2023 Lexus RC 350
MSRP range: $47,250 - $53,595 Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.
7.2/10
Edmunds Rating
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.
2023 Lexus RC 350 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
- One of the quietest cars in its class
- Smooth power from the V6 engine
Cons
- Overall performance comes up short against rivals
- Tiny back seats are small, even for kids
- Offers less cargo room than competitors
What's new
- A new touchscreen improves the infotainment system
- F Sport Special Appearance package debuts
- Part of the first RC generation introduced for 2015
Not every driver craves sports car performance. There are plenty of people who simply want a comfortable vehicle that looks good, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Among luxury coupes, the Lexus RC fills that role with ease. The 2023 Lexus RC 350 represents the middle ground in that lineup, supported by the less powerful RC 300 and capped by the powerful V8-powered RC F.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 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 $3.96 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$210/mo
RC 350 F SPORT
vs
$173/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
It's been eight years since the RC was introduced, meaning it's overdue for a full redesign if it's to continue. The edgy coupe is showing its age, especially in terms of power and performance, compared to its primary rivals, yet it remains a viable choice for luxury-oriented customers. For 2023, the RC 350 receives a new infotainment touchscreen that replaces the old display. That gives users the ability to control the system with the more common touch controls rather than being stuck with Lexus' frustrating trackpad controller. Also new is a Special Appearance package for F Sport models that debuts a two-tone paint scheme with new wheels.
Even though the 2023 Lexus RC 350 may not be as athletic as some of its German rivals, it should still please more relaxed drivers and cost them less. Competitors such as the BMW 4 Series, Audi S5 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class will set you back a few thousand more and deliver a more modern luxury experience, stronger performance and newer tech items. We cover all of the areas where the RC 350 holds an advantage as well as its liabilities in our Expert Rating below.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Please note that this rating may change slightly once we test the RC 350's updated touchscreen capability for 2023.
average
7.2/10
Edmunds 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.
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
Which RC 350 does Edmunds recommend?
The F Sport model gets our recommendation since it better fulfills the promise of sporty performance to match the RC 350's sleek shape. The adaptive suspension provides sharper handling without sacrificing ride comfort, along with a long list of convenience and luxury features to justify the slight price increase.
Lexus RC 350 models
The 2023 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, which changes the transmission to a six-speed automatic. The turbocharged four-cylinder RC 300 and high-performance RC F are reviewed separately.
Helpful shopping links
Features & Specs
- Total MSRP
- $48,400
- MPG & Fuel
- 20 City / 28 Hwy / 23 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.5 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 4 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: rear wheel drive
- Transmission: 8-speed shiftable automatic
- Engine
- V6 cylinder
- Horsepower: 311 hp @ 6,600 rpm
- Torque: 280 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 4 yr./ 50,000 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: 3,748 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 10.4 cu.ft.
Compare the Lexus RC 350
Compare selected vehiclesCompare Lexus RC 350 to any vehicle See full list of Luxury coupes rankings
Lexus RC 350 vs. BMW 4 Series
It should be no surprise the 4 Series is our favorite luxury sport coupe in this limited class since BMW essentially invented that segment decades ago. It delivers scintillating performance with plentiful power and impressive handling. At the same time, the 4 Series is relatively fuel-efficient and comfortable. It was last redesigned in 2021 with mixed reactions to its odd grille, but if you can get past its looks, you'll have one of the strongest performers in the class.
Lexus RC 350 vs. Audi S5
The Audi A5 is a strong rival to the Lexus RC 300, but the S5 is our choice to go up against the RC 350. With 349 horsepower and standard all-wheel-drive, the Audi boasts brisk acceleration and its sure-footed traction inspires confidence. The S5 is sportier than the Lexus and its infotainment system is more intuitive, but the RC holds the edge in comfort and has more standard safety features.
Lexus RC 350 vs. Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe and convertible models are the same as last year’s even though the C-Class sedan was redesigned last year. Even though these models date back to the 2015 redesign, they remain relevant today and deliver an excess of luxury. The older C-Class may be missing some of the latest safety and tech features, but the Lexus is no spring chicken itself.
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.
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FAQ
Is the Lexus RC 350 a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 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 2023 Lexus RC 350?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Lexus RC 350:
- A new touchscreen improves the infotainment system
- F Sport Special Appearance package debuts
- 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 2023 Lexus RC 350 a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Lexus RC 350 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 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 2023 RC 350 is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2023 Lexus RC 350?
The least-expensive 2023 Lexus RC 350 is the 2023 Lexus RC 350 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $47,250.
Other versions include:
- 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $47,250
- 2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) which starts at $49,415
- F SPORT 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $51,870
- F SPORT 2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) which starts at $53,595
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