What transmission does a Lexus IS 300 have?
The current Lexus IS 300 uses an 8-speed automatic transmission. Over the model’s history, transmission options have varied by year and market, including manual gearboxes and several automatic speeds.
This article examines how the IS 300’s transmissions have evolved, from its early years to the present, and what owners can expect in different trims and regions.
Current gasoline IS 300: transmission details
For the latest IS 300 models, Lexus has standardized on an 8-speed automatic transmission. This applies to the gasoline-powered IS 300 variants in markets where the model is offered with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. The transmission is paired with rear-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. There is no manual transmission option in the current lineup.
Here is a concise look at how the IS 300’s transmission options exist today for the gasoline variant:
- 8-speed automatic transmission across all current IS 300 trims.
- Rear-wheel drive standard with optional all-wheel drive on certain configurations.
- Paddle shifters and a dedicated sport/drive mode in the transmission programming for enhanced shifting control.
In summary, today’s gasoline IS 300 is equipped exclusively with an 8-speed automatic transmission, designed to balance performance and efficiency, with drive configuration options depending on the market.
IS 300 hybrid: transmission notes
In markets where the IS 300 is offered in hybrid form (often branded as IS 300h or similar), the powertrain uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The hybrid setup combines the internal combustion engine with electric motors and the CVT to optimize efficiency and torque delivery.
Key points about the hybrid variant’s transmission are as follows:
- IS 300h uses a CVT rather than a traditional stepped automatic or manual gearbox.
- The CVT is tuned to work with the hybrid powertrain for smooth transitions between electric and gasoline propulsion.
- This variant is generally distinct from the gasoline IS 300 in both market availability and driving characteristics.
For buyers considering a hybrid IS 300, the CVT is a defining feature, offering a different driving feel compared with the gasoline IS 300’s 8-speed automatic.
Historical overview: how transmissions evolved across generations
Across its multiple generations, the IS 300 has seen shifts in transmission pairing that reflect broader trends in the industry and regional market preferences. Owners and prospective buyers should note that specific transmission options—manual versus automatic and the number of speeds—varied by model year, engine choice, and market.
Brief context on how transmission options changed over time:
- Early IS 300 (approximately 2001–2005) offered a traditional manual option alongside an automatic transmission, with the automatic typically being a 4- to 5-speed unit depending on market.
- Mid-generation models (roughly 2006–2013) primarily relied on automatic transmissions with more gears (common configurations included 5- to 6-speed automatics) and did not rely on a manual option in many markets.
- Later generations (2014–present) moved toward more modern automatics, culminating in the current 8-speed automatic for the gasoline IS 300, while hybrid variants adopted a CVT transmission.
While the precise transmission configuration varied, the trend over time has been toward more efficient, multi-gear automatics for the gasoline IS 300 and a CVT for the hybrid IS 300h, with a continued absence of a manual option in current gasoline models.
Maintenance and ownership considerations
Transmission maintenance is important for long-term reliability, especially given the different gearboxes used across generations and variants. Routine fluid checks, timely changes per the owner’s manual, and attentive service to any shifting or torque-conversion issues are part of standard maintenance for the IS 300’s transmissions.
If you’re shopping for a specific year or market, confirm the exact transmission type from the VIN, dealership documentation, or the official Lexus specification sheet, as there can be regional deviations from the general patterns described here.
Summary
In today’s lineup, the Lexus IS 300 uses an 8-speed automatic transmission for the gasoline variant, with rear-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive as an option in some markets. The IS 300h hybrid version employs a CVT. Historically, transmission options varied by generation and market, including manual options in the earliest years and a progression toward more advanced automatics and CVTs in later models. For prospective buyers, the most important detail is to verify the exact transmission type for the specific model year and market when evaluating an IS 300.
Do all Lexus have CVT transmission?
Lexus: Every non-hybrid is not equipped with a CVT. Lincoln: The non-hybrid Corsair and non-hybrid MKX are not equipped with CVTs. Maserati: No modern Maserati is equipped with a CVT. Mazda: No modern Mazda is equipped with a CVT.
What transmission does a Lexus IS 300 have?
The IS 300 models were initially only available with the five-speed automatic transmission in all markets.
Does the Lexus IS300H have a CVT?
Lexus IS 300H 2.5 LUXURY E-CVT EURO 5 s/s AUTOMATIC - Unicarz Ltd.
What are common Lexus IS 300 problems?
Lexus IS300 Problems
- Check Engine Light Due to EVAP System Failure.
- Check Engine Light and Lack of Power Due to Failed Mass Air Flow Sensor.
- Lexus IS300 won't start despite strong battery current, seeking diagnostic suggestions.
- Lexus IS300 bald front tires and worn front brake pads issue.
