What's New
- Android Auto functionality added
- Mark Levinson sound system features a new amplifier and is now available as a stand-alone option
- Compass added to the inside rearview mirror
Pros & Cons
- Fun to drive
- Expressively styled
- Multiple powertrain combinations
- Aging design
- Snug back seat
- Some cheap materials inside
Lexus RC Overview
The RC is essentially a lower, swoopier two-door version if the rear-wheel-drive Lexus IS compact luxury sedan.
Like the IS, the RC offers a strong turbo four-cylinder engine or a V-6, rear- or all-wheel drive, six- or eight-speed transmissions, and standard or sporty F-Sport trims, the combinations of which can be a little confusing. Complimenting the strong powertrains is a low stance and optimal weight balance that give it innately favorable handling characteristics; F-Sport models can be characterized as genuinely sporty. The rear seat is tight but not uninhabitable by adults for shorter trips, and trunk space is about the same as that of the IS sedan.
While the RC has been around since the 2015 model year without a major redesign aside from a mild facelift for 2019, it continues to offer a traditional luxury sport coupe experience in a world of SUVs. Shoppers looking for an even more immersive performance coupe experience are encouraged to consider the RC F and RC F Track Edition models. Though they share DNA, the RC F is significantly more extreme in every metric including price.
Trim Specifications
The base RC model, the rear-wheel-drive RC 300, features 18-inch alloy wheels, simulated leather upholstery, a sunroof, and dual front climate controls, with a fair amount of additional luxury features available as options. It is powered by a 241-hp turbocharged four-cylinder mated to an 8-speed transmission. Upgrading to all-wheel drive is $2690, but it brings a significant power bump by way of a 260-hp 3.5-liter V-6 with a 6-speed automatic.
RC 300 in F Sport trim brings a unique take on the trademark Lexus grille, 19-inch alloy wheels with performance tires, sized 40-series in front and 35-series in the rear, standard heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and more. Adding all-wheel drive to the RC 300 F-Sport is $2175.
A stronger 3.5-liter V-6 producing 311 horsepower powers all RC 350 models, though like the RC 300, the transmissions for rear-wheel-drive models feature 8 speeds while all-wheel-drive models have 6. The cost to upgrade the R C350 all-wheel drive is $2165. As with the RC 300, RC 350 F-Sport models bring the same upgrades. Adding all-wheel drive to the RC 350 F-Sport is $1610.
Warranty
4 Years/50,000 Miles
6 Years/70,000 Miles
6 Years/Unlimited Miles
4 Years/Unlimited Miles
1 Years/10,000 Miles
Specs & Safety
Lexus RC Specification
Lexus RC Safety
NHTSA: Not Rated