What engines do IS 300 have?
The IS 300 badge has tagged several different engines over the years, depending on market and generation. In short, it has been associated with a traditional 3.0-liter inline-six, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, and a 2.5-liter hybrid setup. Which engine you get depends on the model year and where the car was sold.
What follows is a detailed look at the engine options that have worn the IS 300 badge, organized by era and regional market. This helps explain how the name evolved from a pure gasoline six to more diverse powertrains in the IS lineup.
First-generation IS 300 (1999–2005): 3.0-liter inline-six
The original IS 300 relied on a traditional Toyota-developed inline-six to deliver performance in rear-wheel-drive form. This setup became the defining feature of the early IS 300 in many markets.
- Engine: 3.0L inline-six, often cited as the 2JZ-GE
- Power output: roughly 215 hp in US specifications, with variations by market and model year
- Torque: around 210–225 lb-ft, depending on version
- Transmission options: 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic were commonly offered
- Notes: Some markets benefited from VVTI (variable valve timing) and incremental refinements during the production run
Pre-list context: The following bullets summarize the core engine details for the first-generation IS 300.
The first IS 300 established the model’s performance identity, pairing a smooth six-cylinder soundtrack with Lexus reliability and a sport-oriented chassis.
Hybrid IS 300h (2012–2017, primarily Europe and other markets)
As Lexus broadened its hybrid portfolio, the IS 300h introduced a hybrid powertrain that blended a gasoline engine with electric propulsion. This variant aimed to offer efficiency without sacrificing refinement.
- Engine: 2.5L inline-four Atkinson-cycle petrol engine (2AR-FXE) paired with an electric motor
- Hybrid system output: combined around 220–223 hp (system rating varies by market)
- Transmission: Electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT) used to coordinate petrol and electric power
- Markets: Prominently available in Europe, Japan, and other regions; availability varied by model year and local regulations
Context before listing: The following highlights cover the IS 300h hybrid configuration widely used outside the United States.
The IS 300h symbolized Lexus’s push toward cleaner performance, offering a sedan-caliber blend of efficiency and comfort with the familiar IS silhouette.
2.0-liter turbo IS 300 (mid-2010s lineage in various markets)
In several markets, regional naming and model positioning shifted to a turbocharged four-cylinder to fill the gap between a traditional V6 and hybrid offerings. The IS 300 badge in these markets commonly referred to a 2.0L turbocharged inline-four era.
- Engine: 2.0L turbocharged inline-four (often associated with 8AR-FTS family)
- Power range: roughly 235–260 hp, depending on market tuning and model year
- Torque: typically in the 258–270 lb-ft range (engine-tuning dependent)
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic is common; some markets offered all-wheel drive as an option
- Markets: Europe, the Middle East, parts of Asia; in some regions this variant carried the IS 300 badge as a mid-range performance option
Note on scope: The 2.0L turbo option appeared in markets where a smaller, more affordable performance variant was desired, often labeled as IS 200t/IS 300 depending on market conventions.
This turbocharged iteration gave the IS badge a more contemporary response profile, with sharper torque delivery and improved efficiency compared with the original six-cylinder setup.
Summary of IS 300 powertrains
Across its various generations and markets, the IS 300 badge has been attached to three main powertrain themes: a traditional 3.0-liter inline-six, a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, and a 2.5-liter hybrid setup. Availability and exact specs vary by year and region, so a specific VIN or market listing is the best way to confirm what engine a given IS 300 uses.
In context, the IS 300’s engine lineup reflects Lexus’s broader strategy to accommodate different consumer preferences—from pure performance with a naturally aspirated six, to more efficient hybrids, to smaller-displacement turbocharged power for urban and regional markets.
Bottom line: If you’re shopping for an IS 300, check the model year and market to confirm the exact engine and drivetrain configuration, as the badge has covered multiple propulsion options over the years.
What engine is in an 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.
How long do 2JZ engines last?
A well-maintained 2JZ engine can last for a very long time, often exceeding 200,000 miles and even reaching 300,000 to 400,000+ miles. Its longevity depends heavily on proper and consistent maintenance, such as regular oil changes and replacing wear-and-tear items like timing belts and water pumps at recommended intervals.
Factors influencing 2JZ engine life
- Maintenance: Regular servicing with quality parts is crucial. This includes:
- Frequent oil changes
- Replacing the timing belt and water pump on schedule
- Regular fluid changes and tune-ups
- Driving conditions: While many have documented high mileage, aggressive driving will naturally shorten an engine's life, notes Reddit users.
- Modifications: The 2JZ is known for being able to handle significant power upgrades. However, pushing the engine to extreme horsepower levels, especially with aftermarket parts, will dramatically reduce its lifespan compared to a stock engine, say Reddit users and HP Academy, according to High Performance Academy.
- Age: As with any 20-year-old car, other components besides the engine will require maintenance and replacement over time. This can include the transmission, suspension parts, and wheel bearings, which are often more likely to fail than the engine itself.
What engine does a 2004 IS 300 have?
3L inline 6-cylinder
overview
| Length | 176.6 |
|---|---|
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.5 |
| Curb Weight | 3255 |
| Engine Name | 3L inline 6-cylinder |
| Trim | SportDesign Sedan |
Does the IS 300 have a 2JZ?
Yes, the first-generation Lexus IS300 has a naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE engine from the factory. This 3.0-liter, inline-six engine produces around 215-217 horsepower and is the same engine used in the Toyota Supra, but without a turbocharger.
- Engine designation: The factory engine is the 2JZ-GE.
- Performance: It's a naturally aspirated (non-turbo) engine that produces approximately 215-217 horsepower.
- Comparison to Supra: It shares the same basic engine block as the turbocharged 2JZ-GTE found in the Supra, but lacks the turbocharger in its stock form.
- Engine swaps: Many IS300 owners perform a 2JZ-GTE swap to add a factory turbocharged engine for more power, but the car did not come with a turbo from the factory.
