Is Lexus ES turbocharged?
The short answer: no—the Lexus ES lineup does not include a turbocharged engine. In the United States, the ES is offered with a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 in the ES 350 and a hybrid setup built around a 2.5-liter four-cylinder in the ES 300h, with no turbocharger in either configuration.
While turbocharged engines are common across many automakers for boosting power without larger displacement, Lexus has prioritized smoothness, reliability, and efficiency in the ES family. That means ES buyers looking for turbocharged performance will need to consider other Lexus models in the lineup, such as the NX or IS, rather than the ES itself.
Current ES powertrains
Below are the two powertrain options offered for the Lexus ES in the United States today.
- ES 350 — 3.5-liter V6, naturally aspirated, producing around 302 horsepower; front-wheel drive is standard with all-wheel drive available as an option.
- ES 300h — hybrid powertrain using a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with electric motors; combined output around 215 horsepower; front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is not offered on the hybrid.
In short, neither option uses a turbocharger; the ES relies on a naturally aspirated V6 or a hybrid system instead of turbocharged gasoline power.
Notes on market differences
Engine offerings can vary by country and model year. Some regions historically used a different ES powertrain lineup, but in recent years the U.S. market has not seen a turbocharged ES variant.
Where turbocharging appears in the Lexus lineup
For readers curious about other Lexus models that do use turbocharged powertrains, here are two prominent examples:
- Lexus NX — 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine, delivering strong mid-range torque and competitive efficiency.
- Lexus IS — 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 in the IS 300, offering brisk acceleration and a sportier character than the ES.
Note: Availability and exact output vary by model year and market.
In short, turbocharging remains outside the ES lineup; Lexus relies on a refined V6 or hybrid setup for this model instead.
Summary
The Lexus ES is not turbocharged. It sticks with a refined, naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 in the ES 350 and a parallel hybrid system in the ES 300h, prioritizing a smooth, quiet ride and high efficiency. If turbo power appeals, look to other Lexus models such as the NX or IS for turbocharged options.
