How many gears does the IS350 have?
The IS350 currently uses an 8-speed automatic transmission, while older models used a 6-speed automatic.
The answer depends on the model year and generation. The Lexus IS350 evolved from a 6-speed automatic in its early years to an 8-speed automatic after a mid-cycle refresh around 2014, and that 8-speed setup remains standard in most markets today. There has been no factory manual option for the IS350 in mainstream markets.
Gears by generation
Below is a concise breakdown of the typical gear counts for IS350 models across their generations and major updates.
- First-generation IS350 (approximately 2006–2013): 6-speed automatic
- Second-generation/2014 refresh onward (approximately 2014–2020+): 8-speed automatic
- Current IS350 (2021–present in most markets): 8-speed automatic
Since the 2014 mid-cycle refresh, Lexus has standardized on the 8-speed automatic for the IS350 in most regions, balancing performance with efficiency.
Market variations
Note that regional differences can occur, and specific trims or years might show minor transmission code changes. In the main markets (North America, Europe, Asia), the IS350 standard transmission in the current generation is the 8-speed automatic, with no conventional manual option offered.
Summary
The IS350’s gear count has shifted from 6 speeds in earlier years to 8 speeds in recent years, and today most IS350 models are equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission. If assessing a used vehicle, confirm the model year to determine the exact transmission.
