Does the Lexus IS300 have a 2JZ?
Yes. The Lexus IS300 uses the 2JZ-GE engine, a naturally aspirated member of Toyota’s JZ inline-six family. It is not the turbocharged 2JZ-GTE found in the Supra.
Engine details and historical context
The first-generation Lexus IS300, sold in North America as an IS300 from 2001 to 2005, is powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six identified as the 2JZ-GE. This engine is part of the broader JZ family but differs from the turbocharged 2JZ-GTE that appears in the Toyota Supra. In many markets, the 2JZ-GE in the IS300 is naturally aspirated and produces roughly 215–235 horsepower depending on year and market.
The 2JZ family at a glance
Understanding the distinction between the two main 2JZ variants helps explain performance and tuning expectations. The 2JZ-GE is the naturally aspirated version, while the 2JZ-GTE is the turbocharged version used in performance-tuned applications like the Supra. Both share the same basic 3.0-liter straight-six block but differ in induction, internals, and power output.
- 2JZ-GE: 3.0-liter inline-six, natural aspiration, DOHC, 24 valves, uses variable valve timing in many applications; typical output around 215–235 hp depending on year and market.
- 2JZ-GTE: 3.0-liter inline-six, turbocharged (often sequential twin-turbo in some configurations); substantially higher power output, historically around 280–330+ hp depending on boost and market.
- IS300 application: 2JZ-GE in the US and many other markets; not a turbocharged setup.
Key differences between the two engines:
In summary, the IS300 is powered by the 2JZ-GE, which is the naturally aspirated variant of the 2JZ family. Enthusiasts sometimes refer to the entire 2JZ lineup colloquially as “2JZ engines,” but the IS300 itself does not use the turbocharged 2JZ-GTE.
Regional considerations and naming nuances
Engine naming and model badging can vary by market. In the United States, the IS with the 3.0-liter engine is known as the IS300 and uses the 2JZ-GE. In some other regions, similar cars may wear different badges or use different engines in a way that can cause confusion with the IS200/Altezza naming. Regardless of these variations, the IS300’s powerplant is the non-turbo 2JZ-GE rather than the 2JZ-GTE.
- US/Canada and many other markets: IS300 with 2JZ-GE engine.
- 2JZ-GTE turbo variant exists in other models (not in IS300).
- Some markets used different badge names or engines for similar cars, but the IS300 itself is typically the NA 2JZ-GE configuration.
Notes on regional variations:
These distinctions are important for buyers and collectors who are evaluating maintenance needs, aftermarket options, and potential tuning paths. Verifying the engine code in a used IS300 is a straightforward check that confirms whether the car uses the NA 2JZ-GE or another engine configuration in a different regional variant.
Summary
Bottom line: the Lexus IS300 does indeed use a 2JZ engine, specifically the 2JZ-GE, which is the naturally aspirated member of Toyota’s 2JZ inline-six family. It is not the turbocharged 2JZ-GTE used in the Supra. This distinction matters for performance expectations, maintenance, and potential tuning. If you’re shopping for an IS300, look for engine code information to confirm it’s the 2JZ-GE.)
Which Lexus 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 2005 IS300?
The Lexus IS300's 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, also known as the 2JZ-GE, was the same engine found in the Toyota Supra, with a slightly different configuration and no turbos, producing 215 hp and 218 lb-ft of torque.
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.
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) |
