Let’s explore the Lexus IS’s strengths, weaknesses

Lexus Philippines recently introduced the updated IS executive sedan. For the model year 2026, the said model comes with a facelifted front fascia, a redesigned interior with more amenities, and a new powertrain for its top-spec F Sport trim. 

With that said, we can safely say that the Lexus IS nameplate is here to stay for a good couple of more years. This, of course, applies not just to the local market but on a global scale as well.

All of the aforementioned is well and good but does the updated Lexus IS have any weaknesses? Also, does it have any particular strengths? Let’s find out here. 

Pros

Exterior styling is an eye-catcher

With its revamped exterior, the Lexus IS managed to keep its attractive combination of sportiness and elegance. This was apparent when the model was featured at the Auto Focus Multi-Brand Summer Test Drive Festival. 

Up front, the Lexus IS for 2026 now bears a wider grille that doesn’t come with the old spindle design of the outgoing model. This is paired with thinner LED headlamps and a slimmer lower front bumper with smaller vents.

From the side, the model generally bears the same outline as the older nameplate. Its rear section, however, did get a thicker trunk-mounted spoiler.

Notable exterior amenities available on the Lexus IS F Sport include automatic headlamps, power-folding/adjustable side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, and a moonroof. 

Size-wise, the updated executive sedan is 4,720 millimeters (mm) long, 1,840 mm wide, and 1,435 mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,800 mm and a ground clearance of 140 mm. 

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Better efficiency under the hood

For 2026, the Lexus IS F Sport uses a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine - a far cry from the old V8 of yesteryears, but it still counts as a highlight of the updated model. 

At maximum, this powertrain can generate up to 310 horsepower (hp) and 380 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. The said engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the car’s rear wheels. 

According to Lexus, these figures provide the Lexus IS F Sport a zero to 100 kilometer per hour (kph) time of six seconds. On the one hand, the model, Lexus says, has an estimated fuel consumption rating of 10.5 kilometers per liter (kpl). 

Apart from the said powertrain, the Lexus IS received several “performance amplifications,” including an exclusive tune for the F Sport variant’s suspension springs, shock absorbers, and power steering system. Moreover, the model now has adaptive variable suspension, which is an intelligent system that can automatically adjust the damping force depending on road conditions and driving characteristics.

For its lower-spec trims, such as the 300h Premier and 300h Executive, both use a 2.5-liter inline-four mill paired with an electric motor. This one, meanwhile, can output up to 178 hp and 221 Nm of torque. It also has a fuel consumption rate of 19.2 kpl, according to Lexus. 

Similar to the top-spec variant, the hybrid IS versions are rear-wheel-drive. All trims use a front double-wishbone suspension and a rear multi-link suspension. Stopping power, meanwhile, is provided by front and rear disc brakes. 

Loads of creature comforts

Another strong point of the refreshed Lexus IS is its interior. Specifically, it received a more modern-looking cockpit that comes with more compact air-conditioning vents, more tactile physical controls, a slimmer steering wheel, and a less distracting but larger 12.3-inch infotainment display. 

Additionally, the model boasts a new fully digital cluster. It has the same size as the car’s main screen, thus providing better legibility. 

Connectivity options for the updated Lexus IS include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Plus, the model now comes with a 17-piece Mark Levinson speaker set. 

For its driving amenities, the new Lexus IS has smart entry system, push-to-start button, drive mode selector (economy, normal, sport, sport+), a power-adjustable tilt and telescopic steering column, leather steering wheel, electronic parking brake, and an electrochromic rearview mirror - among others.

Other noteworthy features available on the Lexus IS include a dual-zone automatic climate control system, leather upholstery, front-seat power adjustability and ventilation, and 60:40 split-folding rear seats. 

Cons

Update didn’t address the limited trunk space

As for weaknesses, the updated Lexus IS has a rather small trunk. This becomes more painfully apparent when compared with other competing models. 

For reference, the Lexus IS has up to 310 liters of trunk space. This is dwarfed by the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which has 455 liters, and the BMW 3 Series, which has up to 480 liters. 

On the one hand, the Lexus IS isn’t the first sedan any car enthusiast (who is in the know) would think of when it comes to cargo hauling. Sure, it comes with a notably roomy interior, but one will have difficulty using the Lexus nameplate for transporting luggage for all five occupants. 

Nevertheless, 310 liters is still doable if one plans to use the updated IS as a daily driver. In other words, it can still handle “domestic” day-to-day stuff like going to the laundry shop or grocery getting. 

2026 Lexus IS: specifications

Model	Lexus IS F Sport
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,720 x 1,840 x 1,435
Wheelbase (mm)	2,800
Ground clearance (mm)	140
Wheel size	19-inch
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Leather
Amenities	12.3-inch digital gauge Electronic parking brake Paddle shifters Power-adjustable front seats 60:40 split-fold rear seats Front seat ventilation Drive mode selector Electrochromic rearview mirror Smart entry with push-to-start button Dual-zone automatic climate controls 17-piece Mark Levinson speaker set
Infotainment system	12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Seating capacity	Five
Powertrain
Engine	3.5-liter 2GR-FKS V6
Horsepower	310
Torque	380 Nm
Drivetrain	Rear-wheel-drive
Transmission	Eight-speed automatic
Technology
ADAS	Pre-collision system Automatic high beams Lane trace assist Lane departure alert Dynamic radar cruise control
Safety	Dual front airbags Side airbags Curtain shield airbags Driver’s knee airbag Anti-lock braking Vehicle stability control Hill-start assist Traction control ISOFIX Panoramic view monitor  Tire pressure monitoring Front and rear parking sensors
Price	P4.388 million

Final thoughts

In summary, the Lexus IS remains a desirable buy, as far as executive sedans go. It generally has kept its sportiness alive, plus, the new 2026 updated model offers heaps more comfort especially when compared to older iterations. 

So, if you like what you see in the Lexus IS, do visit your nearest Lexus dealership and ask for a test drive. Because who knows, this could just be the right sedan for you. 

Also read:

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