What kind of motor does a Lexus IS 300 have?
The IS 300’s engine lineup isn’t fixed across all years—it has used more than one powertrain. In early U.S. cars it had a 3.0-liter inline-six; in recent years the badge has commonly denoted a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, with a hybrid variant available in some markets.
The Lexus IS 300 is a member of Lexus’ compact luxury sedan family, and its powertrain has evolved with generations and regional offerings. This article explains how the motor options have changed and what you’re likely to find under the hood depending on model year and market.
Engine options by era and market
Below is a concise guide to the engines historically associated with the IS 300 across generations and continents. It helps explain why two different engines have borne the same model name.
- 2001–2005 (primarily United States): 3.0-liter inline-6, 2JZ-GE, about 215 hp; smooth, refined performance typical of early Lexus inline-sixes.
- 2006–2013 (global, with variations by market): In the U.S., the IS 300 badge was largely replaced by IS 250 (2.5L V6) and IS 350 (3.5L V6); some international markets continued using the IS 300 name with different configurations.
- 2010s era (some markets): IS 300h hybrid offered in various regions, pairing a 2.5-liter four with electric motors; this variant is more common outside the United States.
- 2016–present (United States and many markets): 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (2.0L turbo, engine code 8AR-FTS) paired with an 8-speed automatic; horsepower typically around 240–260 hp. All-wheel drive is available on several trims.
The list above captures the main engines most commonly associated with the IS 300 badge, noting that regional naming and model structures have varied over time.
Current and recent-market specifics
In the current Lexus IS lineup, especially in the United States, the IS 300 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 delivering around 241 horsepower and a torque figure near 258 lb-ft, with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Availability of all-wheel drive depends on the trim. Some regions still offer a hybrid variant known as the IS 300h (or similar naming) with a 2.5-liter engine paired with an electric motor.
What to check when buying a used IS 300
Because the engine can vary significantly by year and market, confirm the exact motor using the vehicle’s documentation. Before evaluating a used IS 300, check the following indicators of the drivetrain that the seller claims:
Note: The exact engine badge and powertrain should match the vehicle’s VIN and build sheet; verify with the dealer or via a trusted vehicle history report.
- Engine type shown on the VIN-specific build sheet or window sticker (e.g., 2JZ-GE, 2.0L turbo, or hybrid system).
- Transmission type and compatibility with the engine (e.g., 8-speed automatic for turbo inline-4 models).
- Maintenance history relevant to the engine family (turbocharging components, oil changes, cooling system for turbo models; or traditional inline-6 maintenance history).
In summary, the IS 300’s motor has evolved with Lexus’ global strategy, moving from a traditional inline-six to a modern turbocharged four-cylinder in most newer models, with hybrid options available in certain markets.
Summary
The Lexus IS 300 has used multiple engines over its history. The early U.S. cars employed a 3.0-liter inline-six (2JZ-GE), while most newer IS 300 models use a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, with a hybrid variant available in some regions. Always verify the exact engine in a specific vehicle using official documentation.
Does the IS 300 have a V4 or V6?
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.
What engine is in the Lexus IS 300?
The Lexus IS 300 has two engine options, depending on the model and drivetrain: a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder or an available 3.5-liter V6 for all-wheel drive models. Older models, like the first-generation IS 300 (1999-2005), came with a 3.0-liter inline-six engine.
Modern IS 300
- 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4: This is the standard engine for the rear-wheel-drive model, producing around 241 horsepower.
- 3.5-liter V6: This engine is an option for the all-wheel-drive IS 300 and is also standard on the IS 350 models, providing higher horsepower.
First-generation IS 300
- 3.0-liter 2JZ-GE inline-six: This was the engine used in the first-generation IS 300 from 1999 to 2005.
What years did the IS 300 have a 2JZ?
The Lexus IS300 was produced with the 2JZ engine from 2001 to 2005 in the U.S. market. The engine used was the naturally aspirated, non-turbocharged 2JZ-GE.
You can watch this video to hear the sound of a 2005 Lexus IS300 with a 2JZ-GE engine: 28sTedwardYouTube · Dec 31, 2017
- First generation IS 300: The first generation of the IS 300 was produced from 1998 to 2005, and all U.S. models from 2001 to 2005 were equipped with the 2JZ-GE engine.
- Transmission: Initially, the automatic transmission was standard, but a five-speed manual transmission became available starting with the 2002 model year.
- Engine details: The 2JZ-GE engine in the IS 300 was a 3.0-liter, inline-six, naturally aspirated engine with Variable Valve Timing (VVT-i). It was a variant of the engine made famous in the Supra.
