Is the Lexus IS300 AWD?
The short answer: not typically. In its most common North American version, the IS300 was rear‑wheel drive (RWD) and did not come with a factory all‑wheel‑drive (AWD) option. AWD did appear on other IS models in later generations and in different markets. This article breaks down how the IS300’s drivetrain has varied by generation and region.
Understanding the IS300 drivetrain by generation
First-generation IS300 (2001–2005)
In the United States, the first‑generation Lexus IS300 arrived with a 3.0‑liter inline‑six and offered either a manual or an automatic transmission. Factory AWD was not available on the IS300 badge in this period, making most early IS300s rear‑wheel drive. When shopping, the important details are the drivetrain layout and the model year, since some non‑US markets used different naming or configurations.
- Drive layout: Rear‑wheel drive (RWD) was the standard setup for the IS300 in North America.
- Transmission options: Common choices included a 5‑speed manual or a 4‑speed automatic, depending on the exact model and year.
- Market availability: AWD was not offered on the US‑market IS300; verify specifics if considering a non‑US market example.
In this generation, the IS300 badge was not paired with a factory AWD option in the main markets. If you encounter an IS300 with AWD, it is either a rare market-specific variant, a retrofit, or a mislabelled vehicle—always check the VIN and build sheet for confirmation.
Second-generation IS (2006–2013): IS250/IS350
The second generation marked a shift: Lexus renamed the lineup, introducing IS250 and IS350. In this period, AWD did become available on some versions of the IS models, but the models carrying the IS300 badge were no longer part of the lineup in most markets. If you want AWD from this generation, you’d generally be looking at the IS250 AWD or the IS350 AWD rather than an IS300.
- AWD availability: AWD was offered on IS250 and IS350 in many markets, depending on trim and year.
- Model naming: The IS300 badge largely disappeared in the US market, replaced by IS250/IS350 designations.
- drivetrain configuration: AWD versions used Lexus’ all‑wheel drive system appropriate for those models, not the original IS300 configuration.
During these years, if AWD is your goal, focus on IS250/IS350 AWD variants rather than any IS300 designation. Always confirm the exact drivetrain via the vehicle’s documentation and VIN.
Is AWD available on the current Lexus IS lineup?
In recent and current years, Lexus has offered AWD on different trims within the IS family, but the badge name you’ll see depends on the market and model year. The classic IS300 badge is not a reliable indicator of AWD, and newer generations use different naming (such as IS 300 and IS 350 in some markets, or IS 200t/IS 300/IS 350 designations in others). If AWD is important, check the specific model’s configuration for your market and year, rather than assuming it based on the IS300 badge alone.
For buyers: verify with the dealer or review the build sheet to confirm whether a particular IS model is equipped with AWD. Market-specific nomenclature means there can be variations from one country to another.
Bottom line and practical guidance
Based on historical US offerings, the IS300 itself was not an AWD model. AWD options appeared on later IS variants (notably IS250 and IS350) in subsequent generations, and current IS offerings can include AWD depending on year and market. If your goal is an IS with factory AWD, you’ll generally be seeking an AWD IS250/IS350 from the second generation or a current IS variant with AWD, rather than an IS300 badge.
What to check when shopping for AWD in an IS family car
To avoid surprises, here are practical steps:
- Ask for the exact model year and trim designation; confirm whether the car is AWD or RWD.
- Request the vehicle identification number (VIN) and have it checked against the build sheet or a trusted database to verify the drivetrain.
- Look for clear documentation of the AWD system option in the owner’s manual or window sticker.
In short, if you specifically want an IS with AWD, you’ll want to focus on the second‑generation IS250/IS350 AWD variants or the current generation’s AWD configurations, rather than an IS300 badge in its original form.
Summary
The LIKELY answer: no, the classic Lexus IS300 is not AWD in its most common early form. AWD appeared on other IS models in later generations, and the IS badge evolved into IS250/IS350 in the mid‑2000s with AWD options. For buyers today, verify the exact drivetrain via VIN and model documents, as market variations mean the presence of AWD depends on year and region.
