Lexus updates the 2026 IS with F Sport Mode Black V and TRD upgrades

The Lexus IS hasn’t been a newcomer for a long time—the current generation first arrived in 2013—yet the brand shows no urge to retire it. For 2026, the sedan receives another refresh, and it’s more than a light facelift. Japanese buyers get an exclusive F Sport Mode Black V trim and a suite of factory upgrades from TRD.

In this update, Lexus has retuned the electric power steering to deliver better feedback and revised the look with a cleaner front end, an aerodynamic spoiler, and a tidier cabin layout anchored by two new 12.3-inch displays for infotainment and instruments. The steering tweak is the kind of change that tends to matter more behind the wheel than in the brochure.

The F Sport Mode Black V stands out with forged BBS wheels, red brake calipers, and an interior lined with Ultrasuede. Pricing falls between 5.8 and 6.75 million yen. Japanese customers can also browse a TRD catalog that spans bumpers and side skirts to a new exhaust and aero mirrors. For those craving more, there are additional body-stiffening components and a rear performance damper designed to cut vibrations and sharpen handling.

Whether any of these elements will be offered outside Japan remains uncertain, and expectations should be kept in check. Even so, the IS continues to show how to keep a traditional sport sedan relevant in the SUV era, with targeted, enthusiast-focused tweaks that preserve its character.

By limiting the special editions and factory tuning to its home market, Lexus reinforces the model’s cult appeal and underlines its premium standing where the badge carries the most weight.