The Lexus IS350 F Sport often raises the question: is it turbocharged? This is especially common among performance-minded buyers comparing it to competitors with modern turbocharged engines. Despite its sporty appearance and F Sport branding, the IS350 F Sport uses a naturally aspirated V6 engine not a turbocharged setup. In this detailed topic, we explore the engine configuration, performance characteristics, F Sport features, and how it compares to turbocharged rivals.
Engine Specification: Naturally Aspirated, Not Turbo
Under the Hood
The IS350 F Sport is powered by a 3.5liter V6 engine (code 2GRFSE/2GRFKS), featuring dual overhead cams and Dual VVTi technology. This engine delivers around 311 horsepower and 280 lbft of torque, depending on specification and region. It is naturally aspirated, meaning it does not use turbocharging or supercharging to boost power.
Performance Numbers
Acceleration is brisk for a nonturbo setup a rearwheeldrive IS350 F Sport can reach 60 mph in approximately 5.5 to 5.6 seconds. While that remains competitive in the luxury sport sedan segment, the lack of a turbo means power buildup is concentrated at higher engine RPM rather than low-end torque.
Why No Turbo in the IS350 F Sport?
Brand Philosophy and Engine Heritage
Lexus equipped the IS350 F Sport with a naturally aspirated V6 to prioritize smooth power delivery, engine sound, and reliability. The 2GR engine has consistently ranked on Ward’s 10 Best Engines list in past years, known for its refinement and durability.
Market Positioning
The turbocharged IS variant in the Lexus lineup is the IS300, powered by a 2.0liter fourcylinder turbo. Meanwhile, the IS500 F Sport Performance model features a powerful 5.0liter V8. The IS350 holds the midrange slot, offering balanced performance without forced induction.
F Sport Model Enhancements
Suspension and Handling
The F Sport trim adds chassis upgrades developed with Toyota Racing Development, including sporttuned dampers, adaptive suspension, stiffer antiroll bars, and improved control via Torsen limitedslip differential in some packages. These upgrades sharpen handling and improve body control without modifying the engine.
Visual and Interior Features
F Sport styling includes a mesh grille, unique bumpers, F Sport badging, larger alloy wheels, sport seats, and an exclusive gauge cluster. These visual and interior enhancements give the IS350 F Sport a more aggressive and performanceoriented feel though the engine remains the same as the base model.
Comparison: IS350 F Sport vs Turbo Competitors
Choosing Between NA and Turbo
Competing sedans often use turbocharged engines, offering strong lowend torque. For example, turbo inlinefours in class rivals tend to feel more responsive at city speeds. By contrast, the IS350’s naturally aspirated V6 delivers a smoother throttle curve and a recognizably refined Lexus character but it lacks the immediate grunt of turbocharged units.
Everyday Driving Feel
The V6 builds power smoothly and provides a pleasant exhaust note as RPM rises. Enthusiasts appreciate the V6 for its responsiveness at higher revs and the lack of turbo lag. Still, some buyers on forums mention it feels less potent compared to turbo rivals, especially off the line or under load.
Owner and Enthusiast Feedback
Community Observations
Reddit users often note that the IS350 F Sport doesn’t gain engine performance from the F Sport trim it’s mainly cosmetic and suspension-based. One user summarized: There isn’t a performance difference, you just get a sportier look with an F-Sport.
Modding and Tunability
Some owners have exceeded 400 wheel-horsepower using bolt-ons and dyno tuning on the stock engine. However, these upgrades can stress the naturally aspirated V6, and forced induction would require substantial engine modifications.
Summary: Is the IS350 F Sport Turbocharged?
- The Lexus IS350 F Sport uses a naturally aspirated 3.5 L V6 engine, not turbocharged.
- It produces approximately 311 hp and 280 lbft of torque.
- The F Sport trim adds suspension, visual, and interior enhancements not engine upgrades.
- Competes against turbocharged rivals, trading low-end torque for smoothness and refinement.
Understanding the IS350 F Sport’s Engine
In short, the IS350 F Sport is not turbocharged. It retains Lexus’s naturally aspirated V6 engine famed for its smoothness and reliability. While the FÂ Sport designation adds sporty aesthetics and handling improvements, it does not introduce forced induction. Buyers seeking a turbocharged Lexus may look toward the IS300 or the highperformance IS500 V8. Understanding these distinctions helps consumers match the right engine and drive experience to their priorities whether that’s raw power, refinement, or daily usability.