2023 Lexus RC 300
MSRP Range: $44,320 - $51,230 Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.
2023 Lexus RC 300





+80
Below Average
7.1
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
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.
Pricing
Changing year or type will take you to a new page
Total MSRPThis price includes a $1,150 destination fee charged by the manufacturer. | $45,470 |
---|---|
Edmunds suggests you pay | $42,613 |
What Should I Pay
2023 Lexus RC 300 Review

byMark Takahashi
Correspondent
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 Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.
Pros
- Excellent interior craftsmanship
- Quiet cabin at highway speeds
Cons
- Overall performance comes up short against rivals
- Back seats are small even for kids
- Offers slightly less cargo room than some competitors
What's new
- A new infotainment touchscreen debuts
- F Sport Appearance package joins the options list
- Minor interior trim upgrades
- Part of the first RC generation introduced for 2015
Overview
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 $3.92 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$192/mo for RC 300 Base
RC 300 Base
vs
$170/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.
Edmunds 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.
below avg
7.1/10
Edmunds Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Edmunds Expert Rating below
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2023 Lexus RC 300 pricing
in Ashburn, VAEdmunds suggests you pay
Interior
7.0/10
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 who 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.
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.
Technology
6.5/10
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 or 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 when traffic slows and the system stops working.
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 when traffic slows and the system stops working.
Storage
6.5/10
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.
Fuel Economy
6.0/10
How’s the fuel economy? 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.
Value
7.0/10
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.
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
7.5/10
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 suggest sticking with the base RC 300. It delivers adequate power for most drivers and comes with plenty of premium features. If you live in a region with wet or wintry weather, adding all-wheel drive will get you more confident traction as well as a more powerful V6 engine. We also recommend the Navigation with Mark Levinson Premium Audio package for the exquisite sound system and larger touchscreen.
Lexus RC 300 models
The 2023 Lexus RC 300 comes in two trim levels: base and F Sport. Both offer one of two available powertrains. Rear-wheel-drive models are 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. All-wheel-drive models come equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 (260 hp, 236 lb-ft) backed by a six-speed automatic. Feature highlights include:
Base
The base RC comes standard with:
- 18-inch wheels
- LED headlights
- Keyless entry and ignition
- Synthetic leather seats
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Power-adjustable front seats
- Heated front seats (with all-wheel drive)
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
- 8-inch infotainment touchscreen
- 10-speaker sound system
- Lexus Enform connectivity services with onboard Wi-Fi
Every RC 300 also comes with these advanced driver aids:
- Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
- Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Lexus and the vehicle in front)
- Lane keeping assistance (steers the RC back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
- Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
- Automatic high-beam assist
F Sport
A sportier RC 300 that adds:
- 19-inch wheels
- Mesh grille and a unique front fascia
- Unique interior fittings and an upgraded instrument panel display
- Sport-tuned adaptive suspension dampers
- Upgraded brakes
- Driver's seat memory settings
- Heated and ventilated front sport seats
- Power-adjustable steering wheel
- Automatic windshield wipers
The RC 300 offers these notable packages:
- Navigation package
- 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Navigation system
- Upgraded voice controls
- Premium package
- Driver's seat memory settings
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Power-adjustable steering wheel
- Heated and auto-dimming outside mirrors
- Automatic windshield wipers
- Navigation with Mark Levinson Premium Audio package
- Contents from the Navigation package
- 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system
- Aluminum audio control knobs
- F Sport Appearance package
- Two-tone paint scheme
- 19-inch Enkei alloy wheels
Notable stand-alone options include:
- 19-inch wheels
- Limited-slip differential (enhances traction for performance driving; F Sport RWD only)
- Orange brake calipers (F Sport only)
- Heated steering wheel
- Sunroof
- Upgraded LED headlights
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Mark Levinson audio system

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Lexus RC 300 Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(81%)
4(4%)
3(9%)
2(0%)
1(6%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Great car!!
5 out of 5 starsKD, 03/28/2016
2016 Lexus RC 300 2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
If you're looking for a luxurious sports coupe that is quiet, comfortable, & exciting to drive; the RC 300 is the perfect car. The interior is very elegant and comfortable as you'd expect from a Lexus. Suspension is tuned to give a soft ride but tight enough for you to know its a sports car! Infotainment system is very easy to use in my opinion. The V6 engine is quiet and has ample … horsepower to rival other cars in its class. One downside is the V6's fuel economy, which is so-so. Also the RC is a little heavy compared to others in the class. I usually get about 21mpg combined. I opted for the FSport package which included FSport exterior/interior styling and badges, adaptive variable transmission, 19in wheels w/ all-season Michelin tires, and a host of other features such as heated steering wheel and seats, back-up monitor with rear cross traffic alert, LFA inspired digital dash + more! Overall I love the car! I use my car mostly for weekend/highway travel so I spend a lot of time in the car during long trips. Every time I stop at a gas station, shopping center, etc., people are at awe of the styling of the car. I am constantly asked "What kind of car is that!?!?" and the RC constantly receives compliments! I would describe the RC and a "smooth operator"
BEST LEXUS EVER
5 out of 5 starsFrank Lazzerini, M.D., 05/09/2016
2016 Lexus RC 300 2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Great looking car. Gets lots of looks. Ride is excellent and very smooth but good handling. Feels like a supercar from behind the wheel. I had an LS460 before this and this car is my favorite. I do lots of highway and this car accelerates great with lots of low RPM torque. Does not need to rev high to get going. Smooth and refined. Really the best car Lexus ever made. I will keep being … one after another for years to come. The RC is great for a young Dr like myself!!!
update: 5/10/2017
Have 17,000 miles now. Problem free. Car rides and drives great. Smooth power from engine. Accelerates quickly. Great traction in snow. If you can only have one car for everything this is the car. I still think the RC300 is the best Lexus ever and a really great sports car.
It looks great!
3 out of 5 starsSpaceRacer, 11/20/2018
2017 Lexus RC 300 2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
F Sport in Caviar. This car's interior and exterior look great - better than A5 and C43 (subjective), better quality than Merc. (fact) + no NAV Screen glued to the top of the dash. Downs: terrible fuel economy (how Toyota combined low torque, hp, and fuel economy in the 300 is an engineering feat) and awful handling, much worse than the Germans; the engine needs AT LEAST 50 more hp (RC … 350); the 6 speed auto is fairly terrible (the gearing is so long by the time you reach max torque and hp in any gear other than 1st you are going very fast)-and the AWD excuse makes no sense, see Audi and Merc (I typically shift myself); the touchpad is a nightmare and this generation should have never been put into production. Also, some quality issues, surprising based on Lexus/Toyota reputation-dash replaced due to a small crack at edge of speaker (Lexus covered the dash, but stuck me with the $385 labor-as if I cracked my own dash at 5k miles) and this new dash has a small spot of discoloration, headlights replaced due to fogging on the inside, and a few minor paint imperfections. I went from owning two Audis to the RC 300 F and miss the sportier focus, but overall, despite this review, love the car. Many compliments, just lacking performance...
First Lexus and in love!
5 out of 5 starsChris B., 04/09/2019
2019 Lexus RC 300 F SPORT 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
This Lexus is beautiful from the outside as it is on the inside. The responsiveness in Sport+ mode is unparalleled. I chose this vehicle over the 2019 Audi S5, even with the heads up display in the Audi and lighting under the doors. Will lease Lexus again!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 Lexus RC 300, so we've included reviews for other years of the RC 300 since its last redesign.
Helpful shopping links
2023 Lexus RC 300 Features Specs
Base
Total MSRP | $45,470 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 25 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $192/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 10.4 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Compare the Lexus RC 300
Compare selected vehiclesCompare Lexus RC 300 to any vehicle See full list of Luxury coupes rankings
Lexus RC 300 vs. BMW 4 Series
The 4 Series was last redesigned in 2021, while the RC 300 has been its current generation since 2015. Since the BMW is so much newer, it holds a distinct advantage in a number of areas. Obviously technology is one of the most significant, but the 4 Series is also more powerful and efficient. It also balances handling performance and comfort better, but the BMW's grille remains polarizing.
Lexus RC 300 vs. Audi A5
The Audi A5 comes standard with all-wheel drive and is also available as a convertible and a four-door hatchback. Its interior and power output are comparable to the Lexus' but the Audi holds an edge with its more intuitive infotainment system and better fuel economy. The RC 300 counters that with a more generous list of safety features and rear-wheel drive for enthusiast drivers.
Lexus RC 300 vs. Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe has gone without a redesign as long as the Lexus RC has, though the sedan received one just last year. It's likely this is the last year for the C-Class Coupe, as it's poised to be replaced by a new CLE Coupe in the next year or two. Despite its age, the C-Class boasts an impeccable interior and more advanced tech features than the Lexus.

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Safety
Our experts’ favorite RC 300 safety features:
- Pre-Collision System
- Warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time.
- Blind-Spot Warning with Rear Cross-Traffic Warning
- Warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse.
- High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Maintains a driver-set distance between the Lexus and the car in front.
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test | Good |
---|---|
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test | Good |
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original | Good |
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated | Not Tested |
Side Impact Test – Original | Good |
Side Impact Test – Updated | Not Tested |
Roof Strength Test | Good |
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint | Good |
FAQ
Is the Lexus RC 300 a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 RC 300 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.1 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2023 RC 300 gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 21 reviews) 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 2023 Lexus RC 300?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Lexus RC 300:
- A new infotainment touchscreen debuts
- F Sport Appearance package joins the options list
- Minor interior trim upgrades
- 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 5-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2023 Lexus RC 300 a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Lexus RC 300 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 RC 300 and gave it a 7.1 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 RC 300 gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 21 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 RC 300 is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2023 Lexus RC 300?
The least-expensive 2023 Lexus RC 300 is the 2023 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 $44,320.
Other versions include:
- 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $44,320
- 2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) which starts at $47,010
- F SPORT 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $48,940
- F SPORT 2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) which starts at $51,230
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 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A), 2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A), F SPORT 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A), and F SPORT 2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A). For a full list of RC 300 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
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