New 2026 Lexus IS Redesign, Pictures, Performance

New 2026 Lexus IS Redesign, Pictures, Performance  –  The new 2026 Lexus IS has been given a new name and a power boost. After a few years of just employing a hybrid powertrain, the brand’s smallest crossover is now known as the IS 300h in honor of the automaker’s switch to a fifth-generation gas-electric system.

The New 2026 IS 300h has a starting price of $45,810, which includes a non-negotiable delivery fee of $2,205. F Sport Design, LISury, or the F Sport 2 kit that came with this tester are the three packages that may be added from there. Before taxes, the total cost, including an optional paint job, was $53,549. Since the IS is not plugged in, it is not entitled for any federal or provincial rebates.

New 2026 Lexus IS Redesign and Update Plan

Exterior and Interior

The IS’s tiny footprint is a limitation. Naturally, this is true for the majority of compact cars, but the IS’s meager 487 L of baggage capacity is far less than that of many other manufacturers’ comparable models, where 650 L or more is the standard. Its bi-level floor, however, is useful for concealing goods below or for moving towering objects.  New 2026 Lexus IS Redesign

Additionally, there isn’t much room up front for tiny items. The center console of the IS used to include an infotainment touchpad. Instead of redesigning the console, Lexus replaced the seat heating controls with a touchscreen instead of adding more storage.

New 2026 Lexus IS Specs

All trim levels have a power sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, LED headlights with washers, and 18-inch alloys. Additionally, there is a cargo privacy cover, dual-zone temperature control, an eight-inch screen, heated and ventilated seats, and an auto-dimming mirror.  New 2026 Lexus IS Redesign

However, other features—like the 12.3-inch screen, a digital instrument display of a comparable size, a head-up display, a hands-free tailgate, memory settings for the driver’s seat, an integrated garage door opener, power-folding mirrors, and a wireless charger—need to be added to the package. Given that it’s standard on so many popular models these days, the final one is a strange choice for a luxury car.

Engine and Performance

The 2.0L four-cylinder engine that powers the Lexus IS 300h produces 150 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque by itself. When gas and electricity are operating together, the new hybrid system increases that to 196 horsepower, up from 181 horsepower before. While basic all-wheel drive (AWD) is provided by a rear electric motor that supplies fuel-free power to those back wheels when more traction is required, the system also employs an automated continuously-variable transmission (CVT).

The IS outperforms the previous generation hybrid in handling city traffic and passing at highway speed, despite its lack of speed. Depending on the driving situation, it automatically alternates between electricity, gasoline, or a combination of the two. The IS isn’t athletic, driver as its looks might suggest, but it’s fine as an everyday commuter. There isn’t much feedback through the steering wheel, but it responds quickly, takes curves smoothly, and brakes well. It’s confident on the highway, easy to park, and generally a decent driver overall.    New 2026 Lexus IS Redesign

New 2026 Lexus IS Fuel Economy

The New 2026 IS 300h is rated by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) at 5.3 L/100 km in the city, 5.9 on the highway, and 5.6 while driving in combination. It runs on regular-grade fuel, and I averaged 6.1 over my week with it. In this high-end market, the IS 300h has few hybrid subcompact competitors, and its gasoline-only competitors all have combined fuel economy of at least 8.0 L/100.  New 2026 Lexus IS Redesign

New 2026 Lexus IS Safety Features

Despite having a frontal collision rating of four stars, the New 2026 Lexus has the highest overall rating of five stars. The 2024 model’s initial front collision and the modified side smash, which now more accurately replicates being hit by a big SUV, earned it the highest “Good” rating from the non-profit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, it was given a “Marginal” grade in the revised front collision that now also evaluates the possibility of harm to a passenger in the backseat. The child seat tether anchors’ usability receives a Good+ grade.  New 2026 Lexus IS Redesign

Driver-support features found in all models include adaptive cruise control, emergency front braking, pedestrian detection and braking, including while turning, lane-keep assist, highway driving aid, road sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and the legally required back-up camera. The optional packages can add a head-up display and self-parking assist.

New 2026 Lexus IS Price and Release Date

All trim levels of the New 2026 IS 300h are hybrid, with prices ranging from $45,810 to $53,549. Because their subcompacts have gas-only drivetrains, it is challenging to compare it to other luxury manufacturers. Among these are the 2024 Audi Q3 models, which range in price from $44,115 to $53,565; the BMW X1, which starts at $49,380; and the Cadillac XT4, which ranges from $47,399 to $51,199 with AWD.

Because of more than just its hybrid drivetrain, the New 2026 Lexus IS is a specialized car. Although it is a good size for city streets, its poor load capacity and small back seat make it less useful. Despite not being particularly athletic, it has one of the greatest interiors, is really pleasant to drive, and has great fuel efficiency. New 2026 Lexus IS Redesign