Which Lexus has a 2JZ?
Across the Lexus lineup, only a handful of models used the 2JZ engine family in its naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE form; the turbocharged 2JZ-GTE belongs to Toyota's Supra lineage and is not generally found in standard Lexus models.
The 2JZ engine family is legendary for its durability and tuning potential. In Lexus-branded cars, the 2JZ-GE (the natural‑aspirated variant) powered a few well‑known models in the 1990s and early 2000s, including sports sedans and coupes that are now celebrated by enthusiasts. The more famous turbocharged 2JZ-GTE, while closely related, is associated with the Toyota Supra and related models rather than typical Lexus badging.
Which Lexus models used the 2JZ engine?
The following Lexus models are known to have used the 2JZ-GE inline-six in various markets and years.
- Lexus SC300 (1992–1996) with the 2JZ-GE 3.0-liter inline-six.
- Lexus GS300 (1993–2005 in various markets) with the 2JZ-GE.
- Lexus IS300 (2001–2005 in the US; also in other markets) with the 2JZ-GE.
Note: Availability and exact years varied by market. In some regions, the 2JZ-GE appeared earlier or later in the lifecycle of these models, and the transition to newer engines occurred at different times. The turbocharged 2JZ-GTE variant is tied to Toyota’s performance lineup (not commonly used in Lexus-branded cars), though the Japan‑market Aristo used a related 2JZ configuration for performance enthusiasts.
2JZ-GE vs 2JZ-GTE: A quick distinction
The 2JZ-GE is the naturally aspirated version used in the SC300, GS300, and IS300. The 2JZ-GTE is the turbocharged variant that gained fame in the Toyota Supra. Lexus models generally used the 2JZ-GE, while the turbo 2JZ-GTE appears in Toyota's performance lineup rather than in standard Lexus sedans or coupes.
Summary
In short, if you’re seeking a Lexus with a 2JZ engine, focus on the IS300, GS300, and SC300 models that used the 2JZ-GE. The turbocharged 2JZ-GTE lives in the Supra lineage rather than in typical Lexus-badged cars. These 2JZ-powered Lexuses remain popular among collectors and tuners for their durability and potential, even as newer engine families have since taken the stage.
Do SC300 come with 2JZ?
Yes, the Lexus SC300 is factory-equipped with a 2JZ engine, specifically the naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE. The SC300's 2JZ-GE is a 3.0L inline-6 engine that was also used in other Lexus models and is related to the more famous turbocharged 2JZ-GTE from the Toyota Supra.
- Engine: The SC300's engine is a 3.0L inline-6, the 2JZ-GE.
- Relationship to Supra: The 2JZ-GE is the non-turbocharged version of the 2JZ-GTE engine made famous in the Toyota Supra.
- Engine availability: The SC300 was equipped with the 2JZ-GE as standard from the factory, unlike the V8-powered SC400.
- Engine swaps: Due to the 2JZ-GE's strong foundation, many owners perform engine swaps, often replacing the stock engine with the more powerful 2JZ-GTE from a Supra for increased performance.
What Lexus cars had 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.
Is the Lexus IS300 2JZ?
Yes, the Lexus IS300 is powered by a 2JZ engine, specifically the naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE. This is the same engine family used in the legendary Toyota Supra, though the IS300's version is not turbocharged from the factory.
- Engine type: The IS300 uses the 3.0-liter inline-six 2JZ-GE engine.
- Key difference: Unlike the high-performance 2JZ-GTE found in the Supra, the IS300's engine is naturally aspirated (not turbocharged).
- Popularity: The 2JZ-GE is known for its reliability and is a popular base for modifications, with many owners swapping in turbochargers or building them to handle more power.
What Lexus GS300 has 2JZ?
The Lexus GS300 from the first and second generations (approximately 1991–2005) is equipped with the 2JZ engine. Specifically, these models came with the naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE engine. The high-performance 2JZ-GTE engine, famously used in the Supra, was only available in the Japanese Toyota Aristo model, not the US-market GS300.
- Model years: The 1991–1997 and 1998–2005 GS300 models were the ones that featured the 2JZ engine.
- Engine type: The US-market GS300 models came with the naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE engine.
- Turbocharged 2JZ-GTE: This more powerful, turbocharged engine was found in the Japanese market Toyota Aristo, which is the Japanese equivalent of the GS300, but it was not a factory option in the US GS300.
