2023 Lexus RC 300 Coupe

　　

2023 Lexus RC 300 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.

　　The Lexus RC 300 was last redesigned in 2015, and despite updates throughout its run, this luxury coupe is showing its age. While the 2023 RC 300 remains a stylish alternative to the few European rivals in this category, it lacks the technological sophistication of those competitors. This year a new infotainment touchscreen debuts, a welcome addition since its trackpad controller has been widely panned as one of the worst tech interfaces in the industry. Also new for 2023 is the F Sport Appearance package, which adds a wild two-tone paint scheme and distinct Enkei wheels.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 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 Base

　　RC 300 Base

　　2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $44,320 MSRP2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $47,010 MSRPF SPORT 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $48,940 MSRPF SPORT 2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $51,230 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　That new touchscreen has the potential to improve the RC's overall score, but it's likely not enough to pull it to a higher slot in our rankings. The RC 300 is positioned as more of a comfortable luxury tourer than a sport coupe, which will certainly appeal to plenty of shoppers, but it's important to note its chief rivals provide sharper performance while also delivering a comfortable ride. For Lexus fans seeking performance, there are more powerful and focused RC variants in the form of the RC 350 and RC F, which are covered in separate reviews.

　　We suggest checking out the BMW 4 Series and Audi A5 alongside the 2023 Lexus RC 300. While there's a lot to like about the RC, there are also several drawbacks to take into account, and we cover them all in our Expert Rating below.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Please note that this rating may change slightly once we test the RC 300's new infotainment touchscreen that was introduced for 2023.

　　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.

　　Below Average

　　7.1

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the RC 300 drive? The RC is a satisfactory driver. It's slower than most luxury coupes, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.3 seconds. But the steering wheel delivers pleasing feedback from the road and the front tires. It keeps straight and stable on the freeway, and it doesn't require correction when you turn into a corner.

　　We tested the RC 300 F Sport with the turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Performance-oriented summer tires allow the RC to maintain high speeds through corners. Thanks to the car's stable nature, you'll end up going down twisty roads more quickly than you'd expect. But the overall vibe you'll get is that of a competent cruiser rather than a sport coupe.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the RC 300? Space limitations aside, the RC provides the refinement and quietness expected from a luxury brand. The large side bolsters on the F Sport's seats help keep you in place while cornering. The non-adjustable bolsters aren't so large that they make the seats uncomfortable, but larger occupants might feel a bit tight. The cushions are firm, but we experienced little fatigue on long drives.

　　The F Sport's adaptive dampers excellently balance softness with control over the 19-inch wheels. You only notice road imperfections when you should. Switching into the sport settings creates appreciable differences in ride quality. The RC is best suited to the default setting.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below