What is the Lexus 3.5 V6 engine called?
The Lexus 3.5-liter V6 is officially known as the 2GR-FE, with a later direct-injected update called the 2GR-FKS. These engines belong to Toyota’s GR engine family and power a wide range of Lexus models, including the IS 350, ES 350, GS 350, and RX 350.
Origins and naming
Introduced in the mid-2000s, the 3.5-liter V6 was designed to replace earlier Lexus V6s and to provide a balance of smooth power and efficiency. The two primary designations you’ll encounter are 2GR-FE (the original naturally aspirated version) and 2GR-FKS (the direct-injected variant). In Lexus and Toyota literature, these engine codes distinguish generations and fuel-system evolutions rather than separate marketing names.
What the codes mean
Engine codes like 2GR-FE and 2GR-FKS are used to differentiate generations of the same 3.5-liter V6. While customers typically refer to the cars by model name (IS 350, ES 350, etc.), the underlying powerplants are identified in technical manuals by these codes, reflecting hardware updates over time.
Variants and key features
Below are the main variants you will encounter in Lexus models and what distinguishes them.
- 2GR-FE — the original 3.5-liter V6 used across early to mid-2000s Lexus models; features Dual VVT-i on both the intake and exhaust camshafts and an aluminum block.
- 2GR-FKS — the updated direct-injected variant (with D-4S capabilities in many applications) that offers improved efficiency and power, with refinements to intake/exhaust timing used in later GS 350, IS 350, RX 350, and ES 350 generations.
These two variants represent the core 3.5L V6 lineup in Lexus models across two generations, with ongoing refinements in each iteration.
Models commonly powered by this engine
Across its history, the 3.5L V6 has powered a broad range of Lexus vehicles, most notably the IS 350, ES 350, GS 350, and RX 350. Exact horsepower, tuning, and fuel-injection configuration vary by model year and market.
Summary
The Lexus 3.5-liter V6 is known primarily as the 2GR-FE, with the direct-injected 2GR-FKS variant; Together they form the backbone of Lexus’ V6 lineup from the mid-2000s onward, powering a wide array of sedans and SUVs and evolving with fuel-injection technology to improve performance and efficiency.
