New Lexus IS Will Be Much More Expensive — and Many Fans Aren’t Happy About It

According to official information, the new IS will go on sale in early 2026.

November 17, 2025 at 11:16 AM / News

In September, the Lexus IS sedan received a significant update—its final refresh before the model transitions into a fully electric vehicle.

In Japan, the new IS will hit the market in early 2026. Local journalists have already learned how much the updated sedan will cost, and it turns out the price will rise noticeably compared to the outgoing version.

The hybrid Lexus IS 300h will start at 5.8 million yen (about $37,700), while the top-tier F Sport trim will cost 6.35 million yen (around $41,300).

This means the refreshed IS will be 540,000 yen (roughly $3,500) more expensive in its highest specification. The sharp price increase surprised Japanese media, which didn’t expect such a jump for a facelift rather than a next-generation redesign.

The latest update brought major exterior changes to the IS, giving it a more modern appearance. The interior was also reworked, and the model’s feature set has been expanded.

The IS 300h variant is powered by a 2.5-liter hybrid engine paired with an electronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) and rear-wheel drive.

Earlier, Lexus announced that when the next-generation IS arrives in 2027, the model may transform into a completely different vehicle—an all-electric one. It is expected to be based on the LF-ZC concept car, first unveiled two years ago at the Japan Mobility Show.

You may also be interested in the news:

Renault and Nissan Draw Closer Again: Leadership Changes and Crisis Push Alliance Toward a Reset
Geely Galaxy A7: Electric Sedan Spotted on Road Tests
Why Modern Engines Hide Under Plastic — and What That Cover Really Does
GM Built a One-of-a-Kind V12 in the ’60s That Weighed More Than a Classic Mini Cooper: Facts About a Retro Engine
Iridium vs. Platinum Spark Plugs: What Sets Them Apart in Today’s Cars
How to Reset a Tire Pressure Warning Yourself: A Few Simple Methods
Toyota Tacoma Is an Absolute Hit: U.S. Tacoma Sales Soar 61% and Break a Ten-Year Record
Volkswagen Launches Smartwatch-Based Vehicle Controls