2026 Lexus IS.

It looks like Lexus isn’t ready yet to give us a new generation IS sedan. After about 13 years. And they’re not ready to give up on it either.

The current, 3rd-generation Lexus IS came out back in 2013. It was revamped for 2017. And more important changes came in 2020, but not a new generation. What we see above is the 2026 model, and it looks like most changes are new bumpers and a redesigned dashboard.

There is only one version available for 2026, the IS 350. In F-Sport or F-Sport Design trim. No more “regular” IS or V8. That means the ghastly new plasticky grille is there on both trims.

The best part is that Lexus is keeping the smooth 3.5 Liter V6. With 311HP. Which is fine, but nothing special in 2026.

Sales of the Lexus IS sedan were down to under 19,000 units last year. That’s usually when a car gets canceled. I guess new bumpers and a redesigned dashboard don’t cost that much to keep it around for a couple of years.

Still. Why?