Lexus is not precisely recognized for creating essentially the most unimaginable sports activities automobiles the world has ever seen. Aside from the fantastic Yamaha V-10-powered Lexus LFA, Lexus has solely had a couple of entries within the sports activities coupe phase. The LC500 is a surprising V-8-powered luxurious grand tourer coupe provided by Lexus, nevertheless it prices over $100,000. The RC gives a design paying homage to the LC, however at lower than half the value. Of course, you additionally get half the efficiency, however you may be capable of let that slide for a automotive as fairly and splendid because the RC. The RC F dramatically increases performance with its 5.0-liter V-8, however it’s a separate mannequin at the next worth level and thus will likely be addressed individually.

Unfortunately, luxurious coupes (and coupes on the whole) are now not promoting like hotcakes, and they’re even much less fascinating to the common client. That makes life exhausting for automobiles just like the Lexus RC and is probably going why the newborn LC has solely obtained minor updates since its debut in 2015. Hopefully, no less than till Lexus decides we’re prepared for a second technology, the present RC is sweet sufficient to seek out its area of interest out there.

This information supplies complete data offered by the producer. TopSpeed sourced extra information for reliability (from J.D. Power), the EPA for fuel mileage (Fueleconomy.gov), security rankings (IIHS), and remembers (NHTSA). We consider 5 completely different metrics when figuring out a ranking for every mannequin. You can read our Methodology page for extra details about our ranking system.

What’s New For 2024?

The Lexus RC debuted in 2014, however has been in the marketplace in its present kind since its solely main refresh in 2019. 2019 launched a brand new entrance fascia, 2020 was the final yr of the hybridized 300h trim, and 2023 noticed a significant replace to the getting older infotainment system. For 2024, not a lot has modified, however all RC fashions now come normal with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5. Lexus can also be providing a brand new exterior colour known as “cloudburst gray.” 2024 additionally advantages from the up to date infotainment display screen that now may be managed by contact or via the notorious Lexus touchpad.

2024 Highlights

• Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 comes normal
• Available 835-watt, 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system
• Standard heated and ventilated seats (in F-Sport trim)
• 8″ infotainment display screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Torsen limited-slip rear differential (in F-Sport trim)

Exterior Dimensions

Engine Specifications And Performance

The RC gives a couple of taste combos to your alternative of propulsion. The base engine provided within the RC 300 is a punchy 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 that produces 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It will not lead to blistering efficiency, however these are Volkswagen GTI energy numbers that propel you to 60 MPH as fast as a Honda Civic with the 1.5-liter turbo. Okay, so it isn’t that quick, however provided that peak torque comes at 1650 RPM, it ought to make for an expensive weekend cruiser or perhaps a first rate backroad companion if you happen to go for the F-Sport and its included limited-slip diff.

Interestingly, if you happen to go for the RC 300 with AWD, the turbo inline-four is changed by a 3.5-liter, naturally aspirated, V-6 that produces 260 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque.

By the numbers, the 300 AWD is a little bit of a downgrade in comparison with the turbocharged RWD variant. You’ll get 22 much less pound-feet of torque and a big dip in gas economic system, and all AWD fashions get paired with a extra antiquated 6-speed computerized as a substitute of the fairly responsive 8-speed within the RWD variations of the RC. That stated, the 300 AWD provides 19 horsepower and knocks a full second off on its technique to 60 MPH. Besides, who can complain concerning the candy sound of a 2GR V-6?

Thankfully, if you’d like the V-6 and a big energy and efficiency bump, the RC 350 gives the identical V-6 however pumps out a extra spectacular 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. When powered by the rear wheels, the RC 350 will hit 60 MPH in 5.8 seconds.

Performance Specifications

Interior Technology And Comfort

Best Interior Features Of The 2024 Lexus RC

• 8″ infotainment display screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Heated and ventilated seats (F-Sport)
• Optional heated steering wheel
• Standard 10-speaker premium sound system and non-obligatory Mark Levinson 17-speaker system
• Remote touchpad

As with any Lexus product, the inside supplies are completely top-notch. Different wooden trims, aluminum accents, and delightful perforated leather-based are current all through the inside. The driver’s seat is 10-way adjustable, and the passenger seat is 8-way adjustable, in addition to heated or heated and ventilated if you happen to go for the F-Sport trim. The infotainment display screen was moved ahead in 2023 to accommodate the change to a touchscreen, which is a really welcome change and brings the cabin into the trendy period with out compromising the design.

It’s value noting that the touchpad, very like the equally maligned Audi scroll-wheel, really works fairly effectively, and it is good to have a number of methods to navigate via the infotainment system.

Along with the standard suite of luxurious appointments, Lexus additionally gives the 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, which is regarded by many within the automotive neighborhood as probably the greatest techniques out there. If you are an audiophile, it is a field you may wish to examine. This inside relies on a 10-year-old design, however man, have they hid it effectively.

Technology

Historically, tech hasn’t all the time been a excessive level for the Lexus model. Their automobiles have all the time been filled with options and constructed with high-quality supplies, however within the in-car tech increase world of the final decade, Lexus has lagged behind. Lexus did not add Apple CarPlay to the RC till 2019, regardless of the Volkswagen Jetta providing it as early as 2016, and Android Auto wasn’t out there within the RC till 2023! All the extra motive to purchase a late-model RC.

Nowadays, smartphone connectivity, voice instructions, and even a Wi-Fi hotspot at the moment are included as normal. Admittedly, the RC is not fairly as packed to the brim as its German-built rivals, nevertheless it ought to embrace the whole lot you’d count on from a contemporary automotive on the tech entrance. The touchpad is now redundant because the 8″ infotainment display screen launched in 2023 is a touchscreen. Thankfully, Lexus has by no means subjected us to a buttonless inside, so local weather controls and different main capabilities can nonetheless be operated utilizing tactile buttons and knobs.

Interior Dimensions

Safety And Reliability

The NHTSA doesn’t have any information for the Lexus RC, however the IIHS offers it a superb (their highest ranking) in each class. This beats the Audi A5 and matches the BMW 430i. Lexus does have a superb fame for constructing protected automobiles, and it appears the RC isn’t any completely different.

Speaking of fame, does every other model have the fame for reliability that Toyota and Lexus share? Not even shut. Despite this, as Yoda as soon as stated, “Reputation does not a reliable car make.” Jokes apart, the two.0-liter turbocharged is sort of new, so not sufficient information is out there, however the 2GR-FKS 3.5-liter V-6 is simply the most recent iteration in a protracted line of Toyota/Lexus V-6 engines. It is extensively thought-about to be one of the reliable engines in the marketplace. J.D. Power gave the 2021 mannequin a projected reliability rating of 88/100.

Driver Assistance Features

All Lexus RC trims come normal with Lexus Safety Suite+ 2.5. This contains Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist,

All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Road Sign Assist, and Intelligent High Beams. In addition to the protection suite, a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) are normal, and what Lexus calls Intuitive Parking Assist is an non-obligatory further on all RC trims. Lexus could not provide any FSD or TremendousCruise equal, however the RC does come packed to the brim with a fascinating set of security options.

• All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
• Lane Tracing Assist
• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Road Sign Assist

IIHS Crash Testing

IIHS Safety Ratings

Link to IIHS ratings

No NHTSA crash take a look at information is out there for the Lexus RC.

Warranties

All Lexus fashions provide a fundamental guarantee of 4 years or 50,000 miles and a powertrain guarantee of 6 years or 70,000 miles. This is first rate protection for a model with a fame for longevity. No roadside protection is obtainable, however there’s a complimentary upkeep package deal. Lexus will carry out the primary upkeep service at 6 months or 5,000 miles and the second at 12 months or 10,000 miles. Their upkeep service contains an inspection, an oil change at 10k miles, and tire rotations.

2024 Lexus RC Versus Its Competitors

The Lexus RC is in a phase that after was a dominant power within the automotive market. In 2024, automobiles with two doorways simply do not promote like they used to. There are a couple of nonetheless remaining, however the discipline is quickly thinning. Two-door sports cars nonetheless have a stable maintain on their market phase, however “compact executive coupes” just like the RC don’t swimsuit right this moment’s customers, who typically want greater than they want for the what-if state of affairs. It’s not completely ridiculous to move on a automotive in the end designed for consolation but lacks the utility of the equal sedan or crossover. Despite the thinning herd and evolving client preferences, there are some compelling entries, particularly the Audi A5 and BMW 4-Series Coupe.

How The Lexus RC Compares To The Audi A5

• 	2024 Audi A5	2024 Lexus RC
  Model	A5	RC
  Engine	2.0-liter TSI	2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 or 3.5-liter V-6
  Transmission	7-Speed DCT	8-speed computerized or 6-speed computerized (for AWD trims)
  Horsepower	261 HP	241 HP – 311 HP
  Torque	273 LB-FT	236 LB-FT – 280 LB-FT
  Driveline	AWD	RWD, AWD
  MSRP	$48,400 – $56,650	$45,920 – $55,195
  Fuel Economy	27 MPG Combined	22- 25 MPG Combined
  0-60 MPH	5.3 Seconds	5.8 – 7.3 seconds

Audi all the time manages to be a mix of its rivals. They aren’t normally as luxurious as their Mercedes-Benz rivals, nor as dynamically participating because the equal BMW, however they occupy an ideal center floor. The 2024 Audi A5 is stiff competitors for the Lexus RC. The A5 and RC are fairly handsome, although I’d give the Lexus an edge, however that is utterly subjective. The Audi has wonderful security options, however in base Premium trim, it falls wanting the suite of choices included with the Lexus Safety Suite+ 2.5. That stated, each are so packed to the brim that it is as close to as makes no distinction.

If you go for Premium Plus or Prestige, the A5 features a top-view digital camera and a very good Bang and Olufsen sound system. Like the RC, there are heated seats as normal, however ventilated seats are usually not out there on the A5. When it involves energy, the A5 is down 50 horsepower and two cylinders to the RC 350, however nonetheless manages a formidable 5.3 seconds to 60 MPH. For these maintaining rating at residence, that is a full half-second sooner than the RC 350. Some of this may very well be attributed to the usual Quattro AWD that each one A5s are blessed with, however the exceptionally fast 7-speed DCT have to be given credit score as effectively. It’s a quick and interesting transmission to function.

The Audi is a greater all-around package deal when efficiency and tech are involved, however the V-6 within the RC 350 is extra refined and ought to be a safer (and cheaper) guess in the long run. In all equity, nevertheless, the two.0-liter within the A5 has confirmed to be fairly a dependable powerplant during the last 6–7 years.

How The Lexus RC Compares To The BMW 4-Series

• 	2024 BMW 430i	2024 Lexus RC
  Model	430i or 430i xDrive	RC
  Engine	2.0-liter turbocharged I-4	2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 or 3.5-liter V-6
  Transmission	8-Speed Automatic	8-speed computerized or 6-speed computerized (for AWD trims)
  Horsepower	255 HP	241 HP – 311 HP
  Torque	295 LB-FT	236 LB-FT – 280 LB-FT
  Driveline	RWD, AWD	RWD, AWD
  MSRP	$50,700 – $52,700	$45,920 – $55,195
  Fuel Economy	28 MPG Combined	22- 25 MPG Combined
  0-60 MPH	5.4 – 5.6 Seconds	5.8 – 7.3 seconds

In this comparability, we now have opted to not embrace the M440i as it’s a competitor of the Audi S5, and each exist in a unique realm with respect to cost and efficiency. That leaves us with the BMW 430i and 430i xDrive. The 430i is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4, known as the B48. The B48 relies on the B58, BMW’s turbocharged I-6 that powers the M440i and the Toyota Supra, amongst different fashions. Though it might not maintain a candle to the Lexus’ 2GR-FKS V-6 when it comes to reliability, it has confirmed to be fairly a sturdy engine. In the 430i, it produces 255 horsepower and a formidable 295 pound-feet of torque. The result’s a considerably sooner automotive than even the RC 350.

The 430i additionally comes geared up with a implausible 8-speed ZF-built computerized transmission that rivals the Audi’s dual-clutch for quickness. Similar to the A5, the 430i is packed full of outstanding security tech. Unlike the Lexus and the Audi nevertheless, the 430i continues to be pretty contemporary. The A5’s present technology debuted in 2017, the RC in 2015, however the newest 4-Series was launched in 2020. For 2024, the 4-Series obtained a significant inside replace. Moving away from a extra conventional gauge cluster and separate infotainment display screen, the 4 Series has now adopted the identical 12.3-inch gauge show and 14.9-inch infotainment show as the three Series and the I4 EV.

The 430i simply beats the Lexus in tech, and never simply due to the large display screen. The 430i is definitely fairly a good worth proposition at $50,000 for the RWD variant and $52,700 if you’d like xDrive. The RC 350 RWD continues to be cheaper, however it may’t compete with the efficiency chops provided by its German competitor. As for design, nevertheless, the RC ought to have the 430i beat. Its inside is a little more of an event than two mini flat-screen TVs glued to the sprint, and it has extra tactile buttons and knobs for fundamental capabilities.

The 430i and 430i xDrive are wonderful choices within the phase, so if you may get previous the heinous beaver-inspired entrance finish, they’re effectively value a glance.

How Much Does A 2024 Lexus RC Cost?

The RC 300 is the entry-level possibility, not as a consequence of a scarcity of options, however due to the smaller, much less characterful engine and RWD structure. The 2.0-liter turbo that powers the 300 produces first rate numbers and permits the RC to undercut a lot of its competitors. Sure, it’s going to be slower, however if you happen to’re not searching for severe efficiency, it is a stable purchase at $45,920. The F-Sport trim on all fashions will come normal with some particular F-Sport-specific inside appointments in addition to bigger brakes and extra aggressively tuned suspension. The F-Sport is a $4,620 bounce over the much less sporty trims. Still, it does mean you can get the non-obligatory Torsen limited-slip differential on the rear, which ought to noticeably enhance driving dynamics over an open diff.

AWD is a worth enhance of $1725-$2690, relying on the trim, however keep in mind that you will be saddled with a 6-speed computerized. For solely $2,930 greater than the RC 300, the RC 350 RWD appears to be the candy spot if all you are searching for is a luxurious coupe with some pep in its step. The 311 horsepower offered by the three.5-liter V-6 is fairly potent, and the sweeter induction word is extra suited to a automotive as elegant wanting because the RC.

Fuel Economy

Unsurprisingly, the two.0-liter is essentially the most fuel-efficient, although not by as giant a margin as you’d count on. The 2.0-liter will get 21 MPG within the metropolis in comparison with the RWD V-6’s 20 MPG, and on the freeway, the four-cylinder will get 31 MPG. Somehow, the a lot bigger displacement V-6 manages a formidable 28 MPG on the freeway, so if you cannot forgo the V-6, you will not be penalized an excessive amount of. Both AWD fashions are geared up with a V-6, and each handle 19 MPG within the metropolis and 26 MPG on the freeway, so if you happen to’re not shopping for an RC to day by day throughout the winter, RWD is the way in which to go.

GAS

(Estimated gas prices assume a mean of 15,000/yr and use the nationwide common gas worth of $3.39)

Is It Worth Buying the 2024 Lexus RC?

The Lexus RC is outdated, lags a bit behind on tech, and is much extra luxurious than efficiency. On the opposite hand, the RC is superbly designed, made with high-quality supplies, and lifeless nuts dependable. Unfortunately for the RC, the identical may be stated about different, much less compromised Lexus fashions. People barely purchase sedans nowadays, not to mention luxurious coupes with no actual efficiency chops. With the Lexus IS current as a less expensive, extra sensible various, the RC is a tough promote.

And but, it is wonderful that the RC exists. If you are searching for a easy, dependable V-6, a novel design in a sea of nameless silver sheet steel, and an inside that bathes you in leather-based and different niceties, the RC is solely spectacular. It’s only a bit area of interest.