The Most Dependable Car In America Runs A 12-Year-Old Engine On Purpose

The automotive world frequently operates on the assumption that newer is better. Automakers are always chasing the latest tech and the latest design trends, competing against each other to stay ahead of the curve. Sometimes, however, sticking to what you know is the best way forward. Lexus, Toyota’s high-end sub-brand, has adopted this strategy with one of its models, the IS.

The engine powering the IS has been around for 12 years. Its reliability has been a contributing factor to the good reputation of the IS, and it doesn’t look like Lexus has any intention of replacing it any time soon, even in an automotive landscape where V6s are increasingly scarce.

However, despite being powered by an engine with a double-digit age, the IS is far from a frozen-in-time Luddite. The model has been updated multiple times over the course of its current generation, which has kept its design looking fresh and its onboard tech up to date. Let’s take a closer look at the IS, how it balances sophisticated tech with solid reliability, and what the most recent JD Power Dependability study tells us about modern cars’ reliability.

The Lexus IS: A Reliable Workhorse With An Engine Over A Decade Old

The third and current generation of the Lexus IS was introduced for the 2014 model year. It represented a major shift in design from its second-gen predecessor, with a larger grille, sharper, narrower headlights, and pointed tail lights that further contributed to its sleek appearance. The model has been given an update for 2026, the third during this generation (previous updates had been introduced for 2017 and 2021). The front fascia was reworked slightly, while the interior was upgraded with a mix of modern touchscreens and physical controls.

Some mechanical changes were also made. The steering was upgraded to adapt better to road conditions and speed, delivering a smoother driving experience. The suspension was also reworked for improved ride comfort and performance.

Credit: Lexus

While other markets around the world also get a version of the IS equipped with a 2.5-liter inline-four and a hybrid system (the IS 300h), in the US the only version available is the IS 350. In this version, power comes from a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine dubbed the 2GR-FKS, making the IS one of, if not the last naturally aspirated V6 sedan(s) left on the American market.

This engine produced is equipped with Toyota’s Dual VVT-i technology, which adjusts timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which sends power to either the rear wheels or all four wheels depending on configuration.

It is a part of Toyota’s wider GR engine family, a range of V6s that first made its debut in 2002. Although the 2GR-FKS is much younger than that, it’s still no spring chicken. It was first introduced in 2014 for the 2015 model year, not just in the Lexus IS but also in models such as the Toyota Tacoma, Lexus GS, and Lexus RX. The engine produces 311 hp in the 2026 IS. In other models, power output varies between 278 and 311 hp.

Reliability And Technology Can Co-Exist: The Lexus IS Tech

Credit: Lexus

While the IS has a strong focus on reliability and does not stray far from its proven formula, that does not mean Lexus has not updated with the necessary tech to make it competitive in today’s automotive market. Part of the reason why the model has been able to remain on the market for so long is that Lexus has introduced a few necessary updates over the years, taking great care not to compromise the model’s core foundation that gave it its reliability.

As of this year, the IS is equipped with dual 12.3-inch touchscreens, one controlling the infotainment system and the other acting as a digital gauge cluster. In-dash navigation is included as standard, as is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto mobile connectivity. A 10-speaker sound system is the standard option, but a 17-speaker Mark Levinson unit is also available for the audiophile on the move.

Credit: Lexus

One feature you will not find on the IS, however, is over-the-air (OTA) updates. Over the past few years, many automakers have chosen to implement OTA updates, which (at least on the surface) are meant to be a smoother way of keeping an infotainment system up to date. However, they have also proven to be problematic in terms of bugs, glitches and other issues, which have affected some vehicles’ overall reliability profile (we’ll go into more detail on that later).

Why Does Automotive Tech Get Associated With Poor Reliability?

Credit: Kia

The reason why the Lexus IS recipe works so well is because, according to the findings of the JD Power 2026 US Vehicle Dependability Study, more tech frequently equals less reliability. Lexus has chosen to include just enough tech features to keep the IS up to date, but not so many that it becomes prone to bugs and errors; as car technology is now a major source of poor reliability, this has proven to be a good choice.

Instead of becoming steadily more reliable through the years, as one might expect, modern cars are becoming less reliable thanks to a series of factors, of which onboard tech is one. While last year’s study showed an average of 202 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), that number is now 204, the highest recorded since the study started collecting data in 2022. Infotainment systems (and over-the-air updates) have proven to be a major culprit.

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This article originally appeared on CarBuzz and is republished here with permission.