What engine is in a Lexus LS 400?
The Lexus LS 400 is powered by Toyota's 4.0-liter V8 known as the 1UZ-FE.
Engine profile
The 1UZ-FE is a member of Toyota's UZ family of V8 engines. It was designed to deliver quiet operation, strong low-end torque, and long-term durability—traits that aligned with Lexus’s aim of creating a premier luxury sedan in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Design goals
Key goals for the engine included smooth throttle response, low vibration, and reliable performance over many miles. The LS 400 paired this V8 with a four-speed automatic transmission to emphasize a refined, highway-focused driving experience rather than high-rev sportiness.
Key specifications
Below is a concise overview of the core technical features and performance characteristics of the 1UZ-FE as used in the LS 400.
- Displacement: 4.0 liters
- Configuration: V8, 32-valve DOHC (two camshafts per bank)
- Materials: Aluminum engine block and cylinder heads
- Fuel system: Electronic multi-port/Sequential fuel injection
- Power output: Approximately 250–260 horsepower, depending on market and year
- Torque: Approximately 260–270 lb-ft
- Ignition: Electronic ignition system
- Timing: Timing chain-driven camshafts
These specifications reflect the LS 400’s emphasis on smooth, confident acceleration and refined highway cruising rather than outright peak power.
Market and year-to-year variations
During the LS 400’s first-generation run (roughly late 1980s to mid-1990s), the 1UZ-FE remained largely consistent in architecture. Horsepower and torque figures varied slightly by market due to emissions regulations and measurement standards (for example SAE versus DIN ratings). In the United States, the engine typically carried about 250 hp with torque near 260 lb-ft, while some non-US markets reported marginally higher figures due to different tuning and rating methods.
Despite small variations in official numbers, the underlying engine design stayed the same: a refined V8 with aluminum construction and a focus on quiet, durable performance, paired with a conventional four-speed automatic transmission to support Lexus’s luxury-driving mission.
Summary
The Lexus LS 400’s defining powerplant is Toyota’s 4.0-liter 1UZ-FE V8, a lightweight, smooth, and durable engine that helped establish the model’s reputation for refined luxury driving in its early years. Its design priorities—quiet operation, strong mid-range torque, and long-term reliability—remain central to the LS 400’s legacy in the premium sedan segment.
Which Lexus has a 1UZ engine?
Lexus LS 400
The 1UZFE proved so reliable that Lexus kept it for the Lexus LS until 2000, encompassing two generations — the 1989 to 1994 LS 400 (XF10) and the 1994 to 2000 LS 400 (XF20). Car owners have also proven the reliability of the 1UZFE with the LS 400.
Are Lexus LS400 reliable?
Yes, the Lexus LS 400 is considered a very reliable and durable car, with many owners reporting high mileage and longevity. However, like any older vehicle, components will wear out with age and require maintenance or replacement, such as the timing belt, power steering pump, and age-related issues. Keeping up with scheduled maintenance is key to ensuring its long-term reliability.
This video discusses the reliability of the Lexus LS 400 and how to maintain it: 54sCar Adventures With RegYouTube · Feb 25, 2024
Key aspects of its reliability:
- Durable core components: The engine and transmission are particularly robust and can last for a very long time with proper care.
- Low maintenance needs for the engine: Owners report that the engine is efficient and quiet, and major issues like overheating or head gasket problems are uncommon.
- Timeless design: The car's design is considered timeless and still looks great, but its age means that some parts will eventually need replacement.
- Need for regular maintenance: To maintain its reliability, regular maintenance is crucial. This includes timely oil changes, timing belt replacement, and transmission fluid and filter changes.
- Common wear-and-tear issues: Over time, you may encounter common issues such as aging hoses and seals, and parts like the power steering pump or starter may need replacing.
- Potential for high repair costs: While the car is reliable, repairs for aging parts can be expensive, especially if you need to pay for labor. DIY maintenance can help offset these costs.
What engine does the LS 400 have?
1UZ-FE V8 engine
The second-gen LS400 benefits from the 1UZ-FE V8 engine. This powertrain is known for being able to achieve extremely high mileage and remain reliable while doing so. The power output is around 260 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque.
Is the LS400 engine a V6 or V8?
Until its fifth generation, every Lexus LS400 came equipped with some kind of a V8 engine. While those engines did vary over the years, the uncompromising performance and power delivery of a V8 is undeniable. Especially one built by an auto manufacturer known for reliability, like Lexus.
