Does the Lexus IS 300 have a 2JZ engine?
Yes—the 2JZ-GE 3.0-liter inline-six powered the original Lexus IS 300, but this engine option did not carry into later IS generations.
Engine history in brief
To understand how the IS 300 evolved, here is a generation-by-generation snapshot of the powerplants used in the nameplate.
First-generation IS 300 (1999–2005)
The original IS 300, sold in the United States and many other markets, used Toyota/Lexus’s 2JZ-GE 3.0-liter inline-six. It delivered roughly 215–235 horsepower depending on year and market, and was offered with both manual and automatic transmissions.
- Engine: 2JZ-GE 3.0L inline-six
- Power output: approx. 215–235 hp depending on market
- Transmissions: typically available with manual or automatic options
In short, the defining powerplant of the first IS 300 was the 2JZ-GE.
Second-generation IS (2005–2013): IS 250/IS 350 in most markets
With the redesign for the second generation, the IS badge shifted to different engines in the US and many other markets. The lineup typically included the IS 250 (2.5L V6, 2AR-FSE) and the IS 350 (3.5L V6, 2GR-FSE); there was no factory IS 300 model powered by the 2JZ-GE in this generation.
- IS 250: 2.5L V6 (2AR-FSE)
- IS 350: 3.5L V6 (2GR-FSE)
- No 2JZ-GE engine offered in this generation
Thus, the 2JZ engine is associated with the early IS 300 and not with the later IS 250/350 configurations.
What this means for buyers and enthusiasts
If you’re shopping for an IS 300, engine verification is essential. The early IS 300 (first generation) should have a 2JZ-GE, while later IS models bearing the 300 badge in markets outside the US, if any, generally use different engines and follow different naming conventions.
- Check the engine code on the engine block or stamping to confirm 2JZ-GE.
- Verify the model year and market to determine whether the car is a first-generation IS 300 or a later IS 250/350 variant.
- Be aware that substantial differences in performance and maintenance apply between the 2JZ-GE and later V6 engines.
Verifying the engine type helps ensure you’re evaluating the original 2JZ-powered IS 300 or a later-generation model with a different powerplant.
Summary
How much horsepower does a Lexus IS300 2JZ have?
The Lexus IS300's 2JZ engine, specifically the non-turbocharged 2JZ-GE, produces 215 horsepower from the factory. However, by adding a turbocharger, the horsepower can be increased dramatically, with modified builds reaching anywhere from 400 to over 1,200 horsepower, depending on the extent of the upgrades, as detailed in sources like this YouTube video and this Reddit thread.
Factory horsepower
- 215 horsepower: The stock 2JZ-GE engine in the Lexus IS300 is a naturally aspirated (non-turbocharged) 3.0-liter inline-six that produces 215 hp and 218 lb-ft of torque.
Modified horsepower
- 400-500 horsepower: With basic turbocharging (NA-T or "naturally aspirated to turbo"), it's common to reach 400-500 horsepower, as seen in builds that use a turbo to force more air into the engine.
- 700-800+ horsepower: More extensively modified engines, often with upgraded internal components, can reliably reach 700-800+ horsepower.
- 1,000+ horsepower: With a full-race setup including a larger turbo and supporting modifications, it is possible to achieve 1,000 horsepower or more, as shown in examples from Reddit and other sites.
Which Lexus comes with a 2JZ?
Lexus models that came with a 2JZ engine include the SC 300, GS 300, and IS 300. These cars typically featured the non-turbocharged 2JZ-GE engine, which is known for its reliability and is a popular base for performance modifications.
- Lexus SC 300: This coupe came with the naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE, which was also used in the non-turbo Toyota Supra Mk4.
- Lexus GS 300: Available in both the first and second generations, this sedan used the 2JZ-GE engine.
- Lexus IS 300: The IS 300 was equipped with the 2JZ-GE and was the last Lexus model in the US to use the 2JZ engine. The SportCross wagon version was also available with this engine.
Which IS300 has 2JZ?
All factory-built Lexus IS300 models from 2001 to 2005 came standard with the 2JZ-GE engine. This was the naturally aspirated, 3.0-liter inline-six engine, which was a variant of the famous engine also found in the Toyota Supra, though without the turbocharger.
- Engine: The engine was a 2JZ-GE, which is a 3.0-liter, naturally aspirated (non-turbo) inline-six.
- Years: The 2JZ-GE was the engine for all Lexus IS300 models produced from 2001 to 2005.
- Power: The engine produced around 215-227 horsepower, depending on the specific model year.
- Performance: While this engine was known for its durability, it was the non-turbo version. Enthusiasts often modified it to add a turbocharger to significantly increase its horsepower.
What engine is in the Lexus IS 300?
The Lexus IS 300 has two engine options, depending on the model and drivetrain: a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder or an available 3.5-liter V6 for all-wheel drive models. Older models, like the first-generation IS 300 (1999-2005), came with a 3.0-liter inline-six engine.
Modern IS 300
- 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4: This is the standard engine for the rear-wheel-drive model, producing around 241 horsepower.
- 3.5-liter V6: This engine is an option for the all-wheel-drive IS 300 and is also standard on the IS 350 models, providing higher horsepower.
First-generation IS 300
- 3.0-liter 2JZ-GE inline-six: This was the engine used in the first-generation IS 300 from 1999 to 2005.
