{"id":83556,"date":"2025-09-09T05:38:12","date_gmt":"2025-09-09T09:38:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/?p=83556"},"modified":"2025-09-09T05:38:12","modified_gmt":"2025-09-09T09:38:12","slug":"the-lexus-is-isnt-dead-after-all-major-2026-update-revealed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/?p=83556","title":{"rendered":"The Lexus IS Isn\u2019t Dead After All \u2014 Major 2026 Update Revealed"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"styles_container__87Nfz\"><time class=\"styles_articleTimestamp__MqPCb\" datetime=\"2025-09-09T08:29:07.000Z\">Sep 9, 2025 4:29 AM EDT<\/time><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-lexus-is-story-continues\">The Lexus IS Story Continues<\/h2>\n<p data-wp-block=\"{&quot;dropCap&quot;:false}\" data-wp-block-name=\"core\/paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.autoblog.com\/lexus\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Lexus<\/a> IS has long been rumored to be on its last legs, with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.autoblog.com\/news\/lexus-is-500-climax-edition\">special edition models<\/a> interpreted as final runs. Others suggested that the IS line would be <a href=\"https:\/\/www.autoblog.com\/ford\/cars-discontinued-for-2024-and-beyond\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">discontinued<\/a> by the end of the year, together <a href=\"https:\/\/www.autoblog.com\/news\/lexus-is-gearing-up-for-a-major-catalog-change-say-goodbye-to-some-of-your-favorite-models\">with other aging Lexus models<\/a>, while some reports even speculated that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.autoblog.com\/news\/the-lexus-is-sedan-isnt-dead-yet-one-hybrid-model-will-live-on\">only a single hybrid variant<\/a> might remain as a niche option. Thankfully, those predictions turned out to be premature.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><br \/>\n<!-- --><br \/>\n<!-- --><br \/>\n<!-- --><\/p>\n<p data-wp-block=\"{&quot;dropCap&quot;:false}\" data-wp-block-name=\"core\/paragraph\">Instead, the IS has made a full return for the 2026 model year. The compact luxury sedan not only stays in the portfolio but also arrives with a major update.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"revamped-design-for-the-enduring-nameplate\">Revamped Design for the Enduring Nameplate<\/h2>\n<p data-wp-block=\"{&quot;dropCap&quot;:false}\" data-wp-block-name=\"core\/paragraph\">The new design borrows <a href=\"https:\/\/www.autoblog.com\/reviews\/thinking-about-buying-a-2025-toyota-crown-here-are-other-top-choices-to-consider\">some cues from the Toyota Crown<\/a>, with a broader, low-set front fascia showcasing a revised spindle grille. The refreshed exterior continues the IS tradition of a low center of gravity and sharp proportions. F Sport variants now add a functional rear spoiler and lightweight 19-inch aluminum wheels, with the option of red brake calipers. The IS\u2019s color palette has grown to eight choices, including a new shade called Neutrino Gray, which highlights the sedan\u2019s dynamic lines.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><br \/>\n<!-- --><br \/>\n<!-- --><\/p>\n<section class=\"styles_cardWrapper__L_XoW wp-block-the-arena-group-article-card-5050\"\/>\n<p data-wp-block=\"{&quot;dropCap&quot;:false}\" data-wp-block-name=\"core\/paragraph\">Inside, Lexus has overhauled the cabin to align with its driver-first \u201cTazuna Concept.\u201d A standard 12.3-inch touchscreen now sits higher on the dash, angled toward the driver, while a matching 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster delivers configurable readouts.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><br \/>\n<!-- --><br \/>\n<!-- --><\/p>\n<p data-wp-block=\"{&quot;dropCap&quot;:false}\" data-wp-block-name=\"core\/paragraph\">The interior materials also step up, debuting a forged bamboo trim that blends sustainability with visual character. A new color option, Prominence, gives the F Sport cabin a vivid accent inspired by solar activity. Additional touches, such as customizable ambient lighting, wireless charging, and a choice between a 10-speaker Lexus audio system or a 17-speaker Mark Levinson setup, complete the package.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><br \/>\n<!-- --><br \/>\n<!-- --><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"two-powertrain-options-for-2026\">Two Powertrain Options for 2026<\/h2>\n<p data-wp-block=\"{&quot;dropCap&quot;:false}\" data-wp-block-name=\"core\/paragraph\">Under the hood, Lexus is offering the IS 350 and IS 300h. The IS 350 continues with a conventional gas setup, paired with either rear- or all-wheel drive and 8-speed or 6-speed automatics. The IS 300h carries on with hybrid technology using a CVT and a rear-wheel-drive layout.<\/p>\n<p data-wp-block=\"{&quot;dropCap&quot;:false}\" data-wp-block-name=\"core\/paragraph\">Both variants benefit from steering and suspension refinements, most notably a parallel-type electric power steering system with a variable gear ratio and a new adaptive suspension with linear solenoid control. Unfortunately, there isn\u2019t a V8 engine option this time around.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><br \/>\n<!-- --><br \/>\n<!-- --><\/p>\n<p data-wp-block=\"{&quot;dropCap&quot;:false}\" data-wp-block-name=\"core\/paragraph\">On the tech side, the IS gains an updated Lexus Safety System+ suite, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.autoblog.com\/features\/top-5-vehicles-with-the-most-standard-safety-features-in-2025\">plus Advanced Drive assistance<\/a> that supports hands-off highway driving in traffic jams.<\/p>\n<p data-wp-block=\"{&quot;dropCap&quot;:false}\" data-wp-block-name=\"core\/paragraph\">Production-spec models are expected to reach showrooms in early 2026 \u2013 a surprising but welcome continuation for one of Lexus\u2019 most enduring sedans.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><br \/>\n<!-- --><br \/>\n<!-- --><\/p>\n<div class=\"styles_contributors__dp6kk\">\n<h2 class=\"styles_contributorsTitle__f34Pu\">About the author<\/h2>\n<div class=\"styles_contributorsList__FCS2w\" readability=\"12.714\">\n<div class=\"styles_contributorBio__vbMqA\" readability=\"20.538\">\n<div class=\"styles_contributorBioContainer__FDef2\">\n<div class=\"styles_avatar__M_SvZ styles_contributorBioAvatar___AUl4 styles_medium__VUJo5\"><img alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"fill\" class=\"styles_avatarImage__7mnVX\" sizes=\"100px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.autoblog.com\/.image\/w_16,q_auto:good,c_fill,ar_1:1\/NzowMDAwMDAwMDAwOTAyMDgz\/img6463.jpg 16w, https:\/\/www.autoblog.com\/.image\/w_32,q_auto:good,c_fill,ar_1:1\/NzowMDAwMDAwMDAwOTAyMDgz\/img6463.jpg 32w, https:\/\/www.autoblog.com\/.image\/w_48,q_auto:good,c_fill,ar_1:1\/NzowMDAwMDAwMDAwOTAyMDgz\/img6463.jpg 48w, https:\/\/www.autoblog.com\/.image\/w_64,q_auto:good,c_fill,ar_1:1\/NzowMDAwMDAwMDAwOTAyMDgz\/img6463.jpg 64w, https:\/\/www.autoblog.com\/.image\/w_96,q_auto:good,c_fill,ar_1:1\/NzowMDAwMDAwMDAwOTAyMDgz\/img6463.jpg 96w, https:\/\/www.autoblog.com\/.image\/w_128,q_auto:good,c_fill,ar_1:1\/NzowMDAwMDAwMDAwOTAyMDgz\/img6463.jpg 128w, https:\/\/www.autoblog.com\/.image\/w_256,q_auto:good,c_fill,ar_1:1\/NzowMDAwMDAwMDAwOTAyMDgz\/img6463.jpg 256w, https:\/\/www.autoblog.com\/.image\/w_384,q_auto:good,c_fill,ar_1:1\/NzowMDAwMDAwMDAwOTAyMDgz\/img6463.jpg 384w, https:\/\/www.autoblog.com\/.image\/w_640,q_auto:good,c_fill,ar_1:1\/NzowMDAwMDAwMDAwOTAyMDgz\/img6463.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.autoblog.com\/.image\/w_750,q_auto:good,c_fill,ar_1:1\/NzowMDAwMDAwMDAwOTAyMDgz\/img6463.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.autoblog.com\/.image\/w_828,q_auto:good,c_fill,ar_1:1\/NzowMDAwMDAwMDAwOTAyMDgz\/img6463.jpg 828w, https:\/\/www.autoblog.com\/.image\/w_1080,q_auto:good,c_fill,ar_1:1\/NzowMDAwMDAwMDAwOTAyMDgz\/img6463.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.autoblog.com\/.image\/w_1200,q_auto:good,c_fill,ar_1:1\/NzowMDAwMDAwMDAwOTAyMDgz\/img6463.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.autoblog.com\/.image\/w_1920,q_auto:good,c_fill,ar_1:1\/NzowMDAwMDAwMDAwOTAyMDgz\/img6463.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.autoblog.com\/.image\/w_2048,q_auto:good,c_fill,ar_1:1\/NzowMDAwMDAwMDAwOTAyMDgz\/img6463.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.autoblog.com\/.image\/w_3840,q_auto:good,c_fill,ar_1:1\/NzowMDAwMDAwMDAwOTAyMDgz\/img6463.jpg 3840w\" src=\"https:\/\/www.autoblog.com\/.image\/w_3840,q_auto:good,c_fill,ar_1:1\/NzowMDAwMDAwMDAwOTAyMDgz\/img6463.jpg\"\/><\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"styles_contributorBioRole__GMTa6\">Senior Editor<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Jacob Oliva has been an automotive journalist for more than a decade. For Autocar Philippines, Jacob covers industry news, price analysis, aftermarket modifications, and in-depth reviews of new vehicles. His work has also appeared in outlets including AutoDeal, Motor1, Philkotse, Philstar Wheels, and CarBuzz, and he has covered major motor shows across Asia. A recipient of multiple Henry Ford Awards, Jacob lives in Manila, where he also manages and produces video content.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sep 9, 2025 4:29 AM EDT The Lexus IS Story Continues The Lexus IS has long been rumored to be on its last legs, with special edition models interpreted as final runs. Others suggested that the IS line would be discontinued by the end of the year, together with other aging Lexus models, while some [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-83556","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-industry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/83556","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=83556"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/83556\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=83556"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=83556"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=83556"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}