DecodedCars2026 Lexus IS
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2026 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 350 4dr Sedan AWD
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl
- Horsepower
- 311 hp
- Transmission
- automatic
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 22 combined · 19 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 185.8 in
- Curb weight
- 3,913 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 22 MPG combined, 25% below the 2026 compact car average of 29.2 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2026 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2026 Lexus IS is a compact car offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 186 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 110-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,913 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 27 highway), 25% worse than the 2026 compact car average of 29.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,750 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the vehicle speed control.
What changed for 2026
- Engines dropped: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 5.0L 8-cyl
- Best combined MPG down from 25 to 22
- Lightest version 198 lb heavier
Compared with 2025; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2025 IS →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Tahara, Aichi
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 1 2026 IS configuration; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 350 4dr Sedan AWD | 185.8 in | 72.4 in | 56.3 in | 110.2 in | 62.2 / 61.8 in | 3,913 lb | 55/45 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IS 350 | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | -25% | $3,750 | 403 |
| IS 350 AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | -25% | $3,750 | 408 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2026 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2026 Lexus IS.
Similar 2026 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus IS (this car) | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 BMW 3 Series | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Tesla Model 3 | 363 mi | Not rated | 1 |
| 2026 Audi A3 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Tesla Model S | 410 mi | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2026 Lexus IS.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2026 Lexus IS is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Other IS years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 IS | 25 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2024 IS | 25 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2023 IS | 25 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 5 |
| 2022 IS | 25 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 5 |
| 2021 IS | 25 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 3 |
| 2020 IS | 24 | 183.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 9 |
| 2019 IS | 24 | 183.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 10 |
| 2018 IS | 26 | 183.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 9 |
| 2017 IS | 26 | 183.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 21 |
| 2016 IS | 26 | 183.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 17 |
| 2015 IS | 24 | 183.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 30 |
| 2014 IS | 24 | 183.9 in | Not rated | 4 | 56 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lexus. How we calculate this →