The 2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Handling AWD vs. 2026 Genesis G70 3.3T AWD. Which Sports Sedan is Better?
In a segment increasingly dominated by German brands, the 2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Handling AWD and 2026 Genesis G70 3.3T AWD have established themselves as compelling alternatives. Rather than compromises, they each provide their own interpretation of what a sports sedan should be. Both have potent V6 engines, and they each have all-wheel drive traction, a boon for those who want to drive it all year long.
The IS has gone through a couple of facelifts, resulting in the beautiful car you see today. Although the underpinnings haven't really changed, Lexus has given it better tech and a properly freshened cabin for 2026. The G70 is imbued with the brand's handsome design language in a compact package and kept its famously physical controls and great seating position. Both cars offer sharp styling, strong performance, and premium interiors. Which one should you choose?
Exterior Styling
The Lexus IS 350 F Sport Handling remains one of the most visually aggressive sedans in the segment. Its revised spindle grille, sharp LED DRLs, and muscular stance give it a distinctly Japanese performance identity. We think it's one of the most attractive sedans made today. Lexus refreshed the front fascia to make it more cohesive, and the back end is positively stunning with its deck spoiler and full-width taillights.
The Genesis G70, by contrast, has matured into a more understated but still athletic design. It's less flashy than the Lexus but arguably more elegant. The wide shield grille and matching lower intake mesh pair nicely with the parametric headlights. The matching tailliglhts are also a thing of beauty. Tasteful hood and body creasing and a lovely sloping roofline round out the stunning look. It's not as youthful as the Lexus, and that's how some sports sedan shoppers prefer it.
Infotainment and Technology
The Lexus system has improved significantly. It's not as polished looking as the G70's interface, but the menus are intuitive, and the graphics are crisp and highly legible. Lexus has come a long way with its user experience over the past few years, and the IS 350 F Sport Handling is now a beneficiary of that improvement. Another step forward is the removal of the much-hated track pad controls.
The G70's infotainment system has easily leveled up into one of the most refined interfaces on the planet. Not only does it look upscale, it's menus are easy, and responsiveness has improved, as well. t also integrates features more seamlessly, from navigation to smartphone connectivity.
Interior Style and Comfort
Both sedans cater to the driver and offer great sport seats and physical controls, but rear-seat passengers will notice differences. The Lexus has less rear legroom at 32.2 in ches, but it has more space in the footwell. Lexus's seat comfort is better thanks to great cushioning and its front seats have more legroom at 44.8 inches. The IS also has a quieter and more comfortable ride. It feels more refined on longer drives, with better noise isolation and a smoother overall demeanor.
In terms of style, the colorways offered ratchet up the look. You can opt for white/black, red/black, or all black. Materials are high grade, and the NuLuxe faux leather looks and feels like the real deal. Metallic trim bits and high grade plastics abound, and the new padded dash adds refinement the IS 350 didn't have before.
The Genesis offers slightly less front legroom at 42.6 incehs but more rear legroom at 34.8 inches. Again, the footwell beneath the front seats is cramped, which compromises comfort for rear occupants. and overall cabin space, making it marginally more practical. Climate controls in the G70 utilize two temp knobs and a touchscreen rather than the IS 350's strictly physical switches.
The style quotient is a couple of steps above the IS 350 F Sport. It opts for quilted leather, high-contrast stitching, and beautiful metallic surfaces everywhere. In higher trims, you can even get unique blue leather. Its analog gauges are a bit old school, unlike the IS 350, but they look fantastic.
Driving Experience
The Lexus IS 350 F Sport Handling AWD uses a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 producing around 311 horsepower. It's smooth, linear, and predictable. The F Sport Handling package adds adaptive suspension and performance upgrades, making it sharper than standard IS models. Still, it's more about balance than outright aggression. It doesn't have as much punch as the G70 3.3T, but it's still remarkably satisfying and has a better engine sound. 0-60 happens in 5.6 seconds. The 6-speed automatic in the AWD trim isn't quick to shift, sadly, but the overall driving experience is fun and engaging.
The Genesis G70 3.3T AWD brings serious heat. Its twin-turbo 3.3-liter V6 produces a potent 365 horsepower and delivers significantly quicker acceleration-hitting 0–60 mph in the mid-4-second range. That's firmly in German sport sedan territory. The G70 feels quicker, more responsive, and more eager when pushed hard. Its reflexes are quicker and it responds to inputs with alacrity. It also has more feedback from the road, providing a more engaging driving experience than the IS 350.
Final Verdict
You can't go wrong with either of these spectacular sports sedans. Choosing one is based on what you prioritize: reliability and smoothness or power and opulence? Both the IS 350 F Sport Handling and the G70 3.3T AWD are lookers inside and out. The Lexus's creased body is more head-turning. The Genesis G70's sheetmetal is more elegant. When it comes to driving, the G70 is sharper and more thrilling, while the IS 350 F Sport Handling is smoother and more comfortable in everyday driving. In short, the Genesis is the better athlete-but the Lexus is the better all-around companion.
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This story was originally published May 1, 2026 at 1:00 PM.