2021 Lexus RC F Review

Name: 2021 Lexus RC F
Brand: Lexus
Price: 36498 USD

Price Estimate: $36,498 - $42,165

Below Average

6.9

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

The 2021 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.

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Average price: $58,657

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Appraise My 2021 Lexus RC F

Pros

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

Cons

Outaccelerated and outhandled by competitors
Hefty weight hampers virtually every dynamic element
Frustrating and distracting infotainment interface
Tech features lag the competition

What's new

Limited-run RC F Fuji Speedway Edition introduced
More standard features including blind-spot monitoring and Android Auto
Part of the first RC F generation introduced for 2014

Overview

Written by automotive expert Christian Wardlaw

3/18/2021

Lexus is the only Asian automaker competing in the high-performance luxury coupe category, but it does so with a car that's seen eight years since its last full redesign. Its lusty V8 engine aside, the 2021 Lexus RC F is increasingly anachronistic in a segment that includes the likes of the Audi RS 5, BMW M4 and Mercedes-AMG C 63.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Ashburn, VA

3 listings

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2021 Lexus RC F
Base Coupe
$66,988
- 22,621 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use
- 8cyl automatic
- McGrath Lexus of Westmont (583 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Upgraded Headlights
- Blind Spot Monitorin...
Close
Located in Westmont, IL
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
19 Combined MPG (16 City/24 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JTHJP5BC3M5008122
Stock: P16698A
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 02-13-2026
2021 Lexus RC F
Base Coupe
$53,988
- 25,058 miles
- Lemon reported, 2 owners, personal use
- 8cyl automatic
- Kian Motors (1,152 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Upgraded Headlights
- Blind Spot Monitorin...
Close
Located in Plano, TX
*****At Kian Motors, We offer quick and easy financing options with low interest rates in a no-hassle environment. We ship cars NATIONWIDE!!! Apply on...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Issue reported
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: Yes
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
19 Combined MPG (16 City/24 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JTHDP5BC9M5008106
Stock: P008106
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 10-07-2025

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Still, Lexus is doing its best to keep RC F fresh. There's a new limited-production Fuji Speedway Edition this year. And when we say limited, we mean it. Lexus plans to build just 60 examples of the car. It comes with special paint and extra carbon-fiber body panels, among other extras. All RC Fs also have more standard features this year.

The RC F is the last "F" model Lexus sells, now that the GS F sedan is gone from the automaker's lineup. Soon, the new 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance arrives, equipped with the same V8 engine found under RC F's hood. According to Lexus, it "ushers in a new era of F Sport Performance models." If you read the tea leaves, it's easy to conclude that the RC F's days might be numbered. Should you still get a 2021 RC F? Check out our Expert Rating below for our in-depth evaluation.

What's it like to live with?

Edmunds spent six months living with a 2015 Lexus RC F, and while the car has had many improvements over the ensuing years, it is fundamentally the same high-performance luxury coupe we put over 10,000 miles on at the time. If you're curious about what it's like to live with the Lexus RC F, check out our long-term test report.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Below Average

6.9

out of 10

We drove the 2021 Lexus RC F on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

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 2021 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

7/10

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. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone integration is standard but the integrated voice controls, though they provide a good amount of functionality, are 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. Child safety seat installation is a challenge due to the RC F's cramped rear seat room.

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.

2021 Lexus RC F trim level differences

The 2021 RC F luxury coupe comes in just one trim level. Under the hood is a 5.0-liter V8 engine (472 horsepower, 395 lb-ft of torque). It's connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission that drives the rear wheels. Standard feature highlights include: Compare the 2021 Lexus RC F trim levels in-depth.

Which RC F trim does Edmunds recommend?

It's all about the options since there's just one trim level of the RC F. Since this car is best suited for cruising rather than maximum performance, it's probably a good idea to get the Premium package (heated and ventilated front seats) and the sweet-sounding Mark Levinson audio system.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$235/mo

$153/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

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Reliability

The 2021 Lexus RC F has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 1 recall. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

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:: 22V615000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 22LB03
Number of vehicles affected:: 13
Defect Description:: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Lexus) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Lexus RC F vehicles. The tire information label does not list the vehicle's weight capacity. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Defect Consequence:: The vehicle can be overloaded without the weight capacity information, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will replace the tire information label, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 25, 2022. Owners may contact Lexus' customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Lexus' number for this recall is 22LA03.

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 F Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.9

25 reviews

5(88%)

4(12%)

3(0%)

2(0%)

1(0%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

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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 2021 Lexus RC F, so we've included reviews for other years of the RC F since its last redesign.

2021 RC F Features & Specs

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$65,975
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	19 MPG
Cost to Drive	$235/month
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	10.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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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 Steering 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

2021 Lexus RC F Review

Price & Payment

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

For sale near Ashburn, VA

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

What's it like to live with?

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

2021 Lexus RC F trim level differences

Which RC F trim does Edmunds recommend?

Cost to Drive

Reliability

Recalls

Warranty

Lexus RC F Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2021 RC F Features & Specs

Safety

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