Lexus IS Updated Again: No V8, But a New Cabin and Revised Chassis

Toyota has rolled out another update to the Lexus IS midsize sedan. The facelift brings styling tweaks, a fully reworked interior, and chassis improvements. The refreshed IS will go on sale in early 2026.

The current third-generation IS has been in production since 2013. It received a major facelift in 2020, which Lexus officially called a new fourth generation, though under the skin it was still the same car. Last summer, Japan got a farewell Lexus IS 500 Climax Edition with a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8. But while the V8 is gone for good, lesser trims will continue — today’s unveiling is essentially the IS’s second facelift.

The easiest way to spot the new IS is from the front: it gets a wider grille with a gap between it and the hood (previously absent), though the headlights remain unchanged. The bumper’s side intakes keep their shape but feature a new mesh pattern matching the central grille.

The Lexus badge now sits on a horizontal strip above the grille. Fresh wheel designs (18- or 19-inch) are offered, and F Sport models add a black rear spoiler. The revised front bumper adds 0.4 inches to overall length, now at 185.8 inches, while width, height, and wheelbase remain the same.

The cabin has been more radically reworked. Door panels and handles are new, and the dashboard, while similar in layout, is fully redesigned. Round side vents have been replaced by polygonal ones.

The center vents are smaller and moved lower to make room for a new 12.3-inch infotainment screen (up from 10.3 inches). A new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster replaces the old LFA-inspired design with its signature sliding round dial. The new cluster supports multiple layouts, including a ribbon-style tachometer.

The center console is also all new. Physical climate controls remain, now paired with a shelf for wireless charging. Buttons for seat and steering-wheel heaters have been moved behind the gear selector, replacing the unloved touchpad, which has been dropped entirely. The tunnel trim introduces a new “forged bamboo” finish, inspired by forged carbon but using natural bamboo fibers. A premium 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system remains the top option.

Lexus has also fine-tuned the IS’s chassis. A new electric steering rack with variable ratio promises sharper feedback and requires less turning effort in tight corners. Updated actuators for the Adaptive Variable Suspension improve both precision and ride comfort. The Lexus Safety System+ suite has been expanded with more driver aids, including cyclist alerts even at night, designed to ease city driving.

So far, only two powertrains are confirmed: IS 350 (rear- or all-wheel drive) and IS 300h hybrid (rear-drive only). Specs haven’t been detailed yet, but for reference the outgoing IS 350 used a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 with 318 hp and 280 lb-ft, paired with an 8-speed automatic (6-speed with AWD). The IS 300h hybrid combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder (178 hp) with an electric motor (143 hp), for a combined output around 220 hp, using an e-CVT.

Pricing for the updated IS hasn’t been announced. In Japan, the outgoing sedan started at ¥4,810,000 (about $32,700).