Is the Lexus IS 300 FWD or RWD?

The Lexus IS 300 is not front-wheel drive; it is available as rear-wheel drive (RWD) with optional all-wheel drive (AWD) depending on the model year and market.

In practice, the IS 300 lineup has emphasized a rear-biased drivetrain for a sportier feel, while offering AWD on many trims to improve traction in adverse conditions. The current IS 300 uses a turbocharged four-cylinder and is offered with either RWD or AWD in various regions, but there is no dedicated FWD version in the lineup.

Current drivetrain options for the IS 300

The following options are commonly seen in recent IS 300 configurations. Availability can vary by country and production year, so verify with a dealer or check the vehicle’s window sticker for the exact setup.

• Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): Often the baseline configuration, delivering traditional sporty handling.


• All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Frequently offered as an option on several trims, enhancing traction in rain, snow, or slippery conditions.

For buyers, it’s important to confirm the exact drivetrain on the specific vehicle you’re considering, since availability differs by region and model year.

How to verify your specific vehicle

To confirm whether a particular IS 300 is RWD or AWD, use these checks:

• Inspect the window sticker (Monroney label) for a clear indication of AWD or RWD.


• Consult the VIN decoding or ask the dealer; the drivetrain is typically encoded in the VIN or listed in the brochure.


• Look for an AWD badge on the rear of the car or on the side that denotes the drive configuration.


• Review the owner’s manual or service records, which may note the drivetrain or transfer case details (if applicable).

These steps help you verify the exact drive configuration for the IS 300 in your region and model year.

Historical context and regional variations

Historically, Lexus has designed the IS lineup with rear-wheel drive as the performance-focused default, while offering AWD variants in many markets. There has never been a dedicated front-wheel-drive IS 300 in the mainstream lineup, though regional differences in options can occur. Always confirm the specific model year and market to be sure of the drivetrain.

In summary, the Lexus IS 300 is not a front-wheel-drive model. It is primarily offered with RWD, with AWD available as an option in many regions and years. If you are shopping, check the exact drivetrain configuration for the year and market of interest.

Summary

Final takeaway: The Lexus IS 300 is not FWD. Expect RWD as the common baseline, with AWD offered as an option depending on year and market. Always verify the drivetrain before purchase to avoid surprises.

Is a Lexus IS 300 AWD?

Yes, the Lexus IS 300 is available in both all-wheel drive (AWD) and rear-wheel drive (RWD) configurations. The IS 300 AWD typically comes with a 260-horsepower V6 engine, while the IS 300 RWD is powered by a 241-horsepower turbocharged engine in the United States.
 

• IS 300 AWD: Comes standard with a 260-horsepower V6 engine and all-wheel drive, which continuously monitors road conditions to optimize traction.
• IS 300 RWD: Comes standard with a 241-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.

Is the Lexus IS 350 FWD?

2025 Lexus IS 350 Horsepower & Engine Specs
Under the hood, you'll find a 3.5L V6 engine with 311 horsepower. This is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission (RWD) or 6-speed automatic (AWD).

Is the Lexus IS 300 FWD or RWD?

The Lexus IS 300 can be either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), depending on the specific model and year. The RWD version uses a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the AWD version is equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine.
 

Feature	RWD	AWD
Engine	2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder	3.5L V6
Horsepower	241 hp	260 hp
Transmission	8-speed automatic	6-speed automatic

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Is the Lexus FWD or RWD?

Lexus IS
Class	Compact executive car (D)
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive Front-engine, all-wheel-drive
Chronology
Predecessor	Lexus GS 460/F (for IS 500 F Sport Performance)