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What Toyota is the Lexus IS300 based on?

The Lexus IS300 is a compact luxury sedan that was produced by Toyota's premium Lexus brand from 2000 to 2005. While the IS300 had a distinct and more premium design compared to Toyota's mainstream models, it was actually based on the Toyota Camry platform.


The Toyota Camry Platform


The Lexus IS300 was built on the same chassis and underpinnings as the Toyota Camry, which was Toyota's best-selling midsize sedan at the time. The Camry platform provided the foundation for the IS300, including its suspension, steering, and powertrain components. 1 This allowed Lexus to develop the IS300 as a more upscale and performance-oriented version of the Camry, targeting a different market segment.


Differences Between the Camry and IS300


While the Lexus IS300 shared its core platform with the Toyota Camry, there were several key differences between the two models:



  • Exterior Design: The IS300 had a more distinctive and premium-looking exterior design compared to the more conservative Camry.

  • Interior Quality: The IS300 featured a higher-quality interior with more luxury materials and features.

  • Powertrain: The IS300 was available with a more powerful 3.0-liter inline-six engine, compared to the four-cylinder and V6 options in the Camry.

  • Suspension and Handling: The IS300 had a sportier suspension tuning and steering setup for a more engaging driving experience.


These upgrades allowed Lexus to position the IS300 as a more premium and performance-oriented alternative to the mainstream Camry, appealing to a different set of buyers.


Conclusion


In summary, the Lexus IS300 was based on the same underlying platform as the Toyota Camry, but Lexus engineers made significant upgrades to the design, materials, powertrain, and driving dynamics to create a more upscale and engaging compact luxury sedan. This shared platform approach allowed Lexus to leverage Toyota's engineering expertise and economies of scale while still differentiating the IS300 as a distinct and premium-positioned model.

What do Japanese think of Lexus?


The majority of participants at 51% chose their dream car brand because they “like the design”. This was followed by 28% who said it “gives a sense of status” and 25% who “feel it has good performance”. While 37% of people chose Lexus because of its design, 46% chose it for its status value.



What is the Lexus IS 300 called in Japan?


The Japan-sold AS200 Altezza sedan and AS300 Altezza Gita correspond to the Lexus IS 200 and IS 300 models respectively, as sold in markets outside of Japan. The Lexus IS' primary markets were North America, Australia, and Europe.



What Toyota IS the Lexus IS 300 based on?


The Lexus IS 300 was a compact rear-wheel-drive sports sedan introduced for the 2001 model year. Essentially an Americanized version of the Japanese-market Toyota Altezza, the IS was meant to rival European sports sedans like the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series.



Which Lexus is basically a Camry?


Take two popular sedans: the 2024 Lexus ES 350 and the 2024 Toyota Camry. Comparing the 2024 Lexus ES 350 vs. the Toyota Camry seems like apples and oranges at first glance, but both cars are remarkably similar.



What Toyota IS the Lexus LS based on?


Lexus LS (XF40)
PlatformToyota N platform
RelatedToyota Century (G60) (for LS 600h L)
Powertrain
Engine4.6 L 1UR-FE V8 4.6 L 1UR-FSE V8 5.0 L 2UR-FSE V8 (hybrid)



Which Lexus IS based on which Toyota?


Lexus RX = Toyota Highlander. Lexus NX = Toyota RAV4. Lexus ES = Toyota Camry/Toyota Crown. Lexus GX = Toyota 4Runner.



Is Lexus ES based on Camry or Avalon?


The first five generations of the ES used the Toyota Camry platform, while the latter generations are more closely related to both the Camry and the Avalon.



Is the Lexus ES 300 a Camry?


Compared to its Camry relative, the ES 300 featured separate styling, a different suspension setup with front and rear independent MacPherson strut, and added weight amounting to 90 kg (200 lb). Much of this is due to increased dimensions, asphalt insulation in the body panels and additional on-board equipment.



What does Lexus IS 300 stand for?


Intelligent Sport
IS 300, IS 350 & IS 300h. Our mid-size Sports Sedan, the Lexus IS stands for Intelligent Sport. Redesigned in 2021, the all-new Lexus IS outperforms its predecessor in every way capturing the hearts of younger drivers seeking a bold, intelligent drive.



IS the Lexus IS 300 a 2JZ?


Oh yeah. Plenty of that. The IS300 uses the same 2JZ-GE 3.0-liter DOHC 24-valve straight-six that propels the bigger Lexus GS300 sedan, an engine that traces its lineage to the old Toyota Supra.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.