Which IS300 came with a 2JZ?
The Lexus IS300 that came with the 2JZ-GE is the first-generation IS300 sold in North America, produced roughly from 2001 through 2005. That NA-spec IS300 used the 3.0-liter 2JZ-GE inline-six, not the turbocharged 2JZ-GTE found in the Supra. Other markets and later IS generations used different engines.
In this article, we examine exactly which IS300 variants carried the 2JZ-GE, how the engine differed from turbocharged variants, and what years and body styles were affected. The goal is to distinguish the North American IS300 line from other regional offerings and generations.
The 2JZ-GE in the IS300
The 2JZ-GE is Toyota’s 3.0-liter twin-cam inline-six that powered the first-generation IS300 in North America. In the US and Canada, the IS300 sedan—and its wagon counterpart, the IS300 SportCross—came equipped with this naturally aspirated engine, delivering roughly 215–225 horsepower depending on model year and market.
Common IS300 variants with the 2JZ-GE
Below is a concise breakdown of the North American IS300 models that used the 2JZ-GE, including the sedan and wagon variants.
- 2001–2005 Lexus IS300 sedan (North America): 2JZ-GE 3.0L inline-six, about 215–225 hp.
- 2002–2004 Lexus IS300 SportCross wagon (North America): 2JZ-GE 3.0L inline-six, about 215–225 hp.
In short, the North American first-generation IS300 lineup—the sedan and the SportCross wagon—carried the 2JZ-GE engine during its run in the early 2000s.
Market variations and what changed later
Across global markets, the designation IS300 did not always pair with the 2JZ-GE. In Japan and several European regions, the Altezza platform often used smaller or different engines (for example, 1G-FE or 2.0L configurations) in what was marketed as the IS or Altezza, depending on the year and market. The 2JZ-GE association remains strongest with the North American IS300 lineup.
Performance and maintenance notes
The 2JZ-GE in the IS300 is known for its torque-friendly NA characteristics and robust reliability when properly maintained. Common maintenance considerations include timing belt/chain service intervals, water pump wear, and head gasket checks, as well as ensuring the intake and exhaust systems are free of restrictions to maintain engine performance. Enthusiasts often explore tasteful intake, exhaust, and suspension upgrades to complement the engine without compromising reliability.
Summary
The definitive IS300 to have a 2JZ-GE is the first-generation Lexus IS300 from the early 2000s, produced for North America as a sedan (2001–2005) and its IS300 SportCross wagon counterpart (2002–2004). These models carried the naturally aspirated 3.0L inline-six 2JZ-GE, delivering around 215–225 hp. Other markets used different engine configurations, and later IS generations moved beyond the 2JZ-GE era.
Which Lexus comes with a 2JZ?
Lexus models that came with a 2JZ engine include the SC 300, GS 300, and IS 300. These cars typically featured the non-turbocharged 2JZ-GE engine, which is known for its reliability and is a popular base for performance modifications.
- Lexus SC 300: This coupe came with the naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE, which was also used in the non-turbo Toyota Supra Mk4.
- Lexus GS 300: Available in both the first and second generations, this sedan used the 2JZ-GE engine.
- Lexus IS 300: The IS 300 was equipped with the 2JZ-GE and was the last Lexus model in the US to use the 2JZ engine. The SportCross wagon version was also available with this engine.
What IS300 has a 2JZ?
A Lexus IS300 is a car that can have a 2JZ engine, either from the factory or as a common engine swap. The factory version is the 2JZ-GE, a naturally aspirated 3.0L inline-six engine, while the turbocharged 2JZ-GTE from the Toyota Supra is a popular upgrade.
Factory engine
- The IS300 came with the 2JZ-GE, a 3.0-liter, naturally aspirated inline-six engine.
- It produced 215 horsepower and 218 lb-ft of torque from the factory.
Common modifications
- It is very common for enthusiasts to swap the more powerful, turbocharged 2JZ-GTE engine into the IS300.
- This swap is popular because the IS300 already has a 2JZ-based engine, making the process easier compared to swapping a completely different engine.
- The 2JZ-GTE engine is known for its durability and ability to handle significant power increases through turbocharging and other modifications.
What motor does an IS300 come with?
Engine specs are the next place to look if you're trying to determine whether this luxury compact sedan is the right fit for you in Princeton, NJ or Hamilton, NJ. 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.
What engine is in the 2004 IS300?
Powertrain and models
| Engine | Lexus | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Power/torque | Model |
| 3.0 L straight-six (2JZ-GE) | 162 kW (217 hp); 295 N⋅m (218 lb⋅ft) at 3,800 rpm | IS 300 SportCross (wagon) |
