2022 Lexus RC 350
2022 Lexus RC 350 Review
byDan Frio
Reviews Editor
Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show).Pros
- Excellent interior craftsmanship
- One of the quietest cars in its class
- Smooth power from the V6 engine
Cons
- Overall performance comes up short against rivals
- Infotainment interface is difficult to operate
- Tiny back seats are small, even for kids
- Offers less cargo room than competitors
What's new
- The RC 350 carries over unchanged
- Part of the first RC generation introduced for 2015
If you want a car with curb presence, the 2022 Lexus RC 350 has it. Like a home that draws you in with shaded porticos and intricate flagstone, this Lexus sport coupe cuts a sharp figure with its creased metal, steeply raked windshield and sloping roofline. The RC isn't quite as sporty as it looks, however. Its 311-horsepower V6 engine hauls the car up to speed just fine, but in the curves and corners, the portly RC 350 proves less nimble than its main rivals. The F Sport trim's adaptive suspension and optional grippy summer tires dial up handling performance, but ultimately the RC 350 is more about cruising and comfort than speed or dynamic movements.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Lexus RC 350 F SPORT 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 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 $5.33 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$282/mo
RC 350 F SPORT
vs
$237/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
The interior is small, but the soft-touch materials are supple and tightly assembled. The firm ride is absorbent enough for choppy commutes, and the seats hold fast without intrusive bolstering. Perhaps the RC 350's biggest drawback is that it hasn't evolved much since its introduction. Recent updates to the Audi A5/S5 and BMW 4 Series have made them more fuel-efficient and tech-friendly than the Lexus. But the RC 350 still has enough appeal to make it worth checking out if you want a distinctive and comfortable luxury coupe. Read our Expert Rating for a deeper dive into the pros and cons of this year's RC.
Edmunds Expert 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.
7.2 /10
The RC 350 exists in a space between a grand-touring coupe and a sports car. It never really settles into either role, but it does deliver on the luxury coupe experience with excellent build quality and eye-catching styling. A frustrating tech interface and tight interior, however, make it tough to fully recommend.
Rated for you by America’s best test team.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Compare dealer price quotes
2022 Lexus RC 350 pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Base
3.5L 6cyl 8A
Edmunds suggests you pay$46,968
F SPORT
3.5L 6cyl 8A
Edmunds suggests you pay$51,478
Which RC 350 does Edmunds recommend?
We recommend opting for the F Sport configuration. Its adaptive suspension, upgraded brakes, and optional summer tires and limited-slip differential help its handling potential live up to the promise of its extroverted styling. If you live in a wet-weather climate, or even if you're determined to extract every potential ounce of handling performance, opt for all-wheel drive.
Lexus RC 350 models
The 2022 Lexus RC 350 is available in two trim levels: base and F Sport. Both come with a 3.5-liter V6 engine (311 horsepower, 280 lb-ft) joined to an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional. The turbocharged four-cylinder RC 300 and high-performance RC F are reviewed separately.
Features & Specs
- Total MSRP
- $46,825
- MPG & Fuel
- 20 City / 28 Hwy / 23 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.4 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 4 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: rear wheel drive
- Transmission: 8-speed shiftable automatic
- Engine
- V6 cylinder
- Horsepower: 311 hp @ 6600 rpm
- Torque: 280 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 4 yr./ 50000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 185.0 in. / Height: 54.9 in.
- Overall Width with Mirrors: 80.6 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 72.4 in.
- Curb Weight: 3748 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 10.4 cu.ft.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite RC 350 safety features:
- Pre-Collision System
- Warns the driver of a possible impact with pedestrians or other cars. Can automatically apply the brakes if necessary.
- Lane Departure Alert with Keeping Assist
- Warns you when the car's drifting out of your lane and intervenes with steering input if needed.
- Safety Connect
- Includes automatic collision notification, an emergency assist button and stolen vehicle location services.
Lexus RC 350 vs. the competition
2022 Lexus RC 350
2022 Audi A5
Lexus RC 350 vs. Audi A5
The A5 is a tech lover's dream, with standard or available features including a 10-inch touchscreen, a large digital gauge display, a head-up display and a self-parking system. The RC 350's V6 engine makes more power than the A5's turbo four-cylinder, but the Audi's lighter weight and all-wheel drive make it more fun in the curves. The Lexus also comes with more standard driver aids, while the A5's are spread among its trim levels.
Lexus RC 350 vs. BMW 4 Series
The recently redesigned BMW 4 Series has a new grille design that is polarizing, but if it doesn't bother you, there's a lot to like. The base four-cylinder engine isn't as robust as the RC 350's V6 but offers surprisingly good torque and low-end punch, and there's an optional turbo six-cylinder should you desire. The 4 Series blends handling, comfort and quick acceleration into a more athletic package than the comparatively lumbering Lexus.
Lexus RC 350 vs. Porsche 718 Cayman
The Cayman costs many thousands more than the Lexus, but hear us out. For all its comfort and style, the RC 350 is only a half-hearted performance car. Nothing wrong with that. But the Cayman brings it all together: speed, athletic handling, comfort, tech and style. The Porsche's turbo four-cylinder matches up well with the Lexus V6 and even offers better low-end power. There's no back seat in the Cayman, but there isn't much of one in the Lexus either.
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FAQ
Is the Lexus RC 350 a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2022 RC 350 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.2 out of 10. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the RC 350 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 350. Learn more
What's new in the 2022 Lexus RC 350?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2022 Lexus RC 350:
- The RC 350 carries over unchanged
- Part of the first RC generation introduced for 2015
Is the Lexus RC 350 reliable?
To determine whether the Lexus RC 350 is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the RC 350. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the RC 350's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2022 Lexus RC 350 a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2022 Lexus RC 350 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2022 RC 350 and gave it a 7.2 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2022 RC 350 is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2022 Lexus RC 350?
The least-expensive 2022 Lexus RC 350 is the 2022 Lexus RC 350 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $45,750.
Other versions include:
- 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $45,750
- 2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) which starts at $47,915
- F SPORT 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $50,220
- F SPORT 2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) which starts at $51,830
What are the different models of Lexus RC 350?
If you're interested in the Lexus RC 350, the next question is, which RC 350 model is right for you? RC 350 variants include 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 8A), 2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A), F SPORT 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 8A), and F SPORT 2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A). For a full list of RC 350 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
