2018 Lexus RC 350 Review

Name: 2018 Lexus RC 350
Brand: Lexus

Price Range: $33,998 - $35,998

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Appraise My 2018 Lexus RC 350

Lexus RC 350 model years

Lexus RC 350 for Sale

Edmunds' Expert Review

by Calvin Kim

Pros

Interior craftsmanship is excellent
The ride quality will provide hours of comfortable touring
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 children

What’s new

For 2018, the RC 350 receives a slight bump in power, from 306 horsepower to 311 hp, while torque is up from 277 pound-feet to 280 lb-ft. A 10.3-inch navigation screen can be optioned, and a three-year Scout GPS link subscription is now standard.

Vehicle overview

The 2018 Lexus RC 350 is a comfortable and stylish luxury coupe. It's a fine companion for both commuting and long-distance driving, and it offers all-wheel drive for enhanced traction in wet or snowy conditions. As a performance coupe, though, the RC 350 is a little disappointing.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Ashburn, VA

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2018 Lexus RC 350
Base Coupe
$35,998
- 56,885 miles
- 6cyl automatic
- 29 mi away
- Free delivery available*
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Upgraded Headlights
Close
Located in Woodbridge, VA
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:
JTHSZ5BC0J5008797
Stock:
70079681
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
2018 Lexus RC 350
Base Coupe
$26,779
great price
$4,578 below market
- 32,502 miles
- 6cyl automatic
- 30 mi away
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Upgraded Headlights
Close
Located in Woodbridge, VA
The 2018 Lexus RC 350 is a striking luxury sport coupe that masterfully blends performance, style, and refinement. With just 32,502 miles, this vehicl...
Features and Specs:
21 Combined MPG (18 City/24 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
JTHSZ5BC5J5008987
Stock:
008987
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
Listed since:
10-16-2025

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The RC 350 is more powerful than the RC 300 version, and its smooth-revving V6 now makes a respectable 311 horsepower. That's good enough for the RC 350 to sprint from zero to 60 mph in about 5.9 seconds. But the reality is that most competing coupes with their turbocharged six-cylinder engines are quicker still. Another problem is the RC 350's heavy curb weight, which keeps the car's handling from being razor-sharp.

The 2018 RC 350 wins some points for its smooth and quiet road manners. But we think you'll be happier overall with rivals such as the Audi A5, BMW 440i or Mercedes-AMG C 43 coupe.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

7.3 / 10

While the Lexus RC 350 is comfortable and stylish, its performance doesn't match up to that of other luxury coupes. You may want to look elsewhere if you're in search of a car that can deliver luxury and thrills in equal measure.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions, although trim levels share many aspects. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2015 Lexus RC 350 Coupe with the optional F Sport package (3.5L V6 | 8-speed automatic | RWD).

Note that since this test was conducted, the RC has received only minor revisions.

Scorecard

Overall	7.3 / 10
Driving	7.0
Comfort	8.5
Interior	6.0
Utility	6.5

Driving

7.0

Unfortunately, the RC 350 F Sport is less than the sum of its parts. Acceleration is underwhelming for a luxury sport coupe, and it's not a particularly rewarding car to drive fast around turns.

Acceleration

7.0

The previous RC 350 version we tested accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, which is about average for the class. This year's model is slightly more powerful. The all-wheel-drive 300 is slower, and Lexus says it needs 7.3 seconds to reach 60 mph.

Braking

6.5

The brake pedal provides excellent response without feeling grabby or abrupt in normal use. But in our simulated-panic stop, an RC 350 F Sport with summer tires stopped from 60 mph in 120 feet. That's disappointing.

Steering

6.0

The RC 350 F Sport we evaluated came with active four-wheel steering with optional variable-ratio electric power-assisted steering. It all sounds nifty, but in actual use, the car feels unsure in corners and difficult to predict or get used to.

Handling

6.5

In theory, the optional chassis enhancements should provide superior handling, but the RC posts only mediocre handling evaluation numbers at our test track and confounded us (and the electronic stability-control system) on our twisty evaluation route.

Drivability

9.0

Despite its steering and handling idiosyncrasies, the RC 350 is a very easy car to drive so long as you don't lean too hard on it. In highway or commute driving, it's quick and smooth.

Comfort

8.5

Even kids will find the rear legroom lacking. But otherwise the RC 350 F Sport provides an exceptionally comfortable ride, above-average front seats, and one of the quietest cabins available.

Seat comfort

7.0

The F Sport's heated and ventilated soft-leather front sport seats are well-contoured for body-hugging grip and road-trip comfort but could be a bit snug. The two rear buckets have good shape, but there's little headroom and zero legroom.

Ride comfort

8.5

With its adaptive variable suspension, the F Sport offers a sophisticated ride that smooths out road imperfections with ease. Dial it up, and it gets firmer without becoming harsh.

Noise & vibration

9.0

The RC 350 is one of the quietest cars in its class whether idling at a stoplight, accelerating up to highway speeds or cruising at 70 mph. Levels of wind, road and engine noises are all minimal.

Interior

6.0

The interior of the RC 300 is well-built but has some issues. User interfaces are frustrating at best, and the space is good up front but ultra-tight in back. There are few places to put things such as cellphones, the trunk is small, and many visibility aids cost extra.

Ease of use

5.0

It's remarkable how Lexus got the layout and electronics interface so wrong. It's an ergonomic disaster, from the terraced center stack and semiresponsive touch-sensitive temperature sliders to the finicky touchpad controller.

Getting in/getting out

6.5

Coupes are notoriously difficult because of their long doors, and so is this one. The front seats auto-slide to afford backseat access, but they are infuriatingly slow and threaten rear passengers' shins and feet upon return.

Driving position

The RC 350 provides slightly above-average front room but by far the least room in the rear when compared with its Audi, BMW and Mercedes coupe peers. Think of it as a 2+2 coupe with the comfort priority placed on the first 2 in that equation.

Visibility

7.0

Overall visibility is challenging, particularly because of the big rear blind spots. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and front and rear parking sensors are optional.

Quality

9.5

As with any Lexus, the RC 350's build quality (door closure, leather, paint and cabin isolation) is outstanding. Not a squeak or rattle ever. Even the few plastic bits have the look and feel of high quality.

Utility

6.5

Considering the lack of storage for your personal items and the small trunk, the Lexus RC 300 trails the competition when it comes to utility.

Small-item storage

It lacks cubbies and nooks and has shallow bucket cupholders. A small center bin and narrow, hard-to-access door pockets are also problematic. The glovebox is merely adequate.

Cargo space

With a trunk volume of only 10.4 cubic feet, the RC 300 isn't the most cargo-friendly coupe in the class. Fortunately, the standard 60/40-split fold-down rear seats expand space.

Technology

Lexus' Remote Touchpad infotainment interface is one of the worst controllers we've experienced. It works much like a laptop trackpad, but it's very difficult to use while in motion. On the bright side, the display is crisp and offers a lot of features.

Which RC 350 does Edmunds recommend?

For the RC 350, it's at its best if you stick with the standard rear-wheel-drive configuration and add the optional F Sport package. Besides sporty cosmetic touches inside and out, it also adds an adaptive suspension, which helps improve the car's overall ride comfort and handling capabilities. Don't bother with the Variable Gear Ratio Steering option, though. The car's steering doesn't feel natural, and the RC is less enjoyable to drive because of it.

Compare 2018 Lexus RC 350 trim levels

2018 Lexus RC 350 models

The 2018 Lexus RC 350 is the most powerful version of the RC luxury sport coupe. It's supported by the less expensive RC 300, which is reviewed separately. Standard features are mostly identical among these variants, with the engine the most significant difference. The RC 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 (311 horsepower, 280 pound-feet of torque) paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission for rear-wheel-drive models. A six-speed automatic comes with all-wheel-drive versions.

Standard feature highlights include 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, power-adjustable front seats, heated seats (AWD models only), simulated-leather upholstery, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, Bluetooth, a 7-inch color display, voice controls, and a 10-speaker sound system with satellite radio. Also standard is adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and mitigation, lane departure warning and lane keeping assist, and Lexus Enform communication and remote services.

A number of option packages are offered, although availability can vary depending on where you live. The Premium package adds heated and ventilated front seats and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The Luxury package includes those items plus automatic wipers, perforated-leather upholstery, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel (with a heated rim on AWD models) and driver-seat memory settings. The All-Weather package offers headlight washers, a windshield wiper de-icer, water-repellent front door windows and a supplementary electric cabin heater.

Other options include a navigation system (with a console-mounted touchpad controller, upgraded voice controls, a 10.3-inch display, and smartphone app integration with Destination Search, Yelp, Pandora and iHeartRadio) and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound audio system.

The F Sport package fits the RC with appearance items such as a mesh grille and a unique front fascia along with substantive bits including 19-inch wheels with summer (RWD) or all-season (AWD) tires, adaptive sport-tuned suspension dampers, upgraded front brake pads (RWD only) and sport front seats. F Sport models also get perforated-leather upholstery and trim, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel (with a heated rim on AWD models), driver-seat memory settings and a special instrument cluster.

Stand-alone options include a sunroof, upgraded headlights, LED foglights, blind-spot monitoring, variable-ratio steering with a four-wheel steering system (RWD F Sport only), a limited-slip differential (RWD F Sport only), and front and rear parking sensors.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$246/mo

$199/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

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Reliability

The 2018 Lexus RC 350 has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 1 recall. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, ranks it #9 out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Cars. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

4 out of 5 stars4/5Excellent

#9 out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

$523/yr

vs. $607/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize Car

Frequency

0.77x/yr

vs. 1.36x/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize Car

Severity

7.2%

vs. 10.5%
for Average Luxury Midsize Car

Recalls

1 recall found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 20V012000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 20TB02/20T
Number of vehicles affected:: 1830752
Defect Description:: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Defect Consequence:: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Toyota notified owners of the safety risk with an interim notification between February 17, 2020 and May 4, 2020. Toyota will send a second notice to owners to have the fuel pump replaced once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB02 and 20TA02 for Toyota vehicles and 20LB01 and 20LA01 for Lexus vehicles.

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

Lexus RC 350 Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.6

43 reviews

5(70%)

4(21%)

3(7%)

2(0%)

1(2%)

See all 43 reviews of the Lexus RC 350

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2018 RC 350 Features & Specs

MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee	$43,570
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$246/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 350 models:

Pre-Collision System: Warns you if a collision is imminent and will apply the brakes if you don't act in time.
Blind-Spot/Rear Cross-Traffic Alerts: Lets you know if there's a vehicle in your blind spot or approaching 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