2021 Lexus RC 300
MSRP range: $42,220 - $48,865
2021 Lexus RC 300 Review
- Excellent interior craftsmanship
- Quiet interior on the highway
- Overall performance comes up short against rivals
- Infotainment interface is difficult to operate
- Back seats are small even for children
- Offers less cargo room than competitors
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert now standard
- New limited-production Black Line Special Edition model
- Part of the first RC generation introduced for 2015
A small luxury coupe, the 2021 Lexus RC 300 offers sporty looks and a choice of two powertrains: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder with rear-wheel drive or a 3.5-liter V6 with all-wheel drive. Both are competent but lack power compared to class rivals and leave the RC feeling less sporty than it looks. Fortunately, the Lexus RC lineup also includes the more powerful RC 350 and RC F. We review those models separately on Edmunds.
As for the RC 300, it's best for stylish cruising. Inside, the RC has impeccable craftsmanship, with excellent materials and build quality all around. The ride is smooth and quiet, too. Want to know more? Check out the categories of our Expert Rating below to get our in-depth evaluation on the 2021 RC 300.
Our verdict | |
Smooth manners and a solid interior help the Lexus RC 300 make a great first impression. This is a nice-looking luxury coupe that gets the job done. But shortcomings with interior space, storage options, fuel economy, and entertainment features make it difficult to recommend over the competition. | |
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. | |
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. | |
How’s the interior? | |
The RC is one of the larger luxury coupes in the segment, but it has the smallest interior. We struggle to think of whom the rear seats would serve. Even small children will find the lack of rear legroom a problem. As with many coupes, the RC's long doors can be an issue in tight parking lots. It takes a while to get used to the layout of the center stack's organization and use of multiple types of inputs — both physical and touch-sensitive — but it makes sense after practice. The touchpad that controls the entertainment system requires too much attention from the driver. | |
How’s the tech? | |
The optional Mark Levinson stereo sounds fantastic. The optional 10.3-inch infotainment screen looks good, too. Alas, the software is awkward to operate and behind the curve in terms of features. What's worse, you can't use many functions while moving. You're better off using your phone through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The adaptive cruise control manages speed without needing much driver input. Unfortunately, it doesn't work under 25 mph, so it's ineffective during the most frustrating parts of the commute. You also have to be ready on the brake pedal for when traffic slows and the system stops working. | |
How’s the storage? | |
Even for a coupe, the RC has tight storage space. The trunk can handle little more than the necessities of a weekend getaway, and the interior has few solutions for large bottles as well as bags and backpacks. You'll find larger and more accommodating interiors and trunks in competitors. | |
How economical is the RC 300? | |
With an EPA combined rating of 25 mpg, the rear-wheel-drive RC 300 has one of the lower fuel economy estimates of its four-cylinder competitive class. Adding all-wheel drive and the required V6 engine drops that figure further. Competitors with similar or greater power achieve better mpg. We averaged 21 mpg overall in our test car. | |
Is the RC 300 a good value? | |
The RC boasts meticulous attention to detail. The interior panel gaps are uniform, and the absence of squeaks and rattles provides a sense of quality assembly. Some plastic materials, especially the panel that surrounds the center clock and air vents, look slightly out of place. You'll likely pay less to get an RC 300 compared to some rival coupes, and you get some true highlights for the money, such as the sound system and the build quality. But German competitors offer more performance, interior space and fuel economy for your dollar. | |
Wildcard | |
It's tough to classify the RC 300 since it straddles the line between a grand tourer and a sport coupe without embodying either particularly well. It gets the job of driving done but doesn't go further. That said, there's enough enjoyment in smoothly cruising around in the RC and simply admiring its design. | |
Which RC 300 does Edmunds recommend?
We recommend the rear-wheel-drive RC 300 base model. It offers a long list of standard features and safety aids, and can be fitted with most of the RC's options. The F Sport model is appealing, but we advise buyers looking for more performance to check out the RC 350 or the RC F instead.
Lexus RC 300 models
The 2021 Lexus RC 300 comes in two main versions: base and F Sport. Both offer one of two available powertrains. The rear-wheel-drive model is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine (241 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque) that drives the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The all-wheel-drive model comes with a 3.5-liter V6 (260 hp, 236 lb-ft) and a six-speed automatic. Feature highlights include:
Save as much as $4,684 with Edmunds
2021 Lexus RC 300 pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Base
2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A
Edmunds Suggested Price$38,830
F SPORT
2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A
Edmunds Suggested Price$43,031
Safety
Our experts’ favorite RC 300 safety features:
- Pre-Collision System
- Warns you if a collision is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't act in time.
- Blind-Spot/Rear Cross-Traffic Alerts
- Lets you know if there's a vehicle in or approaching your blind spot while you're backing out of a parking space.
- Lexus Enform Safety Connect
- Helps when you need it most with automatic crash notification and roadside assistance.
Lexus RC 300 vs. the competition
2021 Lexus RC 300
2021 Audi A5
Lexus RC 300 vs. Audi A5
The base Audi A5 is more expensive than the standard RC 300, but we think it's worth it. Audi's interior tech is easier to learn and operate than the RC 300's, and the A5 is more entertaining to drive. It also give you better fuel economy and a roomier back seat.
Lexus RC 300 vs. Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Like the Audi A5, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe is more expensive than the standard Lexus RC 300. But you get a better car, with an interior that is one of our favorites in the class. Both coupes are about the same when it comes to cargo space, but the Mercedes' interior helps it win this match-up.
Lexus RC 300 vs. BMW 4 Series
The redesigned BMW 4 Series is powerful, sporty to drive, and engaging from behind the wheel — all without sacrificing on-road comfort. By most objective measures, it's a better car than the RC 300. Alas, the 4 Series' massive new grille could be a big turnoff. If you never had to get out and look at it, the 4 Series would be a much more appealing choice.
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FAQ
Is the Lexus RC 300 a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2021 RC 300 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.1 out of 10. You probably care about Lexus RC 300 fuel economy, so it's important to know that the RC 300 gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg to 24 mpg, depending on the configuration. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the RC 300 has 10.4 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Lexus RC 300. Learn more
What's new in the 2021 Lexus RC 300?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Lexus RC 300:
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert now standard
- New limited-production Black Line Special Edition model
- Part of the first RC generation introduced for 2015
Is the Lexus RC 300 reliable?
To determine whether the Lexus RC 300 is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the RC 300. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the RC 300's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2021 Lexus RC 300 a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2021 Lexus RC 300 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2021 RC 300 and gave it a 7.1 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2021 RC 300 is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2021 Lexus RC 300?
The least-expensive 2021 Lexus RC 300 is the 2021 Lexus RC 300 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $42,220.
Other versions include:
- F SPORT 2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) which starts at $48,865
- F SPORT 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $46,690
- 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $42,220
- 2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) which starts at $44,910
What are the different models of Lexus RC 300?
If you're interested in the Lexus RC 300, the next question is, which RC 300 model is right for you? RC 300 variants include F SPORT 2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A), F SPORT 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A), 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A), and 2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A). For a full list of RC 300 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more