What is the difference between Lexus 300 and 400?
In Lexus lineups, the numbers in model designations like 300 and 400 historically hint at engine size and performance, with 3.0-liter variants generally offering less power and 4.0-liter variants providing more power and bigger engines—though specifics vary by model and generation. The difference can also reflect hybridization or updated drivetrains, so verify the exact year and model when comparing.
What the numbers indicate in Lexus naming
The numeric suffixes in Lexus model names were traditionally tied to engine displacement and, by extension, performance. Across generations, '300' commonly signals a 3.0-liter engine with a V6 or inline-six, while '400' signals a larger 4.0-liter or higher-performance powertrain, including V8s or hybrid systems in some models. There are exceptions and hybrid variants that alter horsepower and efficiency without following the 3/4-liter rule exactly.
LS family: from LS 400 to LS 430
The LS sedan line provides clear examples of how the digits map to powertrains during a generation. The LS 400 originally used a 4.0-liter V8, and the later LS 430 stepped up to a 4.3-liter V8 with more horsepower and updated technology.
- LS 400 (early 1990s): 4.0-liter V8 with solid, smooth power for its era.
- LS 430 (late 1990s–mid-2000s): 4.3-liter V8 with higher output and refined performance.
In practice, buyers of 400-series LS models benefited from bigger engines, faster acceleration, and more upscale tech compared with their 400 predecessors.
ES family: ES 300 vs ES 400
The ES family shows how the 3.0-liter and 4.0-liter designations played out in a midsize luxury sedan. The ES 300 used a 3.0-liter V6, prioritizing efficiency and daily usability, while the ES 400 offered a larger 4.0-liter V8 (in its era), delivering stronger acceleration and higher performance at a premium price.
- ES 300 (1990s–early 2000s): 3.0-liter V6, balanced power and economy for daily driving.
- ES 400 (late 1990s–early 2000s): 4.0-liter V8, higher horsepower and luxury credentials.
The practical takeaway for shoppers is that the 400 variant moved the ES into notably more potent territory, at the cost of efficiency and price.
RX family: RX 300 and the hybrid RX 400h
In the crossover lineup, the 300 and 400 designations appeared in the early RX generations, with RX 300 offering a conventional 3.0-liter V6 and the RX 400h introducing hybrid power, pairing a 3.3-liter V6 with electric motors for higher output and better fuel economy.
- RX 300: 3.0-liter V6 delivering solid performance for its era.
- RX 400h: Hybrid system combining a 3.3-liter V6 with electric motors, yielding higher combined output and improved efficiency, at the cost of added complexity.
For buyers, the RX 400h represents a technology-forward option rather than a straightforward engine size extension.
Why the distinction matters for buyers
Beyond engine size, the difference between 300- and 400-badged Lexus models often includes updated transmissions, chassis tuning, available luxury features, and, in some cases, hybrid technology. Check the exact model year, market, and trim to compare apples-to-apples.
Notes and caveats about the naming
Names like 300 and 400 span multiple model lines and generations. Some later models moved away from simple 3.0/4.0 naming (for example, RX 350, ES 300h, etc.), or used internal codes for performance packages. The presence of a 400 badge does not always guarantee a straightforward 4.0-liter engine in every market or year. Always verify the engine displacement and power in the specification sheet for the specific vehicle you’re considering.
Bottom line: what it means for you
In practice, the 400 variants are typically more powerful and come with larger engines or hybrid systems, plus higher price and more equipment, while the 300 variants emphasize efficiency and lower cost. However, the exact differences depend on the model family and generation.
Summary
The difference between Lexus 300 and 400 designations stems from engine size and performance, with 3.0-liter variants generally offering lower power and 4.0-liter variants delivering more power, often via larger V8s or hybrid systems. The exact setup varies by model line and generation, so always confirm the specific year, model, and engine when making comparisons or buying a used Lexus.
