Is Lexus 350 a V-6 or V-8?
In most Lexus models that carry the 350 badge, the engine is a 3.5-liter V6, not a V-8. That said, the badge alone doesn’t guarantee a V6 across every model and year—some 350-branded Lexus vehicles use a four-cylinder turbo or other powertrains depending on the lineup.
To understand why the 350 badge appears across different models and how engine choices have evolved, it helps to map which Lexus models carry the 350 designation and what engines power them today.
Lexus 350: by model
Below are the examples most commonly associated with the 350 badge and the engines that power them. This demonstrates the general pattern: the 350 label often signals a V6 in traditional sedans and SUVs, but there are notable exceptions.
- ES 350 — 3.5-liter V6
- IS 350 — 3.5-liter V6
- RX 350 — 3.5-liter V6
- NX 350 — 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four (not a V6)
These examples illustrate the core rule: the 350 badge commonly refers to a 3.5-liter V6 in several midsize Lexus models, but the designation can diverge in newer or smaller platforms. Always check the exact engine specification for the year and trim you’re considering.
When the badge doesn’t mean a V6
Some 350-badged models, especially newer compact crossovers, may use a turbocharged four-cylinder instead of a V6. For example, certain NX 350 configurations employ a 2.4-liter turbo I-4 rather than a V6, reflecting a broader industry shift toward downsized engines with forced induction.
If you’re seeking a V8, look beyond the 350 badge
V8 power exists in Lexus—but not under the 350 name. Models such as the LC 500 (and historically some LX/Landmark-era variants) use V8 engines, while the LS and LX lineups have featured V8 configurations in certain generations. The presence of a V8 is more closely tied to those specific models rather than to a “350” badge.
Summary
Bottom line: the Lexus 350 designation most often corresponds to a 3.5-liter V6 engine, especially in ES 350, IS 350, and RX 350. However, not every 350-branded model uses a V6—NX 350, for instance, relies on a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. If V8 power is your priority, you’ll want to explore models outside the 350 lineup, such as LC 500 or LX variations, where a V8 is offered.
Is the Lexus 350 a V6 or V8?
LEXUS RX 350 PERFORMANCE SPECS
Every 2022 RX 350 is powered by a 3.5L V6 engine, which is mated to an electronically controlled 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard, but you can opt for available Dynamic Torque Control all-wheel drive (AWD) for improved traction on wet or snowy roads.
Is the Lexus IS 350 a V8?
No, the Lexus IS 350 is not a V8; it is powered by a 3.5L V6 engine. The Lexus IS F was the performance model that featured a V8 engine, and the IS 350 has never been offered with a V8.
- IS 350: Features a 3.5-liter V6 engine.
- IS F: Was the model that offered a 5.0L V8 engine.
- Engine displacement: The "350" in the IS 350 name refers to the 3.5-liter engine displacement, not the number of cylinders.
Which engine does the Lexus IS 350 use?
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2025 IS has three engine options: a 241-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder in the IS300, a 311-hp V-6 in the IS350, and a 472-hp V-8 in the IS500. The IS300 and IS350 can be had with all-wheel drive; the IS500 is rear-drive only.
Which Lexus has a V8?
Lexus models that currently have a V8 engine include the LC 500 (coupe and convertible), RC F (including the Track Edition), and the IS 500 F SPORT Performance sedan. Other Lexus models that previously offered a V8 engine include the GX 460, LX 570, and several older sedan and coupe models.
You can watch this video to learn more about the Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance sedan: 54stexasGarage “TXGARAGE”YouTube · Jan 17, 2025
Current V8 Lexus models
- LC 500: A grand tourer available as a coupe or convertible with a 5.0L V8 producing 471 horsepower.
- RC F: A high-performance coupe and the Track Edition variant, both featuring a 5.0L V8 engine that generates 472 horsepower.
- IS 500 F SPORT Performance: A luxury sedan that comes standard with a 5.0L V8 engine delivering 472 horsepower.
Previous V8 Lexus models
- GX 460: A V8 SUV that is currently available as a used model.
- LX 570: A full-size V8 SUV, also available in the used market.
- IS F: A performance sedan that was discontinued.
- GS F: A high-performance sedan that was discontinued.
- LS 460: A large sedan that was discontinued after 2017.
