2021 Lexus RC 300 Review

Name: 2021 Lexus RC 300 Review
Brand: Lexus

Price: $36,990

Lexus RC 300 F SPORT Coupe Exterior. Options Shown.

+73

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.

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Lexus RC 300 model years

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2021 Lexus RC 300 Review

byTravis Langness^{Reviews Editor
Travis Langness has worked in the automotive industry since 2011. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.}

Pros

Excellent interior craftsmanship
Quiet interior on the highway

Cons

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

What's new

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

Overview

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.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 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 $3.77 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$188/mo

$155/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

Calculate my fuel costs

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.

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

8/10

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.

Interior

7/10

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 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.

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 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.

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

6/10

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

7/10

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 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.

2021 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:

Base
Starts you out with:

LED headlights
Keyless entry and ignition
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Power-adjustable front seats
Heated front seats (with all-wheel drive)
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
7-inch infotainment display
10-speaker sound system
Lexus Enform connectivity services with on-board Wi-Fi

Every RC 300 also comes with:

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 assist (steers the RC back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)

F Sport
The F Sport is a sportier RC that adds on:

Mesh grille and a unique front fascia
Unique interior fittings and an upgraded instrument panel
Adaptive sport-tuned suspension dampers
Upgraded brakes
Sport front seats

Several other options are available, most bundled into packages such as:

Premium package

Driver's seat memory settings
Heated and ventilated front seats
Power-adjustable steering column

Navigation with Mark Levinson Audio package

10.3-inch screen
Upgraded voice controls
Surround-sound 17-speaker audio system

Black line Special Edition

Special interior trim and wheels
Upgraded LED headlights
Zero Halliburton custom luggage

Other stand-alone options include:

Limited-slip differential (enhances traction for performance driving; F Sport only)
Heated steering wheel
Sunroof
Upgraded LED headlights
Parking sensors

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Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 Lexus RC 300.

5 (82%)

4 (4%)

3 (9%)

2 (0%)

1 (5%)

4.6

22 reviews

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Most helpful consumer 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 2021 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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2021 RC 300 Highlights

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$42,220
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	24 MPG
Cost to Drive	$188/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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Safety

Our experts like the RC 300 models:

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.

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

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2021 Lexus RC 300 Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 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 $3.77 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which RC 300 does Edmunds recommend?

2021 Lexus RC 300 models

Most helpful consumer reviews

Great car!!

BEST LEXUS EVER

It looks great!

First Lexus and in love!

2021 RC 300 Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 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 $3.77 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}