2026 Lexus IS vs 2026 Volvo EX40
The 2026 Lexus IS 350 produces 311 hp from a 3.5-liter V6 and reaches 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. That puts it against the Volvo EX40, an all-electric crossover with up to 402 hp and 296 miles of range. This page breaks down every key difference so you can choose confidently, with inventory available at Lexus of Riverside.
The Short Answer
The 2026 Lexus IS is built for drivers who want a rear-wheel-drive sport sedan with a naturally aspirated V6, a track-tuned suspension, and long-term ownership costs that do not depend on charging infrastructure. The 2026 Volvo EX40 suits buyers who prioritize zero-emission driving, a higher seating position, and Google-native software. These two vehicles serve genuinely different buyers, and the sections below show exactly where each one leads.
Specs Head-to-Head
| Category | 2026 Lexus IS 350 | 2026 Volvo EX40 (Twin Motor) |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 3.5L V6, naturally aspirated | All-electric Twin Motor |
| Horsepower | 311 hp | 402 hp |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft | 494 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed Sport Direct-Shift (RWD) / 6-speed (AWD) | Single-speed direct drive |
| Drivetrain | RWD standard / AWD available | AWD (Twin Motor) |
| 0-60 mph | 5.9 sec (RWD) | Not provided |
| Fuel / Energy | Premium gasoline | Electric |
| Range / MPG | 19 city / 27 hwy / 22 combined | 296 miles EV range |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Basic Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 6 years / 70,000 miles | Not provided |
Performance and Powertrain
The IS 350 uses a 3.5-liter DOHC V6 with Dual VVT-i producing 311 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. The rear-wheel-drive configuration pairs with an 8-speed Sport Direct-Shift automatic transmission, and aluminum paddle shifters allow manual gear selection with rev-matching on downshifts. That mechanical connection between driver and chassis is intentional. The IS F SPORT adds an Adaptive Variable Suspension with up to 650 levels of active damping, and an available Torsen limited-slip differential helps manage rear traction at the limit. The 5.9-second 0-60 time is the result of chassis engineering, not just output numbers.
The Volvo EX40 Twin Motor delivers 402 hp and 494 lb-ft of torque through a single-speed direct-drive setup. Electric torque arrives instantly, which produces strong acceleration off the line. The EX40 also offers a Single Motor Extended Range variant at 248 hp with rear-wheel drive. The EX40 is not tuned to reward driver input the way the IS is, but it offers the convenience of 296 miles of range and one-pedal driving.
For buyers in Riverside and across the region who want a car that responds to driving skill, the IS 350 RWD is the stronger choice. For buyers whose priority is instant torque and zero tailpipe emissions, the EX40 Twin Motor answers that need.
Interior, Space, and Cargo
The IS 350 is a compact sport sedan. Its interior prioritizes the driver with F SPORT bolstered seats that are heated and ventilated, a power-adjustable heated steering wheel, and aluminum sport pedals on F SPORT trims. NuLuxe interior trim is standard across both main trim levels, with dual-zone climate control and heated front seats included. The IS is not a cargo hauler. Its low roofline and sedan body mean limited trunk space relative to a crossover.
The Volvo EX40 has 18.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 57.5 cubic feet with seats folded. There is also a 0.7-cubic-foot front cargo compartment. Rear-seat legroom measures 36.1 inches, and rear headroom with the panoramic roof measures 38.3 inches. For buyers who need to carry gear regularly, the EX40 has a clear practical advantage in cargo volume.
Interior quality in the EX40 leans toward Connect Suede Textile and Microtech upholstery, a sculpted gear selector, and a charcoal headliner. The IS offers a more driver-focused cockpit feel. If day-to-day cargo utility or a higher seating position matters, the EX40 wins that comparison. If the interior experience is about performance feel and premium materials in a tighter sport environment, the IS holds its ground.
Technology and Safety
The IS 350 pairs a 12.3-inch Lexus Interface touchscreen with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, onboard navigation, and four USB-C ports are standard. The optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system is available for buyers who want reference-level sound. Gen5 Qi wireless charging is also standard.
The Volvo EX40 uses a 9-inch center touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital driver display. Google Built-In is native to the system, meaning Google Assistant, Google Maps, and the Google Play Store are integrated without a phone connection. A four-year unlimited-data Google digital services subscription is included. Wired Apple CarPlay is standard, though wireless Apple CarPlay is not listed in the provided specs. Over-the-air software updates allow the EX40 to receive feature changes without a dealer visit.
On safety, the IS 350 includes Pre-Collision System with pedestrian detection, full-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Road Sign Assist, Proactive Driving Assist, and Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist as standard equipment. The Volvo EX40 includes City Safety automatic emergency braking covering vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, Lane Keeping Aid, BLIS blind-spot monitoring with steering support, and Pilot Assist for semi-autonomous highway driving. Both vehicles carry strong standard safety suites.
Value and Ownership
Both vehicles share a 4-year / 50,000-mile basic warranty. The IS 350 adds a 6-year / 70,000-mile powertrain warranty, which extends protection well beyond the basic coverage period. The EX40's powertrain warranty terms were not provided in the available specs.
The IS 350 runs on premium gasoline and returns 22 MPG combined. Fuel costs depend on local prices at the pump. The EX40 runs entirely on electricity, so operating costs depend on local electricity rates and charging access. Buyers in Riverside who own a home charger will find EV running costs lower per mile, but those without home charging may find the IS 350's fueling convenience more practical on a daily basis.
The IS 350 F SPORT trims add the Adaptive Variable Suspension and ventilated front seats, which are meaningful upgrades for performance-focused buyers. A Special Appearance Package is also available in limited numbers with Hakugin Matte White paint and 19-inch BBS forged alloy wheels with a black finish, representing the top of the IS range.
Which One Should You Buy
Buy the 2026 Lexus IS 350 if:
You want a rear-wheel-drive sport sedan with a high-revving V6, driver-focused suspension tuning, and the ability to refuel anywhere in minutes. The IS F SPORT is the right choice for buyers in Riverside who want track-ready dynamics on public roads, a longer powertrain warranty, and a proven naturally aspirated engine with a visceral exhaust note. The RWD F SPORT configuration with the 8-speed Sport Direct-Shift transmission is the sharpest version of this car.
Buy the 2026 Volvo EX40 if:
You want a compact electric crossover with higher cargo capacity, Google-native software, and zero tailpipe emissions. The Twin Motor variant delivers 402 hp and 296 miles of range, which suits buyers who want EV convenience without sacrificing all-weather capability. The EX40 is the better fit if a higher seating position and utility matter more than driver-focused sedan dynamics.
These two vehicles are not true rivals on paper. They answer different questions for different buyers. The IS 350 is a sport sedan first. The EX40 is an electric utility vehicle first. Clarifying which priority leads your decision makes choosing between them straightforward.
Find Your 2026 Lexus IS at Lexus of Riverside
Shoppers across Riverside can see the full IS 350 lineup in person at Lexus of Riverside. Both the F SPORT Design and F SPORT trims are available in rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, with the Special Appearance Package available in limited numbers. Browse current inventory, schedule a test drive, or bring your current vehicle in for a trade appraisal using the links below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2026 Lexus IS faster than the 2026 Volvo EX40?
The IS 350 RWD reaches 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. A 0-60 time for the EX40 Twin Motor was not included in the available specifications, so a direct comparison on that figure cannot be made here. The IS 350 does produce 311 hp from its V6 with an 8-speed Sport Direct-Shift transmission tuned for quick gear changes.
Does the 2026 Lexus IS have wireless Apple CarPlay?
Yes. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are both standard on the 2026 Lexus IS 350, paired with a 12.3-inch Lexus Interface touchscreen.
What is the range of the 2026 Volvo EX40?
The 2026 Volvo EX40 has an EPA-rated range of 296 miles on a full charge in the Single Motor Extended Range configuration. The Twin Motor AWD variant may differ.
How does the IS 350 warranty compare to the EX40?
Both carry a 4-year / 50,000-mile basic warranty. The Lexus IS 350 adds a 6-year / 70,000-mile powertrain warranty. Volvo EX40 powertrain warranty terms were not provided in the available specifications.
Does the 2026 Lexus IS come in all-wheel drive?
Yes. The IS 350 is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The AWD variant uses a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The RWD variant uses the 8-speed Sport Direct-Shift transmission.
How much cargo space does the Volvo EX40 have compared to the Lexus IS?
The EX40 offers 18.9 cubic feet behind the second row, expandable to 57.5 cubic feet with seats folded. The IS 350 is a compact sedan with a trunk. For buyers who need maximum cargo volume, the EX40 has a clear advantage in this category.
Does the 2026 Lexus IS have a heads-up display?
A heads-up display was not listed in the verified specifications provided for the 2026 IS 350. The car does include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch Lexus Interface touchscreen as standard.
