2026 Lexus IS 350

Hey gang

Just curious if anyone has or had experience with the IS 350 and the 3.5 V6?

I saw the new 2026 model and thought gosh that might make a fun everyday car and I think it’s super sharp. Apparently it’s made in Tahara with the 4Rs

Just thought I’d see if anyone here has had one or knows about that engine etal. I will have to see if there are some forums out there with as cool of folks as here.

 

With my T4R and a new IS, I'd have an extremely happy garage.

I looked at an IS 500 a few months ago.
#Drool


- - - - -
Edit: Looks like the 500 is no longer offered.

 

I picked up a 500 to balance the things I dont like about the 4r. Love it other than my concerns on speeding tickets. 500 is the around town daily and 4r the road trip/ trail rig.

 

Thanks guys. Yeah the 4R is more for recreation for me and towing a small fishing boat.

My current everyday is an Accord. The styling of the new IS 350 looks cool and I really liked the idea of the V6. I would still get AWD as I ordered not drive 4R in winter to preserve frame and if it’s bad out I stay home anyway

I was curious if any other 4R peeps had any experience with this model and or engine. The V8 would have been cooler in the 500 for sure.

My initial thought was quality should be great also coming out of Tahara

 

I don't have experience with it, but I don't think I'd hesitate to grab the IS 350 (given the 500 is now pretty much unobtanium).

2021venture: how's the footwell? The last IS I drove (about 8 years ago) was *really* cramped on the left side.

 

I like the IS as a solid reliable platform. No issues for me on being cramped. Back seat is adequate also for most adults depending on size. Cant go wrong with it in my opinion. But i always stick with Toyota/lexus for the reliability instead of other European brands having higher cost of ownership.

 

that grill tho

 

Yea its a little much. No, its a LOT much!

 

Yeah I heard about the footwell with the AWD model. I am hoping to test drive one in the near future. That might be uncomfortable but have to try it.

Here are some pics from some videos

 

Eh, as far as Lexus goes, it's .... above average



versus their soon to be departed flagship:



now this, this is a YIKES

 

I SAT INSIDE ONE AT THE DEALERSHIP.

It truly is as dumb as you think it may be. It affects the positioning of your right foot. I even let my neiece whos never driven a car come check it out and her first thought too was WTF. It is dumb. I cannot stress how dumb it is.

 

Now imagine this as you get in with winter boots that are full of sleet.

 

That’s a very valid point!

 

What are winter boots??

And what is sleet?

 

Engine is the 2GR-FKS used in the 3rd gen Tacoma, tuned for more power on prem fuel. If you get the AWD version, the transmission is the 6-speed A760 from the GX460, which in turn is basically your 4Runner A750 with an extra gear ratio. All this means you can hammer the powertrain in every imaginable way and the car will ask for more.

 

Thank you for the info. I saw one in person and it looked beautiful but it was sold so I have not had an opportunity to drive one.

I am wondering if going from an Accord everyday to this size of car being a bit smaller will be super noticeable. I keep thinking maybe I should buy one more V6 car while I still can.

The thinner tires make nervous also, I will have to watch potholes. I am not used to having a car with thinner tires.

 

Yeah that's a concern with all cars and most SUVs sold nowadays - you'd want to change the wheels and tires after purchase to get more sidewall, and budget accordingly.