Does the Lexus IS350 have a turbo?
The short answer: no. The IS350 is not turbocharged; it uses a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6. If you’re chasing turbocharged Lexus power, you’re looking at the IS300 (2.0-liter turbo inline-four) or the IS500 (5.0-liter V8) in recent lineups, while the IS350 badge has not been paired with factory forced induction in current production.
Engine history and current lineup
The Lexus IS family has evolved with several powertrain options over the years. The IS350 name originally referred to a 3.5-liter V6 without a turbo, delivering around 300 horsepower. In later years, some markets received turbocharged four-cylinders, while the North American lineup shifted toward a turbocharged IS300, and a high-performance IS500 with a naturally aspirated V8. Taken together, the IS350 badge has not been associated with a factory turbo in the recent lineup.
Turbo options in the IS family
To illustrate the distinction, here is how turbo power sits in the IS family for current or recent models:
- IS 300 — 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four (not a 350 badge).
- IS 500 — 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 (no turbo).
- IS 350 — historically a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 (no factory turbo in recent years).
Note that in some markets, a turbocharged 2.0-liter IS model existed under different names (such as IS 200t/IS 300). Those variants are separate from the IS350 and reflect regional naming differences rather than a turbocharged IS350.
For buyers, this means the IS350 itself remains a naturally aspirated option, while turbocharged variants appear in other IS models.
What this means for buyers
If you specifically want turbocharged power from the IS line, your choices are the IS300 (2.0-liter turbo) or the IS500 (5.0-liter V8, NA), depending on model year and market. The IS350 remains the naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 option. Always verify the exact engine in a given car through the window sticker or VIN, as configurations can vary by year and region.
How to verify whether your IS has a turbo
To confirm whether a specific IS model has a turbo, use these steps:
- Inspect the engine bay for turbocharger hardware—look for intercooler piping and a turbo attached to the exhaust side.
- Check exterior badging or the model designation on the trunk, fenders, or engine cover for indicators such as “Turbo” or “2.0T.”
- Consult the vehicle’s documentation (window sticker or owner's manual) for the exact engine code and displacement (e.g., 2.0T vs 3.5V6).
By following these steps, you can confirm whether an IS is turbocharged or naturally aspirated.
Summary
The Lexus IS350 does not come with a turbocharged engine. It is powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6. If turbocharged performance is your goal within the IS lineup, consider the IS300 (2.0-liter turbo) or the IS500 (5.0-liter V8) depending on your market and model year. Always verify the specific engine with official documentation when evaluating a used IS.
Is the Lexus 350 turbocharged?
The 2025 Lexus RX 350 is a comfortable, confident cruiser. It's quiet until the turbocharged four-cylinder engine is really pushed, and the brakes are responsive, if not finely tuned. Generally, the RX 350 is pleasant to drive and ride in.
What engine does a Lexus IS 350 have?
A Lexus IS350 has a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 311 horsepower. This naturally aspirated engine provides smooth acceleration and is paired with either an 8-speed automatic transmission for rear-wheel drive (RWD) models or a 6-speed automatic transmission for all-wheel drive (AWD) versions.
- Engine: 3.5L naturally aspirated V6
- Horsepower: 311 hp
- Torque: 280 lb-ft
- Transmission:
- 8-speed automatic for RWD models
- 6-speed automatic for AWD models
Does the Lexus IS 350 have turbo?
Under the hood, you'll find a 3.5L V6 engine with 311 horsepower. This is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission (RWD) or 6-speed automatic (AWD). The Lexus IS 350 F Sport has a naturally aspirated engine, unlike the turbocharged engines of its competition, helping it stand out even more.
Which Lexus models have a turbo?
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