What kind of engine IS in the Lexus IS300?
The Lexus IS300 is powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six engine, the Toyota 2JZ-GE. It’s a naturally aspirated, DOHC 24-valve engine designed for smooth power delivery and durability, typically paired with rear-wheel drive.
The broader context includes the engine’s architecture, displacement, and how it was tuned across model years and markets. Below is a detailed look at its core specs and regional variations.
Engine Fundamentals
The IS300’s engine is a classic Toyota inline-six with generous displacement that emphasizes linear torque and reliability. The 2JZ-GE family powered several Toyota and Lexus performance models of the era.
Core specifications
Key data points for the IS300’s engine configuration include:
- Engine family: 2JZ-GE
- Displacement: 3.0 liters (2,962 cc)
- Configuration: Inline-6
- Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
- Valvetrain: DOHC, 24 valves
- Induction: Multi-point fuel injection
- Power output: Approximately 215–235 hp (varies by year/market)
- Torque: Approximately 210–235 lb-ft (varies by year/market)
- Block material: Iron block with aluminum cylinder head
- Transmission options: Manual or automatic, depending on market/year
In short, this engine provides a broad, usable torque curve characteristic of early 2000s naturally aspirated six-cylinders.
Market Variants and Evolution
Across markets and model years, there were calibrations to emissions equipment and drivetrain options, but the core engine remained the 2JZ-GE NA six. Some markets offered manuals; others used automatics more broadly; output figures reflected those differences.
- North American IS300 typically offered the 2JZ-GE with either manual or automatic transmissions; power figures varied by configuration.
- Other regions sometimes saw ECU tuning adjustments to meet local emissions standards, which could slightly affect peak horsepower.
- Despite these variations, the engine architecture remained the same family—3.0L NA inline-six—through the IS300’s production window.
Conclusion: The IS300’s 2JZ-GE 3.0L inline-six is the defining powerplant, renowned for its durability and smooth power delivery, with regional calibrations influencing exact outputs.
Performance and Maintenance Context
Drivers appreciated the engine for its broad torque band and linear power. Long-term reliability is supported by timely maintenance: oil changes with the proper grade, timing components if applicable, coolant checks, and monitoring for leaks or sensor issues typical of this era’s Toyota engines.
Summary: The Lexus IS300’s engine is a 3.0-liter inline-six 2JZ-GE, naturally aspirated and renowned for durability. While regional differences exist, the core powertrain remains consistent, contributing to the IS300’s lasting appeal.
What kind of engine is in the Lexus 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 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.
Does IS 300 have 2JZ or 1JZ?
Lexus IS 300
When it first hit the road, it came with a four-cylinder engine, but it got an upgrade for the 2000 model year to a 2JZ-GE engine. Unlike other 2JZ engines in Toyotas, the IS engine did not include turbocharging.
Is the Lexus IS 300 4 or 6 cylinder?
2.0L 4-cylinder
If you decide on the IS 300, IS 300 F SPORT Design or IS 300 F SPORT, you get a 241-horsepower 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, and on the IS 300 AWD, IS 300 F SPORT Design AWD, and IS 300 F SPORT AWD, there is a 260-horsepower 3.5L V6 engine.
