2019 Lexus RC F Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byWill KaufmanSenior Editor and Content Strategist, CarMax

　　Will Kaufman has worked in the automotive industry since 2017. He has written hundreds of car-related articles and reviews over the course of his career. Will is a senior editor and content strategist for CarMax at zzdcar. Will has been featured in the Associated Press and a number of major outlets on the topics of infotainment and vehicle data, vehicle subscription services and autonomous vehicles. Will started his career in online publishing by writing and editing standardized test guides, but he has a lot more fun writing about cars.

　　

What's new

New, limited 10th Anniversary Edition packagePart of the first RC F generation introduced for 2014

　　It's easy to like the 2019 Lexus RC F for its comfort, sharp looks and V8 engine that's chock-full of personality. Unfortunately, this car doesn't have the bite to back up its bark, especially in the highly competitive luxury sport coupe market. Personality aside, there's not one performance metric where it outshines its competitors.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Lexus RC F 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 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

　　$236/mo  for RC F Base

　　RC F Base

　　2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $64,650 MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　Lexus recently upgraded the RC F's suspension, giving it an adaptive setup that promised both better ride and handling. Unfortunately, it only really delivered on half that promise. The ride has improved, but handling still leaves something to be desired. The RC F is also stuck with the most frustrating tech interface in the class and, in spite of its plus-size exterior dimensions, a small trunk and back seat.

　　The RC F's competitors have also all benefited from more recent and comprehensive updates. A number of the RC F's features feel almost last-generation by comparison, and at this price point that's quite disappointing. The Audi RS 5 was completely redesigned recently, and it is incredibly quick, quite comfortable, and available with tons of technology upgrades. You've also got the newly revitalized BMW M2 or impressively well-rounded Mercedes-AMG C 63 Coupe to consider.

　　The 2019 RC F is the odd car out here, with little to recommend it. Yet much of the appeal of this class of car comes more from styling and personality than raw numbers. It's quite possible that this Lexus will still win you over with its distinctive styling and softer approach to performance.

　　

What's it like to live with?

zzdcar' editorial team acquired and lived with a 2015 Lexus RC F for six months, logging over 10,000 miles. We fell in love with the RC F's powerfully smooth V8 engine and attractive cabin but found its infotainment system frustrating to use.

　　The 2019 Lexus RC F differs from our long-term RC F in that the suspension features standard adaptive dampers, which greatly improve the ride quality over what we experienced in the 2015 car. It's the same generation, though, so most of our observations still apply. Read our long-term RC F test to learn more about everything from seat comfort to real-world fuel economy.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

6.6 / 10

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Lexus RC F (5.0-L V8 | 8-speed automatic | RWD).

　　

Scorecard

Overall	6.6 / 10
Driving	7.0
Comfort	8.0
Interior	7.0
Utility	5.5
Technology	5.0

　　

Driving

7.0

　　A strong V8, a trick differential and an adaptive suspension can't save this car from its own weight. Our tester tipped the scales at just over 4,000 pounds, and its density affects almost every element of its performance, from acceleration to handling. Still, the engine sounds great when pushed.

　　

Acceleration

7.5

　　Get the engine over about 3,500 rpm, and the intake and exhaust open up to create an explosive soundtrack. But the 467-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 has a lot of weight to contend with. Our as-tested 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds is not slow, but it is more than a half-second off its closest competitor.

　　

Braking

7.5

　　The light pedal effort makes it easy to overbrake a bit on regular roads, making for occasionally jerky engagement. But the brakes are strong, and our as-tested 60-0 mph distance of 108 feet is quite good. Once you get used to the brakes, they instill some much-needed confidence.

　　

Steering

7.0

　　The steering is nicely weighted, and it's also precise and sharp. The quick ratio means that, especially on the highway, the RC F can feel darty. However, there's no feedback from the road, which can be problematic during spirited driving considering the RC F's handling issues.

　　

Handling

6.5

　　On smooth pavement, the RC F handles adequately. Introduce bumps or midcorner maneuvers, however, and the RC F's mass becomes unsettled. In stiffer suspension settings, the car bounces alarmingly on anything but smooth roads.

　　

Drivability

7.5

　　Transmission shifts are sharp and crisp, and the car responds quickly and satisfyingly to the paddle commands. The throttle response feels somewhat sluggish in Normal mode and sharp enough in the Sport modes that smooth starts can be a challenge.

　　

Comfort

8.0

　　Comfortable sport seats and good sound insulation add to the grand touring character of the car. The adaptive suspension takes the edge off bumps, but its firmer settings should only be used on smooth roads.

　　

Seat comfort

8.0

　　The RC F's seats have enough bolstering to hold you in place and enough padding to keep you comfortable. They're wide enough to accommodate most drivers, although some may find the bolsters push their shoulders forward. The rear seats are nicely contoured and padded as well.

　　

Ride comfort

8.0

　　The adaptive suspension does a good job taking the edge off bigger bumps and making the ride more compliant. It's still firm but smooths out bumps enough to keep it comfortable on long drives. Sport and Sport+ should really only be used on smoother pavement.

　　

Noise & vibration

8.0

　　The RC F is very well-insulated from surrounding traffic and wind noise. Even in its quietest setting, the engine is still audible while cruising on the freeway and sounds fantastic at full throttle. As with others in the class, tire and road noise is noticeable over rough pavement.

　　

Climate control

7.0

　　The system's automatic mode, combined with automatic seat heating and cooling, works well. The capacitive-touch temperature controls are responsive, if a bit overeager, and manual adjustments are mostly easy. Unfortunately, more in-depth control requires navigating the frustrating infotainment system.

　　

Utility

5.5

　　The trunk is the smallest in the class, and there aren't many options for small-item storage. Overall, there's not a lot of room for your stuff in this car. But at least the trunk opening is wide, and the trunk floor is deep and flat. They make what space there is more usable.

　　

Small-item storage

5.0

　　Lexus provides cupholders for both front and rear occupants, a small console box and a small glovebox. The door pockets are relatively narrow. There's nowhere else to store phones or other small items, unfortunately.

　　

Cargo space

6.0

　　The RC F doesn't have folding rear seats, so you're limited to a small pass-through if the minuscule 10.1-cubic-foot trunk isn't enough. But while the trunk is tiny for the class, it provides a deep, flat load floor and relatively wide opening. For what it is, it's quite usable.

　　

Child safety seat accommodation

6.0

　　Lower LATCH anchors are behind clearly marked plastic doors, but the limited room means rear-facing seats will severely impinge on front-seat space. Also, access to the rear is already difficult; maneuvering a bulky seat in seems best avoided, if at all possible.

　　

Technology

5.0

　　The technology in the RC F is simply outclassed by its competitors in terms of advancement and ease of use. Tech is one place the Lexus falls distinctly behind. Still, the Mark Levinson stereo sounds great.

　　

Audio & navigation

6.5

　　The optional Mark Levinson stereo is, as ever, excellent, providing clear sound that doesn't distort with volume. The navigation display is clear and easy to follow, with live traffic displays. But to take advantage of all of its features, you need to be parked and have the Enform app on your phone.

　　

Smartphone integration

5.0

　　The Enform system has a few useful features, but it's an added annoyance and only has access to a limited number of compatible apps. It's an inelegant workaround when Apple CarPlay and Android Auto exist elsewhere. USB connectivity is much more reliable with iPhones than the Android phones we tried.

　　

Driver aids

5.5

　　Adaptive cruise only works over about 25 mph, while most competitive systems can handle stop-and-go traffic. Forward collision alert and blind-spot monitoring work well and are not overly cautious or prone to false positives. Lane keeping assist is a bit weak and loses track of lanes sometimes.

　　

Voice control

6.0

　　The voice controls offer a good amount of functionality, and there are prompts displayed on screen. However, they're slow to respond and frustratingly inconsistent. If you don't nail the phrasing and command order, the car won't follow you.

　　

Which RC F does zzdcar recommend?

　　Only one trim level and a handful of packages are available. The Navigation/Mark Levinson package is pricey but gives you an excellent stereo. Buyers might also appreciate having navigation since there's no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto functionality. If you want a full suite of safety features, you'll have to opt for the Premium package. It's worth it, and you get an array of extra luxury features with it, too.

　　

2019 Lexus RC F models

　　The 2019 Lexus RC F is the high-performance version of the Lexus RC coupe, which we review separately. Specific F version upgrades include a 5.0-liter V8 engine (467 horsepower, 389 pound-feet of torque), a specially tuned eight-speed automatic transmission, a limited-slip differential, an adaptive variable suspension, Brembo upgrade brakes, and 19-inch forged alloy wheels. The RC F also gets special styling and sport seats. There is a single trim level that can be upgraded with a choice of several packages and stand-alone optional upgrades.

　　Standard equipment includes LED headlights, automatic high beams, auto-dimming mirrors, adjustable drive modes, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, a rearview camera, power-adjustable front seats with memory settings, simulated leather upholstery, and a power-adjustable steering wheel.

　　Also standard are Safety Connect emergency communications (automatic collision notification, emergency assist button and stolen-vehicle locator), Lexus Enform Remote services (smartphone-based remote vehicle controls), the Lexus Display Audio tech interface (7-inch screen and knob controller), Scout GPS Link smartphone-based navigation system, a USB port, and a 10-speaker sound system that includes a CD player and HD and satellite radio.

　　Three main packages are available for the RC F. The Premium package adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems, automatic wipers, auto-dimming side mirrors, parking sensors, heated and ventilated front seats, and carbon-fiber interior trim. There's also a Performance package (a rear torque-vectoring differential, a carbon-fiber roof and a speed-activated carbon-fiber rear spoiler) and an All-Weather package.

　　The navigation system comes bundled with the Remote Touch interface (a 10.3-inch screen and touchpad controller), two USB ports, voice controls and a suite of infotainment apps. You can also add to that a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system and six-CD/DVD changer. Other stand-alone options include upgraded LED headlights, a sunroof and leather upholstery.

　　For 2019, to celebrate 10 years of F performance models, 250 RC Fs will be available with the 10th Anniversary Edition package. This package adds unique 19-inch BBS wheels, blue brake calipers, blue leather seats with white highlights, blue leather on the steering wheel and shifter, and an embossed headliner.

　　

2019 RC F Highlights

　　

Base MSRP	$64,650
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	19 MPG
Cost to Drive	$236/month
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	10.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles