2022 Lexus RC 350

　　

2022 Lexus RC 350 Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　If you want a car with curb presence, the 2022 Lexus RC 350 has it. Like a home that draws you in with shaded porticos and intricate flagstone, this Lexus sport coupe cuts a sharp figure with its creased metal, steeply raked windshield and sloping roofline. The RC isn't quite as sporty as it looks, however. Its 311-horsepower V6 engine hauls the car up to speed just fine, but in the curves and corners, the portly RC 350 proves less nimble than its main rivals. The F Sport trim's adaptive suspension and optional grippy summer tires dial up handling performance, but ultimately the RC 350 is more about cruising and comfort than speed or dynamic movements.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Lexus RC 350 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 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

　　$200/mo  for RC 350 Base

　　RC 350 Base

　　2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $45,750 MSRP2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $47,915 MSRPF SPORT 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $50,220 MSRPF SPORT 2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $51,830 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　The interior is small, but the soft-touch materials are supple and tightly assembled. The firm ride is absorbent enough for choppy commutes, and the seats hold fast without intrusive bolstering. Perhaps the RC 350's biggest drawback is that it hasn't evolved much since its introduction. Recent updates to the Audi A5/S5 and BMW 4 Series have made them more fuel-efficient and tech-friendly than the Lexus. But the RC 350 still has enough appeal to make it worth checking out if you want a distinctive and comfortable luxury coupe. Read our Expert Rating for a deeper dive into the pros and cons of this year's RC.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　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 350 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 350? 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