Is the Lexus is200t turbo?
Yes. The Lexus IS200t is turbocharged, using a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine and delivering roughly 240 horsepower with about 350 Nm of torque. It was marketed in several regions outside the United States under the IS200t name, though not all markets received the model.
Turbo powerplant and performance
The IS200t relies on a Toyota-developed 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine (commonly referenced as the 8AR-FTS in related applications). This setup was designed to provide strong low- to mid-range torque while maintaining efficiency, paired primarily with an automatic transmission. Drive configurations varied by market, with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive offered in some regions.
Engine specifications
- Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (Toyota 8AR-FTS)
- Power: approximately 240 horsepower
- Torque: around 350 Nm
- Transmission: automatic (common across markets)
- Drivetrain: rear-wheel drive standard; all-wheel drive available in some markets
Notes: values vary by market and model year, but the turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder is the defining feature of the IS200t era.
Market availability and naming
The IS200t designation was used in Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and some other regions. In the United States, Lexus did not offer an IS200t under that name; U.S. buyers saw IS models powered by V6 engines such as the IS250 and IS350, or later hybrid variants. Over time, regional naming and model lineups evolved, with some markets transitioning to other turbo or hybrid configurations.
Understanding where the IS200t appeared helps explain why the same car can be described differently depending on location and model year.
Context within the Lexus lineup
Within Lexus’s broader turbo-era lineup, the IS200t sits alongside other turbocharged options that emerged in the brand’s compact-sport segment. It represents Lexus’s early foray into turbocharged four-cylinders for compact sedans, a pattern that later expanded across more models and markets.
Additional context: comparisons and common questions
For buyers weighing the IS200t against other turbo models in the Lexus lineup, here is a quick checklist of common questions about the IS200t:
- Is the IS200t turbo? Yes—the core engine is turbocharged 2.0L.
- Was it sold in the United States? Not under the IS200t name; similar performance appeared in other Lexus models in the U.S.
- What is the approximate output? About 240 hp and roughly 350 Nm of torque, depending on market and year.
The goal here is to provide a clear sense of how the IS200t fits into the Lexus lineup, its turbocharged powertrain, and where it was marketed.
Summary
In short, the Lexus IS200t is a turbocharged model powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. It was marketed in several regions outside the U.S. under that name, offering brisk performance for a compact sedan, with variations in availability and specifications by market and year.
Does the Lexus IS 200t have a turbo?
Lexus IS 200t: innovative engine technologies
This innovative structure acts in conjunction with the highly efficient twin-scroll turbocharger and prevents interference between the exhaust gases from each cylinder, generating high torque across the widest possible rev range.
What engine is in a Lexus IS 200t?
The Lexus IS200t is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine that produces 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, available at low RPMs. This engine, known by its Toyota designation 8ARFTS, replaced the naturally aspirated V6 previously offered in the IS models. The IS200t features a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) drivetrain paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
You can watch this video to learn more about the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine in the Lexus IS200t: 57sTestDrivenTVYouTube · Jan 17, 2016
- Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 241 hp at 5,800 rpm
- Torque: 258 lb-ft at 1,650–4,400 rpm
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
- Transmission: 8-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic
Is the Lexus 200t fast?
The IS200t is not considered "fast," but it is quick for its class and has plenty of power for passing, thanks to a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 241 horsepower. However, it can feel slow off the line due to a noticeable turbo lag and throttle delay, making it a sporty and comfortable daily driver rather than a true performance car, with a 0-60 mph time around 7 seconds.
- Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
- 0-60 mph: Approximately 7 seconds.
- Performance: It feels quick once the turbo is spooled up, making it good for passing, but it has a noticeable delay from a stop.
- Intended purpose: A reliable and comfortable sports sedan that is fun to drive, but not a high-performance car.
Which Lexus IS has a turbo?
The IS 300 features a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine. Maximum power is 245 hp and maximum torque is 350 Nm at 4,400 rpm.
