Is Lexus RX 350 a 4 or 6 cylinder?
Today’s RX 350 is powered by a four-cylinder engine—specifically, a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 that delivers about 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. This marks a shift from older RX 350 models, which used a V6. The designation RX 350 refers to the base trim, but the powerplant has evolved across generations.
In recent years, Lexus transitioned the RX lineup from a traditional V6 to a four-cylinder turbo setup for the base RX 350 in its current generation. However, older generations (up to the 2022 model year) relied on a 3.5-liter V6. Hybrid variants in the RX lineup also follow their own engine configurations, adding electric propulsion to four- or six-cylinder baselines depending on the variant.
Current RX 350 engine: four-cylinder turbo
Here are the core specs for the current RX 350 engine family:
- Engine: 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-4
- Power: about 275 horsepower
- Torque: about 317 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive standard, all-wheel drive available
In summary, the current RX 350 is powered by a four-cylinder turbo engine, not a traditional V6.
Past RX 350 engines and cylinder counts
Before the 2023 redesign, the RX 350 relied on a traditional V6 configuration. Here’s a snapshot of the typical setup from earlier generations:
- Engine: 3.5-liter V6
- Power: around 295 horsepower
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: AWD available
Thus, older RX 350 models were six-cylinder; the switch to a four-cylinder occurred with the latest generation.
Hybrid and performance variants
Hybrid and performance variants
The RX lineup also includes hybrid variants that use four-cylinder powerplants paired with electric propulsion, along with a higher-performance hybrid model. Here are the main options you’ll encounter:
- RX 350h: 2.5-liter hybrid four-cylinder with electric motors (combined output around 246 hp)
- RX 500h: 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with a hybrid system (combined output around 367 hp)
These hybrids illustrate how Lexus uses four-cylinder baselines across the lineup, with hybrid systems boosting efficiency and performance in different ways.
Summary
As of the current model year, the Lexus RX 350 is a four-cylinder turbocharged vehicle. The shift from a V6 to a 2.4-liter inline-4 occurred with the 2023 redesign, while the RX lineup continues to offer hybrid variants that expand power and efficiency. If you’re buying used, check the model year to confirm the engine configuration: older RX 350 models used a V6, newer ones use the four-cylinder turbo.
Which Lexus has a 6 cylinder engine?
Several current Lexus models have a V6 engine, including the LX (twin-turbo V6), ES 350 (3.5L V6), and IS 300 and 350 (3.5L V6). Newer or upcoming models like the TX 450h+ plug-in hybrid also use a V6.
You can watch this video to learn more about the V6 engine in the Lexus ES: 57sDietrich's Car ChannelYouTube · Mar 25, 2025
- Lexus LX: Features a 3.4L twin-turbo V6 engine.
- Lexus ES: The ES 350 trim includes a 3.5L V6 engine.
- Lexus IS: The IS 300 AWD and IS 350 models use a 3.5L V6.
- Lexus TX: The TX 450h+ is a plug-in hybrid that uses a V6 engine.
- Lexus GX: This SUV also offers a twin-turbo V6 engine.
What is the common problem with Lexus RX 350?
Common problems reported for the Lexus RX 350 include oil leaks, issues with the airbag system (like warning lights), cracking dashboards, and problems with rain sensors. Other common complaints involve battery failures, steering problems, and A/C or electronic system failures.
This video explains the common problems of the 3rd generation Lexus RX 350: 55s1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Jul 2, 2021
Engine and mechanical
- Oil leaks: Leaks often occur around the valve cover gaskets or oil pan. Some models have also reported a more serious issue with the oil line to the Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system.
- Steering issues: Problems are sometimes linked to leaking power steering fluid.
- Transmission issues: Some models have reported problems with shifting, gear changes, or transmission fluid leaks.
Electrical and electronic
- Battery failure: Premature battery failure has been reported, sometimes leading to starting issues.
- Airbag problems: Illuminated airbag warning lights, sometimes with specific error codes, are a reported issue.
- Rain sensors: Defective or malfunctioning rain sensors are a recurring complaint, especially in certain model years.
- Electronic system failures: Other electronic systems can fail, including issues with the A/C amplifier.
Interior and exterior
- Cracking dashboards: This was more common in older models. While not directly a safety issue, a cracked dashboard can potentially affect the airbag system, and repairs can be difficult to source.
- Rattling doors: Some owners have experienced this noise from the doors.
- Excessive wind noise: Some models have been reported to have excessive wind noise at higher speeds.
Other
- Check engine light: This can appear with codes related to the Variable Valve Timing system.
- Interior noises: Rattling or squeaking noises inside the cabin are a sometimes-reported issue.
This video discusses the common complaints about the 2023-2024 Lexus RX: 1mLSFTYouTube · Oct 11, 2024
Which RX engine is best?
The RX 500h is the one to get. It's smoother and better than the V6 ever was.
Is the Lexus RX 350 4 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
