Does the 2002 Lexus IS 300 have a 2JZ?

The short answer: Yes. The 2002 Lexus IS 300 uses the Toyota 2JZ-GE 3.0-liter inline-6 engine, not the turbocharged 2JZ-GTE found in the Supra.

In this article, we review what that engine is, how it powers the IS 300, and how this configuration compares to other 2JZ variants. We’ll also note drivetrain and transmission details relevant to the 2002 model year and common ownership considerations.

Engine identity: 2JZ-GE in the IS 300

Key specifications and identifiers for the engine used in the IS 300 are summarized below.

• Engine code: 2JZ-GE


• Displacement: 3.0 liters (2,992 cc)


• Configuration: Inline-6 (straight-six)


• Induction: Naturally aspirated, electronic fuel injection


• Power: About 215 horsepower in many US-spec IS 300s (figures vary slightly by year/market)


• Torque: Approximately 210–220 lb-ft (Nm range varies by year and specification)

Despite sharing the 2JZ-GE designation, the IS 300’s engine is naturally aspirated and tuned for smooth, linear power delivery, rather than the turbocharged performance of the 2JZ-GTE used in the Toyota Supra.

Model-year specifics and drivetrain

Overview of how the IS 300 was configured in 2002, including drivetrain and transmission options.

• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD) was the standard configuration for the IS 300 in the US; all-wheel drive was not offered on the IS 300 in this generation in most markets.


• Transmissions: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic were available; the manual was popular among enthusiasts but not universally equipped across all markets.


• Performance context: The 2JZ-GE’s power is ample for a balanced sport sedan of its era, with a focus on linear torque and reliability rather than turbocharged peak power.

As with many first-generation Lexus IS models, the engine’s appeal rests in its durability and smooth operation, rather than extreme horsepower figures alone.

2JZ-GE vs 2JZ-GTE: what’s the difference?

The 2JZ family includes both naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants. The IS 300 uses the non-turbo 2JZ-GE, whereas the iconic Supra uses the turbocharged 2JZ-GTE. The turbo version delivers significantly more power but requires more maintenance and has different reliability considerations for everyday driving.

In the IS 300, the 2JZ-GE is calibrated for a refined daily-driver experience with broad, usable torque and strong reliability from a 20+ year-old powertrain when properly maintained.

Why this matters for owners and collectors

Engine design influences maintenance needs, parts compatibility, and potential upgrades. Understanding that the IS 300’s 2JZ-GE is the non-turbo variant helps buyers source correct parts and avoid mistaken turbo components from the 2JZ-GTE era.

For enthusiasts, while the engine is naturally aspirated, the IS 300 benefits from a solid chassis and a sizeable aftermarket for handling and exhaust enhancements, making it a reasonable platform for modest performance improvements without exposing turbo-related complexities.

Summary

The 2002 Lexus IS 300 indeed runs a 2JZ-GE 3.0-liter inline-6 engine. It is a naturally aspirated, non-turbo variant of the 2JZ family, paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission, and typically configured as rear-wheel drive in the US market. This differentiates it clearly from the turbocharged 2JZ-GTE used in the Toyota Supra, while sharing lineage with the broader 2JZ engine family.

Overall, if you’re researching a 2002 IS 300, you’re looking at a durable, well-regarded 2JZ-GE-powered sedan with the potential for reliable daily driving and a robust parts ecosystem given its age. As with any aging sports sedan, confirm the engine’s condition, service history, and drivetrain wear to ensure long-term reliability.

What engine is in the Lexus IS 300?

The Lexus IS300 has two main engine options depending on the drivetrain: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine for the rear-wheel-drive model and a 3.5-liter V6 for the all-wheel-drive model. The older, first-generation IS300 (2000-2005) featured a naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-six engine. 
Current models

• 2.0L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder: This engine is for the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) IS300 and produces 241 horsepower. 
• 3.5L V6: This engine powers the all-wheel-drive (AWD) IS300 and is detuned to 260 horsepower compared to the IS350, which uses a more powerful version of the same V6. 

Older models (2000-2005)

• 3.0L Naturally Aspirated Inline-Six: The first-generation IS300 was equipped with a 215-horsepower 3.0-liter inline-six engine, sometimes referred to as the 2JZ-GE. 

What engine is in a 2002 Lexus IS300?

The 2002 Lexus IS300 is equipped with a 3.0-liter 2JZ-GE inline-6 engine that produces 215 horsepower and 218 lb-ft of torque. This naturally aspirated, non-turbo engine features DOHC 24 valves with VVT-i. It is known for its durability and ability to be modified, and it shares its engine block with the non-turbo Supra.
 
Engine specifications

• Engine code: 2JZ-GE
• Type: Inline 6-cylinder
• Displacement: 3.0 liters (299729972997 cc)
• Horsepower: 215 hp @ 5800 rpm
• Torque: 218 lb-ft
• Valvetrain: DOHC 24 valves with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i)
• Bore x Stroke: 868686 mm x 868686 mm (3.393.393.39 in. x 3.393.393.39 in.)
• Fuel Type: Gasoline
• Key characteristics: Naturally aspirated, non-turbocharged 

Additional details

• The engine is known for being highly modifiable, with a reputation for reliability and the potential to handle significant power increases. 
• It is the same engine used in the non-turbo Supra models. 

Does the 2002 Lexus IS300 have a 2JZ?

Yes, the 2002 Lexus IS300 comes with a non-turbocharged version of the 2JZ engine, specifically the 2JZ-GE. This 3.0L inline-six engine produces 215 horsepower and 218 lb-ft of torque, sharing the same block as the Toyota Supra's turbocharged 2JZ-GTE but without the turbocharger.
 

• Engine name: The engine is the 2JZ-GE, which is part of the famous 2JZ family. 
• Key difference: It is a naturally aspirated (non-turbocharged) engine, unlike the 2JZ-GTE found in the Supra. 
• Engine code: The engine code is 2JZ-GE. 
• Engine type: It is a 3.0L, inline-six, DOHC engine with VVTi. 
• Performance: It delivers 215 hp and 218 lb-ft of torque. 
• Modifiability: The engine is known for being reliable and can be modified to produce significantly more power, including adding a turbocharger. 

Which Lexus is 300 has a 2JZ?

The Lexus IS300 models from 2001-2005 were built with the naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE engine as a factory option. The popular and more powerful twin-turbocharged 2JZ-GTE engine is not a factory option for the IS300 but is a very common and popular engine swap performed by owners.
 
Factory-installed 2JZ-GE 

• The IS300 from 2001 to 2005 came standard with the 2JZ-GE 3.0L inline-6 engine. 
• It is the non-turbocharged version, which produces around 215-217 horsepower and 218 lb-ft of torque. 

Swapped 2JZ-GTE 

• The 2JZ-GTE is the turbocharged version of the engine made famous in the Toyota Supra. 
• While it was not a factory option for the IS300, it is one of the most popular engine swaps for the model, often used to create high-horsepower "sleeper" builds. 
• These swaps are extensive and require significant modifications, as the GTE engine is not a direct factory fit.