Is a Lexus IS 300 front wheel drive?
In most markets, the Lexus IS 300 is not a front-wheel-drive car. It is built around rear-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option on many models. A related hybrid variant (the IS 300h) exists in some regions and can use a front-wheel-drive setup, but that is a separate model family from the petrol IS 300.
Drivetrain basics by generation
The IS 300 lineage has traditionally prioritized a rear-wheel-drive bias, with all-wheel drive offered in several generations. Front-wheel drive is not standard on the petrol IS 300 in the markets where that nameplate has been used; regional hybrids have their own distinct drive layouts.
Key drivetrain patterns by era
- Generation 1 (about 2001–2005): Petrol IS 300 was primarily rear-wheel drive; an all-wheel-drive option appeared in some markets. Front-wheel drive was not offered on the petrol IS 300 during this period.
- Generation 2 (about 2006–2013): Petrol IS models remained rear-wheel drive as the default; all-wheel drive was available in certain markets, while front-wheel drive for the petrol IS 300 did not apply.
- Generation 3 (about 2014–2020): The lineup continued with rear-wheel drive as standard and AWD as an option in many regions; the IS 300 nameplate was less common in the U.S. during parts of this span, with IS 250/IS 350 prevailing instead.
- Generation 4 (2021–present): The contemporary IS 300 (notably the 2.0L turbo variant) offers rear-wheel drive as the default and AWD as an option; there is also a hybrid variant in some markets, IS 300h, which uses a different drive layout as part of the IS family.
Concluding: Across its modern history, the petrol Lexus IS 300 has not been offered as a front-wheel-drive model in most markets; it is typically RWD with AWD as an option. If you encounter a hybrid IS 300h in certain regions, that variant can use a front-wheel-drive hybrid layout as part of its system.
Hybrid variants and regional variations
In some regions, Lexus sold the IS 300h, a hybrid variant that uses a different drive arrangement. This model is distinct from the petrol IS 300 and often leans on front-wheel drive as part of its hybrid system. Market availability and exact drivetrain details varied by country and year.
- Europe, parts of Asia, and some other markets: IS 300h was offered as a hybrid option; its drivetrain generally prioritizes a front-wheel-drive layout, combined with electric motors as part of the hybrid system. This is separate from the purely petrol IS 300.
- United States: The IS 300h did not see broad, ongoing availability in the U.S.; the U.S. lineup has historically focused on petrol versions such as IS 250/IS 350 and, more recently, the IS 300 with a 2.0L turbo, both with RWD and AWD options.
Concluding: The IS 300h provides a different drivetrain story from the petrol IS 300. When evaluating a specific car, verify whether you’re looking at a petrol IS 300 (RWD/AWD) or a hybrid IS 300h (often FWD in markets where offered).
Bottom line
For the commonly referenced petrol Lexus IS 300 sold in major markets, front-wheel drive is not used. Expect rear-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option in many years and regions. If you see an IS 300h hybrid, that variant may employ a front-wheel-drive hybrid layout in certain markets, but it is not the IS 300 petrol model.
Summary
The Lexus IS 300 is not generally a front-wheel-drive vehicle. Its core petrol versions have been built around rear-wheel drive, with optional all-wheel drive. The hybrid IS 300h, when present in a market, can use front-wheel drive as part of its hybrid system and is considered a separate variant from the traditional petrol IS 300. Always check the specific model year and market to confirm the drivetrain configuration.
Is the Lexus 300 front-wheel drive?
LEXUS SEDANS WITH AWD
As mentioned above, the ES comes solely in front-wheel drive. Rear-wheel drive comes standard on the IS 300 and 350, but all-wheel drive is available on each trim level. On the GS, only rear-wheel drive is available on either trim of the 300, while the 350's two trims have a choice of RWD or AWD.
Which Lexus IS FWD?
Efficiency: Front-wheel drive models like the ES and NX tend to be more fuel efficient for greater savings at the gas pump.
Does the Lexus IS 300 come in AWD?
EXHILARATING TURBO AND V6 POWER
The 260-horsepower* V6 of the capable IS 300 AWD.
Is the IS 300 front or rear-wheel drive?
rear-wheel drive
The IS300 rear-wheel drive is powered by a 2.0L twin-scroll turbocharged 4-cylinder, which produces 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque that's mated to a Sport Direct-Shift 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.
