The Japanese model benefits from a slightly redesigned exterior, and an overhauled interior alongside handling, and safety upgrades
While the world was waiting for a new generation of the Lexus IS, the company treated us with a facelifted version of the current model, ahead of its market launch in early 2026. The compact sedan gains a redesigned nose and an overhauled interior, along with handling and safety upgrades.
The third generation of the the IS was originally introduced back in 2013, with a mild facelift in 2017 and a more comprehensive update in 2020. Instead of retiring the model, Lexus opted for a third facelift, further extending its lifecycle. This might have to do with the change in the brand’s electrification strategy, deciding against an EV-only successor that was reportedly under development.
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Starting with the exterior, the highlight is the new iteration of the splinde grille. The upper portion is slightly smaller and connects to the carry-over LED headlights, with the Lexus emblem being relocated under the shut line of the hood. The bumper intakes have also been revised,with slightly different contours.
The rest of the bodywork appears to be largely carried over. Other changes include a new set of 19-inch alloy wheels, a larger rear spoiler, and Lexus lettering on the tailgate. It is worth noting that the pictured example is the F Sport trim, so we don’t know the effect of the facelift on the base version. The color palette comprises eight shades including the Neutrino Gray, while the brake calipers are optionally available in red.
Inside, there is a redesigned dashboard, center console, and door cards. The new digital cockpit comprises dual 12.3-inch displays, with the infotainment screen mounted lower and being sensitive to the touch. As a result, this made the weird touch pad of its predecessor obsolete.
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The facelifted model also features new toggle-switches for the climate controls, while retaining the volume knob on the center tunnel and clicky buttons on the steering wheel. Furthermore, the CD player and the analogue clock are gone. Finally, the IS gains interior accents from natural bamboo fibers (Forged Bamboo in Lexus-speak) and a new Prominence interior color.
Equipment has been upgraded with the Lexus Safety System + suite, featuring new and improved ADAS that allow hands-off driving on the highway.
Tweaked Underpinnings, Familiar Powertrains
Lexus engineers have also tweaked the underpinnings of the IS. They fitted a new rack-parallel Electric Power Steering (EPS) system with a variable ratio promising to improve the responsiveness, while the suspension has a linear solenoid-type AVS which is said to offer smooth damping force control and quick response.
At launch, powertrain options will be limited to the IS 300h and the IS 350. Lexus has yet to share detailed specifications but we don’t expect significant changes over the existing setups. The current IS 300h features a hybrid 2.5-liter engine with 217 hp (162 kW / 220 PS), while the more potent IS 350 is fitted with a non-electrified 3.5-liter V6 generating 314 hp (214 kW / 318 PS).
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The IS 500 with the naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8 is most likely gone forever, with the Japanese-spec Climax Edition and the US-spec Ultimate Edition serving as a swan songs.
Lexus said that the updated Lexus IS will go on sale “in various markets” without getting into specifics. The first deliveries are expected in early 2026. Since the debut of the original in 1999, the company has sold approximately 1.3 million units of the nameplate across 40 countries and regions.
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Thanos Pappas, a product design engineer by trade, has been wading through automotive journalism for… Read full bio

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