2026 vs 2025 Lexus IS 350: Are the Facelift & Interior a Worthy Upgrade?
The 2026 Lexus IS 350 was treated to a number of tweaks for the new model year, but is it worth picking over the 2025 model?
Over the past several years, we’ve watched helplessly as automakers discontinue sedan after sedan, replacing them with America’s preferred mode of transportation these days – crossovers and SUVs. This transition has certainly taken place at Lexus, which has discontinued its fair share of both coupes and sedans as of late, leaving one to wonder if the same fate would befall the IS. However, the 2026 Lexus IS instead arrived bearing a bevy of updates, which is great news for fans of the sporty luxury sedan.
In this recent video from the YouTube channel Bros FOURR Speed, we’re treated to an in-depth comparison between the 2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport and its predecessor, the 2025 model, to see just what’s changed from one model year to the next. Those begin on the outside, with a few tweaks including a triple beam headlight design, a revised front fascia, a less prominent gloss black surround, different wheel options, a thicker rear spoiler, and new badging.
Inside, one will find essentially identical seats in both IS sedans, though the 2026 model adds proximity door handles and a unique window trim accent. The old trackpad is gone, replaced by a larger touchscreen-only interface with a fixed left-side menu bar, and the physical clock is no more, too. Power for the 2026 Lexus IS still comes from the naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6, generating 311 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque in both models, and each is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels.
Thus, as one might imagine, the 2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport drives a lot like the 2025 model, though it has received updated suspension tuning designed to give it a more planted feel during cornering. The steering does feel more responsive, according to our host, particularly at lower speeds – though these are subtle differences, regardless.
Ultimately, choosing between the 2025 and 2026 Lexus IS boils down to a few key factors – for those that already own the older model, upgrading to the new one will likely be appealing for those wanting the latest tech and styling tweaks, as performance remains unchanged. Those who want more in terms of power may be better suited to go for the V8-powered IS 500, which was discontinued for 2026.
Ultimately, our host is a bit torn between the two IS 350s here, noting that either remains a solid choice for those in the market for a fun, luxurious, stylish, and reliable sedan – and both cost roughly the same, though one can probably score a better deal on an outgoing 2025 at the moment.
“If you have a ’25, really if you’re looking for just a refresh for it, maybe you like some of the interior tech, the layout is a little bit different, or if you’re comfortable with having that trackpad, having a little bit smaller of a screen, you can’t go wrong with either of these models,” our host states. “Now, they are again not a very quick vehicle, so it is crazy to see the IS 500 is not available. You can still get it for 2025, though, and there’s even a limited edition as well. So, if you want more power, you will have to go with a 2025 IS 500 or a previous model, of course.”
“But if you have both of these, they’re very sporty-feeling driving vehicles. They have some performance style characteristics to them. Even if they don’t have that added power, they’re still pretty quick for normal day-to-day driving. And you honestly can’t go wrong with either one. The more that I’ve seen this ’26 year model, the looks are growing on me. I think it’s definitely a great design. And it really just depends on whether you want to part ways and upgrade, or if you don’t have an IS model, you can go with the latest tech. They are both great options to go with.”
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