Is the Lexus is300h FWD or RWD?
The Lexus IS300h is front-wheel drive (FWD). It is not a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) model in its hybrid configuration.
Drivetrain configuration and powertrain
Understanding how the IS300h channels its power helps explain why it is not a traditional RWD sports sedan, even though the IS line has historically included rear-wheel-drive variants.
- Drivetrain layout: Front-wheel drive (FWD) — power is delivered to the front wheels.
- Hybrid system: A 2.5-liter petrol engine paired with an electric motor combines for a total output around 220–223 horsepower, depending on market and year.
- Transmission: An electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT) works with the hybrid powertrain to manage gear ratios smoothly.
- All-wheel-drive availability: In most markets, the IS300h has not been offered with an AWD option; the hybrid is typically FWD-only.
Before examining the items, note that the IS300h uses a dedicated hybrid drivetrain rather than a pure gasoline-only setup.
In practice, these traits mean the IS300h delivers its performance through front-driven power, with electrification contributing to efficiency and smooth acceleration rather than a rear-driven layout.
Market availability and historical context
The IS300h nameplate was used primarily in Europe and some other regions during the mid-2010s. The hybrid’s niche positioning meant that, in many markets, the IS300h was marketed as a front-wheel-drive hybrid with no factory AWD option for the hybrid variant. In broader Lexus IS lineups, non-hybrid models offered RWD or AWD depending on year and market, but the dedicated IS300h hybrid did not.
Implications for potential buyers
If you are shopping specifically for a hybrid IS, expect FWD as the standard configuration. If you need all-wheel drive, you would typically have to consider non-hybrid IS variants or look at other Lexus models that offer AWD hybrids, recognizing that the IS300h itself is not a rear-drive hybrid configuration.
Conclusion
Final takeaway: The Lexus IS300h is front-wheel drive. Its hybrid powertrain combines a 2.5-liter petrol engine with an electric motor and an e-CVT, but it does not come as a rear-wheel-drive vehicle. Market variations exist, and the hybrid IS300h has been a regional offering rather than a global constant in the lineup.
Summary
In short: IS300h = FWD. The hybrid uses a 2.5L Atkinson-cycle engine with electric assistance and an e-CVT, and, in most locations, there is no AWD variant. For buyers seeking RWD in the IS family, non-hybrid gasoline models were the traditional option in many markets. Always check the specific model year and regional specifications for any exceptions.
