2024 Lexus RC

Many vehicles sell because they offer certain traits that buyers need — like space, all-wheel drive (AWD), comfort, etc. A coupe like the Lexus RC is different. A 2-door coupe with only two usable seats is something a buyer wants rather than needs. It’s a statement. The thing about buying a Lexus is that build quality will be at a high level, and reliability is a given. An RC buyer can make that statement with a certain amount of reassurance. Whether they want to go full-on sporty with the V8-powered RC F is up to them.

Some fresh exterior color choices become available this year, while 19-inch alloy wheels from Enkei (a well-respected third-party supplier) are offered with F Sport variants. The RC launched for the 2015 model year, which makes it old in automotive terms. A new generation is anticipated for 2025.

There aren’t many rivals. The Audi A5 Coupe (with all-wheel drive as standard) starts at $47,700, with the BMW 4 Series Coupe kicking off at $49,900. The new-for-2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE is expected to begin in the $60,000 region. Anyone checking out a 2024 RC F should also take a good look at the BMW M4, from $78,000.

Before buying a new Lexus RC coupe, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. According to our data, resale values are above average.

The rear-wheel-drive (RWD) RC 300 has 241 horsepower; the RC 300 with AWD enjoys 260 hp. The former will take a leisurely trot from a standstill to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds; the latter is quicker by a second. To compare, the Audi A5 Coupe is quicker by a second, which is about the same as the BMW 430i. The RC 350 brings a more muscular V6 to the mix. It revs with a smoothness that matches the ride quality. Now we’re talking luxury coupe. F Sport versions (of both the 300 and 350) bring adaptive suspensions and upgraded brakes. The RC 350 is still not that quick, though, trailing the base versions of the A5 and 4 Series by at least half a second. Beyond luxury is the performance of the V8-powered RC F. This is quick, accelerating from zero to 60 mph in a fleeting four seconds. The handling is poised yet predictable. However, and this is a significant however, we’ve found Lexus cars to lack that last bit of finesse and fluidity that BMW models enjoy.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of compact luxury cars, including the Lexus RC.

Fuel Economy

With RWD, the RC 300 achieves 25 mpg in combined city/highway driving. AWD changes that to 22 mpg combined. For comparison, the A5 Coupe returns 27 mpg combined, while the RWD BMW 430i Coupe is thriftier by one mpg. The more powerful RC 350 manages 23 mpg combined (RWD) or 22 mpg (AWD). The RC F is rated at 19 mpg combined. All Lexus RC engines require premium 91-octane gasoline.

Those small rear seats may come in handy one day, but let’s not criticize a compact coupe for lacking space back there. If people wanted to drive around with other people, they’d buy a sedan, SUV, or minivan, likewise with a small trunk. It doesn’t need to hold a week’s groceries for a family of four. Perhaps a golf bag or two. Job done.

Comfort levels in the front seats are suitable for long trips, and finding the ideal driving position is quick and easy. Simulated leather seating surfaces (perforated) are standard, with genuine leather in pricier variants. A Premium package for the RC 300 includes heated/ventilated front seats and a power-adjustable steering column.

Build quality in the 2024 RC coupe is the usual Lexus high quality. And we’re grateful that blind-spot monitoring is standard because the wide rear pillars hinder over-the-shoulder vision.

Whatever you think of the RC’s looks, it does at least make a change from the many SUVs out there with its coupe silhouette. Cloudburst Gray is a new color available across the lineup, while Ultra White and Caviar (a kind of metallic black) are also offered with the RC F Track Edition. Buyers of F Sport variants can now choose 19-inch lightweight alloy wheels made by Enkei, a highly regarded aftermarket manufacturer.

Infotainment system
The 2024 RC has Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, plus Amazon Alexa compatibility. The base screen measures eight inches diagonally, and Lexus offers a 12-inch screen as an upgrade.

Intuitive Parking Assist
It’s just a fancy term for rear parking sensors, but it’s a worthwhile option for the RC and its wide rear pillars.

All-wheel drive
A great help when negotiating tricky conditions and for full-throttle acceleration.

Rev matching
Every RC has an automatic transmission with a rev-matching feature — a pre-programmed throttle blip to smooth out the downshifts. It’s a cool feature when using the paddle shifters.

Mark Levinson audio
One of the many highlights of Lexus ownership is the ability to enjoy a crisp and clear Mark Levinson audio system. A 17-speaker/835-watt surround-sound setup is on the RC’s options list.

RC F Track Edition
This range-topping (yet admittedly expensive) model comes with a carbon fiber hood and roof (to save weight), a fixed rear wing in carbon fiber, fade-resistant carbon-ceramic brakes, and upgraded shock absorbers.

Same name, different engines. That’s the story of the RC 300 with RWD and the RC 300 with AWD. The RWD version has a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, and the AWD counterpart employs a naturally aspirated V6. Output is quite similar: 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque (turbo 4-cylinder) and 260 hp with 236 lb-ft of torque. Even though the AWD RC 300 has more horsepower, it has less torque (which is perceived as thrust) plus the extra weight of the AWD system. A 3.5-liter V6 propels both variants of the RC 350 to the tune of 311 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. The RC F deploys RWD exclusively while packing a meaty 5.0-liter V8 that generates 472 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque.

Models with RWD have an 8-speed automatic transmission and those with AWD pair with a 6-speed automatic. Both have handy shift paddles mounted behind the steering wheel.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

The new-car warranty from Lexus lasts for four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first — the same terms as Audi and BMW. Powertrains are covered for six years or 70,000 miles, which is better than these German rivals. The first two service visits are complimentary– at six months/5,000 miles and 12 months/10,000 miles.

Safety Ratings

The RC earned top scores of Good in significant crash tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) but has no accolades beyond that. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not announced any test results for the RC. Standard safety equipment includes blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection.