2026 Lexus IS 350 Engine Specs: 311-Horsepower V6, Drivetrains & Driving Dynamics
The first question most shoppers ask about this sport sedan is what powers it and how that power feels on the road. The answer is a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 — an increasingly rare thing in a segment that has otherwise moved to small turbocharged engines.
The 3.5-Liter V6 at a Glance
Every 2026 IS 350 uses the same engine. There is no four-cylinder and no V8 in the lineup this year — Lexus retired both the IS 300 and the IS 500 for 2026, leaving one powertrain across every configuration.
Engine Specifications
| Specification | 2026 Lexus IS 350 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L naturally aspirated V6 |
| Horsepower | 311 hp @ 6,600 rpm |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated (no turbocharger) |
| Required fuel | Premium unleaded, 91 octane or higher |
| Availability | Standard on F SPORT Design and F SPORT |
Why Naturally Aspirated Matters
Without a turbocharger in the system, there is no spool-up delay between the throttle input and the response. Power arrives in a straight line from low rpm to redline, which is what gives the car its predictable, mechanical character.
2026 Lexus IS 350 Pricing and Configurations
The lineup runs two grades, each available with rear- or all-wheel drive — four configurations in total.
MSRP by Configuration
| Configuration | Drivetrain | Transmission | MSRP* |
|---|---|---|---|
| IS 350 F SPORT Design | Rear-wheel drive | 8-speed automatic | $46,895* |
| IS 350 F SPORT Design AWD | All-wheel drive | 6-speed automatic | $48,895* |
| IS 350 F SPORT | Rear-wheel drive | 8-speed automatic | $49,345* |
| IS 350 F SPORT AWD | All-wheel drive | 6-speed automatic | $51,345* |
*Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
Source: 2026 IS 350 pricing and specifications, Lexus USA Newsroom (pricing updated May 1, 2026). Specifications, pricing and availability are preliminary and subject to change.
Rear-Wheel Drive vs. All-Wheel Drive
The drivetrain choice changes the transmission, not just which wheels are driven. This is the single most consequential decision in the configuration process.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Rear-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive | |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 8-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Character | Traditional rear-drive sport sedan feel | All-weather traction and stability |
| EPA-Estimated MPG | 19 city / 27 hwy / 22 combined | 19 city / 26 hwy / 22 combined |
| Price step | Base | +$2,000 |
Which One Fits
- Choose rear-wheel drive for the closer-spaced ratios of the eight-speed and the classic rear-drive balance.
- Choose all-wheel drive if wet-weather confidence outweighs the single EPA-Estimated highway MPG and the wider ratio spacing of the six-speed.
EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
Performance and Chassis
Measured Performance
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| 0–60 mph (rear-wheel drive) | 5.6 seconds |
| Top speed | 143 mph |
| Steering | Electric Power Steering, retuned for 2026 |
The F SPORT Handling Package
Available on the F SPORT grade only, this package is the meaningful chassis upgrade in the lineup:
- Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) — adjusts damper firmness in real time to road conditions and drive mode
- Torsen limited-slip differential — optimizes power distribution across the rear axle
Nineteen-inch wheels are standard on both grades, so wheel size itself is not a differentiator between them.
Dimensions and Capacities
| Measurement | 2026 Lexus IS 350 |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 110.2 in |
| Overall length | 185.8 in |
| Width (excluding mirrors) | 72.4 in |
| Trunk capacity | 10.8 cu ft |
| Fuel tank | 17.4 gal |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy and Fuel Requirements
Ratings by Drivetrain
| Drivetrain | EPA-Estimated City | EPA-Estimated Highway | EPA-Estimated Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear-wheel drive | 19 MPG | 27 MPG | 22 MPG |
| All-wheel drive | 19 MPG | 26 MPG | 22 MPG |
Pairing the 17.4-gallon tank with the rear-drive highway rating puts EPA-Estimated highway range at roughly 470 miles between stops.
Premium Fuel Is Required, Not Recommended
- Lexus requires premium unleaded rated 91 octane or higher for this engine.
- The published output and EPA-Estimated ratings are achieved on that fuel.
- Lower-octane fuel causes the engine computer to retard ignition timing, which reduces both power and efficiency.
EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
What Changed for 2026
The IS received a substantive refresh this year rather than a carryover.
- Exterior — redesigned front end emphasizing the low center of gravity and wide stance; newly styled 19-inch lightweight aluminum wheels on both grades
- Interior — restyled instrument panel and center console; new Forged Bamboo ornamentation
- Displays — 12.3-inch Lexus Interface touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, both now standard
- Dynamics — Electric Power Steering and suspension optimized for more linear, consistent steering feel
- Lineup — consolidated to the IS 350 only; the four-cylinder IS 300 and V8 IS 500 were discontinued
- Safety — Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 now standard
- Color — seven exterior options, including the new Wind finish
Interior Technology and Audio
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Touchscreen | 12.3-in Lexus Interface (standard) |
| Instrument cluster | 12.3-in TFT LCD digital display (standard) |
| Standard audio | Lexus Premium Sound, 10 speakers |
| Available audio | Mark Levinson, 17 speakers |
| Front charging | Two high-output USB-C ports plus Gen5 Qi wireless pad |
| Rear charging | Two USB-C charging ports |
| Interior color | Radiant Red available, exclusive to F SPORT |
Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 — Standard on Every IS 350
| System | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection | Camera and radar detection of vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, with audio/visual warning and automatic emergency braking |
| Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist | Adds steering torque during a driver-initiated emergency maneuver |
| Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking | Warns and brakes when turning left across oncoming traffic in certain daytime conditions |
| Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control | Maintains a set following distance from highway speeds down to a full stop |
| Lane Tracing Assist | Helps center the vehicle in its lane when radar cruise control is active |
| Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist | Warns above 30 mph and provides gentle corrective steering |
| Road Sign Assist | Reads speed limit, stop, yield and other signs to the driver display |
| Proactive Driving Assist | Gentle braking into curves and distance support around vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists |
| Automatic High Beams | Toggles between high and low beams based on surroundings |
The F SPORT Special Appearance Package
Offered on IS 350 F SPORT models to mark the 2026 launch, and limited to 350 units for North America:
- Hakugin Matte White exterior with White & Black interior treatment
- 19-inch Black BBS forged alloy wheels
- Triple-beam LED headlamps and moonroof
- Handling Package, Intuitive Parking Assist, Panoramic View Monitor
- Mark Levinson audio, power rear sunshade, Technology Package
- SmartAccess Key Card, unique carpet floor mats and key gloves
Warranty and Ownership Coverage
| Coverage | Term |
|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 48 months / 50,000 miles |
| Powertrain warranty | 72 months / 70,000 miles |
| Roadside assistance | 48 months, unlimited mileage |
Source: Lexus warranty terms, lexus.com/warranty.
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Warranty coverage depends on the specific terms of your vehicle’s warranty agreement. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.
Common Questions About the 2026 Lexus IS 350
How much does the 2026 IS 350 cost?
It opens at $46,895 MSRP for the F SPORT Design with rear-wheel drive and runs to $51,345 MSRP for the F SPORT with all-wheel drive. All four configurations appear in the pricing table above.
What transmission comes with all-wheel drive?
A six-speed automatic. Rear-wheel-drive models use the eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic instead.
How fuel-efficient is it?
EPA-Estimated 19 MPG city / 27 MPG highway / 22 MPG combined with rear-wheel drive, and an EPA-Estimated 19 / 26 / 22 with all-wheel drive.
How does the trunk compare with other compact luxury sedans?
The trunk measures 10.8 cubic feet, which is on the smaller side of the segment. The rear seats fold to extend the space for longer items.
What is included in Lexus Roadside Assistance?
Coverage runs four years with unlimited mileage. Owners reach Lexus Roadside Assistance at 800-255-3987 for flat tire changes, lockouts, fuel delivery, and towing to an authorized service center.
See the 2026 IS 350 in Woodland Hills
Our team can walk you through the difference between the rear-drive eight-speed and the all-wheel-drive six-speed, show the new 12.3-inch displays, and help you land on the right grade. We serve drivers from Woodland Hills, Tarzana, Encino, Reseda, Calabasas, and Canoga Park.
You can also read our full 2026 Lexus IS 350 review or browse more Lexus research guides before you visit.
Visit us at 21701 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91364.
Disclaimers
MSRP: Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
Fuel Economy: EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
Warranty: This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Warranty coverage depends on the specific terms of your vehicle’s warranty agreement. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.