What engine is in the 2002 Lexus IS 300?
The 2002 Lexus IS 300 is powered by a 3.0-liter inline-6 engine, the Toyota 2JZ-GE, delivering about 215 horsepower. This engine is part of Toyota's enduring JZ family and features modern tech for its era.
Engine details
The IS 300's powerplant is the 2JZ-GE, a 3.0-liter DOHC straight-six that uses 24 valves and sequential multi-point fuel injection. It includes variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) on the intake cam, which helps optimize torque and efficiency across rev ranges. The engine was developed to provide smooth power delivery suitable for a luxury sedan and to support strong real-world performance without excessive fuel consumption for its class.
Notable characteristics
Below are the core features that defined the 2JZ-GE used in the 2002 IS 300 and related models:
- Engine type: 3.0-liter inline-6 (I-6)
- Displacement: 2,991 cc
- Valvetrain: DOHC, 24 valves
- Fuel system: Sequential multi-point fuel injection
- Valvetrain technology: VVT-i on the intake cam
- Power output: about 215 horsepower (SAE net for U.S. models, varies by market)
- Torque: roughly 210–218 lb-ft (varies by market)
- Continuity: Shares design lineage with other Toyota/Lexus performance engines
Note that horsepower and torque figures can vary slightly by market and model year due to emissions tuning and testing standards.
Performance and market context
The 2JZ-GE offered strong mid-range torque and a linear power curve that complemented the IS 300’s chassis. In the U.S. market, this powertrain helped the IS 300 achieve respectable acceleration for a luxury sedan in the early 2000s, while still emphasizing smoothness and reliability that defined the Lexus brand during that era.
Summary
In short, the 2002 Lexus IS 300 is powered by a 3.0-liter inline-6, the 2JZ-GE, equipped with VVT-i and producing roughly 215 hp. This engine is central to the model’s balance of performance, refinement, and Lexus reliability.
Which Lexus IS 300 has a 2JZ?
All factory-built Lexus IS300 models from 2001 to 2005 came standard with the 2JZ-GE engine. This was the naturally aspirated, 3.0-liter inline-six engine, which was a variant of the famous engine also found in the Toyota Supra, though without the turbocharger.
- Engine: The engine was a 2JZ-GE, which is a 3.0-liter, naturally aspirated (non-turbo) inline-six.
- Years: The 2JZ-GE was the engine for all Lexus IS300 models produced from 2001 to 2005.
- Power: The engine produced around 215-227 horsepower, depending on the specific model year.
- Performance: While this engine was known for its durability, it was the non-turbo version. Enthusiasts often modified it to add a turbocharger to significantly increase its horsepower.
What kind of engine is in the IS 300?
The 2022 Lexus IS 300 engine options are the same as the 2021 model: a standard 2.0L turbo-four and an available 3.5L V6 upgrade option.
Does the 2002 Lexus IS 300 have a 2JZ?
This is a Lexus IS 300 equipped with the famous 2JZ engine, the same one found in the Toyota Supra MK4.
What engine does a 2002 Lexus IS 300 have?
Engine Type (2JZ-GE) In-line 6 Displacement 3.0 litres (2997 cc) Valvetrain DOHC 24 valves, Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) Bore x Stroke 86 x 86 mm (3.39 x 3.39 in.) Horsepower 215 hp (161 kW) @ 5800 rpm Torque 218 lb.
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