How many cylinders are in a Lexus RX 350?
The Lexus RX 350 uses a six‑cylinder, 3.5‑liter V6 engine.
In current generations, this V6 is paired with an eight‑speed automatic transmission and delivers approximately 295 horsepower and 268 lb‑ft of torque. That six‑cylinder configuration has been a defining characteristic of the RX 350’s gasoline lineup, distinguishing it from the hybrid variants that use different engine layouts.
Engine configuration and specs
Here are the core engine specifications for the RX 350's current gasoline model.
- Engine: 3.5‑liter V6
- Cylinders: 6
- Configuration: V‑shaped
- Transmission: 8‑speed automatic
- Horsepower: ~295 hp
- Torque: ~268 lb‑ft
In summary, the RX 350’s gasoline engine is a six‑cylinder V6 that provides smooth power delivery and a refined driving experience, complemented by a capable eight‑speed automatic transmission.
Variants and cylinder configurations
RX 350 vs. RX 350h cylinder counts
For context, the RX 350’s six‑cylinder setup applies to the standard gasoline model. The RX 350h hybrid version uses a different engine arrangement—the hybrid system combines a 2.5‑liter inline‑4 Atkinson‑cycle gasoline engine with electric motors, delivering a total system output of around 246 hp and featuring four gasoline cylinders in the internal combustion portion.
Summary
The RX 350 features a six‑cylinder, 3.5‑liter V6 engine with an eight‑speed automatic transmission, delivering about 295 hp. If you’re considering the hybrid RX 350h, note that it uses a four‑cylinder gasoline engine paired with electric motors. In short: RX 350 = 6 cylinders; RX 350h = 4 cylinders in the gasoline portion.
What is the most common problem with Lexus RX 350?
The most common problem with the Lexus RX 350 is a massive oil leak, specifically from the VVT-i oil line, which can lead to rapid oil loss and potential engine failure, especially in older models like the 2010. Other frequent issues include faulty rain sensors, especially in newer models, resulting in wipers that malfunction randomly. Older model years (2007 and 2010) also show a tendency for airbag warning lights and transmission problems, while some 2016 models experienced rough shifting and transmission issues.
This video discusses the 2013 Lexus RX 350's common problems, including oil leaks and other issues: 55scar PROblemsYouTube · Jun 26, 2022
Engine and oil leaks
- VVT-i oil line leak: This is a recurring issue, particularly in older models like the 2010, where the oil line can burst, causing significant oil loss and potential engine damage if not addressed immediately.
- Check Engine light: This can be triggered by various engine issues, including problems with the variable valve timing system.
Electrical and sensor problems
- Rain sensor malfunction: Both older and newer models have reported issues with the rain-sensing wipers not functioning correctly or stopping randomly.
- Airbag warning light: This has been reported across several model years, often linked to codes B0111 and B0116 due to issues like faulty sensors or a depleted airbag backup battery.
- Infotainment system issues: Problems like malfunctioning touchscreens, unresponsive climate controls, and other glitches have been reported, particularly in recent years.
Transmission and drivetrain issues
- Rough shifting: Some models, such as the 2016, have been reported to have delayed gear shifts and a lack of smoothness.
- Transmission failure: In the 2016 model year, transmission problems were significant enough to cause concerns about long-term reliability.
Other potential problems
- Spontaneously shattering sunroofs: Though rare, this has been reported in some model years and is a significant safety concern.
- Body integrity issues: Some older models, such as the 2010, have experienced body-related issues like rattling doors.
- Steering mechanism leaks: These can be costly to repair.
Is the Lexus RX 350 a V6 or v8?
3.5L V6
Every 2022 RX 350 is powered by a 3.5L V6 engine, which is mated to an electronically controlled 8-speed automatic transmission.
Is RX 350 4 cylinder or 6 cylinder?
The Lexus RX 350 is a 4-cylinder engine, specifically a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, replacing the V6 engine from previous models. This turbocharged engine produces 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
You can watch this video to see a detailed review of the 2025 Lexus RX 350's four-cylinder engine: 54sVagabond BuildsYouTube · Oct 9, 2025
- Engine: 2.4-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 275 hp
- Torque: 317 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Which Lexus SUV is 6 cylinder?
The Lexus GX and LX are the current SUV models that come with a 6-cylinder engine. The GX 550 features a twin-turbo V6, and the LX 600 also uses a twin-turbo V6. The TX also has a 6-cylinder engine, but it's part of a plug-in hybrid system in the TX 550h+ model.
Lexus GX
- Engine: Twin-turbo V6
- Horsepower: 349 hp
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
- Towing Capacity: Up to 9,096 pounds
Lexus LX
- Engine: Twin-turbo V6
- Horsepower: 409 hp
- Drivetrain: Full-time 4WD
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Lexus TX
- Engine: 3.5-liter V6 engine (in the plug-in hybrid TX 550h+ model)
- Horsepower: 404 hp (combined with electric motor)
- Transmission: ECVT
