Is the Lexus RX 350 a 4 or 6 cylinder?
The current RX 350 uses a four‑cylinder turbo engine, not a six. Historically, older RX 350 models used a six-cylinder powerplant.
The RX 350 badge has evolved with Lexus powertrains. This article explains what engines have carried the RX 350 name across generations and what you’ll find in the latest models.
Engine options by generation
Below is an overview of how the RX 350's powertrain has evolved, with separate sections for past and current engines.
Past RX 350 engines
Prior to the redesign in 2023, the RX 350 was powered by a conventional V6.
- 3.5-liter V6 engine (2GR-FE/2GR-FXE) used in older RX 350 generations
That V6 setup delivered smooth, linear power and was paired with an automatic transmission for everyday driving and highway performance.
Current RX 350 engines
In the latest generation, Lexus replaced the V6 with a turbocharged four-cylinder in the gas RX 350. The RX 350 family now also includes a hybrid variant.
- Gas RX 350: 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-4
- RX 350h: Hybrid variant using a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with electric motors
In practice, this means the RX 350 lineup uses four-cylinder power in the gasoline version, with a hybrid option that prioritizes efficiency. There is no current RX 350 model that uses a six-cylinder engine in the latest generation, though older model years offered V6 power.
What this means for buyers
For prospective buyers, the latest RX 350 options emphasize a turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine or a hybrid variant, balancing performance and fuel economy. If a six-cylinder powerplant is a must-have, shoppers would need to consider older used RX models or other Lexus offerings rather than the current RX 350 lineup.
Summary
Today’s RX 350 is powered by a four-cylinder turbo engine, marking a shift away from the traditional six-cylinder setup that characterized earlier generations. The model lineup additionally includes a hybrid variant, while historically the RX 350 badge referred to V6 power. This evolution reflects a broader industry move toward smaller, efficient engines paired with electrification.
