Lexus has built its reputation on luxury, reliability, and durability—traits that set it apart from most other brands. But even within Lexus, some models rise above the rest.
Take this sedan, for example. It’s currently the most reliable model in the lineup and a standout even by Lexus standards.
It’s set to carry over for 2026, and while it’s getting some updates, the mechanical bones are largely unchanged from the 2013 debut.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Lexus and other authoritative sources, including J.D. Power and TopSpeed.
The surprisingly reliable SUV you’ve been overlooking
This SUV is quietly becoming one of the most reliable and underrated on the market.
Meet the most reliable Lexus on the market
According to this year’s J.D. Power dependability study, the most reliable Lexus on the road is the IS sports sedan.
Believe it or not, this generation of the IS has been around since 2014—making it a solid 12-year-old model at this point.
Its longevity is what makes it reliable
But honestly, its age might be its greatest strength.
The IS is getting a third facelift for 2026, yet it’s still largely the same car that debuted in 2013 for the 2014 model year.
You can thank its proven mechanics, which are mostly unchanged under the hood, even as the exterior and interior get a full redesign.
Being a 12-year-old platform has its perks—most production hiccups have been worked out by now.
Sure, a BMW 3 Series on a newer platform might feel a bit sharper and more refined to drive, but Lexus hasn’t left the IS completely untouched. We’ll dive into those updates a little later.
As sedans keep losing ground to crossovers and SUVs, it makes sense for Lexus to streamline the IS lineup to a single engine option.
For 2026, that’s the IS 350, packing the reliable 3.5-liter 2GR-FKS V-6.
This engine is mechanically related to the 2GR-FSE it replaces but adds an on-demand Atkinson cycle from the 2UR-GSE and 8AR-FTS for better efficiency.
It also features the D-4S direct and port injection system, which only switches to direct injection when needed—helping prevent the carbon buildup that can plague other direct-injection engines.
The 2GR-FKS brings some new pros and cons compared with the 2GR-FSE it replaces, according to Car Care Nut.
The good news? None of these changes affect reliability. Spark plugs, the belt tensioner, and even the exhaust manifold are easier to service than before.
On the downside, Toyota went with plastic for the cooling system, though the system itself is also easier to work on. It’s really a give-and-take situation—nothing here makes one engine noticeably more reliable than the other.
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What’s coming in the 2026 IS
The 2026 Lexus IS hits dealerships early next year, bringing updates that keep this 12-year-old sports sedan relevant against fresher competition.
F Sport comes standard
The 2026 Lexus IS 350 will be offered in two variants, and both come with the F Sport package as standard.
That means every model gets a sportier exterior that emphasizes the IS’s low, wide stance.
The Spindle Grille has been widened and reshaped, while new LED headlights visually merge with it. The Lexus badge has been moved to the top of the grille, giving the IS a more aggressive, menacing look.
The side profile of the IS hasn’t changed much, but there’s a new five-twin-spoke design for the 19-inch wheels. Red brake calipers add an extra sporty flair.
At the rear, minor tweaks include a ducktail spoiler that’s said to help with aerodynamics. The traditional L badge is gone, replaced by “LEXUS” spelled out across the tailgate.
A fully redesigned dashboard
The interior of the 2026 Lexus IS gets the biggest changes of all. The overall layout is familiar, but the entire dashboard has been redesigned.
Now it feels cleaner and more straightforward, with sculpted air vents and a larger stretch of leather panels. Knobs and switches have been updated to match the new design.
Other highlights include a bold Radiant Red color scheme and a newly developed “Forged Bamboo” interior trim.
A big reason for the all-new dash is the upgraded tech. Standard now are two 12.3-inch screens for the gauge cluster and the Lexus Interface infotainment system.
The IS was one of the last Lexus models to use the touchpad-based Remote Touch Interface, and that system is finally gone for good.
Audio options include a standard 10-speaker Lexus Premium Sound System, with an available 17-speaker Mark Levinson surround setup for those who want the full experience.
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V6 engine comes standard, plus chassis upgrades
As noted, the 2026 Lexus IS will be offered solely as the IS 350.
You’ll have two transmission options, though which one you get depends on your chosen drivetrain layout.
Choose between RWD or AWD
For 2026, the IS 350 comes in either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).
The RWD model keeps its eight-speed automatic, while the AWD gets a six-speed automatic.
Both use the 3.5-liter V-6 2GR-FKS, producing 311 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The IS 300 with the 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder is being discontinued this year.
2026 Lexus IS 350 performance specs
|
Engine |
3.5-liter V6 |
|---|---|
|
Layout |
RWD / AWD |
|
Power |
311 hp |
|
Torque |
280 lb-ft |
|
Transmission |
Six-speed automatic (AWD) Eight-speed automatic (RWD) |
Handling gets sharper to match the updates
To go along with the exterior and interior updates, the IS gets several chassis upgrades aimed at making it feel sportier than ever.
This includes added rigidity at the front and rear, achieved through extra spot welding points and other structural tweaks.
Complementing the upgraded chassis is a new rack-parallel electric power steering system. Its variable gear ratio is designed to deliver a steering feel that’s both linear and responsive.
The IS also gets a linear solenoid-type adaptive variable suspension, which smooths out damping forces and reacts faster to body movements through corners and over bumps.
