We did not realize how good we had it in the early to mid-2000s. Sport sedans were everywhere, and the segment was just beginning to discover its swagger. Mercedes-Benz and BMW may have arrived first with compact sport sedans in the 1980s, but when the Japanese competitors showed up in the 1990s, they did not exactly knock politely. One of the hardest hits came from the Lexus IS.

That golden sport sedan era, however, appears to have been shorter lived than we wanted to admit. Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi still maintain a presence in the market, but Infiniti and Acura have quietly stepped away, leaving Lexus as the last Japanese brand still carrying the sport sedan torch.

That may also explain why the Lexus IS has not received a significant overhaul as it enters its 12th model year and third, errrr, mid-cycle refresh. Although, calling it mid-cycle at this point feels a bit like calling 60 middle-aged, as long as everyone agrees not to look too closely.

Despite being 12 years old, the Lexus IS has aged remarkably well and still presents itself as a genuinely appealing compact sport sedan. This latest refresh sharpens the front fascia with a more assertive stance, while the rear styling continues to benefit from those attractive wide hips and a trunk-spanning taillight that gives the car more visual presence.

New for 2026 is the IS 350 F Sport-exclusive Special Appearance package, which adds nearly $10,000 worth of attractive goodness like the striking Hakugin Matte White finish, 19-inch black forged BBS wheels, signature triple-beam LED headlights, and the still-impressive 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system. It is the sort of package that reminds you Lexus still knows how to dress an aging athlete in a very convincing suit.

Also for 2026, Lexus has trimmed the IS lineup of its excess weight, eliminating the entry IS 300 four-cylinder turbo and the more powerful V8-powered IS 500 to concentrate solely on the IS 350 F SPORT. What remains is the soul-thumping, naturally aspirated 311-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, an old-school engine for an old-school state of mind, and frankly, not the worst hill to age gracefully on.

The IS 350 continues to be offered in a traditional rear-wheel-drive layout, with all-wheel drive available for a couple grand more. Oddly enough, the rear-wheel-drive version receives the more modern 8-speed automatic transmission, while the all-wheel-drive model makes do with a more traditional 6-speed. Happily, our example was rear-wheel drive, which reminded us of a simpler time when sideways activities could awaken the inner toddler in all of us. At least until traction control regained its grip and sternly reminded us that society has rules.

From behind the wheel, there is no hiding the fact that the IS 350 sits behind the performance curve. It takes nearly 6 seconds to reach 60 mph, while some competitors need closer to 4. On a track, its handling would likely be described as a bit lazy. In day-to-day driving, however, it feels just right, with respectable feedback, a substantial sense of heft, and a tightness that still communicates confidence. The transmission is not as engaging as one might hope either, but its shift points are smooth, effortless, and appropriately unbothered.

Inside, the IS 350 continues to deliver the comfort and luxury expected from a proper sport sedan. Everything feels thoughtfully centered around the driver, which is exactly where a car like this should place its priorities. The cabin has been meaningfully updated with a more modern presentation, replacing the old small infotainment system with a new 12.3-inch touchscreen that does not dominate the interior’s clean aesthetic. The buttons and switchgear retain a satisfyingly tactile, high-quality feel, a welcome reminder that not every function needs to be buried under fourteen menus and a prayer.

Lexus has always had a gift for building a beautifully finished cabin, and the IS remains a genuinely pleasant place to spend time. Soft-touch materials are everywhere, creating the distinct sensation of sitting inside a very luxurious padded cell. The only real drawback is space. Born from the mid-2000s era, when cars were still roughly proportionate to the size of their consumer base, the IS 350 now feels a bit cramped in the modern world. The back seat is mostly for display purposes rather than meaningful human transportation. The front seats, however, are excellent that exudes supportive, comfortable, and ready to hold you in place with the confidence of a nightclub bouncer.

At the end of the day, we have to remember the original premise of the sport sedan. It was the car for drivers who wanted to have their cake and eat it too; something practical enough for real life, but engaging enough to make the work commute feel less like a scheduled obligation. For those who had to trade the sports car fantasy for corporate family life, a Lexus IS 350 could still make the drive to work feel like something worth looking forward to. It was never only about speed or grip; it was about daily driving satisfaction. Opening the taps on the naturally aspirated V6 and listening to its satisfying grunt still delivers a kind of mechanical honesty that most turbo-four soundtracks can only imitate with mixed results.

With our example priced at $61,614, the 2026 Lexus IS 350 F SPORT is no longer fighting to lead the class, and Lexus knows that. But with its old-school charm, everyday comfort, polished manners, and stubborn refusal to quietly disappear, it remains one we are genuinely glad Lexus has not killed off yet.