LexusRC

　　

2024 Lexus RC Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　, rating written byMark TakahashiSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　Even though two-door coupes have vanished from many carmakers' lineups, that class of cars remains popular in the luxury segment. The RC line from Lexus is the only coupe in this class that isn't made by a European manufacturer. For 2024, the lineup includes the entry-level RC 300, the more powerful RC 350 and the high-performance RC F. These sporty coupes, however, have been around since 2015, and their age has been showing against newer competitors.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Lexus RC 300 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$185/mo  for RC 300

　　RC 300

　　300 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $44,770 MSRP300 2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $47,460 MSRP350 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $47,700 MSRP350 2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $49,865 MSRP300 F SPORT 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $49,390 MSRP300 F SPORT 2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $51,680 MSRP350 F SPORT 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $52,320 MSRP350 F SPORT 2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $54,045 MSRPF 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 8A) - $67,145 MSRPF Track Edition 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 8A) - $100,020 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　

zzdcar spotlight: Comfort and refinement are the highlights

Even when the Lexus RC debuted nine years ago, it didn't perform on the same level as its contemporaries. Instead, it focused more on the luxury side of things, and that emphasis continues to be one of its best attributes. Throughout the lineup, the RC tends to have a smoother ride quality than some German rivals, and comfort is bolstered by cushy seats and a very quiet cabin. The interior is also well constructed, and the quality of materials is appropriately refined for the luxury price. Get more details on where the RC leads or could use improvement in our Expert Rating.

　　

Competitors to consider

Just as the Lexus RC's lineup spans from mild to wild, so too do its few rivals. The BMW 4 Series has a similar roster, with the potent M4 being the sporty driver's choice in the class. The Audi A5, S5 and RS 5 tend to find a middle ground between the Lexus and the BMW. New for 2024 is the Mercedes-Benz CLE, which will likely take the crown for the most luxurious. Considering the RC's age, we suggest checking out the competition first.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Please note that this rating is based on a prior year and may change slightly once we test the RC's latest infotainment touchscreen.

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.2

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the RC drive? Outright performance isn't the game the RC 350 prefers to play. Accelerating to 60 mph takes 6.2 seconds. That's not as quick as most of its competition, especially those fitted with six-cylinder engines.

　　The F Sport's available summer performance tires return fairly good braking and handling numbers should you decide to drive with some gusto. The car responds well to steering inputs but lacks the eagerness to change direction you might expect in a sport coupe. Much of that comes down to the RC's 3,800-pound curb weight. But the RC 350 will inspire confidence and is ultimately easy to handle at the limit.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the RC? Tight interior aside, the RC provides the level of suppleness you'd expect from a luxury brand. The well-bolstered seats help keep you in place while cornering, but the bolsters aren't so large that they make the seats uncomfortable.

　　The stiff, sporty ride matches the RC 350's visuals. In short, it's busy over less than perfect surfaces and can be tiring over longer drives. The RC 350 is pretty quiet, though. Road and wind noise is minimal at any speed.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below