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What engine is in a 2018 Lexus IS 350?

In brief, the 2018 Lexus IS 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, known as the 2UR-FSE, delivering about 311 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque.


Beyond the headline figures, the IS 350’s powerplant sits at the heart of Lexus’s performance-focused compact sedan lineage. The 3.5-liter V6 uses a combination of direct injection and port injection (D-4S) to optimize both power and efficiency, and it is paired with an automatic transmission that helps translate those numbers to the road. Depending on the trim, the IS 350 can be configured for rear-wheel drive as standard with all-wheel drive available as an option, emphasizing a refined yet responsive driving character.


Engine technology and specifications


Here is a concise digest of the engine's core specifications for the 2018 IS 350.



  • Engine code: 2UR-FSE

  • Displacement: 3.5 L (3,456 cc)

  • Configuration: V6, 24-valve DOHC

  • Induction: Direct injection with port injection (D-4S)

  • Power output: 311 hp @ 6,400 rpm

  • Torque: 277 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm


These specifications reflect the standard U.S.-market IS 350 for the 2018 model year. Variations can occur across markets and with optional packages.


Performance context and design philosophy


The 3.5-liter V6 serves as a cornerstone of Lexus’s approach to a balanced driving experience: strong, usable torque across midrange, a broad power band, and smooth, refined operation. When paired with the IS 350’s 8-speed automatic transmission, the engine delivers a comfortable yet capable performance profile suitable for daily driving and spirited acceleration alike.


Summary


The 2018 Lexus IS 350 uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine (2UR-FSE) producing 311 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, with direct and port fuel injection (D-4S) technology to balance performance and efficiency.

What engine is in the 2018 IS 350?


Engine, Transmission, and Performance
On the IS350, Lexus tuned the V-6 to make 311 horsepower. That model has an eight-speed automatic and standard rear-wheel drive; all-wheel-drive versions use the six-speed.



Is the 2018 Lexus IS 350 reliable?


Reliability. The 2018 Lexus IS 350 has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 1 recall. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, ranks it #11 out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Cars.



How long do IS 350 engines last?


iSeeCars analyzed over 300 million vehicles to find out, and to determine how long each model can last. The Lexus IS 350 has an average lifespan of 182,995 miles or about 16.9 years.



Which engine does the Lexus IS 350 use?


Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2025 IS has three engine options: a 241-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder in the IS300, a 311-hp V-6 in the IS350, and a 472-hp V-8 in the IS500. The IS300 and IS350 can be had with all-wheel drive; the IS500 is rear-drive only.


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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.