Has Lexus discontinued the IS?

As of November 2025, there has been no official confirmation from Lexus that the IS has been discontinued. The model remains available in several markets, though the brand’s broader strategy emphasizes electrified SUVs and crossovers, which has fueled ongoing industry speculation about the sedan’s long-term future.

Current status of the IS lineup

To understand whether the IS is being phased out, it helps to review where the model stands in production and sales across key regions. Availability can vary by country, trim, and model year, reflecting Lexus’s evolving product mix rather than a blanket regional pull from the model.

• Global availability varies by market, with some regions continuing to offer the IS in current model years, while others have limited allocations or supply.


• In major markets such as the United States and parts of Europe and Asia, dealerships have historically stocked IS variants (including performance and hybrid options) depending on demand and import eligibility.


• Model-year updates and trims (such as IS 300, IS 350, and IS 500 variants) have continued in certain regions, even as overall sedan demand trends remain soft compared with SUVs.

Because manufacturer plans are region-specific and subject to change, buyers should consult their local Lexus dealer for the most precise, up-to-date availability in their area.

Why the talk started

Industry analysts and enthusiasts have speculated about the IS’s future because Lexus is prioritizing electrified SUVs and crossovers. The current IS generation has aged compared with newer SUVs and electrified models, and automakers frequently recalibrate lineups to optimize profitability, emissions targets, and global demand for sedans versus utility vehicles.

1. Strategic shift toward electrified SUVs: Lexus is expanding its EV lineup and SUV presence, which can reduce emphasis on traditional passenger sedans.


2. Age of the current IS generation: The IS platform dates back to the mid-2010s, with only incremental updates in recent years, making a next-generation replacement more uncertain.


3. Market demand dynamics: Slower demand for compact luxury sedans relative to crossovers can influence production decisions and model withdrawals in some regions.


4. Electrification timelines: As Lexus ramps up electrification (including hybrid variants and pure EV options like the Lexus RZ), resources may shift toward newer platforms and powertrains.

In sum, the rumors reflect broader corporate strategy rather than a publicly announced shutdown of the IS lineup.

What Lexus has said and what to watch

Official statements from Lexus have not announced a formal discontinuation of the IS. The company has continued to offer the model in several markets while signaling a long-term focus on electrification and sustainability across its lineup. For the latest verifications, monitor Lexus’s press releases and the local distributor announcements, as regional decisions can diverge based on demand, incentives, and regulatory requirements.

Practical guidance for buyers

If you’re in the market for an IS, the best course is to check with a local Lexus dealer about current availability, factory allocations, and inventory for your country or region. If you’re exploring alternatives, consider Lexus’s recent and upcoming electrified sedans or its expanding SUV lineup as potential matches to your needs and preferences.

Summary

At this time, there is no official confirmation that Lexus has discontinued the IS. The model continues to appear in various markets, but its long-term future is tied to the brand’s electrification push and SUV-focused strategy. Availability, trims, and model-year offerings can differ by region, so prospective buyers should verify with local dealers for the most current information. The situation remains part of a broader industry trend rather than a single, nationwide decision.

Will there be a 2026 Lexus IS?

Yes, a 2026 Lexus IS will be released in early 2026, featuring a redesigned exterior, a restyled interior with an updated infotainment system, and new safety features. The IS 500 model has been discontinued, and the lineup is reduced to the IS 350 (available in rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive) and the IS 300H hybrid (in rear-wheel drive).
 
This video provides a detailed look at the exterior and interior design changes of the 2026 Lexus IS: 59sKirk KreifelsYouTube · Sep 9, 2025
Key updates for the 2026 model

• Exterior: The signature look has been refined with a redesigned exterior. 
• Interior: The cabin features a new instrument panel, center console, and trims. It includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch central touchscreen display, along with physical climate control buttons. 
• Technology: The latest multimedia system is included, and standard features now include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. 
• Safety: The updated model comes standard with new and improved safety features, including the Lexus Safety System+. 
• Lineup: The previous IS 500 model has been discontinued. The 2026 lineup includes the IS 350 and the IS 300H hybrid. 

This video discusses the performance aspects and technology updates of the 2026 Lexus IS 350: 28sDPCcarsYouTube · Oct 14, 2025

IS there going to be a 2025 Lexus IS?

What's New for 2025? To celebrate the IS's 25th year, Lexus is offering two limited-edition models of the top-spec IS500 F Sport Performance. The Special Appearance model will be limited to only 180 units, and all come painted Flare Yellow and wearing cool-looking 19-inch BBS wheels.

Are they discontinuing the Lexus IS?

Yes, Lexus is discontinuing the current generation of the IS sedan, with production ending in November 2025. However, this is not the end of the model line, as a new-generation IS is expected to debut for the 2026 model year, likely with updated design and new electrified options. The closely related RC and RC F coupes are also being discontinued.
 
This video discusses the discontinuation of several Lexus models, including the IS: 53sBembliYouTube · Aug 5, 2025
Current generation IS

• End of production: Production of the IS 300, IS 300h, IS 350, and IS 500 will end in November 2025. 
• Discontinuation of related models: The RC 300, RC 300h, RC 350, and RC F coupes will also end production around the same time. 

Future of the IS

• New generation: A new generation of the Lexus IS is expected to be released as a 2026 model.
• Updated design: The new model will feature a revamped design with cues from the Toyota Crown.
• Electrified options: The next-generation IS will likely have a greater focus on hybrid powertrains. 

You can watch this video to see a preview of the new Lexus IS: 57sPerformance LexusYouTube · Sep 27, 2025

Does Lexus still make the IS?

Yes, Lexus still makes the IS, but the current generation's production is ending in November 2025. A new generation of the Lexus IS will go on sale in early 2026, with new features and trims.
 

• The production of the 2025 model year IS will end in November 2025. 
• The high-performance IS 500 V8 engine will be discontinued after the 2025 model year. 
• Lexus has revealed the next generation of the IS, which will be available starting in early 2026. 
• The 2026 model will have a revised interior and multimedia system. 
• Lexus has not yet specified whether the 2026 model will include the IS 500 V8 engine. The 2026 IS will be available in IS 350 and IS 300h trims.