Is the Lexus RX350 a 4 or 6 cylinder?
The latest Lexus RX 350 uses a four-cylinder engine, specifically a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-4. Historically, RX 350 models wore a six-cylinder V6, so the answer depends on model year.
Current RX 350: a turbocharged four-cylinder powerplant
As part of the all-new generation introduced for the 2023 model year, the RX 350 switched to a four-cylinder turbocharged engine. This configuration emphasizes efficiency and modern turbo technology while maintaining strong on-road performance.
Before listing the specifics, here is a quick breakdown of the current lineup:
- Current RX 350 (model years 2023–present): 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine (four-cylinder).
- RX 350 (earlier generations): 3.5-liter V6 engine (six-cylinder).
- RX 350h and other hybrids: four-cylinder hybrid powertrain (four-cylinder), not a V6.
In summary, the contemporary RX 350 uses a four-cylinder turbo engine, whereas earlier generations used a V6, and hybrids employ a four-cylinder hybrid system.
Historical context: engine options over time
To understand the shift, here’s how engine options have evolved across generations.
All-new RX (2023–present)
The fourth-generation RX adopted a turbocharged four-cylinder engine as its base powertrain. The design prioritizes efficiency and modern turbocharging, with the V6 option no longer offered for the RX 350 in this generation.
- Engine: 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-4
- Signature: 8-speed automatic, available all-wheel drive
This represents a move away from the prior V6 configuration toward a smaller, turbocharged four-cylinder setup.
Earlier generations (pre-2023)
Before the redesign, the RX 350 used a 3.5-liter V6. The lineup also included hybrids such as the RX 350h, which combined a four-cylinder engine with electric motors.
- Engine: 3.5-liter V6 for RX 350 in older generations
- Hybrid variant: RX 350h uses a four-cylinder hybrid drivetrain
For buyers considering older used RX 350 models, expect a V6 engine in many 2010s-era versions; new buyers should expect a four-cylinder turbo in the current RX 350.
Summary
Bottom line: The modern Lexus RX 350 uses a four-cylinder engine. The shift away from the V6 occurred with the 2023 redesign; traditional V6 powerplants appear in older generations, while hybrids use four-cylinder configurations.
Overall, if you’re shopping today, the RX 350 is a four-cylinder turbo-powered vehicle, with older non-hybrid RX 350 models historically powered by a V6 and RX 350h models using a four-cylinder hybrid system.
