Lexus RC
Lexus RC
Lexus RC

2021 Lexus RC

Pros: Smooth-for-the-class ride quality; luxurious trimmings inside and out; good front-seat headroom and leg room; crisp performance from 8-speed transmission; vigorous acceleration in RC F model

Cons: Not all testers like touchpad controller; back seat is cramped and difficult to access; styling is too aggressive for some

CG Says: The 2021 Lexus RC adds standard blind-spot alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and heated self-dimming outside mirrors. There is also a new limited-production Black Line Special Edition with unique trim and special luggage. The RC F Track Edition has been replaced by the RC F Fuji Speedway Special Edition. The RC is a sporty, low-slung two-door coupe with a performance-oriented “grand tourer” personality. A 241-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder powers the rear-wheel-drive RC 300. The all-wheel-drive RC 300 is powered by a 260-hp 3.5-liter V6. The RC 350 is available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and has a 311-hp 3.5-liter V6. The F Sport models up the sportiness level of the RC 300/350 via adaptive variable suspension and rear-wheel steering (the latter on the rear-drive RC 350 model only), along with unique interior and exterior trim. A limited-slip differential is optional on RC 300 and rear-drive 350 F Sports. The high-performance RC F is rear-wheel drive only and is powered by a 472-hp 5.0-liter V8. All rear-wheel-drive RCs have an 8-speed automatic transmission, while all-wheel-drive models have a 6-speed automatic. Standard features on the RC include keyless access and starting, rear-obstacle detection, Lexus Enform Remote (which allows remote viewing and control of some functions), Siri Eyes Free for iPhone users, and Lexus Enform App Suite which includes apps such as Pandora, Bing, Yelp, and iHeartRadio. Options include leather upholstery, navigation system, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alert, and memory driver seat. In addition to its muscular V8 engine, the RC F boasts high-performance features such as a sport-tuned suspension, Brembo-brand brakes, and distinctive bodywork, plus an available torque-vectoring rear differential and active rear spoiler (which deploys at around 50 mph). Though they’re not the most ferocious performers in their class, the RC 350 and RC F offer an intriguing blend of performance and luxury with unforgettable styling.

The Facts
Class Premium Sporty/Performance Car
Body Style(s) 2-door coupe
Passenger Count 4
Drive Wheels rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Manufacturer Lexus
Nation of Manufacture Japan
Base Prices RC 300: $43,245
AWD RC 300: $45,935
RC 300 F Sport: $47,715
AWD RC 300 F Sport: $49,890
RC 300 F Sport Black Line Special Edition: $49,760
AWD RC 300 F Sport Black Line Special Edition: $51,935
RC 350: $46,175
AWD RC 350: $48,340
RC 350 F Sport: $50,645
AWD RC 350 F Sport: $52,255
RC 350 F Sport Black Line Special Edition: $52,680
AWD RC 350 F Sport Black Line Special  Edition: $54,300
RC F: $67,000
RC F Fuji Speedway Special Edition: $98,225

Base Engine
turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (RC 300 rear-wheel drive)
Horsepower
241
Std. Transmission
8-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
21
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
31

Optional Engine
3.5-liter V6 (AWD RC 300, RC 350)
Horsepower
260 (311 in RC 350)
Std. Transmission
8-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
6-speed automatic (AWD)
EPA City Range (mpg)
19-20
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
26-28

Optional Engine
5.0-liter V8 (RC F)
Horsepower
472
Std. Transmission
8-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
16
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
24

Lexus RC F Fuji Speedway Special Edition
2021 Lexus RC F Fuji Speedway Special Edition
NHTSA Ratings
Overall - NA
0%

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Crash - NA
0%
Side Crash - NA
0%
Rollover - NA
0%

For complete ratings click here.

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