Toyota Camry vs Lexus IS

Available in four trim levels in Canada, each equipped with a standard hybrid powertrain, the Camry is one of the few remaining midsize sedans for sale in North America. Toyota stopped just short of a complete redesign for the 2025 model year. The 2026 Camry lineup continues mostly unchanged, adding a sporty new Nightshade Edition package for the SE Upgrade AWD and a paint colour called Cosmos Blue.

Verdict: The Toyota Camry is cheap to own, safe, and known for its dependability. Is that exciting? No. But fortunately, a 2026 Camry is also comfortable and good to drive.

Lexus refreshed the IS for the 2026 model year, infusing it with the latest digital instrumentation, infotainment, and driver assistance technologies. It also updated the exterior and interior, retuned the steering and suspension, and refined the driving experience. However, the lineup loses the IS 300 with the lower-powered V6 engine and the IS 500 with the thundering 5.0-litre V8, leaving a V6-powered IS 350 with standard all-wheel drive (AWD) as the sole model in Canada.

Verdict: The 2026 Lexus IS 350 is enjoyable to drive, exudes quality, and boasts a long-standing reputation for reliability. For those who want a small sports sedan with such characteristics, this is the car.