2024 Lexus RC F

　　

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 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.

　　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 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

　　$241/mo  for RC F

　　RC F

　　F 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $67,145 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.

　　Below Average

　　6.9

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.0/10

　　How does the RC drive? The RC F comes with a responsive 472-hp V8, a trick active rear differential and an adaptive suspension. But none of it can fully overcome the RC F's beefy curb weight. We've yet to test a newer RC F, but in testing a 2018 model we were able to do 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds. That's not slow in the broader scheme of things but slow for the category.

　　But it's not all doom and gloom: The engine sounds great when pushed, and the RC F is one of the few remaining V8-powered coupes on the market. The RC F's braking performance is also competitive in the sports car class, and the transmission responds quickly to shift requests from the paddle shifters.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the RC? Comfortable front seats and good insulation from the sound of surrounding traffic are highlights, adding to the grand-touring character of the car. The front seats also provide ample bolstering for aggressive driving and have effective heating and ventilation. The adaptive suspension does a good job taking the edge off bigger bumps and making the ride more compliant. It's still firm but it smooths out road imperfections enough to keep it comfortable on long drives.

　　The climate system's automatic mode 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.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below