2024 Lexus RC

We remember when RC meant remote control (remember the cute little car in Toy Story), but in the Lexus lineup, those two letters indicate the automaker's compact sport coupe. Having been introduced for 2015, the RC is the oldest vehicle you'll find in a Lexus showroom, as every other nameplate has been fully redesigned since. It competes with the only other two-door luxury 2+2s left, the BMW 4 Series and Audi A5.

What's New

• Cloudburst Gray joins the exterior color options
• RC F Sport now offers 19-inch Enkei wheels
• Ultra White, Cloudburst Gray, and Caviar paint options are now available on RC F

What We Think

The 2024 RC isn't nearly as sporty as its aggressive lines may suggest, held back by heavy underpinnings cobbled together from other vehicles. Although even the RC F is no M4 beater, the RC excels as a miniature grand tourer. Lexus balances driving enjoyment and comfort well here, plus we're suckers for the RC F's naturally aspirated V-8 in a segment where such engines have disappeared.

Interior design is a bit underwhelming in contrast to the dramatic sheetmetal styling. Thankfully, Lexus is generous with features, and the cabin feels spacious as long as you don't try to cram adults in the rear seats. Perceived build quality is excellent, too. That said, its dated infotainment setup feels old next to the RC's contemporaries, and the IS provides an arguably better driving experience along with more space.

If you want a coupe, the A5 or 4 Series may be better choices, and if the coupe form factor isn't a must-have, you might as well choose an IS. The best reason to buy an RC is if you've fallen for its styling.

Performance and Efficiency

Careful when ordering an RC300—you may end up with an engine you didn't expect. The RC300 has entirely different powertrains depending on whether you go for RWD or AWD, and one of them has a detuned version of the RC350's V-6. Thankfully, you can skip all that nonsense and get a V-8 RC F.

2024 Lexus RC300 RWD

• Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4
• Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
• Horsepower/Torque: 241 hp/258 lb-ft
• Efficiency (city/highway): 21/31 mpg
• Acceleration (0-60 mph): 7.3 seconds (mfr est)

2024 Lexus RC300 AWD

• Engine: 3.5-liter V-6
• Transmission: Six-speed automatic
• Horsepower/Torque: 260 hp/236 lb-ft
• Efficiency (city/highway): 19/26 mpg
• Acceleration (0-60 mph): 6.3 seconds (mfr est)

2024 Lexus RC350

• Drivetrain: RWD or AWD
• Engine: 3.5-liter V-6
• Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
• 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)

2024 Lexus RC F

• Drivetrain: RWD
• Engine: 5.0-liter V-8
• Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
• Horsepower/Torque: 472 hp/395 lb-ft
• Efficiency (city/highway): 16/24 mpg
• Acceleration (0-60 mph): 4.3 seconds

Safety Ratings and Features

The 2023 RC holds the highest possible safety ratings in the six IIHS crashworthiness tests it has participated in, though it hasn't undergone the institute's tough updated side or updated moderate overlap front tests. Lexus is generous with its driver assist software, as Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 is standard. Features include automatic emergency braking, lane centering, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beams.

Cargo Space and Interior Room

We expect cars in this segment to have small back seats, but the RC's is especially tight. The Lexus has more front-seat legroom than its competitors from BMW and Audi, although both those vehicles provide more cargo volume.

Technology

Lexus equips the RC with a standard 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, and 10-speaker audio. Buyers with a little extra cash can spring for a 10.3-inch display with navigation, plus a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio setup.

The RC's Big Sibling

Any prospective RC F buyer should know there's another V-8 two-door in the Lexus lineup, and it's a lot more stylish. The LC is the Lexus flagship, and the proportions, styling, and interior design make it a stunner. Plus, it's available with a hybrid powertrain, and it can be ordered as a convertible.

Recommended Trim

Between RC300, RC350, and RC F, the RC350 F Sport RWD with the available Torsen limited-slip differential feels like the sweet spot of the lineup. Configured as such, the two-door Lexus exhibits its best blend of luxury and performance while saving serious cash over an RC F. As a bonus, this spec gets an .

Other Compact Luxury Coupes:

• BMW 4 Series
• Audi A5
• Pre-owned Infiniti Q60