The Lexus IS, the brand’s small and nimble sports sedan, is officially back after a short hiatus for a redesign, expected to arrive in dealerships in early 2026, the company announced Sept. 9.
Lexus has been popular for taking the platforms and components from Toyota to establish a well-respected luxury brand. While most of their vehicles are meant for comfort, the Lexus IS was built for performance.
The original Lexus IS was released in 1999. It had the interior quality and styling Lexus is known for, while putting down decent power to supplement its sharp handling. Since its inception, over 1.3 million IS models have been sold in over 40 countries and regions. Over the vehicle’s lifespan, it has been through many changes while keeping its small, sporty and luxury roots intact. 
The IS, which went on a brief hiatus for 2025, will debut again in two trims, the 300h and 350. Not only does the vehicle have a fresh look, but there are several upgrades to the driving characteristics. Lexus, in a news release, describes the changes as “refinement in performance and design.”
One of the most important upgrades to the driving experience comes from the transition to a rack-parallel system for Electronic Power Steering. It uses a variable gear ratio that supplies more linear and responsive feedback to the driver while steering.
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“The electric power steering (EPS) uses a variable gear ratio to reduce steering angle at intersections and through successive corners, improving steering feel,” according to the news release. “In addition, the adoption of a linear-solenoid type AVS achieves a high-level balance of vehicle stability and reduced road-surface shock, resulting in improved driving comfort.”
The body style the IS has been known for is still there, but there have been some updates to the exterior. The front fascia has been redesigned, giving the vehicle a lower center of gravity along with a wide stance. For the “F SPORT” models, there is a new rear spoiler that adds downforce and 19-inch aluminum wheels that are lightweight. For the IS lineup, there will be eight color options to choose from.
The interior gets some new features as well. The new 12.3-inch LCD screen and bamboo accents make the new interior stand out. The bamboo can be seen on the stop-start button and on the upper console.
New and improved features will add enhanced safety to give those behind the wheel more peace of mind while on the road.
Lexus Safety System+ uses standard safety features found in modern vehicles like pre-collision warning, blindspot warning, automatic high beams and dynamic radar cruise control. The latest safety system uses the regular features along with more advanced tech such as Road Sign Assist, Lane Tracing Assist and semi-autonomous driving. This advanced driving feature adds a hands-free function while navigating through congested traffic while under the driver’s supervision.
“We’ve pursued development without compromise, always aiming for the next level,” Lexus International Chief Engineer Yasushi Moto said in the release. “Building on the IS’s distinctive ride comfort and outstanding vehicle control, the model has evolved to deliver an even more engaging experience from within the cabin.” 
The new generation of the Lexus IS will be available at dealerships in the first quarter of next year. As it’s still in the prototype stage, information on powertrain options and pricing should be available in the future. 

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