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What engine does the Lexus is200 come with?

The Lexus IS200 uses a 2.0-liter inline-6 engine from Toyota, the 1G-FE. In most markets this is the standard IS200 powerplant, while the North American lineup employed the IS300 with a larger 3.0-liter engine, so the IS200 was not sold there.


In detail, the IS200 was the European and many international variant of Lexus’ first-generation IS, built on the Toyota Altezza platform. The 1G-FE engine is a 2.0-liter inline-6 used across several Toyota models of that era. Power outputs varied slightly by year and market, typically around 150–165 horsepower and a corresponding torque figure. Transmission options varied by market and trim, with both manual and automatic transmissions offered in some regions. The U.S. market did not receive an IS200; sales there used the IS300, which ran a 3.0-liter inline-6 (2JZ-GE).


Engine specifics by market


Below is a quick breakdown of how the IS200's engine and availability varied by region.



  • Europe, the United Kingdom, and many Asia-Pacific markets: 2.0-liter inline-6, Toyota 1G-FE

  • Japan: 2.0-liter inline-6, Toyota 1G-FE (Altezza-based IS200)

  • North America: No IS200; IS300 offered with a 3.0-liter 2JZ-GE


In summary, the IS200’s core powerplant is a 2.0-liter inline-6 1G-FE. Availability and naming varied by market, with the U.S. market using the IS300 instead of an IS200 in that generation.


Summary


The Lexus IS200 is defined by its 2.0-liter Toyota 1G-FE inline-6 engine, delivering modest performance for its era. Market differences meant that the IS200 name and engine were not universal; in the United States, the corresponding model was the IS300, equipped with a larger 3.0-liter engine.

What engine is in a 2002 Lexus Is200?


2.0-litre six-cylinder engine
Lexus's Sportcross crossover body style made available with IS 200's 2.0-litre six-cylinder engine. Specification based on existing IS 200 Sport model. Including roof spoiler, sports pedals, limited-slip differential and dark-tinted rear glass. Six-speed manual transmission.



What engine does an Is200 have?


The "IS200 engine" usually refers to the 1G-FE 2.0L inline-six engine used in the first-generation Lexus IS200, known for its smoothness and reliability but criticized for its lack of power (around 153 hp). A different model, the IS200t, uses a modern turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine.
 
You can watch this video to learn more about the 1G-FE engine in the Lexus IS200: 51sReDrivenYouTube · Nov 12, 2023
1G-FE 2.0L inline-six (First-gen IS200) 

  • Engine type: Naturally aspirated 2.0-liter inline-six 
  • Power: Approximately 153 horsepower (114 kW) 
  • Torque: Approximately 144 lb-ft (195 Nm) 
  • Characteristics:
    • Very smooth and reliable 
    • Pleasant sound, especially at higher RPMs 
    • Considered underpowered for its class, with 0–60 mph times around 9 seconds 
    • Good low-end torque for city driving 
    • Lacks significant power between 40–70 mph 
  • Note: Some tuners find the dual-mass flywheel heavy, leading them to consider replacing it with a lighter, solid flywheel for better responsiveness. 

Turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder (IS200t) 
  • Engine type: Turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder
  • Power: Approximately 241 horsepower (180 kW)
  • Torque: Approximately 350 Nm
  • Characteristics:
    • Modern, high-performance engine with significant power
    • Uses an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters
    • Offers rapid acceleration 



What engine is in a Lexus IS 200T?


The Lexus IS200t is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine that produces 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, available at low RPMs. This engine, known by its Toyota designation 8ARFTS, replaced the naturally aspirated V6 previously offered in the IS models. The IS200t features a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) drivetrain paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
 
You can watch this video to learn more about the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine in the Lexus IS200t: 57sTestDrivenTVYouTube · Jan 17, 2016

  • Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder
  • Horsepower: 241 hp at 5,800 rpm
  • Torque: 258 lb-ft at 1,650–4,400 rpm
  • Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
  • Transmission: 8-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic 



Which Lexus has the 2JZ engine?


Lexus models that have featured the 2JZ engine include the GS 300, IS 300, and SC 300. The GS 300 and IS 300 used the naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE engine, while the SC 300 was available with the naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE and, in Japan, with the twin-turbocharged 2JZ-GTE.
 

  • Lexus GS 300: Featured a naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE engine. It was produced from 1991-2005. 
  • Lexus IS 300: Featured a naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE engine and was the last US-market Lexus to use the 2JZ engine. It was available in sedan and SportCross wagon body styles. 
  • Lexus SC 300: This two-door coupe was equipped with the 2JZ-GE naturally aspirated engine. The Japanese market version of the 2JZ-GTE twin-turbo engine was never officially launched in the US. 


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Kevin Bennett

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Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.