Parts for your 2020 Lexus Is-Gas struts

2020 Lexus IS gas struts — what’s actually fitted

Short answer: gas struts aren’t a factory item on the 2020 Lexus IS. Technical references back this up. The 2020 IS owner’s manual (IS 300/350, OM53L11U) specifies a bonnet support rod, not gas lift supports, and the Toyota/Lexus Electronic Parts Catalogue for the XE30-series IS (2017–2020, incl. IS 300/350/F Sport) lists a bonnet support rod assembly and boot torsion bars/gooseneck hinges, with no gas struts for either bonnet or boot. Lexus repair literature on TIS likewise covers bonnet support rod handling rather than strut service. So, the “gas-struts” part isn’t relevant to a stock 2020 IS.

Why didn’t Lexus fit gas struts to this model?

• Packaging and design: the sedan’s boot uses gooseneck hinges with torsion springs to balance the lid — a simple, proven setup that preserves boot aperture and trim fitment.
• Cost, weight and reliability: a steel support rod up front and torsion bars at the rear are light, inexpensive, and don’t lose charge like gas struts can over time.
• Consistent closure feel: the hinges and springs are tuned for the IS’s bonnet and boot weight, giving a predictable open/close action without needing pressurised lifts.

Plenty of owners do retrofit gas struts to the bonnet for convenience. Aftermarket kits usually bolt to existing points, but it’s worth choosing a kit with strut force matched to the IS’s bonnet material and hinge geometry. Over-strong struts can stress hinges, under-strong ones won’t hold reliably. If fitting aftermarket, check bonnet alignment after installation and re-torque brackets after the first few drives.

If an IS already has aftermarket gas struts, basic care is simple: keep the shafts clean, avoid grabbing the shiny rod with greasy hands, and replace pairs together when lift weakens, creaks develop, or the bonnet won’t stay up in cooler weather. Most quality struts last 5–10 years, depending on use and climate across Australia and New Zealand.

Does the 2020 Lexus IS have gas struts on the bonnet or boot?

No. From factory, the 2020 IS uses a bonnet support rod and torsion-assisted gooseneck hinges for the boot. There are no OEM gas lift supports listed for this model year.

Can gas struts be retrofitted to the 2020 IS bonnet?

Yes, aftermarket kits are available. Pick struts with the correct force and brackets designed for the XE30 IS. After fitting, check bonnet alignment and recheck fasteners after a few trips.

How do you know aftermarket gas struts need replacing?

Signs include the bonnet sagging or dropping, needing a hand to lift in cooler temps, oily residue on the strut body, or noisy operation. Replace in pairs and verify the bonnet holds at full height.