Is the Lexus is turbo?

Yes. In the current Lexus IS lineup, the turbocharged variant is the IS 300, which uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 that delivers around 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Other IS models rely on naturally aspirated engines (V6 or V8) and are not turbocharged.

The question centers on whether the compact Lexus sedan offers a turbo option. Across recent model years, Lexus has reserved turbocharging for the IS 300, while the IS 350 and IS 500 use larger, naturally aspirated engines. In some markets, there has also been a hybrid variant (IS 300h) that is not turbocharged. The lineup has evolved with naming and powertrains, but turbocharging remains limited to the 2.0-liter IS 300 in most regions today.

Turbocharged power in the IS lineup

The following section outlines the turbocharged option currently available in the IS range and its key specs.

• 
  IS 300 — 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4, roughly 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Transmission is typically an 8-speed automatic, with rear-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive depending on market and trim.
  

In short, if you want turbocharged power in the IS, the IS 300 is the model to consider. Other IS variants—the IS 350 and IS 500—do not use turbocharged engines.

Non-turbo engines in the IS family

The rest of the IS lineup spans naturally aspirated powertrains and a hybrid option in some markets. Here are the primary non-turbo configurations.

• 
  IS 350 — 3.5-liter V6, about 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Produces power without turbocharging and uses an 8-speed automatic transmission with RWD or available AWD.
  


• 
  IS 500 — 5.0-liter V8, around 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque. A high-performance, naturally aspirated option with an 8-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive (with AWD available in some trims).
  


• 
  IS 300h (hybrid, where offered) — 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain, combined output typically around 215–220 horsepower. Not turbocharged; used in certain markets as an efficiency-focused variant.
  

Taken together, the turbo option exists solely with the IS 300 in today’s lineup; the IS 350 and IS 500 remain naturally aspirated, and a hybrid variant is present in some regions for efficiency-focused buyers.

What turbo means for performance and fuel economy

Turbocharging generally boosts peak power and mid-range torque without requiring a larger naturally aspirated engine. For the IS, the 2.0-liter turbo delivers quick acceleration and strong mid-range push, while the larger V6 and V8 in the IS 350 and IS 500 focus on higher-end power. Fuel economy can vary with driving style and mode selection; turbocharged engines can be efficient at cruising with proper boost control, but hard throttling typically reduces efficiency compared to NA engines.

Shopping considerations for turbo buyers

When evaluating the IS options, turbocharged confidence comes with test drives that compare throttle response, transmission behavior, and all-wheel-drive availability. Consider your desired balance of daily comfort versus track-ready performance, and factor in insurance and maintenance expectations for turbo engines versus NA/v8 configurations.

Summary

The Lexus IS lineup currently offers turbocharged power primarily through the IS 300, which uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. The IS 350 and IS 500 are powered by naturally aspirated V6 and V8 engines, respectively, and there is a hybrid option in some markets. If turbocharged acceleration is your goal, the IS 300 is the model to look at, while others prioritize high-end power or efficiency through non-turbo powertrains.

Does the Lexus IS have a turbo?

Engine Options
Three main trims make up the Lexus IS lineup, with the Lexus IS 300 kicking things off. A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine powers models with rear-wheel drive, producing 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.

Is the Lexus IS 300 turbocharged?

Yes, many recent Lexus IS300 models are turbocharged, featuring a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 241 horsepower. However, some older IS300 models used a naturally aspirated 2JZ engine, and an all-wheel drive (AWD) IS 300 option may have a different engine. 
You can watch this video to see a turbocharged Lexus IS300 and learn about the modifications involved: 59sThatDudeinBlueYouTube · Apr 3, 2022

• Standard IS300: Many newer IS300 models are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. 
• Older models: Older generations of the IS300 were equipped with a naturally aspirated 2JZ engine. 
• AWD models: Some all-wheel-drive IS 300 models may have an optional 3.5-liter V6 engine instead of the turbocharged four-cylinder. 
• Aftermarket modifications: It is also possible to manually add a turbocharger to an older, naturally aspirated IS300 engine, as shown in this YouTube video. 

This video showcases an IS300 with a powerful twin-turbo setup: 59sClay WongYouTube · Feb 21, 2022

What engine is in Lexus IS?

The Lexus IS has offered a variety of engines, with current models featuring a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder in the IS 300 and a 5.0L V8 in the IS 500. Older models have included naturally aspirated V6 engines, such as the 3.5L in the IS 350, and even a 2.5L V6 in the IS 250. 
Current and recent engines

• IS 500 F SPORT Performance: A 5.0L V8 engine with 472 horsepower. 
• IS 350: Features a V6 engine with 311 horsepower. 
• IS 300: Comes with a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 241 horsepower. 

Older engines

• IS 250: Historically offered a 2.5L V6 engine. 
• IS 220d/200d: In some markets, a 2.2L diesel I4 was available. 
• 2JZ-GE: Early models, like the 2000 IS 300, used a 3.0L 2JZ-GE inline-six engine. 

Engine technology

• Many IS models use the D-4S fuel injection system, which combines direct and indirect injection for improved performance and emissions. 
• Some newer models feature all-wheel drive systems that can automatically change power distribution between the front and rear axles for enhanced traction. 

Does the Lexus IS350 have a turbo?

No, the standard Lexus IS350 does not have a turbocharger; it comes with a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine. The base IS300 model, however, is equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. 
You can watch this video to learn more about the IS350 engine and compare it to other models: 48sDownshiftYouTube · Apr 2, 2021

• IS350: The standard engine is a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 311 horsepower and is naturally aspirated, meaning it does not use a turbo. 
• IS300: The base IS300 model uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 241 horsepower. 
• Aftermarket modifications: While the factory IS350 does not have a turbo, it is possible to add one through aftermarket kits, as demonstrated by various custom builds.