What engine is in the Lexus IS 300?
The Lexus IS 300 badge has used two main powertrains across its history. In its early years it relied on a 3.0-liter inline-six, and in more recent generations the IS 300 has been equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four. This article breaks down the engines by era and market to clarify which powerplant sits under the hood of the IS 300 today.
First-gen IS 300 (2001–2005)
The original IS 300 was built around a single, robust engine from Toyota’s JZ family. Here is the key detail for this era.
Details of the main engine used in the first IS 300 generation.
- 2JZ-GE 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing roughly 215–225 horsepower and about 210 lb-ft of torque, depending on market and model year.
This generation established the IS 300’s performance identity and set a high bar for refinement in its class.
Modern IS 300 engines (2016–present in most markets)
From the mid-2010s onward, the IS 300 badge largely shifted to a turbocharged four-cylinder powerplant in many regions. The following is the typical setup seen in the current-era IS 300.
Overview of the contemporary IS 300 engine configuration across major markets.
- 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine (8AR-FTS), delivering about 241 horsepower and around 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This setup is offered in rear-wheel drive with available all-wheel drive in many markets.
Market notes: In most regions, the modern IS 300 uses the 2.0L turbo inline-four. Some markets have nuanced naming (for example, IS 200t in earlier European releases) and a separate hybrid variant—IS 300h—which combines the 2.5-liter petrol engine with electric assist and is not the same as the gasoline-only IS 300.
Engine codes and quick specs
The two primary engine families associated with the IS 300 badge are noted below for quick reference.
- 2JZ-GE: 3.0-liter inline-six (first generation IS 300, ~215–225 hp, ~210 lb-ft).
- 8AR-FTS: 2.0-liter turbo inline-four (modern IS 300, ~241 hp, ~258 lb-ft).
Keep in mind that exact horsepower and torque can vary slightly by market and model year due to emissions, tuning, and equipment options.
Notes on related variants
Some markets offered IS 300h or IS 300 variants with hybrid powertrains. The IS 300h uses a different setup (a 2.5-liter petrol engine paired with an electric motor) and is not the same gasoline-only IS 300 engine configuration described above. These variants were more common outside the United States and were marketed under different names in certain regions.
Summary
In short, the IS 300 has transitioned from a 3.0-liter inline-six in its early days to a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four in its modern form. If you’re looking at a classic IS 300 (early 2000s), you’re likely dealing with the 2JZ-GE 3.0L I6. If you’re examining a newer IS 300 (mid-2010s onward), the engine is typically a 2.0L turbo I4 (8AR-FTS) with output around 241 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, depending on market.
How reliable is the IS 300 engine?
The engine and transmission are super smooth and reliable. All the electronics work exactly as the day it left the factory. Out of all the cars I have owned the IS300 is the only one I can honestly say I would like to keep forever.
What engine does the Lexus IS 300 use?
The IS 300 features a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine. Maximum power is 245 hp and maximum torque is 350 Nm at 4,400 rpm. The new transmission is an 8-speed automatic.
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.
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
