It's easy to like the 2019 Lexus RC F for its comfort, sharp looks and V8 engine that's chock-full of personality. Unfortunately, this car doesn't have the bite to back up its bark, especially in the highly competitive luxury sport coupe market. Personality aside, there's not one performance metric where it outshines its competitors.

Lexus recently upgraded the RC F's suspension, giving it an adaptive setup that promised both better ride and handling. Unfortunately, it only really delivered on half that promise. The ride has improved, but handling still leaves something to be desired. The RC F is also stuck with the most frustrating tech interface in the class and, in spite of its plus-size exterior dimensions, a small trunk and back seat.

The RC F's competitors have also all benefited from more recent and comprehensive updates. A number of the RC F's features feel almost last-generation by comparison, and at this price point that's quite disappointing. The Audi RS 5 was completely redesigned recently, and it is incredibly quick, quite comfortable, and available with tons of technology upgrades. You've also got the newly revitalized BMW M2 or impressively well-rounded Mercedes-AMG C 63 Coupe to consider.

The 2019 RC F is the odd car out here, with little to recommend it. Yet much of the appeal of this class of car comes more from styling and personality than raw numbers. It's quite possible that this Lexus will still win you over with its distinctive styling and softer approach to performance.

What's it like to live with?

Edmunds' editorial team acquired and lived with a 2015 Lexus RC F for six months, logging over 10,000 miles. We fell in love with the RC F's powerfully smooth V8 engine and attractive cabin but found its infotainment system frustrating to use.

The 2019 Lexus RC F differs from our long-term RC F in that the suspension features standard adaptive dampers, which greatly improve the ride quality over what we experienced in the 2015 car. It's the same generation, though, so most of our observations still apply. Read our long-term RC F test to learn more about everything from seat comfort to real-world fuel economy.

2019 Lexus RC F models

The 2019 Lexus RC F is the high-performance version of the Lexus RC coupe, which we review separately. Specific F version upgrades include a 5.0-liter V8 engine (467 horsepower, 389 pound-feet of torque), a specially tuned eight-speed automatic transmission, a limited-slip differential, an adaptive variable suspension, Brembo upgrade brakes, and 19-inch forged alloy wheels. The RC F also gets special styling and sport seats. There is a single trim level that can be upgraded with a choice of several packages and stand-alone optional upgrades.

Standard equipment includes LED headlights, automatic high beams, auto-dimming mirrors, adjustable drive modes, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, a rearview camera, power-adjustable front seats with memory settings, simulated leather upholstery, and a power-adjustable steering wheel.

Also standard are Safety Connect emergency communications (automatic collision notification, emergency assist button and stolen-vehicle locator), Lexus Enform Remote services (smartphone-based remote vehicle controls), the Lexus Display Audio tech interface (7-inch screen and knob controller), Scout GPS Link smartphone-based navigation system, a USB port, and a 10-speaker sound system that includes a CD player and HD and satellite radio.

Three main packages are available for the RC F. The Premium package adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems, automatic wipers, auto-dimming side mirrors, parking sensors, heated and ventilated front seats, and carbon-fiber interior trim. There's also a Performance package (a rear torque-vectoring differential, a carbon-fiber roof and a speed-activated carbon-fiber rear spoiler) and an All-Weather package.

The navigation system comes bundled with the Remote Touch interface (a 10.3-inch screen and touchpad controller), two USB ports, voice controls and a suite of infotainment apps. You can also add to that a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system and six-CD/DVD changer. Other stand-alone options include upgraded LED headlights, a sunroof and leather upholstery.

For 2019, to celebrate 10 years of F performance models, 250 RC Fs will be available with the 10th Anniversary Edition package. This package adds unique 19-inch BBS wheels, blue brake calipers, blue leather seats with white highlights, blue leather on the steering wheel and shifter, and an embossed headliner.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Lexus RC F (5.0-L V8 | 8-speed automatic | RWD).

Scorecard

Overall	6.6 / 10
Driving	7.0
Comfort	8.0
Interior	7.0
Utility	5.5
Technology	5.0

Driving

7.0

A strong V8, a trick differential and an adaptive suspension can't save this car from its own weight. Our tester tipped the scales at just over 4,000 pounds, and its density affects almost every element of its performance, from acceleration to handling. Still, the engine sounds great when pushed.

Acceleration

7.5

Get the engine over about 3,500 rpm, and the intake and exhaust open up to create an explosive soundtrack. But the 467-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 has a lot of weight to contend with. Our as-tested 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds is not slow, but it is more than a half-second off its closest competitor.

Braking

7.5

The light pedal effort makes it easy to overbrake a bit on regular roads, making for occasionally jerky engagement. But the brakes are strong, and our as-tested 60-0 mph distance of 108 feet is quite good. Once you get used to the brakes, they instill some much-needed confidence.

Steering

7.0

The steering is nicely weighted, and it's also precise and sharp. The quick ratio means that, especially on the highway, the RC F can feel darty. However, there's no feedback from the road, which can be problematic during spirited driving considering the RC F's handling issues.

Handling

6.5

On smooth pavement, the RC F handles adequately. Introduce bumps or midcorner maneuvers, however, and the RC F's mass becomes unsettled. In stiffer suspension settings, the car bounces alarmingly on anything but smooth roads.

Drivability

7.5

Transmission shifts are sharp and crisp, and the car responds quickly and satisfyingly to the paddle commands. The throttle response feels somewhat sluggish in Normal mode and sharp enough in the Sport modes that smooth starts can be a challenge.

Comfort

8.0

Comfortable sport seats and good sound insulation add to the grand touring character of the car. The adaptive suspension takes the edge off bumps, but its firmer settings should only be used on smooth roads.

Seat comfort

8.0

The RC F's seats have enough bolstering to hold you in place and enough padding to keep you comfortable. They're wide enough to accommodate most drivers, although some may find the bolsters push their shoulders forward. The rear seats are nicely contoured and padded as well.

Ride comfort

8.0

The adaptive suspension does a good job taking the edge off bigger bumps and making the ride more compliant. It's still firm but smooths out bumps enough to keep it comfortable on long drives. Sport and Sport+ should really only be used on smoother pavement.

Noise & vibration

8.0

The RC F is very well-insulated from surrounding traffic and wind noise. Even in its quietest setting, the engine is still audible while cruising on the freeway and sounds fantastic at full throttle. As with others in the class, tire and road noise is noticeable over rough pavement.

Climate control

7.0

The system's automatic mode, combined with automatic seat heating and cooling, works well. The capacitive-touch temperature controls are responsive, if a bit overeager, and manual adjustments are mostly easy. Unfortunately, more in-depth control requires navigating the frustrating infotainment system.

Utility

5.5

The trunk is the smallest in the class, and there aren't many options for small-item storage. Overall, there's not a lot of room for your stuff in this car. But at least the trunk opening is wide, and the trunk floor is deep and flat. They make what space there is more usable.

Small-item storage

5.0

Lexus provides cupholders for both front and rear occupants, a small console box and a small glovebox. The door pockets are relatively narrow. There's nowhere else to store phones or other small items, unfortunately.

Cargo space

6.0

The RC F doesn't have folding rear seats, so you're limited to a small pass-through if the minuscule 10.1-cubic-foot trunk isn't enough. But while the trunk is tiny for the class, it provides a deep, flat load floor and relatively wide opening. For what it is, it's quite usable.

Child safety seat accommodation

6.0

Lower LATCH anchors are behind clearly marked plastic doors, but the limited room means rear-facing seats will severely impinge on front-seat space. Also, access to the rear is already difficult; maneuvering a bulky seat in seems best avoided, if at all possible.

Technology

5.0

The technology in the RC F is simply outclassed by its competitors in terms of advancement and ease of use. Tech is one place the Lexus falls distinctly behind. Still, the Mark Levinson stereo sounds great.

Smartphone integration

5.0

The Enform system has a few useful features, but it's an added annoyance and only has access to a limited number of compatible apps. It's an inelegant workaround when Apple CarPlay and Android Auto exist elsewhere. USB connectivity is much more reliable with iPhones than the Android phones we tried.

Driver aids

5.5

Adaptive cruise only works over about 25 mph, while most competitive systems can handle stop-and-go traffic. Forward collision alert and blind-spot monitoring work well and are not overly cautious or prone to false positives. Lane keeping assist is a bit weak and loses track of lanes sometimes.

Voice control

6.0

The voice controls offer a good amount of functionality, and there are prompts displayed on screen. However, they're slow to respond and frustratingly inconsistent. If you don't nail the phrasing and command order, the car won't follow you.

Consumer reviews

There are no consumer reviews for the 2019 Lexus RC F.

Features & Specs

2dr Coupe features & specs
2dr Coupe 5.0L 8cyl 8A
MSRP	$64,650
MPG	16 city / 25 hwy
Seating	Seats 4
Transmission	8-speed shiftable automatic
Horsepower	467 hp @ 7100 rpm

See all for sale

See all 2019 Lexus RC F Coupe features & specs

Safety

Our experts’ favorite RC F safety features:

Pre-Collision System: Warns the driver of a possible impact with other cars or pedestrians. 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.

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Side Impact Test	Good
Roof Strength Test	Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint	Good
IIHS Small Overlap Front Test	Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test	Good

Lexus RC F vs. the competition

Lexus RC F vs. BMW M4

The RC F and the M4 may be in the same class, but beyond their layouts they have very little in common. The M4 is a much more rough-and-tumble, track-oriented car, with sharper handling and response. It also has BMW's much preferable infotainment system and the option of a manual transmission. The RC F is more comfortable and offers some V8 thrills, but it isn't the performance choice between the two.

Compare Lexus RC F & BMW M4 features

Lexus RC F vs. Lexus LC 500

The LC 500 is sort of the RC F's big brother: It's a larger, more powerful V8-powered grand touring coupe. But the LC 500 is also more luxurious and much more distinctly styled (not to mention more expensive). It makes a way better noise and handles the sprint to 60 a bit more quickly. However, like the RC F, it's heavy for what it is, and this impacts the LC 500's dynamics just like the RC F's weight.

Compare Lexus RC F & Lexus LC 500 features

Lexus RC F vs. Lexus GS F

You may think the GS F would be the less compelling performance choice since it's a sedan. But honestly, we like the GS F more since it's an uncommonly rewarding car to drive. Its V8 has all the character you want. And the GS F is not only roomier and more usable, but it's also legitimately more engaging on the road. If you must have a performance car with a Lexus badge, this is the one to get.

Compare Lexus RC F & Lexus GS F features

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FAQ

Is the Lexus RC F a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2019 RC F both on the road and at the track, giving it a 6.6 out of 10. You probably care about Lexus RC F fuel economy, so it's important to know that the RC F gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the RC F has 10.1 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 F. Learn more

What's new in the 2019 Lexus RC F?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2019 Lexus RC F:

New, limited 10th Anniversary Edition package
Part of the first RC F generation introduced for 2014

Learn more

Is the Lexus RC F reliable?

To determine whether the Lexus RC F is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the RC F. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the RC F's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2019 Lexus RC F a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2019 Lexus RC F is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2019 RC F and gave it a 6.6 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2019 RC F is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2019 Lexus RC F?

The least-expensive 2019 Lexus RC F is the 2019 Lexus RC F 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $64,650.

Other versions include:

2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 8A) which starts at $64,650

Learn more

What are the different models of Lexus RC F?

If you're interested in the Lexus RC F, the next question is, which RC F model is right for you? RC F variants include 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 8A). For a full list of RC F models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

More about the 2019 Lexus RC F

It's an era in which many new models have been put on strict diets, often shedding hundreds of pounds in the process. But the 2019 Lexus RC F is not one of them.

In fact, its extra weight, relative to that of other performance-oriented coupe competitors, is one of its major downsides. The good news is that for those who like the RC F's good looks and sporty demeanor, the extra poundage will largely be a nonissue.

That's because the RC F still offers strong acceleration and sharp handling, even if both fall well short of class-leading. The 467-horsepower V8 engine provides plenty of thrust: 0-60 mph takes just 4.6 seconds, and it has a great exhaust note to go with it. The transmission's quick upshifts are admirable, though downshifts can be jerky at times.

Quick steering is a plus, though its precision is a tad lacking, and the car's extra weight makes understeer a common problem, especially when you push hard. Strong, easily modulated brakes are a definite plus, though they tend to show some signs of fade under the most extreme use. In short, the RC F is exciting to look at and drive around town. It's less so if you're looking for the most finely tuned performance machine.

Inside the RC F, you'll find outstanding materials and a handsome design. The front seats are extremely comfortable (if you fit in them) and make a fine place to enjoy the RC F's engaging driving dynamics. Add the available 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system, and you have a good excuse for taking the long way home.

Lexus offers the RC F in a single trim level. There are a handful of option packages, of course. We can recommend the Premium package, which is filled with LED headlights, automatic wipers, heated and ventilated seats, parking sensors and rear cross-traffic alert. The Performance package might sound appealing, but honestly it doesn't offer enough of what's advertised to warrant its extra cost.

There are other quibbles as well. All that weight hampers the handling, and some buyers could find the lack of a manual transmission disappointing. The rear seats are seats in name only, offering so little room they should be considered more of a spacious package shelf for purses or gym bags. Finally, and perhaps most damningly, the Remote Touch tech interface you'll find on most RC Fs is distracting and downright infuriating to use.

All things considered, however, the 2019 Lexus RC F makes a fine and handsome sport coupe, even if its extra pounds prevent it from being the driving machine you might expect. Let Edmunds help you find the one that's right for you.

2019 Lexus RC F Coupe Overview

The 2019 Lexus RC F Coupe is offered in the following styles: 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 8A).

What do people think of the 2019 Lexus RC F Coupe?

Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2019 Lexus RC F Coupe and all its trim types. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2019 RC F Coupe.

Edmunds Expert Reviews

Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2019 Lexus RC F Coupe and all model years in our database. Our rich analysis includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2019 RC F Coupe featuring deep dives into trim levels including Base, etc. with careful analysis around pricing, features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving and performance. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.

Read our full review of the 2019 Lexus RC F Coupe here.

Our Review Process

This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.

We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.

What's a good price for a New 2019 Lexus RC F Coupe?

Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on new cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.

Which 2019 Lexus RC F Coupes are available in my area?

2019 Lexus RC F Coupe Listings and Inventory

There are currently 1 new 2019 [object Object] RC F Coupes listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $76,524 and mileage as low as 67 miles. Simply research the type of used car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap used cars for sale near you. Once you have identified a vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2019 Lexus RC F Coupe.

Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2019 [object Object] RC F Coupe for sale near you.

Can't find a new 2019 Lexus RC F Coupe RC F Coupe you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

Find a new Lexus RC F for sale - 7 great deals out of 7 listings starting at $9,194.

Find a new Lexus for sale - 6 great deals out of 21 listings starting at $15,230.

Why trust Edmunds?

Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including all models of the 2019 Lexus RC F Coupe and all available trim types: Base. Rich, trim-level features & specs and options data tracked for the 2019 Lexus RC F Coupe include (but are not limited to): MSRP, available incentives and deals, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (interior and exterior color, upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, cruise control, parking assistance, lane sensing, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy and MPG (city, highway, and combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (interior cabin space, vehicle length and width, seating capacity, cargo space). Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds expert review, safety rating, and color.

Should I lease or buy a 2019 Lexus RC F Coupe?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.

Check out Lexus lease specials

2019 Lexus RC F Coupe

2019 Lexus RC F Coupe pricing

Which RC F does Edmunds recommend?

Edmunds' Expert Review

Overall rating