Reliability is a noteworthy factor influencing many new car purchases in 2026, particularly in the luxury car segment. New car buyers are looking to hold on to their cars for longer periods, because the increasing prices and more drastic depreciation rates make them financially harder to sell after a short period. Reliability and value retention often go hand-in-hand, as buyers shopping in the used car market typically value this to a much higher standard.
- Base Trim Engine
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3.5-liter V6
- Base Trim Transmission
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8-Speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Rear-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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311 HP @6600 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
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280 lb.-ft. @ 4800 RPM
- Make
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Lexus
- Model
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IS
- Segment
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Compact Luxury Sedan
You would be surprised to learn that the 2026 Lexus IS outguns every other new car when it comes to reliability, according to J.D. Power‘s latest study. Lexus has a long lineage of reliability and dependability, thanks to it leveraging mechanical components from Toyota with key refinements applied to make their cars feel more premium. The Lexus IS flies this flag higher than any other product from the brand’s extensive catalog.
How The Lexus IS Stands Out
In the 2026 Lexus catalog, the IS 350 serves as the brand’s entry-level sedan and the primary choice for driving enthusiasts. Following the discontinuation of the four-cylinder IS 300 and the V-8-powered IS 500, the V-6-only IS 350 now anchors the sedan lineup. It sits below the larger, comfort-oriented ES and the flagship LS 500. While the ES and LS emphasize serene luxury and executive cabin space, the refreshed 2026 IS focuses on a compact, rear-wheel-drive-based architecture, positioning it as the sport-focused alternative within the Lexus four-door family
What’s Changed For 2026
For 2026, the Lexus IS 350 range undergoes a significant refresh that simplifies the lineup to just two primary grades, namely the F Sport Design and the fully fledged F Sport. Visually, the sedan adopts a redesigned front fascia that features a lower, wider stance and a revised grille, complemented by new 19-inch lightweight aluminum wheels, an updated rear spoiler, and the addition of the Wind or Neutrino Gray paint options.
Inside, the cabin receives a substantial technology overhaul with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a matching 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, alongside a modernized center console that adds standard wireless charging, four USB-C ports, and an optional Forged Bamboo trim. Mechanically, while the 311-hp 3.5L V6 remains unchanged, Lexus has retuned the driving dynamics with a new electric power steering system and revised suspension dampers for a more linear, refined feel, all while upgrading the standard safety suite to Lexus Safety System+ 3.0.
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Impressive Results In J.D. Power’s Study
Based on the 2026 J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, the refreshed Lexus IS solidifies its reputation as the most reliable car on the market, earning the title of the Highest-Ranked Model in the entire industry. The Japanese brand achieves this in a year when industry-wide vehicle dependability hit a record low. This decline is due to complex software and technology glitches plaguing tech-driven cars.
While mechanically dated, the Lexus IS stands out by recording the lowest overall problem count among all 184 models evaluated, marking a significant milestone for the nameplate and positioning it as the primary benchmark for long-term durability in 2026. The study analyzes the performance of 2023 model-year vehicles after three years of ownership, highlights that the Lexus IS’s success is largely due to its disciplined engineering philosophy.
Other luxury competitors saw their reliability scores worsen to an average of 217 problems per 100 vehicles. Lexus maintains a dominant lead with a brand-wide score of just 151 PP100. The IS specifically benefited from a well-established architecture and the decision to keep its core mechanical components simple.
Keeping Things Simple Is A Strong Strategy
The Lexus IS omits the need for invasive infotainment and software, which is a factor some critics view as the model’s weakpoint. J.D. Power reports that nearly half of all vehicle problems in its study are related to buggy infotainment systems and troublesome over-the-air updates.
By contrast, the Lexus IS’s interior and technology suite remains stable, contributing to its top-tier ranking. This reliability halo helps the Lexus brand secure the top spot among all premium manufacturers for the fourth consecutive year. Ultimately, the 2026 study frames the Lexus IS as a rarity in the modern automotive landscape.
Based on its investigations, a vehicle that prioritizes refinement and proven hardware over experimental technology is the most important strategy for longevity. The industry average for gas-powered vehicles sits at 198 PP100, which the Lexus IS significantly outperforms, proving that its simplistic approach remains the most effective strategy for building the world’s most dependable car.
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Attractive Long-Term Running Costs
According to Edmunds, the full cost to own a base rear-wheel drive 2026 Lexus IS 350 comes to $72,112. $19,592 contributes towards depreciation. It’s going to cost you $9,439 to maintain and $1,087 to repair over five years and 60,000 miles. You can also expect to spend $17,377 on fuel and $5,606 on taxes and fees. Kelley Blue Book indicates that you can expect to spend $6,485 on maintenance and $1,189 on repairs during the same period.
To support this longevity, Lexus provides a standard warranty package for the 2026 model that includes a 48-month or 50,000-mile basic warranty, a 72-month or 70,000-mile powertrain warranty, and 72-month corrosion coverage with unlimited miles.
iSeeCars indicates that an IS 350 will run for 17 years or 184,046 miles with a 40.3 percent probability of reaching 200,000 miles, which is an incredible feat for a luxury compact sedan.
The IS Gets A Lot Of Love
The 2026 Lexus IS 350 stands as a popular choice in the U.S. luxury sport sedan market, backed by substantial data and positive owner feedback. According to the consumer review section on Edmunds, the 2026 model currently holds a strong 4.3/5 average rating, with many owners highlighting its exceptional reliability and manufacturing quality as primary benefits.
Regarding long-term maintenance, the IS 350 is a more affordable option to maintain when compared to key rivals. RepairPal costs for key components include $185 for a stabilizer bar link kit, $420 for spark plug replacements, $1,240 for a new fuel pressure sensor, $2,450 for a new exhaust manifold, and $1,120 for new stabilizer bushings. Major engine work, such as a camshaft replacement, can cost $3,200.
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Refining Luxury Touches With Key Updates
While the platform is older than those used by many current models, the 2026 Lexus IS 350 features a modernized interior focused on driver ergonomics and high-tech connectivity. Standard across all trims is the upgraded Lexus Interface, which includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a matching 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
This system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four USB-C ports, and a standard 10-speaker Lexus Premium Sound system. For comfort, every IS 350 includes NuLuxe synthetic leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel. The base F Sport Design trim, priced at $46,795, adds heated front seats and a newly standard wireless charging pad, while the F Sport trim benefits from ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and aluminum sport pedals. This costs $49,245.
A Stronger Focus On Performance
For those looking to enhance the sedan’s luxury or performance, several optional extras and packages are available. The Technology Package adds advanced driver aids like Traffic Jam Assist and a Panoramic View Monitor, while the F Sport Handling Package focuses on the drive with an adaptive variable suspension and a Torsen limited-slip rear differential.
If you are an audiophile, we’d suggest upgrading to the premium 17-speaker, 1,800-watt Mark Levinson Surround Sound system for a studio-quality listening experience. Additionally, the limited Special Appearance Package offers exclusive aesthetic and functional upgrades, including Hakugin Matte White paint, 19-inch BBS forged alloy wheels, and Triple-Beam LED headlamps, alongside the high-end Mark Levinson audio as standard for that specific configuration. This costs $61,385. All-wheel drive is a $1,610 option, while all models are sold with a $1,295 destination fee.
Sources: Edmunds, iSeeCars, J.D. Power, CarEdge, and the EPA