What's New
The 2023 Lexus RC gains interior trim enhancements and a larger standard touchscreen.
The RC debuted in 2015 and received a refresh for 2019.
Choosing Your Lexus RC
The RC continues in three basic trim levels: RC 300, RC 350, and RC F. Pricing starts at $45,470 including destination, and reaches $67,845 for the RC F before options.
Engine Choices
The RC 300 starts out with a four-cylinder turbocharged engine and rear-wheel drive. A V6 and all-wheel drive are available together for $2,690. The RC 350 carries a high-output version of the V6, and AWD costs $2,165. The rear-drive-only RC F packs a V8 engine. All rear-drive models come with an eight-speed automatic transmission. AWD versions get a six-speed automatic.
Engine Type | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel Economy (Combined) |
2.0L 4-Cylinder Turbo | 241 hp | 236 lb-ft | 25 mpg |
3.5L V6 | 260 hp | 258 lb-ft | 22 mpg |
3.5L V8 | 311 hp | 280 lb-ft | 23 mpg |
5.0L V8 | 472 hp | 395 lb-ft | 19 mpg |
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
The RC is a sport coupe with room for four, although the backseat is a tight fit for adults. The trunk offers 10.4 cubic feet of space, which is typical for this type of vehicle.
Safety Features
The RC carries an impressive load of driver assistance technology. Every model gets adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, intersection left turn support, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and road sign recognition. Rear parking sensors can be added for $500.
Connectivity
The standard infotainment system for the RC features an 8-inch touchscreen, 10 speakers, two USB ports, satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The $1,645 Navigation Package includes a 10.3-inch touchscreen. The package can be combined with a 17-inch speaker Mark Levinson sound system for a total of $2,725. Lexus doesn't yet offer wireless phone charging on the RC.
2023 Lexus RC 300 — MSRP From $45,470
The RC 300 offers a synthetic leather interior with a 10-way power driver seat and an 8-way power passenger seat, wood trim, paddle shifters, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The RC 300 rides on 18-inch alloy wheels. The Premium Package ($1,790) tacks on heated and ventilated front seats, driver memory, a power-adjustable steering wheel, automatic wipers, and heated auto-dimming side mirrors. There's also an All-Weather Package with wiper de-icers, headlight washers, water-repellant front door glass, rapid interior heating, and automatic wipers for $345, or $220 when combined with Premium Package. Individual options include a sunroof ($1,100), a heated steering wheel ($150), and triple-beam LED headlights ($1,160).
The RC 300 F Sport (from $50,090) gets an adaptive sport-tuned suspension, performance gauges, 19-inch black wheels, and aggressive trim throughout. Buyers can add orange brake calipers ($300) and a Torsen limited-slip rear differential ($390). The V6 and AWD remain optional.
2023 Lexus RC 350 — MSRP From $48,900
The RC 350 gets a performance boost from the high-output V6. Other equipment and options are similar to the RC 300. The RC 350 F-Sport starts at $53,020.
2023 Lexus RC F — MSRP From $67,845
The RC takes performance to a new level with the V8 engine, an adaptive performance suspension, a limited-slip differential, a sport-tuned transmission, and a speed-activated rear wing. Leather seats are available in the Premium Package, which costs $6,375 here. The Carbon Package ($17,775) combines the Premium Package contents with carbon fiber interior trim, a carbon fiber hood, and 19-inch gloss black forged wheels.
The RC F Track Edition ($100,720) adds a carbon fiber hood, a fixed carbon fiber rear wing, carbon-ceramic Brembo brakes, Hitachi shocks, and black Alcantara interior trim. Bodies are painted Incognito with a black roof and hood. The Premium Package is standard on the Track Edition.
The 2023 Lexus RC needs the 350's 311-hp V6 to move like a proper luxury-sport coupe, though the F Sport treatment doesn't make a dramatic difference. The RC F, on the other hand, takes you into genuine performance car territory.