Lexus IS trim comparison
2026 Lexus IS 350 F SPORT Design vs 350 F SPORT
The IS 350 F SPORT Design starts at $45,500 while the 350 F SPORT is $47,950. That $2,450 gap buys 1 meaningful difference.
$2,450 more is ~$43/month. The question is whether the added equipment will matter to you every week.
There is no meaningful spec case for paying $2,450 more here. Unless the appearance or package content speaks to you, the 350 F SPORT Design is the cleaner fit.
The cleanest way to feel this upgrade is through the payment: about $43/month more over 60 months, or roughly $2,580 extra all-in once interest is included.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you want the nicer equipment factory-installed and under warranty.
When both feel the same
Both the 350 F SPORT Design and 350 F SPORT share the same 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
$2,450 price difference.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 1 specification difference, 6 shared.
There are no measurable spec differences in the current source data. If these trims still matter to you, the real separation is likely styling, appearance packages, or dealer inventory.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2026. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | 350 F SPORT Design | 350 F SPORT |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $45,500 | $47,950 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | 3.5L V6 |
| Horsepower | 311 hp | 311 hp |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 19 | 19 |
| Highway MPG | 27 | 27 |
| Combined MPG | 22 | 22 |
| Fuel Tank | 17.4 gal | 17.4 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $2,650/yr | $2,650/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,792 lbs | 3,792 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 110.2" | 110.2" |
| Length | 185.8" | 185.8" |
| Width | 72.4" | 72.4" |
| Height | 56.5" | 56.5" |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 4yr/50k | 4yr/50k |
| Powertrain | 6yr/70k | 6yr/70k |
| Corrosion | 6yr/unlimited | 6yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 4yr/unlimited | 4yr/unlimited |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2026 Lexus IS 350 F SPORT Design vs 350 F SPORT Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Lexus IS lineup, the Lexus brand hub, the Compact Cars, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2026 IS 350 F SPORT cost than the 350 F SPORT Design?
The 350 F SPORT starts at $47,950 compared to $45,500 for the 350 F SPORT Design. That is a $2,450 difference, or approximately $43/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2026 Lexus IS 350 F SPORT Design and 350 F SPORT have the same engine?
Yes. Both use the 3.5L V6 producing 311 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. The engine hardware does not change between these trims, so the real differences are in equipment and feature content.
Do the 2026 IS 350 F SPORT Design and 350 F SPORT have the same drivetrain?
Yes. Both come with RWD as standard. The differences between these trims are in features and equipment, not drivetrain.
What warranty does the 2026 Lexus IS come with?
All 2026 Lexus IS trims, including both the 350 F SPORT Design and 350 F SPORT, come with Lexus's standard warranty: 4yr/50k bumper-to-bumper and 6yr/70k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
Is the IS 350 F SPORT Worth $2,450 More?
The IS 350 F SPORT costs $2,450 more than the 350 F SPORT Design. Whether that is worth it depends on how much you value minor equipment changes. These features matter to some buyers daily and barely at all to others. Weigh them against your priorities.
What Both Trims Share
The IS 350 F SPORT Design and 350 F SPORT share the same engine, drivetrain, transmission, and fuel economy. The $2,450 difference comes down to 1 feature and equipment change, not mechanical differences.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Lexus IS 350 F SPORT Design
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the 350 F SPORT Design best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Lexus IS 350 F SPORT
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the 350 F SPORT when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2026 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Lexus or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.