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2019 Lexus RC: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
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.
About the 2019 Lexus RC
1st generation RC (2015-2025). For the standard RC coupe, 2019 is the mid-cycle refresh year; the RC F largely keeps its prior look and major hardware until its bigger 2020 update.
Lexus positions the RC as a dramatic two-door luxury coupe that puts style, craftsmanship, and everyday comfort ahead of all-out track sharpness. It is the emotional alternative to a compact luxury sedan: lower, bolder, and more distinctive, but still easy to live with thanks to standard safety tech, a well-finished cabin, and multiple powertrain choices. Compared with many German rivals, the RC leans more toward design, quiet cruising, and a polished daily-driving feel than pure corner-carving aggression.
The 2019 RC range starts with the comfort-focused RC 300 and steps up to the 311-hp V6-powered RC 350. F SPORT versions add more aggressive bodywork, sport seats and adjustable suspension, while the RC F sits at the top with a 467-hp V8, stronger brakes and track-focused hardware.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The rear-wheel-drive RC 300 gets revised software for quicker turbo response and improved automatic-transmission behavior. The RC 350 and RC F have no material power-output changes.
Styling
The RC 300 and RC 350 receive revised front and rear styling, updated lights and mirrors, and new wheel designs. F SPORT models add a new mesh grille pattern and 19-inch wheel design. On the RC F, LED headlights and the rear spoiler become standard, but its overall appearance changes little.
Tech
Apple CarPlay becomes standard across the RC family. The main screen and audio layouts otherwise remain broadly similar.
Structural
The RC 300 and RC 350 receive revised springs, new shock absorbers and recalibrated steering for quicker responses without giving up their comfort-focused character.
2019 Lexus RC specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 5.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Twin Turbo, 2.0 Liter / V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Twin Turbo, 2.0 Liter / V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Direct Shift | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Direct Shift | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Direct Shift | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Direct Shift | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Direct Shift |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 16 mpg | 20–21 mpg | 20 mpg | 20–21 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 25 mpg | 28–30 mpg | 28 mpg | 28–30 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 467 hp | 241–260 hp | 311 hp | 241–260 hp | 311 hp |
| Torque | 389 lb-ft | 236–258 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft | 236–258 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 10.1 cu-ft | 10.4 cu-ft | 10.4 cu-ft | 10.4 cu-ft | 10.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 27.3 in | 27.3 in | 27.3 in | 27.3 in | 27.3 in |
| Seats | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||
| Memory Front Seats | |||||
| Memory Steering Wheel | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2019 Lexus RC a refreshed model?
Yes. The 2019 RC 300 and RC 350 receive a mid-cycle refresh with updated front and rear styling, revised suspension and steering tuning, and standard Apple CarPlay. It is not a full redesign.
Does every 2019 Lexus RC have Apple CarPlay?
Yes. Apple CarPlay is standard across the 2019 RC family, including the RC 300, RC 350 and RC F.
Did the 2019 Lexus RC get a new engine?
No. The engine lineup carries over for 2019. The rear-wheel-drive RC 300 does receive a software update intended to improve turbo response and automatic-transmission behavior.
Were F SPORT trims added to the 2019 Lexus RC lineup?
Yes. The RC 300 F SPORT and RC 350 F SPORT join the 2019 trim lineup. They add more aggressive bodywork, sport-focused cabin details and suspension tuning beyond the regular RC 300 and RC 350.
Was the 2019 Lexus RC F fully refreshed too?
No. The 2019 RC F largely keeps its previous styling and major hardware. Its LED headlights and rear spoiler become standard, but its larger update arrives for 2020.
2019 Lexus RC Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2019 Lexus RC.
4.4
2019 Lexus RC
(101 reviews)
“Wonderful luxury vehicle that looks and feel amazing but has less than ideal gas mileage.”
“The RC is a very nice luxury coupe. It is solidly built and has Toyota's reliability pedigree.”
Sources
- pressroom.lexus.com — 2019 Lexus Rc Press Kit
- pressroom.lexus.com — Sharper More Refined Lexus Reimagines 2019 Rc Luxury Sport Coupe
- lexus.com — Models / 2019 / MY19 Lexus RC Brochure
- lexus.com — Models / 2019 / MY19 Lexus RCF Brochure
- pressroom.lexus.com — 2019 Lexus Rc F Press Kit
- lexus.com — Models / 2020 / MY20 Lexus RC Brochure
- pressroom.lexus.com — The Pinnacle Of F 2020 Lexus Rcf And Rc F Track Edition