2021 Lexus RC 300 Review
Price Range: $28,995 - $31,990
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Below Average
7.1
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
Smooth manners and a solid interior help the 2021 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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2021 Lexus RC 300 Review
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.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
12 listings
- $33,303
- 13,495 miles
- 1 accident, 2 owners, personal use only
- 4cyl automatic
- Lexus of Silver Spring (28 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Upgraded Headlights
Close
Located in Silver Spring, MD
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
24 Combined MPG (21 City/30 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JTHAA5BCXM5011360
Stock: P1D1702A
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 11-09-2025 - $28,995
- 54,111 miles
- 1 accident, 2 owners, personal use only
- 6cyl automatic
- Passport BMW (34 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Upgraded Headlights
Close
Located in Suitland, MD
2021 Lexus RC 300 Black AWD 6-Speed Automatic 3.5L V6 DOHC 24VAuto Intermittent Wiper, Driver & Passenger Seat Memory, Heated & Vented Driver & Pass...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
21 Combined MPG (18 City/24 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JTHD85EC7M5006489
Stock: B157963B
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 10-23-2025
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
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Below Average
7.1
out of 10
We drove the 2021 Lexus RC 300 on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
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
8/10
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
2021 Lexus RC 300 trim level differences
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:
Which RC 300 trim 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.
Compare 2021 Lexus RC 300 trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

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Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$187/mo for RC 300 Base
RC 300 Base
vs
$155/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Reliability
The 2021 Lexus RC 300 has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and no recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
There are no recalls for the 2021 Lexus RC 300Warranty
4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 6 years / 70,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 6 years / unlimited miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 4 years / unlimited miles
- Free maintenance Warranty
- 1 years / 10,000 miles
Lexus RC 300 Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(82%)
4(4%)
3(9%)
2(0%)
1(5%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
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 2021 Lexus RC 300, so we've included reviews for other years of the RC 300 since its last redesign.
2021 RC 300 Highlights
Base
| Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $42,220 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $187/month |
| Seating | 4 seats |
| Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 10.4 cu.ft. |
rear wheel drive | |
| Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
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 TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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