits
- Rear-wheel drive pairs the V6 with the eight-speed Sport Direct-Shift automatic and is the only configuration eligible for the Torsen limited-slip differential.
- All-wheel drive uses a six-speed automatic and adds $2,000* to either grade, trading the extra ratios and the Torsen differential for year-round traction. The Handling Package itself remains available on the F SPORT in all-wheel drive — only the Torsen differential is exclusive to rear-wheel drive.
The V6 requires premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher to achieve its rated horsepower.
2026 Lexus IS 350 Fuel Economy
All figures below are EPA-estimated and vary by drivetrain, not by grade.
| Configuration | EPA-Estimated City | EPA-Estimated Highway | EPA-Estimated Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 IS 350 RWD | 19 mpg | 27 mpg | 22 mpg |
| 2026 IS 350 AWD | 19 mpg | 26 mpg | 22 mpg |
EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
Source: 2026 Lexus IS specifications, Lexus.com — EPA-estimated ratings for the 2026 IS 350 and IS 350 AWD; see also fueleconomy.gov.
The two configurations return identical EPA-estimated city and combined figures. Only the highway rating separates them, and only by a single mpg — which means fuel economy is rarely the deciding factor between rear- and all-wheel drive on this car.
The F SPORT Handling Package
The Handling Package is a $1,090* MSRP option available on the 2026 IS 350 F SPORT grade in either rear- or all-wheel drive. It contains:
- F SPORT-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) — electronically adjusts damper firmness in real time based on road conditions and drive mode.
- Torsen limited-slip rear differential — fitted to rear-wheel-drive models, sending power to the outside rear tire through a corner to improve corner-exit traction.
- Drive Mode Select — ECO, Normal, Sport S, Sport S+ and Custom modes.
*Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
Source: 2026 Lexus IS available packages, Lexus.com — F SPORT Handling Package availability and content.
Which Grade Is Required
Eligibility begins at the F SPORT grade. The package is not offered on the IS 350 F SPORT Design, and it is a factory-installed option rather than a dealer-added accessory.
This matters most for drivers in Clovis, where Highway 168 climbs east into Sierra National Forest along the Sierra Heritage Scenic Byway. On that kind of winding mountain road, adaptive damping is the difference the package is designed to deliver.
IS 350 F SPORT Special Appearance Package
Lexus is marking the 2026 IS launch with a limited Special Appearance Package offered on IS 350 F SPORT models in either rear- or all-wheel drive, and capped at 350 units for all of North America. Standard content includes:
- Hakugin Matte White exterior paint with a White and Black interior
- 19-inch Black BBS forged alloy wheels
- Triple-beam LED headlamps and a moonroof
- The full F SPORT Handling Package
- Mark Levinson audio, Panoramic View Monitor, Intuitive Parking Assist, power rear sunshade and the Technology Package
- SmartAccess Key Card, unique carpet floor mats and key gloves
| 2026 IS 350 F SPORT Special Appearance Package | Drivetrain | MSRP* |
|---|---|---|
| IS 350 F SPORT Special Appearance Package | RWD | $61,485* |
| IS 350 F SPORT Special Appearance Package AWD | AWD | $63,095* |
*Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
Sources: Lexus USA Newsroom, “2026 Lexus IS: Perfecting the Sport Sedan” — Special Appearance Package content and 350-unit North American allocation; Lexus.com — Special Appearance Package starting MSRP by drivetrain.
Given the production cap, availability is limited and allocation-dependent. Contact us to check current status.
Cabin Technology and Safety
The 2026 model year brought the IS its most significant interior update in years, and every item below is standard or available regardless of which grade you choose.
Displays and Connectivity
12.3-Inch Lexus Interface
Touchscreen enlarged to 12.3 inches, replacing the previous generation’s 8-inch standard and available 10.3-inch displays, and paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
Wireless Smartphone Integration
Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto compatibility through Lexus Interface, plus a wireless charging pad and four USB-C ports.
Cabin Materials and Audio
Forged Bamboo console trim and available Radiant Red interior on F SPORT models. 10-speaker Lexus Premium Sound standard; 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio available.
Sources: Lexus USA Newsroom, “2026 Lexus IS: Perfecting the Sport Sedan” — display sizes, cabin ornamentation, audio and USB-C/wireless charging content; Lexus USA Newsroom, “The Next Era in Multimedia: Lexus Interface Sets a New Standard” — wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility; Lexus USA Newsroom, “2025 Lexus IS” — outgoing 8-inch standard and available 10.3-inch displays.
Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 — Standard on Every 2026 IS 350
Pre-Collision System
With Pedestrian Detection, Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist and Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection.
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
Full-speed range, from highway speeds down to a full stop.
Lane Support
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, plus Lane Tracing Assist.
Driving Assistance
Proactive Driving Assist, Road Sign Assist and Automatic High Beams.
Warranty and Roadside Coverage
A new 2026 IS 350 arrives with full factory coverage from the date of first use.
| Coverage | Term |
|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Powertrain warranty | 6 years / 70,000 miles |
| Corrosion perforation | 6 years / unlimited mileage |
| Roadside assistance | 4 years / unlimited mileage |
Source: Lexus New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage terms, Lexus.com. Roadside assistance covers flat tires, battery jump-starts, fuel delivery, lockout help and towing to an authorized Lexus dealer, and is reachable at 1-800-25-LEXUS (800-255-3987).
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Warranty coverage depends on the specific terms of your vehicle’s warranty agreement. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does every 2026 Lexus IS 350 use?
Every 2026 IS 350 uses a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 producing 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. The engine is identical on both the F SPORT Design and F SPORT grades.
Why does the 2026 Lexus IS come with only one engine?
Lexus streamlined the lineup for 2026, discontinuing the IS 300 and the V8-powered IS 500. Every new 2026 IS is an IS 350 with the 3.5-liter V6.
What transmission does the 2026 IS 350 use?
Rear-wheel-drive models use an eight-speed Sport Direct-Shift automatic. All-wheel-drive models use a six-speed automatic.
Which grade is required for the F SPORT Handling Package?
The F SPORT grade, in either drivetrain. The $1,090* MSRP package is not offered on the IS 350 F SPORT Design, and it is factory-installed rather than dealer-added. On rear-wheel-drive models it adds a Torsen limited-slip rear differential alongside the F SPORT-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension.
Is premium fuel required for the 2026 Lexus IS 350?
Yes. Premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher is required to achieve rated horsepower.
What does Lexus Roadside Assistance cover?
Flat tires, battery jump-starts, fuel delivery, lockout assistance and towing to an authorized Lexus dealer. Coverage runs 4 years with unlimited mileage and is reachable at 800-255-3987.
See the 2026 Lexus IS 350 in Fresno
Specifications settle part of this decision, but steering weight, seat bolstering and throttle response are things you have to feel. Our team can walk you through both grades and both drivetrains in a single visit.
- Visit: 7201 N Palm Ave, Fresno, CA 93711
- Call sales: (559) 396-3778
- Serving: Fresno, Clovis, Madera, Selma and Visalia
Still weighing configurations? Our 2026 Lexus IS trim levels and prices breakdown lays out every configuration side by side.
Disclaimers
MSRP: Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
Fuel Economy: EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
Warranty: This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Warranty coverage depends on the specific terms of your vehicle’s warranty agreement. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.
Model Year Information: 2026 model-year specifications, pricing, packaging and availability are preliminary and subject to change. Pricing and model-content figures sourced from Lexus USA Newsroom, “2026 Lexus IS: Perfecting the Sport Sedan,” pricing table updated May 1, 2026. Grade equipment, package content, Special Appearance Package pricing and EPA-estimated fuel economy figures sourced from Lexus.com.