2021 Lexus RC 350
MSRP range: $45,150 - $51,230 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.
2021 Lexus RC 350 Review
byReese Counts
Vehicle Test Editor
Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at Edmunds in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.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
- Blind-spot monitoring now standard across the lineup
- New limited-production Black Line Special Edition model
- Part of the first RC generation introduced for 2015
The 2021 Lexus RC 350 is an eye-catching luxury sport coupe that leans more toward comfort than all-out performance. The Lexus RC has been on sale since 2015 and has gotten a few refreshes over the years. Updates for 2021 include the new Black Line Special Edition. Limited to just 350 units, it comes with some special interior and exterior styling details plus a set of custom luggage. The rest of the RC carries over unchanged. While the RC 350 isn't as sporty as its design might suggest, its well-crafted cabin is quieter and more comfortable than the interiors of many competitors.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 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 $4.07 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$216/mo
RC 350 F SPORT
vs
$182/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Its main rivals all hail from Germany. The new BMW 4 Series is the latest addition to this class. Its schnoz is as striking — and divisive — as the RC 350's spindle grille. Looks aside, we found the new 4 Series to be sporty and athletic without compromising comfort. The Audi A5 was just updated too, with revised looks and an updated infotainment system. Then there's the Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe. It's as old as the RC 350 but, like the Lexus, it doesn't feel all that dated when you slip behind the wheel. Check out our Expert Rating below to get our in-depth evaluation on this year's RC.
Edmunds Expert Rating
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
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2021 Lexus RC 350 pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Base
3.5L 6cyl 8A
Edmunds suggests you pay
$43,691
F SPORT
3.5L 6cyl 8A
Edmunds suggests you pay
$47,882
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Which RC 350 does Edmunds recommend?
The 2021 RC 350 is available in two trims, and we suggest going with the top-level F Sport model with rear-wheel drive. It adds features such as an adaptive suspension, and it's available with performance options including a limited-slip differential that helps the RC 350's handling match its sharp styling.
Lexus RC 350 models
The 2021 Lexus RC 350 is available in two trim levels: base and F Sport. Both are powered by a 3.5-liter non-turbocharged V6 engine (311 hp, 280 lb-ft) that sends power to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available on both models. The turbocharged four-cylinder RC 300 and high-performance RC F are reviewed separately.
Helpful shopping links
Features & Specs
- Total MSRP
- $46,225
- 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 @ 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.
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
2021 Lexus RC 350
2021 Audi A5
Lexus RC 350 vs. Audi A5
The Audi A5 was recently updated with a new infotainment system and slightly revised exterior styling, making one of the best luxury coupes on the road even better. It's handsome, comfortable and reasonably sporty. It's also available with a wide array of tech and drive aids. Standard all-wheel drive makes it quicker than the RC 350 even though it has significantly less power.
Lexus RC 350 vs. BMW 4 Series
The BMW 4 Series was recently redesigned, moving to a platform that shares much with the 3 Series sedan. Contentious design aside, we found the new coupe to be sporty and quick without compromising comfort. The base four-cylinder is underpowered compared to the Lexus' V6 but offers better performance. Cargo space is surprisingly good, but passenger space is compromised by the standard sunroof.
Lexus RC 350 vs. Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The C-Class and the RC 350 were both introduced in 2015, and both are showing their age compared to newer luxury coupes. The C-Class offers more passenger space up front than the Lexus, and we prefer the C-Class' infotainment system to the one in the Lexus. The Mercedes feels a bit more refined than the RC on the road, though we suggest skipping the optional sport suspension.
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FAQ
Is the Lexus RC 350 a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2021 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 2021 Lexus RC 350?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Lexus RC 350:
- Blind-spot monitoring now standard across the lineup
- New limited-production Black Line Special Edition model
- 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 2021 Lexus RC 350 a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2021 Lexus RC 350 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2021 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 2021 RC 350 is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2021 Lexus RC 350?
The least-expensive 2021 Lexus RC 350 is the 2021 Lexus RC 350 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $45,150.
Other versions include:
- 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $45,150
- 2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) which starts at $47,315
- F SPORT 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 8A) which starts at $49,620
- F SPORT 2dr Coupe AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) which starts at $51,230
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
