Ford F-150 vs Lexus IS

In its 14th generation and two years after a modest refresh, the 2026 Ford F-150 reshuffles standard and optional equipment across its eight trims, three beds, three cabs, and six powertrains. The electric F-150 Lightning ended production after the 2025 model year, leaving with it the potential for a plug-in hybrid in a future generation. For this test, we grabbed a low-level trim—the STX Lobo—to see how the F-150 fares with a traditional V8 and fewer features.

Verdict: The F-150 is the full-size truck with the most versatility and configurations on the market today.

Lexus refreshed the IS for the 2026 model year, infusing it with the latest digital instrumentation, infotainment, and driver-assistance technologies. It also updated the exterior and interior, re-tuned the steering and suspension, and refined the driving experience. However, the lineup loses the IS 300 with the turbocharged four-cylinder engine and the IS 500 with the thundering 5.0-liter V8, leaving a V6-powered IS 350 with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) as the sole model.

Verdict: The 2026 Lexus IS 350 is enjoyable to drive, exudes quality, and boasts a long-standing reputation for reliability. For those who want a small sports sedan with such characteristics, this is the car.