2024 Lexus RC: A Comprehensive Guide On Features, Specs, And Pricing

Lexus isn’t exactly known for creating the most incredible sports cars the world has ever seen. Aside from the glorious Yamaha V-10-powered Lexus LFA, Lexus has only had a few entries in the sports coupe segment. The LC500 is a stunning V-8-powered luxury grand tourer coupe offered by Lexus, but it costs over $100,000. The RC offers a design reminiscent of the LC, but at less than half the price. Of course, you also get half the performance, but you might be able to let that slide for a car as pretty and luxurious as the RC. The RC F dramatically increases performance with its 5.0-liter V-8, but it is a separate model at a higher price point and thus will be addressed separately.

Unfortunately, luxury coupes (and coupes in general) are no longer selling like hotcakes, and they are even less desirable to the average consumer. That makes life hard for cars like the Lexus RC and is likely why the baby LC has only received minor updates since its debut in 2015. Hopefully, at least until Lexus decides we’re ready for a second generation, the current RC is good enough to find its niche in the market.

This guide provides comprehensive information provided by the manufacturer. TopSpeed sourced additional data for reliability (from J.D. Power), the EPA for gas mileage (Fueleconomy.gov), safety ratings (IIHS), and recalls (NHTSA). We evaluate five different metrics when determining a rating for each model. You can
read our Methodology page
for more information about our rating system.

What’s New For 2024?

The Lexus RC debuted in 2014, but has been on the market in its current form since its only major refresh in 2019. 2019 introduced a new front fascia, 2020 was the last year of the hybridized 300h trim, and 2023 saw a major update to the aging infotainment system. For 2024, not much has changed, but all RC models now come standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5. Lexus is also offering a new exterior color called “cloudburst gray.” 2024 also benefits from the updated infotainment screen that now can be controlled by touch or through the infamous Lexus touchpad.

2024 Highlights

• Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 comes standard
• Available 835-watt, 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system
• Standard heated and ventilated seats (in F-Sport trim)
• 8″ infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Torsen limited-slip rear differential (in F-Sport trim)

Exterior Dimensions

Engine Specifications And Performance

The RC offers a few flavor combinations for your choice of propulsion. The base engine offered in the RC 300 is a punchy 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 that produces 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It won’t result in blistering performance, but those are Volkswagen GTI power numbers that propel you to 60 MPH as fast as a Honda Civic with the 1.5-liter turbo. Okay, so it’s not that fast, but given that peak torque comes at 1650 RPM, it should make for a luxurious weekend cruiser or even a decent backroad companion if you opt for the F-Sport and its included limited-slip diff.

Interestingly, if you opt for the RC 300 with AWD, the turbo inline-four is replaced by a 3.5-liter, naturally aspirated, V-6 that produces 260 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque.

By the numbers, the 300 AWD is a bit of a downgrade compared to the turbocharged RWD variant. You’ll get 22 less pound-feet of torque and a significant dip in fuel economy, and all AWD models get paired with a more antiquated 6-speed automatic instead of the reasonably responsive 8-speed in the RWD versions of the RC. That said, the 300 AWD adds 19 horsepower and knocks a full second off on its way to 60 MPH. Besides, who can complain about the sweet sound of a 2GR V-6?

Thankfully, if you want the V-6 and a significant power and performance bump, the RC 350 offers the same V-6 but pumps out a more impressive 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. When powered by the rear wheels, the RC 350 will hit 60 MPH in 5.8 seconds.

Performance Specifications

Interior Technology And Comfort

Best Interior Features Of The 2024 Lexus RC

• 8″ infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Heated and ventilated seats (F-Sport)
• Optional heated steering wheel
• Standard 10-speaker premium sound system and optional Mark Levinson 17-speaker system
• Remote touchpad

As with any Lexus product, the interior materials are absolutely top-notch. Different wood trims, aluminum accents, and beautiful perforated leather are present throughout the interior. The driver’s seat is 10-way adjustable, and the passenger seat is 8-way adjustable, as well as heated or heated and ventilated if you opt for the F-Sport trim. The infotainment screen was moved forward in 2023 to accommodate the switch to a touchscreen, which is a very welcome change and brings the cabin into the modern era without compromising the design.

It’s worth noting that the touchpad, much like the similarly maligned Audi scroll-wheel, actually works quite well, and it’s nice to have multiple ways to navigate through the infotainment system.

Along with the usual suite of luxury appointments, Lexus also offers the 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, which is regarded by many in the automotive community as one of the best systems available. If you’re an audiophile, it’s a box you might want to check. This interior is based on a 10-year-old design, but man, have they hid it well.

Technology

Historically, tech hasn’t always been a high point for the Lexus brand. Their cars have always been packed with features and built with high-quality materials, but in the in-car tech boom world of the last decade, Lexus has lagged behind. Lexus didn’t add Apple CarPlay to the RC until 2019, despite the Volkswagen Jetta offering it as early as 2016, and Android Auto wasn’t available in the RC until 2023! All the more reason to buy a late-model RC.

Nowadays, smartphone connectivity, voice commands, and even a Wi-Fi hotspot are now included as standard. Admittedly, the RC isn’t quite as packed to the brim as its German-built competitors, but it should include everything you would expect from a modern car on the tech front. The touchpad is now redundant as the 8″ infotainment screen introduced in 2023 is a touchscreen. Thankfully, Lexus has never subjected us to a buttonless interior, so climate controls and other major functions can still be operated using tactile buttons and knobs.

Interior Dimensions

Safety And Reliability

The NHTSA does not have any data for the Lexus RC, but the IIHS gives it a good (their highest rating) in every category. This beats the Audi A5 and matches the BMW 430i. Lexus does have a good reputation for building safe cars, and it seems the RC is no different.

Speaking of reputation, does any other brand have the reputation for reliability that Toyota and Lexus share? Not even close. Despite this, as Yoda once said, “Reputation does not a reliable car make.” Jokes aside, the 2.0-liter turbocharged is quite new, so not enough data is available, but the 2GR-FKS 3.5-liter V-6 is just the latest iteration in a long line of Toyota/Lexus V-6 engines. It is widely considered to be one of the most dependable engines on the market. J.D. Power gave the 2021 model a projected reliability score of 88/100.

Driver Assistance Features

All Lexus RC trims come standard with Lexus Safety Suite+ 2.5. This includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist,

All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Road Sign Assist, and Intelligent High Beams. In addition to the safety suite, a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) are standard, and what Lexus calls Intuitive Parking Assist is an optional extra on all RC trims. Lexus may not offer any FSD or SuperCruise equivalent, but the RC does come packed to the brim with a desirable set of safety features.

• All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
• Lane Tracing Assist
• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Road Sign Assist

IIHS Crash Testing

IIHS Safety Ratings

Link to IIHS ratings

No NHTSA crash test data is available for the Lexus RC.

Warranties

All Lexus models offer a basic warranty of 4 years or 50,000 miles and a powertrain warranty of 6 years or 70,000 miles. This is decent coverage for a brand with a reputation for longevity. No roadside coverage is offered, but there is a complimentary maintenance package. Lexus will perform the first maintenance service at 6 months or 5,000 miles and the second at 12 months or 10,000 miles. Their maintenance service includes an inspection, an oil change at 10k miles, and tire rotations.

2024 Lexus RC Versus Its Competitors

The Lexus RC is in a segment that once was a dominant force in the automotive market. In 2024, vehicles with two doors just don’t sell like they used to. There are a few still remaining, but the field is rapidly thinning. Two-door sports cars still have a solid hold on their market segment, but “compact executive coupes” like the RC do not suit today’s consumers, who often desire more than they need for the what-if situation. It’s not entirely ridiculous to pass on a car ultimately designed for comfort yet lacks the utility of the equivalent sedan or crossover. Despite the thinning herd and evolving consumer preferences, there are some compelling entries, specifically the Audi A5 and BMW 4-Series Coupe.

How The Lexus RC Compares To The Audi A5

• 	2024 Audi A5	2024 Lexus RC
  Model	A5	RC
  Engine	2.0-liter TSI	2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 or 3.5-liter V-6
  Transmission	7-Speed DCT	8-speed automatic or 6-speed automatic (for AWD trims)
  Horsepower	261 HP	241 HP – 311 HP
  Torque	273 LB-FT	236 LB-FT – 280 LB-FT
  Driveline	AWD	RWD, AWD
  MSRP	$48,400 – $56,650	$45,920 – $55,195
  Fuel Economy	27 MPG Combined	22- 25 MPG Combined
  0-60 MPH	5.3 Seconds	5.8 – 7.3 seconds

Audi always manages to be a blend of its competitors. They aren’t usually as luxurious as their Mercedes-Benz competitors, nor as dynamically engaging as the equivalent BMW, but they occupy a perfect middle ground. The 2024 Audi A5 is stiff competition for the Lexus RC. The A5 and RC are quite good-looking, though I’d give the Lexus an edge, but that’s completely subjective. The Audi has excellent safety features, but in base Premium trim, it falls short of the suite of options included with the Lexus Safety Suite+ 2.5. That said, both are so packed to the brim that it’s as near as makes no difference.

If you opt for Premium Plus or Prestige, the A5 includes a top-view camera and an excellent Bang and Olufsen sound system. Like the RC, there are heated seats as standard, but ventilated seats are not available on the A5. When it comes to power, the A5 is down 50 horsepower and two cylinders to the RC 350, but still manages an impressive 5.3 seconds to 60 MPH. For those keeping score at home, that’s a full half-second faster than the RC 350. Some of this could be attributed to the standard Quattro AWD that all A5s are blessed with, but the exceptionally quick 7-speed DCT must be given credit as well. It’s a fast and engaging transmission to operate.

The Audi is a better all-around package when performance and tech are concerned, but the V-6 in the RC 350 is more refined and should be a safer (and cheaper) bet in the long term. In all fairness, however, the 2.0-liter in the A5 has proven to be quite a reliable powerplant over the last 6–7 years.

How The Lexus RC Compares To The BMW 4-Series

• 	2024 BMW 430i	2024 Lexus RC
  Model	430i or 430i xDrive	RC
  Engine	2.0-liter turbocharged I-4	2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 or 3.5-liter V-6
  Transmission	8-Speed Automatic	8-speed automatic or 6-speed automatic (for AWD trims)
  Horsepower	255 HP	241 HP – 311 HP
  Torque	295 LB-FT	236 LB-FT – 280 LB-FT
  Driveline	RWD, AWD	RWD, AWD
  MSRP	$50,700 – $52,700	$45,920 – $55,195
  Fuel Economy	28 MPG Combined	22- 25 MPG Combined
  0-60 MPH	5.4 – 5.6 Seconds	5.8 – 7.3 seconds

In this comparison, we have opted not to include the M440i as it is a competitor of the Audi S5, and both exist in a different realm with respect to price and performance. That leaves us with the BMW 430i and 430i xDrive. The 430i is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4, referred to as the B48. The B48 is based on the B58, BMW’s turbocharged I-6 that powers the M440i and the Toyota Supra, among other models. Though it may not hold a candle to the Lexus’ 2GR-FKS V-6 in terms of reliability, it has proven to be quite a durable engine. In the 430i, it produces 255 horsepower and an impressive 295 pound-feet of torque. The result is a significantly faster car than even the RC 350.

The 430i also comes equipped with a fantastic 8-speed ZF-built automatic transmission that rivals the Audi’s dual-clutch for quickness. Similar to the A5, the 430i is packed full of exceptional safety tech. Unlike the Lexus and the Audi however, the 430i is still fairly fresh. The A5’s current generation debuted in 2017, the RC in 2015, but the latest 4-Series was released in 2020. For 2024, the 4-Series received a major interior update. Moving away from a more traditional gauge cluster and separate infotainment screen, the 4 Series has now adopted the same 12.3-inch gauge display and 14.9-inch infotainment display as the 3 Series and the I4 EV.

The 430i easily beats the Lexus in tech, and not just because of the giant screen. The 430i is actually quite a decent value proposition at $50,000 for the RWD variant and $52,700 if you want xDrive. The RC 350 RWD is still cheaper, but it can’t compete with the performance chops offered by its German competitor. As for design, however, the RC should have the 430i beat. Its interior is a bit more of an occasion than two mini flat-screen TVs glued to the dash, and it has more tactile buttons and knobs for basic functions.

The 430i and 430i xDrive are excellent offerings in the segment, so if you can get past the heinous beaver-inspired front end, they are well worth a look.

How Much Does A 2024 Lexus RC Cost?

The RC 300 is the entry-level option, not due to a lack of features, but because of the smaller, less characterful engine and RWD layout. The 2.0-liter turbo that powers the 300 produces decent numbers and allows the RC to undercut much of its competition. Sure, it’ll be slower, but if you’re not looking for serious performance, it’s a solid buy at $45,920. The F-Sport trim on all models will come standard with some special F-Sport-specific interior appointments as well as larger brakes and more aggressively tuned suspension. The F-Sport is a $4,620 jump over the less sporty trims. Still, it does allow you to get the optional Torsen limited-slip differential at the rear, which should noticeably improve driving dynamics over an open diff.

AWD is a price increase of $1725-$2690, depending on the trim, but remember that you’ll be saddled with a 6-speed automatic. For only $2,930 more than the RC 300, the RC 350 RWD seems to be the sweet spot if all you’re looking for is a luxury coupe with some pep in its step. The 311 horsepower provided by the 3.5-liter V-6 is pretty potent, and the sweeter induction note is more suited to a car as elegant looking as the RC.

Fuel Economy

Unsurprisingly, the 2.0-liter is the most fuel-efficient, though not by as large a margin as you’d expect. The 2.0-liter gets 21 MPG in the city compared to the RWD V-6’s 20 MPG, and on the highway, the four-cylinder gets 31 MPG. Somehow, the much larger displacement V-6 manages an impressive 28 MPG on the highway, so if you can’t forgo the V-6, you won’t be penalized too much. Both AWD models are equipped with a V-6, and both manage 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway, so if you’re not buying an RC to daily during the winter, RWD is the way to go.

GAS

(Estimated fuel costs assume an average of 15,000/year and use the national average fuel price of $3.39)

Is It Worth Buying the 2024 Lexus RC?

The Lexus RC is old, lags a bit behind on tech, and is far more luxury than performance. On the other hand, the RC is beautifully designed, made with high-quality materials, and dead nuts reliable. Unfortunately for the RC, the same can be said about other, less compromised Lexus models. People barely buy sedans these days, let alone luxury coupes with no real performance chops. With the Lexus IS existing as a cheaper, more practical alternative, the RC is a hard sell.

And yet, it’s amazing that the RC exists. If you’re looking for a smooth, reliable V-6, a unique design in a sea of anonymous silver sheet metal, and an interior that bathes you in leather and other niceties, the RC is simply spectacular. It’s just a bit niche.