Lexus IS platform and positioning
The IS is the smallest Lexus sedan, a rear-wheel-drive car with an optional all-wheel-drive system. The nameplate dates from 1998, and the current third generation (XE30) was shown at the Detroit auto show in January 2013 and went into production that April at Toyota’s Tahara plant in Aichi, Japan. It has since been facelifted three times, for the 2017, 2021 and 2026 model years.
Lexus stopped selling the IS in Europe in 2020 and in Australia in 2021. North America and Japan still sell it, with different engines.
Lexus IS powertrain
In the US the only engine is a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 producing 311 hp and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft). Rear-wheel-drive cars use an eight-speed automatic with a Torsen limited-slip differential; all-wheel-drive cars use a six-speed automatic. The four-cylinder IS 300 and the V8 IS 500 F SPORT Performance were dropped for the 2026 model year.
Japan sells only the IS 300h, a 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid with rear-wheel drive and a CVT.
Inside the Lexus IS
The 2026 facelift brought a 12.3-inch Lexus Interface touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, along with variable-ratio electric power steering and a revised front end. US cars have four USB-C ports, wireless charging and Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with a standard 10-speaker audio system or an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson set.
Lexus IS price and trims
The 2027 US range is two grades, F SPORT Design and F SPORT, each with rear- or all-wheel drive. Prices run from $47,545 to $51,845, including the $1,395 delivery, processing and handling fee, and all-wheel drive adds $2,000 to either grade. For 2027 Lexus also offers a Special Appearance Package on the IS 350 F SPORT, limited to 350 cars for North America, with Envious green paint and black BBS forged wheels.
In Japan the IS 300h is sold in four grades, from 5,900,000 yen (~$40,100) for the base car to 6,950,000 yen (~$47,300) for the F SPORT Mode Black VI special edition.
