There are plenty of luxury SUVs on the road these days, and for good reason. They’re practical, comfortable, and can handle everything from Costco runs to weekends in wine country.
But after spending a week with the 2026 Lexus IS 350 AWD F SPORT 3, I was reminded why there’s still something special about a luxury sport sedan. It’s lower to the ground, more connected to the road, and simply more fun to drive.
A Rare Breed
The automotive world has changed quickly over the last decade. Many luxury sedans now rely on turbocharged four-cylinder engines, but Lexus has stayed the course with the IS 350.
Under the hood is a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 producing 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. It delivers smooth, effortless power without relying on turbochargers, and there’s something refreshingly old-school about the way it responds every time you press the accelerator. It’s quick when you want it to be, yet perfectly happy cruising quietly through city traffic.
Luxury Looks Different These Days
The older I get, the more my definition of luxury has changed. It’s no longer about flashy features or impressing the neighbours. It’s about the little things that make every drive better.
Ventilated seats on a hot summer afternoon. A heated steering wheel on a chilly Vancouver morning. Memory seats that are always exactly where I left them. A panoramic camera that makes squeezing into downtown parkades far less stressful.
These aren’t features you brag about. They’re the ones you quietly appreciate every single day.
A Cabin Designed for Driving
The F SPORT interior strikes a nice balance between sporty and comfortable. The supportive seats held me comfortably during longer drives while still feeling appropriately bolstered on winding roads.
The dual 12.3-inch displays—both the crisp digital gauge cluster and the upgraded central touchscreen—are bright and incredibly intuitive, and wireless Android Auto fired up seamlessly every single time I climbed in.
Then there’s the Mark Levinson premium audio system. With 17 speakers throughout the cabin, it’s one of those systems that makes you want to keep driving after you’ve reached your destination. Whether you’re listening to a podcast, your favourite playlist, or—in my case—turning up a little Limp Bizkit, the sound is rich, detailed, and genuinely impressive.
Technology That Actually Helps
One thing I appreciated throughout the week was that the technology never felt overwhelming.
The 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor makes parking remarkably easy, while adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, blind spot monitoring, and traffic jam assist all work quietly in the background. Nothing feels intrusive. Instead, the technology simply makes driving a little less stressful.
Still Built for Drivers
While comfort is clearly a priority, Lexus hasn’t forgotten that this is still a sport sedan.
The adaptive suspension keeps the ride composed over rough pavement but firms up nicely through corners. Steering feels direct without being heavy, and the all-wheel-drive system inspires confidence when Vancouver’s weather inevitably turns wet. It’s the kind of car that encourages you to take the scenic route instead of the quickest one.
Living With It
After a week behind the wheel, I found myself taking the long way home more than once.
Whether I was heading to a restaurant opening, driving to wine country, or simply running errands around Vancouver, the IS 350 made every trip feel a little more enjoyable.
That’s what I want from a luxury car. Not something that demands attention every time it pulls up to a stoplight, but something that quietly makes everyday driving feel a little more special.
2026 Lexus IS 350 AWD F SPORT 3 Spec Sheet
- Engine: 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6
- Horsepower: 311 hp
- Torque: 280 lb-ft
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
Standout Features
- 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor
- Adaptive Variable Suspension
- 64-colour ambient lighting
- Upgraded dual 12.3-inch displays with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- 19-inch forged BBS wheels
- Price as tested: Approximately $70,370 before taxes and licensing.
