2022 Lexus RC Expert Review
Reviewed by Duncan Brady
The RC is Lexus' entry in the shrinking compact luxury coupe segment , competing against other luxury two-doors like the BMW 4 Series, Audi A5, and Infiniti Q60. Lexus introduced the RC back in 2015 as a stylish two-door alternative to the compact IS. Last year, the RC gained a few standard driver assist features, and for 2022, the coupe once again sees minor updates.
What's New
- RC F Carbon package now includes 19-inch matte black wheels, heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated leather seats, power tilt and telescopic steering, and Park Assist
- RC F Fuji Speedway Edition now comes in one configuration: Electric Surge blue paint with Black Alcantara interior
What We Think
Even if it isn't the quickest or most modern vehicle in its segment, the RC delivers on style. Lexus has endowed its sport coupe with design that looks fast sitting still, and the RC's huge spindle grille will be a talking point at any car meet.
The RC drives pretty sweetly, too. Lexus built a coupe that's significantly heavier than its competition, but it works as a mini ground tourer that provides a sensible balance of sport and comfort. Those looking for more performance will be pleased with the RC F's thunderous naturally aspirated V-8 and tail-happy antics.
The interior feels high-quality but not as intricate or interesting as the design of the sheetmetal. Standard equipment is generous, and the cabin will feel spacious as long as you never use the back seat, but the RC is one of the Lexus models still stuck with the maddening trackpad infotainment controller. That said, as long as you dig the styling and don't mind that the rest of the competitive set has been redesigned more recently, the RC could be a good pick.
Performance and Efficiency
Lexus offers four-, six-, and eight-cylinder engine options under the hood of its small coupe. Pay attention, though, because despite sharing a name, the RWD and AWD versions of the RC300 feature very different engines.
Lexus RC 300 RWD
- Engine: 2.0-liter turbo-four
- Horsepower/Torque: 241 hp/258 lb-ft
- Efficiency (city/highway): 21/31 mpg
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 7.3 seconds (mfr est)
Lexus RC 300 AWD
- Engine: 3.5-liter V-6
- Horsepower/Torque: 260 hp/236 lb-ft
- Efficiency (city/highway): 19/26 mpg
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 6.3 seconds (mfr est)
Lexus RC 350 RWD/AWD
- Engine: 3.5-liter V-6
- Horsepower/Torque: 311 hp/280 lb-ft
- Efficiency (city/highway): 19-20/26-28 mpg
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 5.8-6.0 seconds (mfr est)
Lexus RC F
- Engine: 5.0-liter V-8
- Horsepower/Torque: 472 hp/395 lb-ft
- Efficiency (city/highway): 16/24 mpg
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 4.3 seconds
Safety Ratings and Features
When the 2022 Lexus RC was evaluated by the IIHS, it earned top safety ratings in all six crashworthiness tests and the highest possible Superior rating for its front crash prevention system. The RC has not been tested by the NHTSA.
In terms of driver assist active safety features, Lexus includes all its available content on every RC. That means adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beams, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are all standard.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Interior space is not the RC's strong suit. Although front legroom bests that of the BMW 4 Series and Audi A5 coupes, rear legroom is by far the smallest of the three. The RC has the tightest trunk, too.
Technology
Entry-level RCs work with a 7.0-inch trackpad-controlled infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, plus Amazon Alexa integration. A 10.3-inch display with integrated navigation is available. Although 10-speaker audio is standard, audiophiles can upgrade to a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system.
Does Lexus Build Any Other Coupes?
If you're after a slinky two-door Lexus but the RC is too pedestrian, you have another option. Lexus introduced its range-topping coupe, the LC, back in 2018. With its standard naturally aspirated V-8, knockout styling, and stunning interior details, this flagship Lexus is a clear class above its smaller sibling.
Recommended Trim
We've had positive experiences with the RC 350 F Sport, which is the most performance-focused variant other than the RC F. In this guise, the RC does a convincing impression of a miniature grand touring car; it's comfortable and luxurious but willing to come alive if you find yourself on a twisty mountain road. Plus, the RC 350 F Sport RWD gets an Excellent IntelliChoice overall value rating.
