Summary

• With 486 currently listed for sale and an average price of $50,366.00, 36.0% of 2026 Lexus IS models for sale on CarGurus are rated as good or great deals.

• 94.7% of 2026 Lexus IS models on CarGurus are accident free.

Why it stands out

The 2026 Lexus IS stands out as a compact luxury sports sedan that leans into style, technology, and driver appeal. For 2026, it received another major refresh with a redesigned exterior that includes a new grille and more aggressive headlights. Inside, the Lexus Interface infotainment system is standard, along with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and the digital instrument cluster also grows to 12.3 inches. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 is standard as well, reinforcing the car’s mix of performance and modern safety equipment.

What makes the 2026 Lexus IS especially distinctive is that it simplifies the lineup while keeping the sedan’s sporty character intact. The only powertrain is a 311-hp 3.5-liter V6, available with both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, and the only model is the Lexus IS 350. That focus gives the car a clearer identity than a broader, more complicated range might, and it should appeal to buyers who want a luxury sedan with a strong feature set and a more engaging personality than many mainstream alternatives.

There are still tradeoffs, though. The Lexus IS is described as ideal for young professionals or those who rarely bring passengers along, less so for families because the back seat is really tight. Its pros include being fun to drive, easy-to-use technology, and standard advanced safety features, while its cons include not much cargo space, cramped back seats, and poor fuel economy.

Other model years to consider

• 2022 Lexus IS

  • Average price: $38,057.00
  • Good/great deal percentage: 35.4%
  • User rating: 5 / 5
  • Total listings: 1,012

• 2024 Lexus IS

  • Average price: $43,105.00
  • Good/great deal percentage: 36.4%
  • Total listings: 1,475

• 2023 Lexus IS

  • Average price: $41,511.00
  • Good/great deal percentage: 36.1%
  • User rating: 4.8 / 5
  • Total listings: 1,285

This analysis is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 6, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.