Some sedans have given up on the old formula, and the 2026 Lexus IS 350 F SPORT hasn’t. It still has a naturally aspirated V6, still sends power to the rear wheels, and still feels like a car built for people who like to drive. Inside, the screens are finally big enough to stop being a complaint, and the F SPORT grade adds the kind of seats and steering wheel you’ll appreciate every single morning. But this car isn’t for everyone, and a couple of things will matter more than you’d expect once you live with it. So let’s get into what it does well, and where it asks you to compromise.
PRO: Naturally Aspirated V6 Engine
The 3.5 liter V6 makes 311 hp and 280 lb-ft with no turbo. That means power builds in a smooth, predictable line, which is rare now that most rivals in this class have gone to boosted engines.
PRO: Rear Wheel Drive
Standard rear wheel drive comes with an 8 speed automatic and paddle shifters. It gives the IS a classic balanced feel that front drive based rivals just can’t copy.
PRO: Big Screens
A 12.3 inch touchscreen and a 12.3 inch digital cluster are both standard, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It fixes the small screen complaint the older car had.
PRO: F Sport-ness
The F SPORT grade adds bolstered, heated and ventilated front seats and a power adjustable heated steering wheel. Those are the touches you use every single day, and they make the upgrade feel worth it.
CON: Tight Back Seat
Rear legroom is just 32.2 inches, which is the tightest in the segment. Adults will be fine for short hops, but this isn’t the sedan for regular back seat duty.
CON: Thirsty
The EPA rates the IS 350 at 19 city, 27 highway, and 22 combined. One tester averaged just 18.2 mpg in real driving, which is thirsty next to rivals in this class.
