2023 Lexus RC 300

Price Range: $44,320 - $51,230 ^{Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.}

2023 Lexus RC 300 F SPORT Coupe Exterior

+80

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.

22 Owner Reviews

25 mpg

Combined MPG

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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 Drive^{Cost 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 $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$218/mo

$181/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

Calculate my fuel costs

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

Our Verdict^{The 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.}

Below Average

7.1

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

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.

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.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

Save as much as $3,143 with Edmunds ^{Click on the model you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal.}

2023 Lexus RC 300 pricing

in Columbus, OH

Edmunds suggests you pay

Build & Price

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.

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.

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.

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

Lexus RC 300 Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.6

22 reviews

5(82%)

4(4%)

3(9%)

2(0%)

1(5%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Great car!!

KD, 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 …

BEST LEXUS EVER

Frank 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 …

It looks great!

SpaceRacer, 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 …

First Lexus and in love!

Chris 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.

See all 22 reviews of the Lexus RC 300

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2023 Lexus RC 300 Features Specs

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$44,320
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	25 MPG
Cost to Drive	$218/month
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	10.4 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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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.

Compare Lexus RC 300 & BMW 4 Series features

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.

Compare Lexus RC 300 & Audi A5 features

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.

Compare Lexus RC 300 & Mercedes-Benz C-Class features

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 22 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

Learn more

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 22 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