The Car Connection Expert Review
Likes
- Sharp styling
- Impressive RC F
- Good infotainment
- Great handling across the lineup
Dislikes
- Lackluster power in base model
- Tacky Track model styling
- Tiny trunk
- Poor fuel economy
Buying tip
features & specs
Though the 2024 Lexus RC goes hard with its styling, its powertrain lineup, composed ride, and refined cabin deliver on expectations.
What kind of vehicle is the 2024 Lexus RC? What does it compare to?
A luxury sports coupe with powertrain options from tame to terrifying, the 2024 Lexus RC is up against the likes of the Audi A5 and BMW 4-Series.
Is the 2024 Lexus RC a good car?
Yes. The Lexus RC combines sharp handling and a smooth ride, and it’s available with serious performance in 350 and F Sport trims. Typical coupe compromises result in a TCC Rating of 5.6 out of a possible 10. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
What's new for the 2024 Lexus RC?
Some new exterior colors join the palette, but that’s really it.
The RC, functionally a coupe variant of the Lexus IS sedan, is available with a tepid base turbo-4, a value-proposition V-6, and seriously entertaining V-8 powertrains. RC F models are great for weekend warriors, though it’s possible to take the RC a touch too far in terms of styling, with available carbon-fiber elements and the like.
The RC 350 is the sweet spot of the lineup, with a 311-hp 3.5-liter V-6, though the 472-hp 5.0-liter V-8 powering the RC F tempts. An automatic transmission is standard across the lineup, though it’ll be six or eight gears depending on the engine. According to the EPA, most configurations rate at a combined 22 or 23 mpg.
The RC is heavy for its class, but handles well regardless. The F Sport package adds adaptive dampers that improve driving dynamics as well as balance out the roughness of upsized wheels and stickier rubber. A limited-slip differential is an expensive option, but an awesome one.
The RC comes standard with an 8.0-inch touchscreen and is available with a 10.3-inch touchscreen. Plenty of safety tech comes standard, and Lexus offers tons of luxury options.
How much does the 2024 Lexus RC cost?
The RC starts at $45,920 for the base 300, including a $1,150 destination charge. All-wheel drive is about $2,500 more in 300 and 350 versions, though that varies slightly. The RC F comes in at a relatively reasonable $68,295, and the RC F Track Edition is $101,170, because carbon fiber is expensive.
Where is the 2024 Lexus RC made?
The Lexus RC is built in Japan.
2024 Lexus RC Styling
The 2024 Lexus RC goes bold at the risk of being polarizing.
Is the Lexus RC a good-looking car?
That depends on your taste. We appreciate its bold approach, so it earns a point for the exterior and interior. It’s a 7.
The Lexus RC has a nose that clearly connects this sporty coupe with the more traditional designs found across the brand’s stable, with a low grille, fancy LED headlights, and a profile that’s fairly conventional for a coupe. You’ll find blacked-out elements and trim on F Sport versions, and the Track model goes for broke with an excess of carbon-fiber trim and panels.
For 2024, the RC gets new Cloudburst Gray as an exterior color option, and F Sport models are available with a new 19-inch wheel option. Track Edition models are now available with Ultra White, Cloudburst Gray, and Caviar paints.
The cabin is a bit cluttered, especially with the optional 10.3-inch touchscreen, and the smattering of buttons and knobs is a lot for the small space but is cohesive overall.
2024 Lexus RC Performance
Trust us, skip the base RC 300.
Trim level makes a big difference.The base RC 300 is tepid at best, the RC 350 zips, and the RC F is a riot. The RC 350 earns two points for its handling and acceleration, for a 7. The RC F, evaluated on its own, would earn another point, though the RC 300 would probably lose one.
Is the Lexus RC 4WD?
Rear-wheel drive comes standard, while the RC 300 and 350 offer all-wheel drive.
How fast is the Lexus RC?
The RC 300 comes standard with a 241-hp 2.0-liter turbo-4 in rear-drive form, or a 260-hp 3.5-liter V-6 with all-wheel drive. The turbo-4 is buzzy and the 8-speed automatic is forever attempting to upshift; the V-6 isn’t much more enjoyable.
The RC 350 is worth it for the upgraded 3.5-liter V-6 alone, with 311 hp, though rear-wheel-drive models get the upshift-happy 8-speed automatic and all-wheel-drive versions have a smoother 6-speed automatic.
The RC F features 472 hp from its 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V-8. It’s quick and moves through the gears with a satisfying snarl.
Base versions skillfully balance handling and ride. The F Sport’s adaptive dampers help tame the harshness of the bigger wheels, and big Brembo brakes are also worth noting. Variable steering assistance and rear-wheel steering are optional for an agility boost, but most shoppers will be satisfied with the basic setup.
The RC F offers thrills without making the ride too punishing.
2024 Lexus RC Comfort & Quality
The 2024 Lexus RC offers reasonable space, for a coupe.
Comfortable front seats and elegant materials would earn points, while the tiny back row and trunk lose points. The 2024 Lexus RC ends up at a 5.
Synthetic leather upholstery comes standard, though genuine leather is available. The front seats are power-adjustable and available with heating and cooling functions.
The rear seats are tiny, typical for a coupe, and there’s not much room for ingress or egress, either. Considering the tiny trunk, with just 10.4 cubic feet of space, the back row is better left as a package shelf.
2024 Lexus RC Safety
The Lexus RC lacks crash evaluations, but offers up plenty of tech.
How safe is the Lexus RC?
A low volume luxury sports car like the Lexus RC typically evades the IIHS and NHTSA crash-testing regimens, so we can’t award a rating here. However, Lexus is generous with the crash-avoidance tech.
Features include adaptive cruise control, active lane control, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitors, though the low-slung coupe body impedes outward vision.
2024 Lexus RC Features
Overall, the 2024 Lexus RC is a reasonable value for its class.
It’s hard to argue that a luxury coupe is a value pick, but the 2024 Lexus RC presents a compelling case. At $45,920, including a $1,150 destination fee, the base RC 300 features good standard equipment and infotainment, earning points for a 7 here.
Base versions get synthetic leather upholstery, power front seats, wood trim, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Budget $2,690 more for all-wheel drive.
Lexus backs the RC with a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty.
Which Lexus RC should I buy?
Budget for the RC 350, which runs $48,850 with rear-wheel drive and $51,015 with all-wheel drive. The engine upgrade and additional amenities will satisfy most shoppers. We’d probably splurge on the F Sport, with its sportier looks, adaptive dampers, and available Torsen limited-slip rear differential. It starts at $53,470 with rear-wheel drive.
How much is a fully loaded Lexus RC?
The RC F is a good performance value at $68,295, though any color besides black or white requires a carbon-fiber package that costs almost $18,000. Instead, we’d get the Premium Package, around $6,500, which adds leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, and Michelin tires on forged wheels.
For $101,170, the RC F Track Edition comes dressed in tons of carbon fiber.
2024 Lexus RC Fuel Economy
The 2024 Lexus RC may be exciting, but it sure isn’t efficient.
Is the Lexus RC good on gas?
No. Rated alone, the base rear-wheel-drive RC 300 would earn a 3, but most versions earn a 2.
Turbo-4 RC 300 models are EPA-rated for 21 mpg city, 31 highway, 25 combined, though all-wheel drive increases thirst to 19/26/22 mpg.
Depending on rear- or all-wheel-drive configuration, the RC 350 rates at 23 or 22 mpg combined, while the RC F checks in at 19 mpg combined.
