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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $42,152–$51,926 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 8.4/10, the 2026 Lexus IS earns a Recommended rating among the sedans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 9.3/10, while Value at 7.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate the Lexus IS's reliability at 9.3/10 — among the strongest in our sedan database, reflecting the nameplate's track record and recall history. On safety it earns 8.4/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
The 8.0/10 performance score reflects a chassis and powertrain that punch above the segment norm — this is a sedan you choose partly for the drive itself. Technology scores 8.6/10 — one of the stronger tech packages in the segment. Expect a responsive infotainment system, broad smartphone integration, and a solid suite of driver-assistance features.
Priced from $42,152–$51,926, 22 MPG, seating 5, the Lexus IS sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. Value lands at 7.6/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. As the current model year, it benefits from the latest updates and full manufacturer warranty coverage.
Bottom line: Think of the 2026 Lexus IS as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2026 Lexus IS ranks #6 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 100% of the segment. Its 8.4/10 overall score is 0.9 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $42,152 starting price is about 52% above the segment's median of $27,664.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking → · Best Sedans under $50k →
Across the IS model years we've scored, the 2026 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (this review) | 8.4/10 | $42,152 | |
| 2025 | 8.4/10 | $42,152 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.4/10 | $40,925 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 8.4/10 | $39,697 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 8.3/10 | $38,469 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 8.3/10 | $37,241 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 8.2/10 | $36,014 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 8.1/10 | $34,786 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 8.1/10 | $33,558 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 8.0/10 | $32,330 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 8.0/10 | $31,103 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.9/10 | $29,875 | Read review → |
We rate the 2026 Lexus IS's reliability 9.3/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.
It scores 8.4/10 overall, ranking #6 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 100% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2026 Lexus IS starts at $42,152 and ranges up to $51,926 across trims (MSRP when new). At 22 MPG, expect roughly $2,386/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Lexus models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.