Is the Lexus ES 300h a V6?
The short answer: No. The ES 300h uses a hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors, not a V6.
More context: Lexus positions the ES 300h as a fuel-efficiency-focused variant of the ES lineup. By contrast, the ES 350 and older ES models with a V6 rely on a traditional gasoline engine for performance. Across model years, the ES family uses clearly different powertrains to balance comfort, efficiency, and power.
Powertrain reality: What sits under the hood
Before listing the key differences, note that the ES 300h’s appeal centers on efficiency and smooth, refined hybrid operation, while the V6-powered versions emphasize immediate torque and higher horsepower. Both are front-wheel-drive in most configurations, with distinct drivetrains and transmissions.
- ES 300h: Hybrid system built around a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine plus electric motors, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
- ES 350 (V6 option in many markets): A conventional 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
- Power and output: The ES 300h delivers a total system output around 215 horsepower, geared toward efficiency; the ES 350 typically targets around 300 horsepower or more, focusing on performance.
- Fuel economy: The hybrid ES 300h generally achieves substantially higher EPA ratings than the V6 ES 350, reflecting its electricity-assisted efficiency.
In practice, the ES 300h offers a refined, quiet ride with emphasis on mpg, while the ES 350 aims for stronger acceleration and more traditional gasoline-driven performance.
Model specifics: ES 300h versus ES 350
To help distinguish the two in a showroom or on the road, here is a succinct comparison of their core powertrains and performance attributes.
- ES 300h: 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine + electric motors; total system output around 215 hp; CVT; designed for higher fuel efficiency and smoother, quieter operation.
- ES 350: 3.5-liter V6 engine; around 302 hp (varies by model year); eight-speed automatic transmission; targeted toward more spirited acceleration and traditional gasoline power.
These distinctions are reflected in performance, efficiency, and how each model feels when you drive it—the hybrid prioritizes economy and seamless transitions between gas and electric propulsion, while the V6-powered ES 350 delivers stronger straight-line performance.
How to tell them apart
Shopers and drivers can usually spot the difference quickly through badges, instrumentation, and typical performance cues.
- Badging and styling: The ES 300h badge denotes a hybrid, often with blue-tinted accent cues around hybrid branding; the ES 350 badge indicates a traditional gasoline V6 model.
- Instrument cluster and displays: The ES 300h’s gauge cluster includes a hybrid/energy-monitor layout showing battery status and energy flow; the ES 350 uses a conventional gauge setup without hybrid energy readouts.
- Performance and sounds: The ES 300h delivers smoother, quieter acceleration typical of a hybrid in stop-and-go driving, while the ES 350 offers more immediate, linear power with the characteristic V6 exhaust note (varies by year and trim).
In short, the presence of an “h” badge, hybrid energy-readout, and mpg-oriented figures are reliable indicators that you’re looking at an ES 300h rather than an ES 350.
Summary
The Lexus ES 300h is not a V6. It is a hybrid variant built around a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with electric motors and a CVT, delivering higher efficiency. The V6-powered counterpart in the ES lineup—commonly the ES 350—uses a 3.5-liter gasoline engine with an eight-speed automatic and higher horsepower. When choosing between them, consider whether your priority is fuel economy and smooth hybrid operation (ES 300h) or stronger gasoline performance (ES 350).
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.
Is the Lexus ES a 6 cylinder?
The Lexus ES has a 3.5-liter, 302-horsepower V6 engine in its ES 350 trims, which provides 267 lb-ft of torque and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This engine is a naturally aspirated V6 that is known for its reliability, but the 2025 model year is the last to offer this engine, as the next generation of the ES will be hybrid-only.
Engine specifications
- Engine: 3.5L V6
- Horsepower: 302 hp @ 6,600 RPM
- Torque: 267 lb-ft @ 4,700 RPM
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters
- Drive type: Front-wheel drive
Performance
- 0-60 mph: Approximately 5.9–6.6 seconds
- Fuel economy (EPA): 22 mpg city / 32 mpg highway
Important note
- The 2025 model year is the final one for the V6 engine in the ES.
- The next generation of the ES will be hybrid-only.
What engine does a Lexus ES 300h have?
The ES 300h exquisite pairs a 2.5-liter direct injection engine with a powerful, self-charging electric motor to deliver 214 horsepower with maximum fuel efficiency.
Is ES 300h a V6?
The 2024 Lexus ES 350 is outfitted with a 3.5-liter V6 gas engine. It generates 302 horsepower and comes with an eight-speed auto transmission and front-wheel drive. The ES 300h combines a battery-driven component with a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine to produce 215 horsepower.
