When Lexus announced the ‘Ultimate’ edition of the IS500 earlier this year, we weren’t the only ones thinking that time was probably running out for the long-running current iteration. Just to refresh your memory, this model first went on sale in 2013 and has already been updated twice, first in 2017 then in 2020. Aside from the Ultimate, a ‘Climax’ version was also released in Japan, and those names just had an air of finality.
Turns out the third-gen Lexus IS could live to see its 13th birthday next year, having just received its third facelift.
What hasn’t survived, though, is the IS500—only the IS300h and the IS350 remain in the lineup, with the latter available in both rear- and all-wheel drive. These are the powertrains we already have in the local market for the pre-update version, so output is essentially the same.
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To improve handling, the 2026 model does get a revised rack-parallel electric power steering system with a new variable gear ratio for quicker, smoother, and more tactile steering. Meanwhile, the new linear-solenoid-type adaptive variable suspension better suppresses road-surface shock for improved stability and ride comfort.
The most apparent changes are to the now Camry-looking front end. The grille sits lower and conspicuously wider than before, giving the sedan a more imposing appearance. The wheels have been redesigned, with standard variants getting 18-inch rollers and the F Sport sitting on 19-inch aluminum wheels that allow factory-option red calipers to peek through. The F Sport also gets a new rear spoiler for improved aero. Neutrino Gray is a new paint option, along with seven other colors to choose from.
If you’ve never been a fan of the touchpad on the center console, Lexus has now purged the console of this polarizing feature. The downside is that the analog clock between the center A/C vents is gone, too, most likely to make room for the 12.3-inch touchscreen display at the center of the dashboard. To the left, the instrument cluster is now a 12.3-inch LCD unit. New Forged Bamboo trim adds texture and visual variety to the cockpit, and if you want a lot more flair, the interior can now be specified in the red-and-black Prominence color scheme.
The safety and driving aids have been updated as well. The Advanced Drive feature of Lexus Teammate allows for hands-free operation in traffic, combining advanced driving-assist systems like adaptive cruise control and lane centering with feedback from sensors, real-time mapping, and a driver-facing camera to monitor road conditions and make sure the driver is ready to take over anytime.
“In refining the IS, our unwavering focus was on achieving true dialogue between car and driver, where the driver’s intentions are faithfully conveyed to the vehicle, and the car’s responses are clearly felt in return,” said Yasushi Muto, chief engineer at Lexus. “With that ideal in mind, we’ve pursued development without compromise, always aiming for the next level.”
More photos of the Lexus IS 2026:
