Lexus IS to End Production in November 2025 After Three Generations

• Lexus IS launched in 1998 as a compact, rear-wheel-drive sedan targeting performance-focused buyers.

• V8-powered IS500 F Sport Performance marked the final evolution before Lexus ends production in 2025.

• Sales of IS300 and IS500 will end when November 2025 production volumes are fully allocated.

The Lexus IS debuted in 1998 as the brand’s entry-level sports sedan, originally marketed as the Toyota Altezza in Japan. It offered rear-wheel-drive dynamics and was aimed at younger buyers seeking a performance-oriented alternative to European rivals such as the BMW 3 Series.

Early models included the IS200 and IS300, known for their inline-six engines, available 5-speed manual transmissions, and distinctive chronograph-style gauge clusters. The ultra-rare SportCross wagon was offered for only a few short years and is highly sought-after by JDM car enthusiasts.

The second-generation IS launched in 2005 with a more refined design (read for older gentlemen), introducing new variants like the IS250, IS350, and the very desirable V8-powered IS F, Lexus’s first high-performance “F” model. All-wheel drive became available for the first time, though not on the F, and hybrid options were introduced in certain markets.

This generation emphasized luxury and technology, casting a shadow on what had made the original IS such a beloved automobile. The attempt at expanding the IS’s appeal beyond driving enthusiasts certainly worked but mildly tarnished Lexus’ star.

The third generation arrived in 2013, was updated in 2017, and underwent a major refresh in 2020. It maintained its rear-wheel-drive platform while adopting a more aggressive style in the hopes to capture the attention of a younger fanbase. It also received notable chassis improvements and the Lexus Safety System+ features. The IS500 F Sport Performance, introduced in 2021, brought back a V8 option for North America and Japan. The IS500 F Sport delivered solid performance however the IS itself had long ago lost out to the BMW 3 and 4 Series, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Audi A3 and A4.

Lexus has officially announced that production of the IS300 and IS500 will end in November 2025, with sales concluding once allocation is filled. As it stands, 2026 model-year information on the IS for the Canadian (and American) market is not yet available. According to Lexus, information on the 2026 model-year IS will be released later this summer.