Is the Lexus 350 a V6?
Typically, the 350 badge has signified a 3.5-liter V6 engine in many Lexus models. However, in recent years Lexus has begun pairing some 350-badged models with a turbocharged four-cylinder, so the engine can vary by model and year.
To understand this, it helps to look at how the 350 designation has been used across Lexus sedans, coupes, and crossovers, and how engine lineups have evolved toward smaller turbo engines and hybrids in the 2020s.
Historical use of the 350 badge
Before listing the models, note that several Lexus lines traditionally used the 3.5-liter V6 when carrying the 350 badge, especially in older or more conventional configurations.
- IS 350
- ES 350
- GS 350 (older generation)
- RX 350 (older generations)
In these cases, the 350 designation indicated a 3.5L V6 engine in the model’s typical configurations. As new generations arrived, some lines kept the V6, while others shifted to smaller turbo engines while retaining the 350 badge on certain trims.
Current state by model
Below highlights how the current engine choices map to the 350 badge on some popular Lexus models. This helps distinguish which 350s are still V6-powered versus those that use a turbo four-cylinder instead.
IS 350
The IS 350 continues to use a 3.5-liter V6 in contemporary versions, maintaining the traditional V6 characteristic for this model line.
ES 350
The ES 350 remains equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 in its current generation, continuing the historic V6 configuration for this sedan.
GS 350
GS 350 was the V6-powered option in its last generation; production has since ended, but it historically used the 3.5L V6 when sold as GS 350.
RX 350
In the current generation, the RX 350 no longer uses a 3.5-liter V6. It is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-4, so this 350 badge does not indicate a V6 in today’s RX lineup.
NX 350
The NX 350 uses a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 rather than a V6, so the engine behind the 350 badge for this model is not a V6.
Summary
In short, the Lexus 350 designation has historically signified a 3.5L V6 in several model lines (notably IS 350 and ES 350, with GS 350 in older generations). However, in recent years Lexus has shifted some 350-badged models to smaller turbocharged four-cylinders, particularly the RX 350 and NX 350. Always verify the exact model and model-year to know the engine configuration.
Summary: If you’re shopping for a 350 with a V6, focus on IS 350 and ES 350 in current and recent generations. For RX 350 and NX 350 in the latest generations, expect a turbocharged four-cylinder instead of a V6. Checking the vehicle’s specifications for the exact year and trim is the safest approach.
