2023 Lexus RC F

Overview

It’s not the newest Lexus in the lineup, but with a 472-hp V-8 engine under its hood, the 2023 RC F is absolutely the most boisterous. It shares its platform—and its name—with the sexy looking-but-tepid-performing standard RC coupe. For F duty, though, Lexus has thrown in every performance-enhancing part it has in its arsenal. In addition to the thundering V-8, all RC Fs come with an adaptive suspension, upgraded Brembo brakes, and a limited-slip rear differential. Even with all those hi-po mods, the RC F can’t quite keep up with rivals such as the Audi RS5 and the BMW M4 in terms of either performance or handling. The RC F is a nice enough driving car with a more refined ride than those Germans; it’s just not a thrilling, sharp-edged road-eater. Its cabin is plush, its infotainment tech has finally caught up with the times, and Lexus equips every model with a competitive driver-assistance suite that includes adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.

Where This Vehicle Ranks

1

Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing

STARTING AT: $62,390

2

Mercedes-AMG C63

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3

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio

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4

BMW M3

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5

BMW M4

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12

Lexus RC F

STARTING AT: $67,845

What's New for 2023?

The RC F is largely unchanged for 2023, but Lexus has mercifully swapped the car’s outdated infotainment system for a more modern one that uses a touchscreen rather than a console-mounted touchpad. Elsewhere, the racier Fuji Speedway Edition model now comes with updated Hitachi shocks and can be painted in a new color called Incognito.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

We think most anyone wanting an RC F will be pleased with the base model, which is sold with an appealing range of standard equipment. The base RC F rides on 19-inch forged-aluminum wheels and comes with exterior features such as a spoiler, a black grille with metallic accents, automatic LED headlights, LED brake lights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and heated side-view mirrors with integrated turn signals. The list of standard interior features includes simulated leather upholstery, a manually adjustable tilt-and-telescoping steering column, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. All RC F models come with the Lexus Safety System+ suite of driver-assistance technology, and this includes such tech as forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

All 2023 Lexus RC F coupes are motivated by a 5.0-liter V-8 engine that produces 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to the rear wheels. During our testing back in 2014, the RC F made it from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. In 2020, the RC F received a slight power boost and a lighter curb weight, which allowed it to zip to 60 in just 4.1 seconds; the Fuji Speedway Edition did it in 4.0 seconds flat. Even with this slight improvement, some others in this high-performance coupe segment provide quicker acceleration. For example, a manual-equipped M4 we tested made it from a standstill to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. The RC F comes standard with drive-mode settings that allow you to customize the car's performance. Its smooth handling makes it a comfortable choice for everyday driving, it’s just not the hard-edged performance weapon that its looks lead you to believe it will be.

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Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

According to the EPA, the Lexus RC F achieves mileage of 16/24 mpg city/highway. It's less fuel-efficient on the highway than rival coupes such as the rear-drive BMW M4 (16/25 mpg). On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, the RC F managed to beat the EPA's estimate with a 26-mpg result. For more information about the RC F's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The RC F's cabin is notable for its plush comfort and elegant design. The front seats are a pleasant place to spend your commute, and the interior is home to chic styling and premium materials. Technically, this coupe provides four-passenger seating, but the cramped back seat is best used for cargo storage. In the back, the RC F's trunk offers 10 cubic feet of room for your stuff. That's less room than you'll get with rivals such as the BMW M4 coupe (12 cubic feet) and Mercedes-AMG C43 4Matic (11 cubic feet).

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Infotainment and Connectivity

Lexus has equipped the RC F with the tech features modern buyers crave. Base models come with a 10-speaker audio system with SiriusXM satellite radio. Bluetooth connectivity is standard, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both on board for hassle-free device integration. All models are equipped with Amazon Alexa compatibility as well as a Wi-Fi hotspot that allows you to easily connect to the internet. The infotainment system comes standard with an 8.0-inch display screen; a larger 10.3-inch display is available as an upgrade. Integrated navigation and a Mark Levinson sound system are optional.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

All models come with a host of driver-assistance technology as standard, including lane-keeping assist, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. For more information about the RC F's crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Lexus offers strong warranty protection that surpasses the coverage offered by competitors such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers six years or 70,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for one year or 10,000 miles

More Features and Specs