What engine does the Lexus IS 300 use?
The engine behind the Lexus IS 300 varies by year and market. Early models used a 3.0-liter inline-six, while newer iterations in many regions rely on a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder; there is also a hybrid variant in some markets. The exact powertrain depends on the specific model year and country of sale.
This article traces how the IS 300’s propulsion has evolved across generations and regions, highlighting where the badge has meant different engines and how Lexus’ lineup shifted over time.
Engine configurations by era
Engine configurations that carried the IS 300 designation or defined its lineup across generations are summarized here.
- First generation IS 300 (2001–2005): 3.0-liter inline-6 (Toyota 2JZ-GE), typically offered with both a manual and an automatic transmission.
- Second generation era (2006–2013): In the United States, the IS lineup used the IS 250 (2.5-liter V6) and IS 350 (3.5-liter V6); the IS 300 badge was not used for the U.S. market during this period. Other markets offered variations that differed from the U.S. naming.
- Modern IS 300 offerings (2015–present in many markets): 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (engine code 8AR-FTS) paired with an 8-speed automatic, with optional all-wheel drive available on some trims.
- IS 300h hybrid variant (Europe and other regions): 2.5-liter inline-4 Atkinson-cycle engine combined with electric motors, delivering a blended output around 220 horsepower in specified markets.
In short, the IS 300’s powertrain has migrated from a traditional inline-six to a modern turbocharged four, with a hybrid option available in several markets. The exact configuration depends on the model year and regional specification.
Summary
Across its history, the Lexus IS 300 does not have a single, universal engine. It began with a 3.0L inline-six in early models, shifted away from the badge in the mid-2000s US lineup (with IS 250/IS 350), and in recent years has commonly used a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder as the core IS 300 powertrain, complemented by a hybrid IS 300h in certain markets. Always verify the specific year and region to identify the exact engine in a given IS 300.
What engine is in the Lexus IS 300?
The Lexus IS 300 has two engine options, depending on the model and drivetrain: a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder or an available 3.5-liter V6 for all-wheel drive models. Older models, like the first-generation IS 300 (1999-2005), came with a 3.0-liter inline-six engine.
Modern IS 300
- 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4: This is the standard engine for the rear-wheel-drive model, producing around 241 horsepower.
- 3.5-liter V6: This engine is an option for the all-wheel-drive IS 300 and is also standard on the IS 350 models, providing higher horsepower.
First-generation IS 300
- 3.0-liter 2JZ-GE inline-six: This was the engine used in the first-generation IS 300 from 1999 to 2005.
IS 300 engine 2.0 L 4 cylinder 2018?
The 2018 Lexus IS 300 features a 2.0-liter, 16-valve, turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine that produces 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and is standard on rear-wheel-drive models. All-wheel-drive (AWD) versions of the IS 300 have a different engine, a 3.5-liter V6, which produces 260 horsepower.
You can watch this video to see the 2018 Lexus IS 300 F Sport's engine and interior: 45sMegaRetrYouTube · Dec 16, 2018
- Engine: 2.0L turbocharged inline 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 241 hp @ 5,800 rpm
- Torque: 258 lb-ft @ 1,650–4,400 rpm
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic (for rear-wheel drive)
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive is standard for this engine
- 0-60 mph: Approximately 6.9 seconds
This video provides a comprehensive review of the 2018 Lexus IS 300: 59sCoolCarReviews 012YouTube · Jun 12, 2021
What Toyota is the Lexus IS 300 based on?
The 2002 Lexus IS 300, also known as the Toyota Altezza in Japan, is a mid-class four-door saloon/sedan from Lexus, which was offered with a 3.0L inline-six engine (2JZ-GE) and produced between 1999 and 2005 for the North American market. The IS 300 was the fastest model of the XE10 series.
Does IS 300 have 2JZ or 1JZ?
Lexus IS 300
When it first hit the road, it came with a four-cylinder engine, but it got an upgrade for the 2000 model year to a 2JZ-GE engine. Unlike other 2JZ engines in Toyotas, the IS engine did not include turbocharging.
