Is the 2019 IS 300 turbo?
Yes. The 2019 Lexus IS 300 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine rather than a V6.
In the 2019 model year, Lexus positioned the IS 300 as the turbo option in the IS lineup, pairing the 2.0L turbo with an 8-speed automatic and offering rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive depending on trim, while the IS 350 continued with a 3.5-liter V6.
Engine and performance
Key specifications for the IS 300's turbocharged powertrain are:
- Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (engine code 8AR-FTS)
- Power: 241 hp at 4,800–5,600 rpm
- Torque: 258 lb-ft from 1,650–4,400 rpm
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic with adaptive shift
- Drivetrain options: Rear-wheel drive standard; all-wheel drive available
- Performance: 0–60 mph in about 6.1–6.2 seconds (RWD) and roughly 6.5–6.6 seconds with AWD
- Fuel: Premium unleaded recommended
The turbo-4 delivers a lively launch and a more efficient operating profile than earlier V6-powered IS models, pairing sporty responsiveness with everyday practicality.
IS 300 vs IS 350: where the turbo fits
To put the 2019 lineup in context, Lexus offered the IS 350 with a larger naturally aspirated V6 to deliver higher power, while the IS 300 used the turbo 2.0L to provide strong torque at lower revs and improved efficiency for daily driving.
Key differences between the IS 300 and its V6 sibling include:
- IS 300: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4, around 241 hp and 258 lb-ft, 8-speed automatic, available in RWD or AWD
- IS 350: 3.5-liter V6, around 311 hp and 280 lb-ft, 8-speed automatic, available in RWD or AWD
- Positioning: IS 300 emphasizes efficiency and agile handling; IS 350 emphasizes higher power and smoother torque
For buyers seeking a sport-luxury sedan with immediate response and better fuel efficiency, the IS 300 turbo offers a compelling option alongside the more powerful IS 350.
Market context and availability
In the 2019 model year, the IS 300 represented the turbocharged option in Lexus’ IS lineup in markets where the IS 200t/IS 300 designation is used. Availability of all-wheel drive and specific trim levels varied by region, with the IS 350 continuing as the higher-performance V6 option in most markets.
Note that regional naming and engine configurations can differ by country, but the core setup for the 2019 IS 300 remained a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 paired with an 8-speed automatic and offered with RWD or AWD as appropriate to the market.
Summary
The 2019 Lexus IS 300 is indeed a turbo model, featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 that delivers strong low-end torque and efficient performance. It sits as the sportier, more efficient option in the IS lineup alongside the V6-powered IS 350, giving buyers a balance of performance and practicality.
