2020 Lexus RC F Review

Name: 2020 Lexus RC F Review
Brand: Lexus
Price: 36854 USD

Price Estimate: $36,854 - $42,576

2020 Lexus RC F Track Edition Coupe Exterior

+52

The RC F has a smooth ride, but it can't change the fundamental problem with this car: its heavy mass. Beyond that, the RC F is also the oldest car in its segment, and it shows in terms of performance and technology. It's a sporty coupe but it underperforms compared to its peers.

See all features & specs

Price & Payment

11 cars

$63,968 avg. price

Min$

Max$

See listings

Appraise This Car

For sale nearby

11 listings

Sort by:

See all for sale

Lexus RC F model years

Lexus RC F for Sale

2020 Lexus RC F Review

byCalvin Kim^{Vehicle Test Engineer
Calvin Kim is an automotive journalist at Edmunds.}

Pros

V8 engine has buckets of personality
Comfortable seats and a comfortable ride
Lower cost of entry than competitors
Excellent build quality

Cons

Out-accelerated and out-handled by competitors
Hefty weight hampers virtually every dynamic element
Frustrating and distracting infotainment interface
Tech features lag behind competitors

What's new

New RC F Track Edition
Standard RC F gets a small bump in power and minor reduction in weight
Sportier chassis and suspension calibration, with stickier tires
Part of the first RC F generation introduced for 2014

Overview

While most of Lexus' lineup is less Nürburgring and more suburban ring road, that doesn't mean the company can't make a sports car. Take the 2020 Lexus RC F, for example. Based on the relatively street-friendly RC coupe, the RC F dials it up with more power, an exhilarating soundtrack, a stiffer suspension and a more chiseled look.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2020 Lexus RC F 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 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 $3.79 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$242/mo

$156/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

Calculate my fuel costs

For most drivers, it's the non-turbocharged V8 that'll be the biggest draw. Compared to last year's model, it produces a little more power and torque — now 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque thanks to small changes to the intake and programming. A slightly shorter final drive ratio (from last year's 2.97:1 to this year's 3.13:1) also increases the feeling of acceleration.

Equally as important as the increase in power is the decrease in weight. Changes to numerous components, such as a lightened intake manifold, a smaller air-conditioning compressor, aluminum suspension parts in place of steel parts, composite rear bumper support, and hollow axles, all help decrease the RC F's weight by a reported 55 pounds, to 3,902 pounds.

If you're looking for a more aggressive experience, the limited-production RC F Track Edition further reduces weight thanks to a judicious use of carbon fiber, carbon-ceramic brake rotors, lightweight 19-inch wheels and a titanium exhaust. Visually, the Track Edition is equipped with a much more prominent rear wing as well as a subtle front splitter to draw air away from the underside of the body.

The RC F is indeed more appealing as a daily driver rather than a track toy. Even with its improvements this year, the RC F's performance isn't as exciting as what you can get from other performance coupes such as the BMW M4, the Chevrolet Corvette and the Ford Shelby GT350. But if you're mostly interested in a mix of street-friendly comfort and performance, the 2020 RC F should satisfy.

What's it like to live with the RC F?

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 clunky and distracting to use.

The 2020 Lexus RC F differs from our long-term RC F in that it receives a slight power bump, tweaks to its suspension, and a weight reduction of about 55 pounds. 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.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The 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.}

Below Average

6.6

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

7/10

How does the RC F drive? The RC F comes with a responsive 472-hp V8, a trick active rear differential and an adaptive suspension. But none of it can fully overcome the RC F's beefy curb weight. We've yet to test the updated 2020 RC F, but in testing a 2018 model we were able to do 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds. That's not slow in the broader scheme of things but slow for the category.

But it's not all doom and gloom: The engine sounds great when pushed, and the RC F is one of the few remaining V8-powered coupes on the market. The RC F's braking performance is also competitive in the sports car class, and the transmission responds quickly to shift requests from the paddle shifters.

Comfort

8/10

How comfortable is the RC F? Comfortable front seats and good insulation from the sound of surrounding traffic are highlights, adding to the grand touring character of the car. The front seats also provide ample bolstering for aggressive driving and have effective heating and ventilation. The adaptive suspension does a good job taking the edge off bigger bumps and making the ride more compliant. It's still firm but it smooths out road imperfections enough to keep it comfortable on long drives.

The climate system's automatic mode 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.

Interior

7/10

How’s the interior? The RC F has a solidly constructed and upscale cabin. Most drivers will find the seating position to be roomy with enough adjustability for both sporty driving and comfort. Getting in and out is much easier than it is in other sports cars because you don't sit so low in the car. There's good visibility toward the front, though the thick rear roof pillars create blind spots.

The back seat is small and nearly unusable by people. Just consider it a storage shelf and you'll be fine. The biggest issue is that the RC F is saddled with one of the worst infotainment interfaces in the industry. Its touchpad system is difficult to use, especially while in motion, and some of the menus are confusing to navigate.

Technology

5/10

How’s the tech? The optional Mark Levinson stereo is excellent and provides clear sound that doesn't distort with volume. The infotainment screen is clear and can even display helpful things such as live traffic information. But the smartphone integration in the RC F is lacking, especially if you own an Android phone. The integrated voice controls, though they provide a good amount of functionality, are also slow to respond and require following correct syntax.

Another area that the Lexus falls distinctly behind is in active driver aids. Adaptive cruise control only works over 25 mph and can't handle stop-and-go traffic. The lane-keeping assist system is weak and loses track of lane lines sometimes.

Storage

5.5/10

How’s the storage? The RC F's trunk is one of the smallest in the class, and there aren't many options for in-cabin item storage either. The cupholders, a small console box, a small glovebox, and narrow door pockets are all you get. 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, making what space there is more usable.

The rear seats don't fold down, but there is a small pass-through for longer items. Due to the RC F's cramped rear-seat room, child safety seat installation is a challenge.

Fuel Economy

6.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? The RC F's EPA ratings are average for the segment. Our test car averaged just under 20 mpg on our freeway-heavy test loop, which is a bit under what we expected. In everyday driving in traffic, our average dropped precipitously.

Value

7.5/10

Is the RC F a good value? The RC F is priced competitively with the class, though options can add up. It comes with above-average warranty coverage of any of its main competitors, and it's also built as solidly as you expect from a Lexus. Even the plastics are well-textured or treated so they don't feel tacky. However, it is also the oldest car in its class and offers the least performance for the money.

Wildcard

6.5/10

We want to like this car. The comfy seats and sweet-sounding engine are definite highlights. Plus, the sleek and hunkered-down look is distinctive. But driven aggressively, the RC F is ultimately a little disappointing, and daily driving can seem like a punishment due to the compromised utility, driver aids and infotainment.

Which RC F does Edmunds recommend?

If you can find an RC F Track Edition at your local dealer, we say grab it. The low production numbers will make it rarer than Lexus' own hypercar, the LFA. Otherwise, the standard 2020 Lexus RC F provides nearly the same level of performance but can actually be purchased at your local dealer. Add the Premium package for its blind-spot monitoring and front-seat ventilation and the Sound and Navigation audio package for the excellent 17-speaker audio system.

Compare 2020 Lexus RC F trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2020 Lexus RC F models

The 2020 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 (472 horsepower, 395 lb-ft 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. A more dynamic and limited-edition RC F Track Edition adds lightness, grip and exclusivity.

Standard equipment for the RC F includes LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, power-adjustable front seats with memory settings, and simulated leather upholstery.

Also standard are the Lexus Display Audio tech interface (7-inch screen and knob controller), Scout GPS Link smartphone-based navigation system, Apple CarPlay connectivity and a 10-speaker sound system.

A few option packages are available for the RC F. Notably, the Premium package adds some useful safety-related items. The Performance package gets you the contents of the Premium package plus a carbon-fiber roof and a speed-activated carbon-fiber rear spoiler.

The Sound and Navigation package adds more technology features, including a larger display and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system. Other stand-alone options are upgraded LED headlights, a sunroof and a torque-vectoring rear differential.

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

See pricing history

Lexus RC F Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.9

24 reviews

5(87%)

4(13%)

3(0%)

2(0%)

1(0%)

Write a vehicle review See all 24 reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

The RC-F Has Alot Going For It.

Ron Palick, 03/24/2016

2015 Lexus RC F 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 8A)

Ok, so let me say there are a lot of choices in this type of car category, however, if you are looking for something that has "Snap your Head Back performance', excellent build quality, and an interior that reflects an attention to detail , this is going to be a car you should take a close look at. Better yet, take it for a drive, you will be suitably impressed. Before purchasing this … car, I owned my first Lexus, an RC 350 F Sport, a nice car no doubt. However, while the RC -350 is nice, the six cylinder just did not do it for me. I looked at the M4 and then Came back to Look at the RC-F. Yes, the M-4 is a nice car and has a lot going for it , however, so did the RC-F. While the RC-F is heavier, there were four things which won the day. The first is the V-8. When you fire this up in the morning you know you are riding a rocket as this baby really rumbles to life. The second thing that is really attractive, is the over all design and lines to this vehicle. I see all kinds of BMW's and the body shape and size all looks very similar, not the RC-F, this has a very distinctive look to it. Third, is the interior and seating. The attention to detail in this interior is flawless, something I think Lexus has dialed in. Finally let me say the overall performance of this car is truly breath taking. Dial; this in to Sport + mode and its ready to rip. Now I will never take this on a track, but lets just say when you put your foot into it, the rocket ship takes off. Are there faster cars out there. Yes, no doubt and while you could look at any one thing and say its no big deal, I think when you put them all together they made a compelling reason for me to purchase the RC-F. Okay, as with all things there are some things I don't like, or, feel they could be drastically improved on. The first is the Navi Screen. I would like to see a bigger one . The M-4's Navi looked nicer. The other thing I would like to see improved is a faster shifting transmission. No doubt when you are in Sport plus mode this does does shift faster, however in my opinion it could be improved upon, nevertheless to me this was not a deal breaker. I think at the end of the day the RC-F delivers performance and quality. for me, whats not to like? Up-Date: 11/2017 Let me just make a brief update. I have had this car for just about two years. First let me say, I have had Zero Problems mechanically with this car. Taking it on long distance trips I have gotten 28 miles to the gallon. Do not miss understand , I did not buy this car for the mileage aspect, however, if you keep your foot out of it, the mileage can be very respectable. The hard part is keeping your foot off the accelerator. Let me also mention, Lexus did a software up date on the Transmission last year. It now shifts faster and is better at anticipating how you drive. Let's be clear, its not a dual clutch tranny so don't expect that, nevertheless, its still a thrill ride. Okay, so let me sum this update up. I like this car a lot and would not hesitate to buy another one. I am not a gran Prix driver, but like the acceleration and fine handling characteristics. This is a fun car to own and drive with zero, or minimal problems.

2016 RCF - reliable, comfortable, qualilty, V8

Steve Kreiser, 06/09/2017

2016 Lexus RC F 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 8A)

Back seat is small. We don't use it much. I traded in a 911 Turbo. RCF not as visceral, but more comfortable, significantly higher quality, and absolutely no problems. Porsche had lots of niggling problems; Porsche service was PIA - waited over a week for service on multiple occasions. This is our 9th Lexus, the cars never break/give problems. The car is chunky though - 3958 lbs. …

RC F--Exceptional Balance of Luxury and Performanc

MP, 09/15/2015

2015 Lexus RC F 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 8A)

Are you looking for a masterpiece V8 in a singular design with exceptional handling, acceleration, and curb appeal? This is my second F, the first being the IS F. This is a world-class machine with exceptional handling and performance. The car will run head-to-head with the M4 and defeat the RS5. If you are looking for a car that will run 4.3 0-60 mph runs all day and climb to 176 mph …

1 year of RC-F ownership - it's amazing!

UltrasonicinCentennial, 10/30/2016

2015 Lexus RC F 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 8A)

I've owned my RC-F for about a year now and I've tracked it a few times and it's also my daily driver. First, daily driving impressions: When you start it up cold, it sounds like you would expect a muscle car V8 to sound. AMAZING. Not like "annoy your neighbors" loud, but just right. If this car does not put a smile on your face when you start it, you're already dead and can't …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2020 Lexus RC F, so we've included reviews for other years of the RC F since its last redesign.

See all 24 reviews of the Lexus RC F

Write a vehicle review

2020 Lexus RC F videos

Best Muscle Cars — Chevy Camaro, Dodge Challenger and Ford Mustang, But What Else?

Edmunds' Elana Scherr lists the best muscle cars of 2020, including American muscle cars and other, more unusual choices. She also explains what makes a classic muscle car and gives her Top 10 picks for the best modern muscle cars on sale.

2020 RC F Highlights

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$64,900
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	19 MPG
Cost to Drive	$242/month
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	10.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the RC F models:

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.

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

People who viewed this also viewed

Lexus RC 350
4.0 average Rating out of 1 reviews.
Starting at $47,250

See Lexus RC 350 Inventory

Lexus IS 500
4.8 average Rating out of 5 reviews.
Starting at $58,270

See Lexus IS 500 Inventory

Lexus LC 500
5.0 average Rating out of 4 reviews.
Starting at $94,450

See Lexus LC 500 Inventory

2020 Lexus RC F Review

Price & Payment

For sale nearby

2020 Lexus RC FTrack Edition Coupe

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2020 Lexus RC FBase Coupe

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2020 Lexus RC FBase Coupe

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2020 Lexus RC F Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Lexus RC F 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 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 $3.79 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.

What's it like to live with the RC F?

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which RC F does Edmunds recommend?

2020 Lexus RC F models

Lexus RC F Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

The RC-F Has Alot Going For It.

2016 RCF - reliable, comfortable, qualilty, V8

RC F--Exceptional Balance of Luxury and Performanc

1 year of RC-F ownership - it's amazing!

2020 Lexus RC F videos

Best Muscle Cars — Chevy Camaro, Dodge Challenger and Ford Mustang, But What Else?

2020 RC F Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Related Used 2020 Lexus RC F info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Shop similar models

Shop used vehicles in your area

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Lexus

Other models

Join Edmunds

2020 Lexus RC F
Track Edition Coupe

2020 Lexus RC F
Base Coupe

2020 Lexus RC F
Base Coupe

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2020 Lexus RC F 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 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 $3.79 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}