2027 Lexus IS vs. 2026 Lexus IS: What Changed and Which Should You Buy
The 2027 Lexus IS adds a standard heated steering wheel on F SPORT Design trims, a feature the 2026 made you pay extra for. Both model years share the same 311 hp 3.5L V6, 22 combined MPG, and identical 4-year/50,000-mile warranty. This page lays out every confirmed difference so you can decide with confidence, with current inventory at Lexus of Riverside.
THE SHORT ANSWER
If you want the most current IS with a confirmed standard-content gain on the F SPORT Design trim, the 2027 IS is the right buy. If you find a remaining 2026 unit and the standard-content difference does not matter to your trim choice, the 2026 delivers the same powertrain, the same safety suite, and the same warranty. The engines, transmissions, and overall driving character are identical between the two years, the 2027 is a refinement, not a reinvention.
SPECS HEAD-TO-HEAD
| SPECIFICATION | 2027 LEXUS IS | 2026 LEXUS IS |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L naturally aspirated V6 | 3.5L naturally aspirated V6 |
| Horsepower | 311 hp | 311 hp |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph (RWD) | 5.9 sec | 5.9 sec |
| Transmission (RWD) | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Transmission (AWD) | 6-speed automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD standard, AWD optional | RWD standard, AWD optional |
| Combined MPG | 22 | 22 |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 10.8 cu ft | 10.8 cu ft |
| Infotainment | 12.3-inch touchscreen | 12.3-inch touchscreen |
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Powertrain Warranty | 6 yr / 70,000 mi | 6 yr / 70,000 mi |
EPA fuel economy ratings for the Lexus IS
PERFORMANCE AND POWERTRAIN
Both the 2027 and 2026 IS use the same naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 producing 311 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. RWD models in both years use an 8-speed Sport Direct-Shift automatic; AWD models in both years use a 6-speed paddle-shift automatic. The 0-60 mph time for RWD variants is 5.9 seconds in both years.
Drive Mode Select, spanning ECO, Normal, Sport S, Sport S+, and Custom modes, is present on both. Neither year introduces a new engine variant, power figure, or transmission generation. If you are cross-shopping specifically for a performance upgrade, both years are on equal footing.
INTERIOR, SPACE, AND CARGO
The interior architecture carries over from 2026 to 2027 without structural change. Both years seat five passengers and use a 12.3-inch TFT LCD digital instrument cluster alongside the 12.3-inch touchscreen. The sport-bolstered seats, NuLuxe upholstery, and Forged Bamboo ornamentation options are present in the 2027 lineup.
The 2026 IS has a confirmed cargo volume of 10.8 cu ft behind the rear seats. The 2027 also has a cargo volume of 10.8 cu ft behind the rear seats.
The clearest interior change for 2027 is on the IS F SPORT Design, where a heated steering wheel is now standard equipment. For 2026, the heated steering wheel was listed as standard across the IS trim range, while the 2027 model assigns it specifically as standard equipment on the F SPORT Design.
TECHNOLOGY AND SAFETY
Both model years carry the same core technology stack:
- 12.3-inch Lexus Interface touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wireless Qi Gen5 charging pad
- Four USB-C ports (two front, two rear)
- 10-speaker Lexus Premium Sound standard
- Optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio
- Navigation system
On safety, both years are equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, covering Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Automatic High Beams, Road Sign Assist, and Proactive Driving Assist.
The 2026 IS included Intersection Assist and Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist among its standard safety features. For 2027, Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 remains standard across the IS lineup. For details on the specific driver-assistance features included with a 2027 IS, contact a product specialist at Lexus of Riverside.
VALUE AND OWNERSHIP
Both model years carry identical warranty coverage: 4 years / 50,000 miles basic and 6 years / 70,000 miles powertrain. No pricing is listed here, as prices fluctuate, check current figures directly with Lexus of Riverside.
The 2027 IS adds "Envious" as an exclusive exterior color available through the Special Appearance Package, expanding the palette beyond the seven colors shared with the 2026. If color selection matters, the 2027 lineup gives you one option the 2026 cannot match.
Fuel costs are equivalent, as both years return 22 combined MPG and require premium gasoline. Long-term fuel budgeting is identical between the two.
LexusCare benefits, including roadside assistance and exclusive ownership programs, apply to both model years, though new-vehicle LexusCare enrollment applies to new purchases. A remaining new 2026 unit would still qualify. Confirm current program terms at the dealership.
WHICH ONE SHOULD YOU BUY
CHOOSE THE 2027 LEXUS IS IF:
You are configuring an F SPORT Design trim and want the heated steering wheel included at no additional content negotiation. You want access to the Envious exterior color. You want the most current model year for resale positioning. You are buying new and want the full new-vehicle program benefits from day one.
CHOOSE THE 2026 LEXUS IS IF:
You find a remaining new or L/Certified 2026 unit at an attractive position and your trim choice does not hinge on the F SPORT Design heated-steering-wheel inclusion. The powertrain, safety suite, tech, and warranty are identical. For buyers who plan to keep the car long-term and prioritize the driving experience over model-year currency, the 2026 is not a compromise.
The honest answer: these two model years are closer than almost any other year-over-year comparison in this segment. The 2027 brings incremental refinement. The 2026 brings the same driving machine at a potentially different inventory position.
SEE THE 2027 LEXUS IS AT LEXUS OF RIVERSIDE
Lexus of Riverside offers a selection of 2027 IS models, with F SPORT Design and F SPORT trims and RWD or AWD configurations available depending on current inventory. Shoppers throughout Riverside and the surrounding Inland Empire area can browse the current IS lineup online or visit the showroom to compare trims in person. The team can walk you through every spec difference between model years and help you find the right configuration for your driving style.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE 2027 AND 2026 LEXUS IS?
The clearest confirmed change is the heated steering wheel becoming standard equipment on the 2027 IS F SPORT Design trim. The 2027 also adds Envious as an exclusive color option. The powertrain, safety suite, tech, and warranty are unchanged between model years.
DO THE 2027 AND 2026 LEXUS IS HAVE THE SAME ENGINE?
Yes. Both use the same naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 producing 311 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. Performance figures, including the 5.9-second 0-60 time for RWD variants, are identical.
IS THE FUEL ECONOMY THE SAME ON THE 2027 AND 2026 IS?
Both are EPA-rated at 22 combined MPG and require premium gasoline. There is no efficiency difference between model years.
DOES THE 2027 LEXUS IS HAVE MORE SAFETY FEATURES THAN THE 2026?
Both are equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 and the same named active safety technologies. The 2026 specs additionally list Intersection Assist and Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist by name. Confirm specific 2027 sub-feature enumeration with a product specialist.
CAN I STILL BUY A NEW 2026 LEXUS IS?
Remaining 2026 units may be available as new-vehicle inventory while supplies last. Contact Lexus of Riverside to check current 2026 and 2027 availability across the lineup.
ARE THE TRIMS THE SAME ON BOTH MODEL YEARS?
Both years offer IS 350 F SPORT Design and IS 350 F SPORT in RWD and AWD configurations. Trim names are consistent across both model years.
WHAT COLORS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE 2027 IS THAT THE 2026 DOES NOT OFFER?
The 2027 IS adds Envious, an exclusive color available through the Special Appearance Package. The 2026 lineup does not include Envious.
Prices do not include additional fees, and costs of closing, including government fees and taxes, any finance charges, or other fees. Price includes $85 documentation fee. All prices, specifications, and availability are subject to change without notice. Included packages and accessories may not apply to used vehicles. Contact the dealer for the most current information. Certified pre-owned vehicles may be subject to open recalls. To check safety recalls please contact our service department. All vehicles subject to prior sale. Subject to additional dealer markup, if any. See dealer for details. MSRP contains base MSRP, any factory-installed options, and delivery, processing, and handling charges. Delivery, processing, and handling fees are based on the value of the processing, handling, and delivery services Lexus provides, as well as Lexus's overall pricing structure. Lexus may make a profit on the delivery, processing, and handling fee. While great effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this site, errors do occur, so please verify information with a customer service rep. This is easily done by calling us at 855-212-1458 or by visiting us at the dealership.