IS300 Lexus Turbo HP?
The short answer is that there is no factory turbo option for the Lexus IS300; the stock IS300 produces about 215 horsepower. Turbos exist only as aftermarket upgrades, and the final horsepower depends on the boost level and supporting modifications.
Understanding the IS300’s original powerplant
The Lexus IS300 uses a 3.0-liter inline-6 engine known as the 2JZ-GE. In its U.S. market configuration, this engine is rated at about 215 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and roughly 210–218 lb-ft of torque, depending on transmission and market nuances. The model years most commonly referenced for this power figure are 2001 through 2005. There was no factory turbocharged IS300 from Lexus, so the published horsepower remains within the naturally aspirated range throughout its production run.
Stock horsepower and torque
Key numbers for the IS300’s original power output are 215 hp at 5,800 rpm and torque in the ~210–218 lb-ft range. Transmission choices typically included a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic, with performance largely tied to the NA 2JZ-GE engine and its drivetrain tuning.
Turbo options and expected power gains
For enthusiasts seeking more power, aftermarket turbo kits provide a path to significant gains. The following outlines typical outcomes and what influences them.
- Moderate boost (roughly 6–8 psi): approximately 300–350 hp, depending on fueling accuracy, intercooling, and engine tune
- Higher boost (roughly 9–12 psi): around 350–450 hp with supporting upgrades (injectors, fuel pump, intercooler, exhaust, and ECU tuning)
- High-performance setups with upgraded internals: 450–550+ hp, typically requiring forged pistons/rods, upgraded cooling, and driveline reinforcement
Note: Actual horsepower varies widely based on the turbo kit brand, boost level, fuel delivery, ignition timing, intercooling, exhaust routing, and the overall condition of the engine. Reliability and long-term longevity become critical considerations as power increases.
Bottom line: factory turbo vs aftermarket reality
There is no official Lexus IS300 turbo model. If you want more power, the route is aftermarket turbocharging, paired with comprehensive supporting modifications. Buyers should plan for tuning, fuel system upgrades, cooling upgrades, and potential driveline or transmission considerations to handle higher horsepower safely.
Summary
To recap, the Lexus IS300 (2001–2005) is powered by a naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE engine delivering about 215 hp. There is no factory turbo option; enthusiasts pursue aftermarket turbo kits for power gains, with results that depend on boost, tuning, and supporting hardware. For anyone considering a boost project, consult experienced shops to set realistic horsepower targets and ensure reliability.
Which Lexus IS300 has a 2JZ?
The first-generation Lexus IS300 (produced roughly from 2001-2005 in the US) has a naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE engine. However, many IS300s have had engine swaps to include the more powerful, turbocharged 2JZ-GTE engine.
Factory engine
- 2JZ-GE: The standard IS300 came with the naturally aspirated 3.0-liter 2JZ-GE straight-six engine.
- Horsepower: This engine produced about 217 horsepower.
Aftermarket swaps
- It is common for owners to swap a more powerful, turbocharged 2JZ-GTE engine into the IS300, often from a Supra or a JDM Toyota Aristo.
- These swaps can dramatically increase horsepower and are a popular modification for the model.
IS 300 vs is 350 f sport?
The main differences are performance, features, and styling: the IS 350 F Sport has a more powerful V6 engine, a sportier F Sport-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension, and more aggressive exterior styling cues like a unique F Sport grille and 19-inch wheels, while the IS 300 has a less powerful turbocharged engine or a V6 (depending on the model year and drivetrain) and standard, less aggressive aesthetics. The F Sport trim is a specific package that enhances the driving dynamics and visual appeal, making the IS 350 a more performance-oriented option compared to a standard IS 300, though both can be optioned with F Sport features.
You can watch this video to see the exterior differences between the IS 300 and IS 350 F Sport: 58sIBKadeYouTube · Feb 28, 2021
Performance and handling
- IS 350 F Sport: Features a more powerful V6 engine producing 311 horsepower and includes an F Sport-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension for a more dynamic and responsive ride. It also comes with Drive Mode Select that includes Sport S+ mode for a firmer suspension and sharper handling.
- IS 300: Comes with a less powerful engine (either a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder or a V6, depending on the year/drivetrain), which results in less horsepower. While it can come with multiple drive modes, it lacks the F Sport-specific suspension tuning and the most aggressive Sport S+ mode.
Exterior and styling
- IS 350 F Sport: Has a sportier F Sport design, with a unique F Sport Diamond grille, more aggressive front and rear bumpers, and typically comes with 19-inch F Sport wheels with a Dark Metallic finish.
- IS 300: Has a more standard exterior design, a non-F Sport grille, and typically comes with 18-inch wheels.
This video shows the exterior differences between the IS 350 F Sport and the 2020 IS 300 F Sport: 1mMike ForsytheYouTube · Oct 6, 2020
Interior and technology
- Interior: Both models generally have a high-quality interior, but the specific features can depend on the trim. For example, some IS 300 models may lack features like a sunroof that are standard on some IS 350 F Sport models.
- Technology: Both models share many technology features, including a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 suite of safety features. Some IS 300 trims may have more standard features like a 360 camera in certain packages.
Which one should you choose?
- Choose the IS 350 F Sport if your priority is a more powerful engine, a sportier driving experience with enhanced handling, and aggressive styling.
- Choose the IS 300 if you are looking for a more budget-friendly luxury sedan and primarily use the car for commuting or around-town driving where the extra power of the 350 is not as crucial.
Is the Lexus IS 300 turbocharged?
Yes, many recent Lexus IS300 models are turbocharged, featuring a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 241 horsepower. However, some older IS300 models used a naturally aspirated 2JZ engine, and an all-wheel drive (AWD) IS 300 option may have a different engine.
You can watch this video to see a turbocharged Lexus IS300 and learn about the modifications involved: 59sThatDudeinBlueYouTube · Apr 3, 2022
- Standard IS300: Many newer IS300 models are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
- Older models: Older generations of the IS300 were equipped with a naturally aspirated 2JZ engine.
- AWD models: Some all-wheel-drive IS 300 models may have an optional 3.5-liter V6 engine instead of the turbocharged four-cylinder.
- Aftermarket modifications: It is also possible to manually add a turbocharger to an older, naturally aspirated IS300 engine, as shown in this YouTube video.
This video showcases an IS300 with a powerful twin-turbo setup: 59sClay WongYouTube · Feb 20, 2022
How much HP does a Lexus IS300 have?
A Lexus IS 300 has a range of horsepower depending on the model and drivetrain: the standard rear-wheel-drive (RWD) model produces 241 horsepower from its 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, while the all-wheel-drive (AWD) version produces 260 horsepower from a 3.5-liter V6 engine.
- IS 300 (RWD): 241 hp from a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4
- IS 300 AWD: 260 hp from a 3.5L V6
