After making its world debut last year, the 2026 Lexus IS has officially made its debut in the Philippines. Now on its third facelift, the third-generation sports sedan gets a redesigned front fascia, an updated cabin, and more standard features across the range.

Beginning with the exterior changes, the 2026 IS gets a new face. The signature spindle grille is no more, as Lexus gave the sports sedan a bigger and more dynamic-looking grille that's complemented by a new set of LED headlights & daytime running lights. Even the front bumper was given attention, as it now comes with new side intakes that give the sports sedan some extra flair.

Other changes are new 18-inch alloy wheel designs for the 300h models, as well as forged 19-inch alloys for the V6-powered 350 F Sport. Last but not least is a newly-designed trunk spoiler for improved aerodynamics and downforce, which is exclusive only to the IS 350 F Sport version.

Open the doors, and Lexus also gave the interior of the 2026 IS a minor nip and tuck. For starters, there's a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, which replaces the analog gauges from before. The touchscreen infotainment system was also updated and now features a larger 12.3-inch display. Like the pre-facelift version, it supports wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay for seamless mobile connectivity.

Audiophiles will be happy to know that the IS 300h Executive is equipped with a 10-speaker sound system. However, those who will get the IS 300h Premier and IS 350 F Sport will get to enjoy a 17-speaker audio system courtesy of Mark Levinson.

Other interior features available in the 2026 Lexus IS include: power-adjustable front seats with memory function for the driver, a power tilt & telescopic steering column, paddle shifters, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, full-leather upholstery with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, ventilated front seats, a wireless charging pad, multi-color ambient lighting, USB-C charging ports, dual-zone climate control with tactile toggle switches, and 60:40 split rear seats.

Under the hood, the 2026 IS continues to be available with two engine options. First is the 2.5L 2AR-FSE hybrid four-cylinder that's offered on the 300h variants. It makes a combined 223 PS with 221 Nm of torque and is paired with an e-CVT that drives the rear wheels. From a standstill, Lexus says it can go from 0 – 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds and can average up to 5.2L per 100 km (or 19.2 km/L).

Next is the more powerful naturally aspirated 3.5L 2GR-FKS V6 with Dual VVT-i, which is the standard engine in the 350 F Sport. It pumps out 315 PS at 6600 rpm with 380 Nm of torque between 4800 and 4900 rpm. Power is then sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. Despite not having a turbo, the IS 350 F Sport can hit 100 km/h from a standstill in 6 seconds flat.

For better peace of mind, the IS 300h Premier and IS 350 F Sport models come with Lexus Safety Sense, the brand's suite of advanced driver assist systems (ADAS). This gives the sports sedan intelligent driver aids like pre-collision system with autonomous emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane-tracing assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure alert, and dynamic radar cruise control (AKA adaptive cruise control).

Pricing of the 2026 Lexus IS is as follows:

IS 300 h Executive – PHP 3,128,000

IS 300 h Premier – PHP 3,408,000

IS 350 F Sport – PHP 4,388,000

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