2022 Lexus RC 300

Price Estimate: $27,714 - $33,454

Below Average

Smooth manners and a solid interior help the 2022 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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Appraise My 2022 Lexus RC 300

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 kids
Offers less cargo room than competitors

What's new

No significant changes for 2022
Part of the first RC generation introduced for 2015

Overview

Written by automotive expert Michael Cantu

3/31/2022

The 2022 Lexus RC 300 is part of the RC lineup that also includes the RC 350 and RC F, which are reviewed separately. If you're looking for a Lexus coupe, the RC and more expensive LC models are your only choices. The RC 300 is the most affordable coupe Lexus offers, but you can still expect the exceptional build quality and luxury Lexus is known for.

The RC 300 does a great job looking like a stylish sport coupe (especially the F Sport model), but it drives more like a grand tourer. It's composed around corners but it's more at home cruising the highway. You have two powertrain options to choose from, but neither will get your heart racing. If you need all-wheel drive, the RC 300 has you covered, but for those who don't, rear-wheel drive is standard.

If the Lexus RC 300's unique design, comfortable ride and well-crafted interior aren't enough, there are a couple of European luxury coupes to consider. Unlike the RC 300, the Audi A5 and BMW 4 Series haven't gone so long without a redesign, and they offer newer tech and other more modern touches. Besides having a difficult-to-use infotainment system and subpar overall performance, the RC 300 has other drawbacks to consider. For a deeper dive into what our testing team thought of the RC 300, check out the Edmunds' Expert Rating below.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

Driven, tested, rated by automotive expert Brent Romans

Below Average

7.1

out of 10

We drove the 2022 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.

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 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.

For sale near Columbus, OH

21 listings

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New Listing
2021 Lexus RC 300
Base Coupe
$36,998
- 23,113 miles
- 4cyl automatic
- 954 mi away
- Delivery available*
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Upgraded Headlights
- Blind Spot Monitorin...
Close
Located in Fort Worth, TX
Wanna drive? CarMax puts you in the driver's seat-and that includes transparency and pricing without document or processing fees. Certain cars may hav...
Features and Specs:
24 Combined MPG (21 City/30 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
JTHAA5BC8M5011440
Stock:
70262681
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
New Listing
2021 Lexus RC 300
F SPORT Coupe
$40,998
- 12,210 miles
- 6cyl automatic
- 308 mi away
- Delivery available*
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Upgraded Headlights
Close
Located in Mechanicsburg, PA
Wanna drive? CarMax puts you in the driver's seat-and that includes transparency and pricing without document or processing fees. Certain cars may hav...
Features and Specs:
21 Combined MPG (18 City/24 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
JTHG85EC9M5006412
Stock:
28920590
Certified Pre-Owned:
No

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2022 Lexus RC 300 trim level differences

The 2022 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: Compare the 2022 Lexus RC 300 trim levels in-depth.

Which RC 300 trim does Edmunds recommend?

The F Sport trim might draw more looks, but we recommend the base RC 300 model. Most people will be happy with the generous number of standard features, and if not, the majority of the RC's optional features are available on the base trim. A nice upgrade is the Navigation package that adds a larger 10.3-inch screen and a navigation system.

Lexus RC 300 Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.6

23 reviews

5(83%)

4(4%)

3(9%)

2(0%)

1(4%)

See all 23 reviews of the Lexus RC 300

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2022 RC 300 Features & Specs

Trim:

Base

Est. Market Value	$28,467
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	25 MPG
Cost to Drive	$241/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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Reliability

The 2022 Lexus RC 300 has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and no recalls.

Recalls

There are no recalls for the 2022 Lexus RC 300

Warranty

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

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Lexus RC 300
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Lexus RC 300 vs. Audi A5

The A5 is only available with all-wheel drive but offers convertible and four-door hatchback body styles as well. It's a tough rival to the RC 300 because the A5 offers more sophisticated tech, a more modern-looking interior and a better driving experience. It's also more fuel-efficient. But it's not all bad news for the RC 300. It comes standard with more driver aids and gives you the option of rear-wheel drive.

Compare Lexus RC 300 & Audi A5 features

Lexus RC 300 vs. BMW 4 Series

It's almost not fair to compare these two luxury coupes because the highly rated 4 Series coupe is fresh off a 2021 redesign. Its tech is on another level, it drives like a true sport coupe, and it has a modern, well-built interior. It offers the best of both worlds: great handling and superb comfort. The BMW also packs potent engines that are more fuel-efficient. The 4 Series is hard to beat, unless of course you can't stand that grille.

Compare Lexus RC 300 & BMW 4 Series features

Lexus RC 300 vs. Infiniti Q60

Both luxury coupes are showing their age but still sport very stylish exteriors. Each one also gives you a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive. However, the Q60 packs a more powerful turbocharged V6 engine that's as efficient as the RC 300's V6. You won't find the latest tech in either premium coupe and don't expect an engaging driving experience either. But when it comes to superior craftsmanship and ride quality, the RC 300 gets the win.

Compare Lexus RC 300 & Infiniti Q60 features

Safety

Our experts like the RC 300 models:

Pre-Collision System: Warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time.
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.
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

Research other RC 300 years

FAQ

Is the Lexus RC 300 a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2022 RC 300 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.1 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2022 RC 300 gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 23 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 2022 Lexus RC 300?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2022 Lexus RC 300:

No significant changes for 2022
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 2022 Lexus RC 300 a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2022 Lexus RC 300 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2022 RC 300 and gave it a 7.1 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2022 RC 300 gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 23 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2022 RC 300 is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2022 Lexus RC 300?

The least-expensive 2022 Lexus RC 300 is the 2022 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 $42,820.

Other versions include:

2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $42,820
2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) which starts at $45,510
F SPORT 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $47,290
F SPORT 2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) which starts at $49,465

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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

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$241/mo

$225/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

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