Lexus RC

The RC is a compact luxury coupe offering room for up to four passengers. It is the smallest coupe in the Lexus lineup, measuring roughly two inches shorter than the flagship LC. The Lexus RC F is a high-performance variant of the RC and is reviewed separately.

Lexus offers the RC in three primary trims that correspond to the included engine. The 200t served as the entry-level trim on the RC for the 2016 and 2017 model years before it was dropped from the lineup. It's outfitted with a 241-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder that sends power to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 300 arrived as an all-wheel drive mid-level trim for 2016 and is motivated by a 255-hp 3.5-liter V6 paired with a six-speed automatic. Beginning in 2018, the 300 added a rear-wheel drive version with four-cylinder power that is, in essence, the 200t but under a different moniker. Meanwhile, the top-of-the-line 350 utilizes a 3.5-liter V6 that produces over 300 horsepower and is available with either standard rear- or optional all-wheel drive (AWD). Rear-drive models get an eight-speed automatic, while AWD versions employ a six-speed unit through the 2020 model year, after which the eight-speed became standard. No hybrid or electric options are available.

All versions of the RC come well-equipped with features, including a rearview camera, heated seats (on all-wheel-drive models), and a 7.0-inch infotainment display. Some notable options include ventilated front seats, a sunroof, and front and rear parking sensors. Adaptive cruise control was optional prior to 2018, when it became standard equipment alongside other advanced safety features such as forward collision mitigation and lane-keeping assist. A 10.3-inch infotainment display was also added as an optional feature that year. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto arrived as standard equipment for 2019, while blind-spot warning joined for 2021 (and was previously optional).