The Lexus Wagon That Shares DNA with the Supra

The MkIV Toyota Supra Turbo is a legend, known for its twin-turbo inline-six that can be tuned to insane power levels without cracking open the block. But as Supra prices soar into the stratosphere, most enthusiasts overlook a secret: a sporty Lexus wagon from the early 2000s shares the same basic engine architecture.

It might not have the Supra's looks, but under the hood, it holds the same potential.

Enter the IS300 SportCross, the rare long-roof version of Lexus's popular compact sedan. Launched in late 2001, it was built for the small but passionate group of North American buyers who wanted a wagon's cargo space without the SUV's bulk. 0-liter inline-six that is a direct relative of the Supra's twin-turbo 2JZ-GTE.

It delivers 215 horsepower and 218 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels through a five-speed automatic, no manual option here, unlike the sedan. But the wagon did get flat-folding front and rear seats, plus a hidden storage compartment, making it genuinely practical.

Timing was the SportCross's biggest enemy. It arrived just as the SUV craze was exploding, and Lexus itself was selling the RX300 crossover by the thousands. Buyers who wanted sporty driving chose the IS300 sedan; those who wanted utility grabbed the RX. The wagon fell between both camps.

Lexus only allocated 3,078 SportCross units to North America over four model years, making it a true rarity today. Clean examples now sell on Bring a Trailer for around $16,000, with pristine ones hitting $26,000.

For tuners, the SportCross is a bargain canvas. The 2JZ-GE engine readily accepts turbo kits, and the chassis, with its double-wishbone suspension and rear-wheel drive, handles extra power well. A basic turbo conversion runs about $5,000, while a full setup with fuel management and upgraded components can cost $10,000 or more.

The result: 300 to 400 horsepower in a wagon that few people know about. That blend of obscurity, practicality, and Supra DNA makes the IS300 SportCross one of the smartest buys for enthusiasts who want something different.