Is the LS400 a 1UZ?
Yes. The Lexus LS400 uses the 1UZ-FE, a 4.0-liter V8 engine developed by Toyota for the Lexus flagship. This engine is the heart of the car’s performance and reliability in its early years.
In this article, we examine what the LS400 is, how the 1UZ-FE fits into its design, and why this pairing remains a defining feature of Lexus’s early luxury lineup.
What is the LS400?
The LS400 was Lexus’s first flagship sedan, introduced in the late 1980s and marketed as a premium alternative to the era’s top German luxury sedans. It established Lexus’s reputation for quiet, refined ride quality, high build standards, and long-term reliability.
Engine: The 1UZ-FE
The powering heart of the LS400 is Toyota’s 1UZ-FE, a 4.0-liter V8 with double overhead cams and 32 valves. It belongs to the UZ family of engines and was used in several early Lexus models, most notably the LS400 and SC400, delivering smooth, effortless power for a luxury sedan.
Key technical traits of the 1UZ-FE include:
- Displacement: 4.0 liters
- Configuration: DOHC V8 with 32 valves
- Materials: Aluminum block and heads for reduced weight
- Fuel system: Electronic fuel injection
- Drivetrain pairing: Commonly paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission
- Notable applications: LS400, SC400, and select Japan-market models
Conclusion: The 1UZ-FE defined the LS400’s performance profile—refined, quiet, and reliable power suitable for luxury daily driving.
What does 1UZ-FE mean?
1UZ-FE is Toyota’s engine code for the 4.0-liter V8 used in the LS400 and related models. The "1" indicates the first generation in the UZ family, "UZ" designates the engine family, "F" denotes fuel injection, and "E" stands for electronic controls. This naming reflects how Toyota cataloged its V8 engines during that era.
In practice, the LS400’s engine pairing helped establish Lexus’s reputation for durable, smooth-running luxury cars in the premium segment.
Bottom line
Yes—the LS400 is powered by the 1UZ-FE engine. This pairing became a cornerstone of Lexus’s early luxury identity and remains a benchmark for reliability among classic luxury sedans.
Summary
The LS400’s heart is the 1UZ-FE, a 4.0-liter DOHC V8 from Toyota’s UZ engine family. This engine delivered the quiet, refined performance that defined the model and helped establish Lexus as a serious player in the luxury market.
Which cars have the 1UZ engine?
The Toyota 1UZ-FE engine was used in many luxury and performance vehicles, most notably the first-generation Lexus LS 400, GS 400, and SC 400. It was also featured in various other Toyota and Lexus models, including the Celsior, Soarer, and Aristo, and is popular for engine swaps due to its reliability and strength.
Lexus models
Lexus LS 400 (1989–2000), Lexus GS 400 (1997–2000), and Lexus SC 400 (1991–2000).
Toyota models
- Toyota Celsior (JDM version of LS 400) (1989–2000)
- Toyota Soarer (JDM version of SC 400) (1991–2000)
- Toyota Aristo (JDM version of GS) (1992–1997)
- Toyota Crown/Crown Majesta (1989–2002)
- Toyota HiAce HiMedic Ambulance (Japan only) (1989–2004)
Other applications
- SARD MC8/MC8-R (1995–1997)
- Mooncraft Shiden MC/RT-16 (non-production) (2006–2012)
- Engine swaps in performance and drift cars
Does the LS400 have a 1UZ?
The LS 400's new 4.0-litre 1UZ-FE 32-valve V8 engine, capable of 245 PS (180 kW; 242 hp) and 350 N⋅m (258 lb⋅ft) of torque, was linked to a new four-speed automatic transmission with ECT-i electronically controlled shifts, super-flow torque converter and rear differential.
What engine does the LS400 use?
The Lexus engine used in this generation of the Lexus LS400 is a 4.6 L eight-cylinder. The output in this Lexus generation is 380 hp with rear-wheel drive and 360 hp with all-wheel drive. Both the RWD and AWD models are equipped with an 8-speed auto-transmission.
Why is the 1UZ so reliable?
What makes the 1UZ engine so reliable? The 1UZ engine was famously over-engineered. Toyota designed it with longevity and performance in mind, using a forged steel crankshaft, six-bolt main caps, and an all-aluminum block with cast-in iron liners.
