By Rick Arnett
I, along with other sport sedan aficionados, are concerned about the increasing concentration of SUVs at the expense of quick, athletic four-door options. Yes, I get that SUVs are easier to enter and exit, but c’mon, give us sport sedan fans something to choose from.
Lexus is primarily known for premium, luxurious, and reliable daily drivers. Yet currently, there’s only the 2026 Lexus IS 350 to consider for your sporting pleasure, as the IS 300 and 500 are bye-bye (note: stay tuned for welcome upgrades to the popular ES sedan)
The 2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport looks cool, drives with spirited comfort, and carries the famous Lexus reliability. It features a naturally aspirated V6 engine and is refreshed for the third time since being fully redesigned in 2021. Included are added creature comforts, a new exterior and interior and attractive accessories.
So, does the experience justify the cost? With a base price of $47,000 and generously loaded at $57,000, it’s certainly worth your consideration.
SKIN
The latest IS 350 F Sport is still unmistakably an IS, with some notable new design bits (refreshed for the third time in its current generation.) Overall, it still has the familiar, attractive silhouette and looks sinister in shimmering Cloud Burst Gray paint. A new, larger grille and sloping hood are somewhat polarizing to previous IS owners but look great in person. Triple Beam LED headlights ($1,250) brighten lanes three wide.
The special F Sport Appearance Package brings more sporty bits.
The rear receives a bolder, gloss black spoiler and “LEXUS” spelled out on the trunk lid.
Staggered Bridgestone Potenza performance tires and new 19” BBS Black Alloy rims ($2,450) with red painted brake calipers are a nice touch. Dual chrome F Sport exhausts and a gloss black rear diffuser complete the overall look.
PERFORMANCE
The latest IS 350 F Sport is now only available with a 3.5-liter V6 (no more V8 after the IS 500 was retired.) As mentioned, the 311hp and 280lb-ft torque engine is naturally aspirated, meaning no turbo or supercharger. Old-school fans will enjoy the linear speed increases, but acceleration lessens a bit. The IS 350 is still quick enough for most daily drivers (0-60 in 5.6 seconds) engaging the paddle shifters. However, sports car enthusiasts will notice there is no rev-matching when downshifting.
This model is either rear-wheel (eight gears) or all-wheel drive (six gears). Several drive modes include snow, ECO, Normal, Sport and Sport +. The steering and suspension tighten in Sport, yet the ride never feels harsh. Braking is quick and smooth. A $700 F Sport Handling Package includes Adaptive Variable Suspension that adjusts depending on your driving whims.
I would recommend the Performance Exhaust Package option ($1,490) for added rumble. Seriously, it’s a welcome, necessary bonus for the sports car experience. Plus, you have four exhaust settings that sound terrific, controlled by the infotainment screen, even though they mostly emanate via a speaker behind the screen.
Mileage is quoted at 19/27 with premium fuel, with a range from 382 to 487 miles.
CABIN
The updated interior is luxurious and feels larger than a car this size. Heated and ventilated front seats are sublime, with just enough support and comfort. They will handle a long drive with nary body soreness. A thick, rimmed, leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel includes power tilt and telescopic adjustments. The Forged Bamboo center console looks mighty fine.
The 10-way power driver seat (eight-way for the front passenger) cuddles you in supportive comfort with lumbar support and heated/ventilated front seats in attractive and comfy perforated NuLux® trim (some of the best I’ve experienced). I desperately want one for my office desk.
Cabin room is good for front seat passengers, while the rear seats, with less legroom, are still enough for most passengers under six feet. Sightline visibility is generous for such a sleek exterior. Storage is restricted for knickknacks.
The cozy trunk is 10.8 cu.ft. but expands a bit with the 60/40 split rear seats folded down to house one or maybe two golf bags. Yet, there’s no power option to open and close the trunk lid.
TECH CHECK
The updated technology will require a little learning curve due to the vast array of selections as you access the infotainment interface. Once comfortable, you’ll enjoy a plethora of choices, literally at your fingertips, including the welcome return of actual buttons for climate control.
A new, larger 12.3” high-res infotainment touchscreen displays radio, camera views, and system tweaks. The updated voice recognition is handy when opting not to deal with the touchscreen during spirited driving.
The premium 1,800-watt 17-speaker Mark Levinson ($1,120) audio system is crystal clear, while a good 10-speaker audio is standard. Oh, Lexus finally removed the old-school CD player.
Lexus Enform software utilizes wireless Apple Car Play, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa apps, allowing you to respond to texts by voice, play from MP3 playlists and initiate turn-by-turn navigation. The Lexus App allows you to remotely start the car, lock/unlock your doors and locate the vehicle of its last parked location. Curiously, the camera view/auto hold buttons should be in the center console rather than accessed through the infotainment menu.
Safety features abound, including various lane, blind-spot and pedestrian detection warnings, plus Road Sign Assist to monitor speed traps.
The 2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport gives us sport sedan fans a worthy option. Lexus’ excellent reliability and top safety ratings round out an exemplary package for those desiring worthy performance, sexy lines, quiet opulence and technology. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and suggest giving it consideration when contemplating a four-door sports sedan.
SCORECARD
Golf Bags: Maybe two with the rear seats folded down
Curbside Appeal: Gorgeous with new paint options
0-60: 5.6
MPG: 20/28. Squeezed 21with spirited driving
Must Haves: Performance Exhaust
Warranty: 4-yrs/50,000 miles 6-yrs/70,000 powertrain
Base Price: $47,950
Price as Tested: $58,998
Who Buys It? Those desiring a sporty sedan with worthy driving chops
Finish Line: Performance, comfort, luxury and updated tech with Lexus’ superb reliability
Test-drive the 2026 Lexus IS 350 F SPORT at Park Place Lexus Grapevine and Park Place Lexus Plano.