2018 Lexus RC: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The most important change for the 2018 Lexus RC is that Lexus Safety System+ became standard across the entire lineup. Otherwise, this was a light update rather than a redesign, with a renamed turbo model, small V6 power increases, and a few equipment changes.

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About the 2018 Lexus RC

1st generation RC (2015-2025), pre-refresh year just before the 2019 styling and chassis update.

The RC is Lexus’s style-first luxury coupe: a two-door, four-seat car aimed more at dramatic design, quiet road manners, and upscale cabin feel than all-out track sharpness. Lexus markets it with bold bodywork, a driver-focused cockpit, multiple power levels, and available AWD on the non-F models. Versus German rivals, its appeal centers on looks, build quality, comfort, and everyday grand-touring character more than razor-edge handling.

The RC 300 serves as the entry point, pairing the RC’s low, wide coupe shape with an upscale cabin and everyday comfort. The RC 350 is the stronger non-F version, with a 311-hp V6. The RC F is the focused performance model, built around a 467-hp V8, high-performance Brembo brakes, and an adaptive suspension.

What changed, by category

Safety

Lexus Safety System+ became standard on every RC 300, RC 350, and RC F. The suite includes driver-assistance features intended to help avoid or reduce certain collisions.

Powertrain

The rear-wheel-drive turbo model was renamed from RC 200t to RC 300. The AWD RC 300’s V6 rose to 260 hp, while the RC 350’s V6 increased from 306 to 311 hp.

Tech

Feature packaging changed slightly: heated front seats moved from standard to optional on the RC 300, and LED headlights moved from standard to optional on the RC F.

2018 Lexus RC specs and features by trim

Feature	2018 Lexus RCRC F0 in stock	2018 Lexus RCRC 3000 in stock	2018 Lexus RCRC 3501 in stock
Engine	V8, 5.0 Liter	4-Cyl, Twin Turbo, 2.0L / V6, 3.5 Liter	V6, 3.5 Liter
Transmission	Auto, 8-Spd w/Direct Shift	Auto, 8-Spd w/Direct Shift	Auto, 8-Spd w/Direct Shift
Drivetrain	RWD	RWD	RWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	16 mpg	20–22 mpg	20 mpg
MPG Highway	25 mpg	28–32 mpg	28 mpg
Horsepower	467 hp	241–260 hp	311 hp
Torque	389 lb-ft	236–241 lb-ft	311 lb-ft
Trunk/Cargo	10.1 cu-ft	10.4 cu-ft	10.4 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	27.3 in	27.3 in	27.3 in
Seats	4	4	4
Doors	2	2	2
Safety & Security
Alarm System
Automatic High Beams
Blindspot Sensors
Lane Departure Warning
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors
Fog Lights
LED Headlights
Memory Exterior Mirrors
Power Moonroof
Power Liftgate/Trunk Release
Rear Spoiler
Entertainment & Electronics
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Smartphone Interface
Comfort & Convenience
Dual Power Front Seats
Heated Front Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Leather Interior Trim
Leather Seats
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Memory Driver's Seat
Memory Front Seats
Memory Steering Wheel
Proximity Keyless Entry
Ventilated Front Seats

How the 2019 Lexus RC compares

The biggest change for the 2019 Lexus RC is a mid-cycle refresh for the RC 300 and RC 350, bringing updated styling and sharper handling. Apple CarPlay also becomes standard across the RC family, while the RC F receives only limited updates.

See the full 2019 changes

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest change to the 2018 Lexus RC?

The biggest change is that Lexus Safety System+ became standard across the full 2018 RC lineup, including the RC F. This gave every version a standard suite of driver-assistance features.

Was the 2018 Lexus RC redesigned?

No, the 2018 Lexus RC was not redesigned. It remained the pre-refresh first-generation coupe; the larger styling and chassis update arrived for 2019.

Did the 2018 Lexus RC 300 replace the 2017 RC 200t?

Yes, the rear-wheel-drive turbo RC 200t continued under the RC 300 name for 2018. The RC 300 name also covered an AWD version powered by a V6, so the engine depends on the specific vehicle.

Did the 2018 Lexus RC get more horsepower?

Yes, the V6-powered non-F models received small increases. The AWD RC 300 reached 260 hp, and the RC 350 rose from 306 to 311 hp; the rear-wheel-drive turbo RC 300 was rated at 241 hp.

Was the 2018 Lexus RC F updated?

Yes, but only lightly. The 2018 RC F gained standard Lexus Safety System+ while retaining its 467-hp 5.0-liter V8; its more substantial styling and chassis update came for 2019.

2018 Lexus RC Reviews

What owners are saying about the 2018 Lexus RC.

4.4

2018 Lexus RC

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