Lexus IS vs Lexus RC

2026 Lexus IS
2026 Lexus IS
$45,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Lexus RC
2025 Lexus RC
$45,620MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 Lexus IS
$45,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Lexus RC
$45,620MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

Years produced

2001-Present

Years produced

2015-2025

MSRP

$45,500

MSRP

$45,620

Listings

387

Listings

89

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

6.8 out of 10

Expert reviews

Pros

  • Fun to drive

  • Premium interior materials

  • Good reliability track record

Cons

  • Poor fuel economy

  • Not much cargo space

  • Incomplete safety ratings

Reviews Summary

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.

Reviews Summary

No video found
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

Engine

2.0L 241 hp I4

Drive Train

Drive Train

RWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

4

Horsepower

Horsepower

241 hp @ 5200 rpm

MPG City

MPG City

21

MPG Highway

MPG Highway

31
2026 Lexus IS
2026 Lexus IS
$45,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Lexus RC
2025 Lexus RC
$45,620MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 Lexus IS
$45,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Lexus RC
$45,620MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

Years produced
2001-Present
2015-2025
MSRP
$45,500
$45,620
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.6

4.8

Expert reviews

6.8 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Fun to drive

  • Premium interior materials

  • Good reliability track record

Cons

  • Poor fuel economy

  • Not much cargo space

  • Incomplete safety ratings

Summary

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.

Video
No video found
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.0L 241 hp I4
Drive Train
RWD
Seating Capacity
5
4
Horsepower
241 hp @ 5200 rpm
MPG City
21
MPG Highway
31
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