2023 Lexus RC 350 Coupe

　　

2023 Lexus RC 350 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.

　　Not every driver craves sports car performance. There are plenty of people who simply want a comfortable vehicle that looks good, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Among luxury coupes, the Lexus RC fills that role with ease. The 2023 Lexus RC 350 represents the middle ground in that lineup, supported by the less powerful RC 300 and capped by the powerful V8-powered RC F.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 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) - $47,250 MSRP2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $49,415 MSRPF SPORT 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $51,870 MSRPF SPORT 2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) - $53,595 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　It's been eight years since the RC was introduced, meaning it's overdue for a full redesign if it's to continue. The edgy coupe is showing its age, especially in terms of power and performance, compared to its primary rivals, yet it remains a viable choice for luxury-oriented customers. For 2023, the RC 350 receives a new infotainment touchscreen that replaces the old display. That gives users the ability to control the system with the more common touch controls rather than being stuck with Lexus' frustrating trackpad controller. Also new is a Special Appearance package for F Sport models that debuts a two-tone paint scheme with new wheels.

　　Even though the 2023 Lexus RC 350 may not be as athletic as some of its German rivals, it should still please more relaxed drivers and cost them less. Competitors such as the BMW 4 Series, Audi S5 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class will set you back a few thousand more and deliver a more modern luxury experience, stronger performance and newer tech items. We cover all of the areas where the RC 350 holds an advantage as well as its liabilities in our Expert Rating below.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Please note that this rating may change slightly once we test the RC 350's updated touchscreen capability 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.

　　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