Lexus RX (1998-2023) firing order — what is it?

Lexus has always been a nameplate associated with premium quality and dependable engine options in the automotive world. Even though that mostly goes for their flagship sedans, the RX proved to be a contender in the mid-size SUV class, and over the years it featured some of the greatest Lexus engines.

So, if you are an owner and would like to learn more about proper maintenance practices for this model, you’ve come to the right place. Our team will provide you with all the details on the Lexus RX (1998-2023) firing order and we’ll also get to the cylinder layout of each engine later on to get you on the right path.

First-generation Lexus RX (1998-2002) firing order

The first-gen RX model featured a plethora of reliable engine options and these included two four-cylinder variants and a V6 engine. So, we’ll first deal with the firing sequences of these before we move on to newer models and compare their differences.

Lexus RX 2.2L firing order

The Lexus 2.2L firing order is 1-3-4-2 and this engine is a straight-four powertrain. The cylinders are ordered from the first one on the left side to the fourth one on the right side of the engine in a straight pattern, and that goes for all the four-cylinder engines used in the RX.

Lexus RX 2.4L firing order

As yet another four-cylinder option, the first-gen RX offered a 2.4-liter engine. So, the Lexus 2.4L firing order is 1-3-4-2 and it also features the same cylinder arrangement from left to right. On the other hand, the cylinders are laid out in a straight 1, 2, 3, 4 order, which makes it easier for drivers to diagnose misfires and work on the engine.

Lexus RX 3.0L firing order

The 3.0-liter engine is the only V6 option available for the RX of the first generation, and it’s a transverse V6 engine. That means its cylinders are laid out a bit differently when compared with the regular V6 as they are rotated, so you’ve got three cylinders in the upper bank and three cylinders in the lower one.

For this engine, the Lexus RX 3.0L firing order is 1-2-3-4-5-6 and the upper cylinders are ordered 1, 3, and 5 left to right, while the lower bank cylinders are ordered 2, 4, and 6 left to right.

Second-generation Lexus RX (2003-2007) firing order

The second-gen model of the RX featured a few extra V6 engine options when compared with the first-generation model. So, we’ll discuss those engine variants next as we’ve already pointed out the firing order and cylinder arrangement for the 2.4-liter engine and the 3.0-liter engine from the previous generation.

Lexus RX 3.3L firing order

The 3.3-liter RX engine is pretty similar to the 3.0-liter engine since it’s also a transverse V6. Plus, it also features the same 1-2-3-4-5-6 firing order as the V6 from the previous generation of the model. In other words, cylinders 1, 3, and 5 are laid out within the upper cylinder bank, while cylinders 2, 4, and 6 are placed right below them.

Lexus RX 3.5L firing order

As the final V6 option from the first two generations of the RX, we have the 3.5-liter V6. The Lexus RX 3.5L firing order is 1-2-3-4-5-6 as well, but this time the engine’s cylinders are placed longitudinally within the engine bay. That means there’s a driver’s side cylinder bank with cylinders 1, 3, and 5, and the passenger’s bank with cylinders 2, 4, and 6 ordered front to rear.

Third-generation Lexus RX (2008-2014) firing order

For the third-gen model, Lexus has revised the engine offer with a new 2.7-liter four-cylinder powertrain. Along with that one, the only additional option was the 3.5-liter V6 that we’ve previously discussed, so let’s take a look at the firing order of the new four-cylinder.

Lexus RX 2.7L firing order

The Lexus RX 2.7L firing order is 1-3-4-2 and this engine has the same cylinder configuration as the previously-mentioned four cylinders. So, the first one is at the left-most side of the engine, while the rest goes toward cylinder number four on the right side in a straight order.

Fourth-generation Lexus RX (2015-2021) firing order

The fourth-gen model followed the example of the previous generation of the RX and it featured a four-cylinder and a V6 option. Once again, we had the 3.5L engine that we already mentioned, so we’ll focus on the 2.0-liter turbo engine introduced with this generation of the RX.

Lexus RX 2.0L turbo firing order

The Lexus RX 2.0L turbo firing order is 1-3-4-2 just as it is for all the other four-cylinder options. Once again, the cylinders are arranged from the first one on the left side toward the fourth one on the right side in a straight pattern.

Fifth-generation Lexus RX (2022-present) firing order

If you own a current model of the RX, you’ll know that only four-cylinder options were offered. So, there’s a 2.4-liter turbo engine based on the one we’ve already discussed, and a 2.5-liter hybrid one. The 2.4-liter engine still features a 1-3-4-2 firing order and the cylinders are laid out from left to right, so we’ll move on to the 2.5-liter hybrid.

Lexus RX 2.5L hybrid firing order

Finally, the Lexus RX 2.5L hybrid firing order is 1-3-4-2 as well, and this engine is yet another four-cylinder option. That means the cylinders are once again ordered from 1 to 4 in a straight line looking at the engine from left to right, but this time there’s also an electric motor added.

Our take

Now that we’ve gone through all the Lexus RX engine options and their firing sequences, you should be able to maintain your car’s engine more easily. The firing order can be used to prevent misfires and identify worn-off spark plugs, so it’s the key to maintaining engine efficiency and we are confident you are now fully equipped to do so.