“The optional LED headlight low beams are unsatisfactory. They project dark areas on the road which can hide pedestrians and potholes. Lexus termed it a characteristic of the vehicle. If you drive in a city/suburban area, the standard low beam headlights are much better.”
2021 Lexus RC: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important 2021 Lexus RC change is that blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert became standard across the lineup. It was otherwise a light equipment-and-trim update, not a redesign.
About the 2021 Lexus RC
1st generation RC (2015-2025), in the post-2019 refresh phase; RC F is in the second year after its larger 2020 performance and styling update.
Lexus positions the RC as a style-led luxury coupe with everyday comfort, strong cabin craftsmanship, and a more relaxed street character than harder-edged German rivals. The appeal is the low, dramatic two-door shape, a well-finished interior, and a wide spread of personalities—from the entry RC 300 to the V6 RC 350 and V8 RC F—without giving up Lexus reliability and easy daily use. It is less about razor-sharp lap times and more about looking special and feeling upscale every day.
The regular RC remained the comfort-focused luxury coupe, with the 311-hp RC 350 adding stronger V6 performance and F SPORT versions bringing sharper styling and more supportive seats. The RC F was the serious performance model with a 472-hp V8, upgraded brakes, adaptive suspension, and a speed-activated rear wing. Above it, the limited Fuji Speedway Edition added carbon-fiber body pieces, carbon-ceramic brakes, and a titanium exhaust.
What changed, by category
Safety
Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and heated auto-dimming exterior mirrors became standard on regular RC and RC F models.
Tech
The RC F gained standard Android Auto and driver-seat memory. Navigation changed from standard to optional on the RC 300 F SPORT, RC 350 F SPORT, and RC F.
Styling
The RC 300 and RC 350 F SPORT line gained a Black Line Special Edition. The RC F received revised satin cabin trim and a revised steering-wheel hub.
Structural
The new RC F Fuji Speedway Edition replaced the RC F Track Edition as the limited-run range-topper. Its weight-saving and performance hardware included carbon-fiber body pieces, carbon-ceramic brakes, a titanium exhaust, forged 19-inch BBS wheels, and a fixed rear wing.
2021 Lexus RC specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 5.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V8, 5.0 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 | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Direct Shift |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 16 mpg | 20–21 mpg | 20 mpg | 20–21 mpg | 20 mpg | 16 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 24 mpg | 28–31 mpg | 28 mpg | 28–31 mpg | 28 mpg | 24 mpg |
| Horsepower | 472 hp | 241–260 hp | 311 hp | 241–260 hp | 311 hp | 472 hp |
| Torque | 395 lb-ft | 236–258 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft | 236–258 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft | 395 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 10.1 cu-ft | 10.4 cu-ft | 10.4 cu-ft | 10.4 cu-ft | 10.4 cu-ft | 10.1 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 27.3 in | 27.3 in | 27.3 in | 27.3 in | 27.3 in | 27.3 in |
| Seats | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Doors | 2 | 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 | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Memory Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2021 Lexus RC?
The biggest change is that blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert became standard across the 2021 Lexus RC lineup. This made an important driver-assistance feature standard rather than optional.
Was the 2021 Lexus RC redesigned?
No, the 2021 Lexus RC was not redesigned. It continued the first-generation coupe after the styling refresh introduced for 2019, with equipment updates and special editions accounting for the main changes.
What changed on the regular 2021 Lexus RC 300 and RC 350?
The regular 2021 RC 300 and RC 350 gained standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and heated auto-dimming exterior mirrors. Their F SPORT versions also received a Black Line Special Edition.
What changed on the 2021 Lexus RC F?
The 2021 Lexus RC F gained standard blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, heated auto-dimming exterior mirrors, driver-seat memory, and Android Auto. Lexus also revised its satin cabin trim and steering-wheel hub.
What is the 2021 Lexus RC F Fuji Speedway Edition?
The 2021 RC F Fuji Speedway Edition is a 60-unit special model that replaced the prior Track Edition in the lineup. It combines the 472-hp V8 with carbon-fiber body pieces, carbon-ceramic brakes, a titanium exhaust, forged BBS wheels, and a red-trimmed cabin.
2021 Lexus RC Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Lexus RC.
4.5
2021 Lexus RC
(85 reviews)
“Beautiful styling, looks like a race car, handles well, great interior, great safety features. Does draw the attention of others, especially younger people.”
“It is powerful when it wants to be and luxurious when it needs to be. The perfect balance between performance and luxury.”
Sources
- pressroom.lexus.com — 2021 Lexus Rc And Rc Black Line Special Edition
- pressroom.lexus.com — The Ultimate F 2021 Rc F And Rc F Fuji Speedway Edition
- lexus.com — Models / 2021 / MY21 Lexus RC Brochure
- lexus.com — Models / 2021 / MY21 Lexus RCF Brochure
- lexus.com — Models / 2020 / MY20 Lexus RC Brochure
- lexus.com — Models / 2020 / MY20 Lexus RCF Brochure
- pressroom.lexus.com — Whats New For 2022
- pressroom.lexus.com — 2022 Rc F Rc F Fuji Speedway Edition Unparalleled Crafted Performance