2026 LEXUS IS: PERFECTING THE SPORT SEDAN

• 2026 Lexus IS sedan gets a glow up, with a refreshed and refined look inside and out
• Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 and Lexus Interface with a 12.3-in touchscreen now standard
• Three IS 350 AWD grades: F SPORT DESIGN, F SPORT 2 and F SPORT 3

TORONTO, September 9, 2025 – Since its debut in 1999, the IS has embodied the pursuit of driving enjoyment as a compact sports sedan. Over time, it has come to represent the very essence of the Lexus driving experience, earning enduring praise for its dynamic performance and bold, sporty design. With cumulative sales of approximately 1.3 million units across 40 countries and regions, the IS has continued to resonate with drivers around the world for more than 25 years. Its development has involved rigorous testing in a relentless effort to refine the distinctive performance feel known as the “Lexus Driving Signature.”

For 2026, the Lexus IS premieres with a redesigned exterior that refines the sedan’s signature look to its fullest. Along with an interior featuring restyled instrument panel, centre console, trims, and the latest multimedia system, the updated driver-focused design further advances the pursuit of an exhilarating driving experience, allowing for true dialogue between man and machine. The new model will go on sale in early 2026.

IS 350 AWD

The latest update is offered in one variant in Canada, the IS 350 AWD, available in three grades: F SPORT DESIGN, F SPORT 2 and F SPORT 3. With “refinement in performance and design” as the key development theme, the IS has been further polished to enhance the qualities it has long pursued, an engaging driving experience that allows dialogue with the car and a dynamic, sporty design.

The Lexus Driving Signature

Since Lexus launched, the tactile feel, behavior and execution for each model has been driven by the vision and efforts of the brand. Lexus Driving Signature is a key pillar of the Lexus Next Chapter and represents a fundamental shift in the brand’s product development process and culture. Through this process, the efforts of the brand are focused on elevating the vehicles to an enhanced standard of performance and handling. The ultimate goal is to deliver Lexus vehicles that are designed with a shared brand identity that includes responsive and linear control; exceptional handling, grip and confidence; and refined ride quality and quietness. These elements are realized through rigorous testing and evaluation.

Refreshed and Refined

The exterior has been updated with a new front design that accentuates the IS’s low centre of gravity and wide stance, reinforcing its bold, commanding presence. The F SPORT grade adds to this dynamic appeal with a newly designed available rear spoiler that improves aerodynamic performance, along optional red brake calipers that reflect its sharp, responsive driving character. The F SPORT DESIGN and F SPORT 2 grades both receive newly styled 19-inch lightweight aluminum wheels while the F SPORT 3 grade is equipped with 19-inch forged BBS wheels.

The 2026 IS Family exterior colour lineup will include a total of seven options: Ultra White, Iridium, Cloudburst Gray, Caviar, Infrared, Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0, and Wind. The newest addition, Wind, offers a new hue that expresses a dynamic sense of motion through its hard-toned light gray base infused with metallic highlights. Designed to reflect the sporty character of the IS, the colour palette offers a range of options to suit diverse customer lifestyles and preferences.

In-Cabin Ornamentation

The interior is thoughtfully crafted with a focus on functionality, an essential quality in the cockpit of a compact sports sedan, creating an environment that keeps the driver fully engaged with the road. Lexus Interface has been enlarged to 12.3 inches, offering excellent visibility and intuitive operation while aligning with the driver’s natural line of sight. The TFT (thin-film transistor) LCD (liquid crystal display) digital instrument cluster in front of the driver has also been increased to 12.3 inches, delivering clear and easy to read graphics that communicate information directly and intuitively.

For the interior design, the newly developed "Forged Bamboo" ornamentation has been applied to the centre console and start switch bezel. The natural bamboo fibres create a distinctive “In-ei” shading effect that captures the IS’s dynamic energy and enhances the sporty feel of the cabin. A new interior colour, “Radiant Red” inspired by the vivid glow of solar flares, helps to create an aggressive and sporty cabin atmosphere and is exclusive to F SPORT models.

Every model comes equipped with the Lexus Premium Sound system, featuring a standard 10-speaker configuration. In addition, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system is available as a factory option. Designed to deliver an immersive and emotionally rich listening experience, the system features delicately tuned audio and optimally positioned speakers throughout the cabin.

Two high-output USB (Type-C) ports have been placed at the front of the centre console for added convenience. Additionally, two USB (Type-C) charging ports are located at the rear of the centre console, enhancing convenience for rear-seat passengers. The wireless charging area at the front of the centre console is strategically placed for optimal ease of use and accessibility. The system uses Gen5 (Qi standard), designed to accommodate a wide range of smartphone sizes for seamless wireless charging.

Drivetrains and Powertrains

Available exclusively in all-wheel drive in Canada, the 2026 Lexus IS is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 that produces 311 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of peak torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

For 2026, the driving experience was further developed to deepen the sense of steering satisfaction and intuitive vehicle response, enabling the car to better move with the driver’s intent. By optimizing the Electric Power Steering (EPS) and suspension systems, development focused on delivering linear, consistent steering feel across a wide range of roads and driving conditions. Attention was given not only to how the vehicle reacts to steering and pedal inputs, but also to the smoothness and control of their return motion, creating a rewarding driving experience where deceleration, cornering, and acceleration flow together.

Lexus Safety System+ 3.0

For 2026, the IS comes standard with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which brings a suite of key active safety and convenience features to the vehicle. This system includes:

Automatic High Beams

Automatic High Beams can automatically toggle between high and low beams based on the vehicle’s surroundings. 

Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection

Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection is designed to help detect a vehicle, pedestrian, bicyclist or motorcyclist and provide an audio/visual forward collision warning under certain circumstances. If the driver does not react, the system is designed to provide automatic emergency braking. PCS uses a camera and millimeter-wave radar for enhanced performance and reliability. Features for LSS+ 3.0 include:

• Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist – designed to provide additional steering torque during an emergency maneuver initiated by the driver, enhancing vehicle stability and helping prevent lane departure. This steering support function is designed to operate when the Pre-Collision System is turned ON, the turn signal is not being operated, the speed of the vehicle is between 40-80 km/h and the relative speed to the detected object is between 40-80 km/h. 
• Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking – designed to provide a warning and automatic braking if the system determines a driver is turning left in front of an oncoming vehicle in certain daytime conditions.

Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)

Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control helps maintain a preset distance from the vehicle ahead of you, from highway speeds down to a full stop.

Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)

When Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) is enabled and lane markers are detected, Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) uses the lines on the road and/or preceding vehicles to provide active driving assistance and help keep the vehicle centered in its lane.

Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA) – When white/yellow lane markings or certain road edge boundary lines are detected at speeds above50 km/h, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA) is designed to issue an audio/visual lane departure warning if an inadvertent lane departure is detected. If the driver does not take corrective action, the system is also designed to provide gentle corrective steering for lane keeping assistance.

Road Sign Assist (RSA) – Using an intelligent camera, Road Sign Assist (RSA) is designed to detect speed limit signs, stop signs, Do Not Enter signs, yield signs and certain warning signs, and display an icon of the sign on the Multi-Information Display (MID).

Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) – When system operating conditions are met, using the vehicle’s camera and radar, Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) provides gentle braking into curves or gentle braking and/or steering to help support driving tasks such as distance control between the vehicle and a preceding vehicle, pedestrian or bicyclist.

Assembled at the Tahara plant in Japan, the 2026 IS is expected to go on sale early next year at Lexus dealers across Canada. Full vehicle specs and pricing will be available closer to the on-sale date. For complete and up to date details and specifications on the Lexus IS Series, visit www.lexus.ca/is

About Lexus Canada

Lexus Canada is the exclusive Canadian distributor of Lexus luxury cars and sport utility vehicles through a sales and service network of 40 dealers across Canada. Guests have access to a wide range of luxury and performance vehicles, with a total of 12 Lexus nameplates available in Canada, including the country’s largest electrified luxury vehicle lineup (hybrid, plug-in hybrid or battery electric) models. Inspired by bold design, intuitive technology and peak performance, Lexus is committed to delivering the highest quality products and services, and to creating amazing experiences for their Guests. The Lexus RX and RX Hybrid, Lexus NX and NX Hybrid are built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada’s award-winning Cambridge plant. For more information about Lexus and Lexus products, please visit: www.lexus.ca

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