Does a Lexus IS 300 have a 2JZ?
In short: only the original Lexus IS 300 model used the 2JZ-GE engine. Subsequent IS 300 versions rely on other engines, with choices varying by year and market.
Background: The 2JZ-GE and the IS lineup
The 2JZ family is a highly regarded line of inline-6 engines from Toyota. The 2JZ-GE is the naturally aspirated version that powered the early IS 300, delivering solid mid-range torque and a reputation for robustness. As Lexus refreshed its IS lineup across generations, engineers replaced the 2JZ in most markets with other engine families, changing the answer to whether an IS 300 carries a 2JZ depending on the model year and region.
Engine options by generation
To illustrate how the IS 300 has evolved, here are the typical engine configurations you’ll encounter by era. This helps explain when the 2JZ would or would not be present.
- First generation IS 300 (2001–2005): 2JZ-GE 3.0L inline-6 engine. This is the classic setup most enthusiasts associate with the IS 300 name.
- Second generation IS (2006–2013): No 2JZ option. The lineup shifted to IS 250 (around 2.5L V6) and IS 350 (around 3.5L V6) in most markets, with powertrains that did not use the 2JZ family.
- Third generation and later (2013 onward in many markets): Engine choices diversified again. In several markets, the IS 300 badge referred to a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 (2.0L turbo, commonly using the 8AR-FTS family) or similar modern engines, while the IS 350 continued with a larger V6 in others. Some regions also offered hybrid variants (IS 300h) with a different drivetrain altogether.
These distinctions mean that whether an IS 300 has a 2JZ depends on the exact model year and where the car was sold. Enthusiasts evaluating a used IS 300 should verify the engine code and specifications for that specific vehicle.
Regional nuances and ownership considerations
Across markets, Lexus has adapted the IS lineup to track market demand and emissions regulations. In the United States, early IS 300 models indeed used the 2JZ-GE, while later models shifted toward turbocharged four-cylinders and V6 options under the IS 300/IS 350 branding, with occasional hybrid variants in other regions. If you’re buying used, a quick check of the VIN and service records will confirm the exact engine and configuration for that car.
Why this matters for buyers and enthusiasts
Knowing whether an IS 300 uses a 2JZ engine helps with maintenance expectations, parts availability, and potential engine swaps. The 2JZ-GE is renowned for durability, but it differs significantly in architecture and support from later engine families. For collectors or enthusiasts specifically chasing 2JZ power, only the early IS 300 model is the straightforward path, though aftermarket swaps are common across various platforms.
Takeaways for shoppers
When evaluating an IS 300, confirm the production year and market to determine the correct powertrain. If you want the classic 2JZ-GE experience, target an early 2001–2005 IS 300. If you’re shopping a later model, expect a different engine family—typically a turbocharged four-cylinder or a larger V6—depending on where the car was sold.
Summary
The Lexus IS 300's engine history is year- and region-dependent. The original IS 300 used the 2JZ-GE inline-6, but subsequent IS 300 models largely moved away from the 2JZ platform. For modern IS 300s, you’re more likely to encounter a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder or other non-2JZ powertrains, with the 2JZ-GE remaining a hallmark of the early model years. Always verify the specific engine on the exact vehicle you’re considering.
Which Lexus has 2JZ engines?
While the twin-turbo 2JZ-GTE is the one that everyone wants, the naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE variant of the engine was also celebrated and found in a larger number of Toyota and Lexus vehicles. Lexus took full advantage of the 2JZ, using it in most of their earlier vehicles including the SC300, GS300, and IS300.
Does the IS300 have a 2JZ?
Lexus IS 300
When it first hit the road, it came with a four-cylinder engine, but it got an upgrade for the 2000 model year to a 2JZ-GE engine. Unlike other 2JZ engines in Toyotas, the IS engine did not include turbocharging.
What engine is in the 2004 IS300?
Powertrain and models
| Engine | Lexus | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Power/torque | Model |
| 3.0 L straight-six (2JZ-GE) | 162 kW (217 hp); 295 N⋅m (218 lb⋅ft) at 3,800 rpm | IS 300 SportCross (wagon) |
What engine is in the Lexus IS 300?
The IS 300 features a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine. Maximum power is 245 hp and maximum torque is 350 Nm at 4,400 rpm.
