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Lexus RC Specifications & Features
Although the outdated 2023 Lexus RC still has a stylish exterior, it no longer stands out in the competitive luxury sports coupe market. The RC300 and RC350 models both fall short in terms of power and handling when compared to their competitors, therefore the driving experience falls far short of what the car’s aggressive outward style promises. Positive tradeoffs include a cozy interior and a gentle ride. The base engine is a turbocharged four-cylinder, but if you choose AWD or the more expensive RC350 grade, you’ll receive a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6. A V-8-powered RC F that offers tougher performance is available and has been reviewed separately. To appreciate the RC, picture it as a luxury coupe with stunning lines.
What’s New?
A new touchscreen infotainment display and an aesthetic package with 19-inch Enkei wheels for the F Sport variant are also available for 2023. Updates also feature a new touchscreen infotainment display. Only front-seat occupants can enjoy the elegant, roomy, and well-made interior of the RC. There are large blind spots inside, which is another disadvantage of its chaotic outside appearance. Our RC350 F Sport test car’s front seats were comfortable, supportive, and upholstered in sumptuous leather.
Lexus RC Engine, Power, Performance & Acceleration
The only gearbox available for the RC300’s 241 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine is an eight-speed automated. The norm is an RWD setup. Although we thought the turbo-four worked well with the transmission, we didn’t know the engine was quick enough to move the RC around. To make up for the lack of power, Lexus offers two variations of its V6. The V6 engine in the all-wheel-drive RC300 produces 260 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed automated gearbox. The 311-hp V6 is paired with either the eight-speed automated gearbox or the six-speed in the range-topping RC350. During testing, we discovered that this engine had a linear power delivery and was wonderfully smooth, but it still lacked the guts of its competitors.
The BMW 440i coupe we tested completed the task from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds as opposed to its 5.6-second time. This performance differential seems much larger than it appears to be on paper. The RC excels in ride comfort, and it does so admirably. The ride does have a sharper edge when using larger wheels and lower profile tires, as on the RC350 F Sport, but it is never harsh. Regarding exuberant driving, the RC is not as eager as Tauter coupes, but there is still some wiggle space. There is enough feedback from the steering wheel to let you know when the front tires are losing traction on the road. The steering wheel conveys a reasonable degree of road feel.
Lexus RC Mileage
| 2023 Lexus RC Mileage | City | Highway |
| RC300 | 21 mpg | 31 mpg |
All of the RC’s various engines have average fuel efficiency ratings that are surpassed by most competitors, with the rear-wheel drive RC300 being the most efficient with ratings of 21 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.
Dimensions & Space
| 2023 Lexus RC Dimensions | |
| Length | 185.0 in |
| Width | 72.4 in |
| Height | 55.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 107.5 in |
| Cargo Volume | 10 ft3 |
| Airbags | 8 Airbags |
A 10.3-inch touchscreen is an option as well as the standard 8.0-inch touchscreen. You can use the touchscreen instead of the selective controller mounted on the console, even though the remote touchpad is still present. There are several connectivity options available, including smartphone mirroring capabilities, inbuilt Wi-Fi, and Amazon Alexa integration.
Pricing
| 2023 Lexus RC Trims | Price (USD) |
| RC300 | $45,820 |
| RC350 | $48,750 |
| RC300 F Sport | $50,440 |
| RC350 F Sport | $53,370 |
The RC is a unique vehicle because it gives off the impression of being innately athletic, yet it falls short of that expectation. That prompts us to consider whether upgrading to the RC350 is necessary, with or without the F Sport option. If you love the way it looks, we advise going with the base model RC300 because it is less expensive and has just as much style as the RC350. All-wheel drive is available for a few thousand dollars more for those who desire it. We would also select the Premium option, which has additional features like heated and ventilated front seats and rain-sensing wipers. The 19-inch alloys, parking sensors, sunroof, heated steering wheel, and improved LED headlights are the particular features we enjoy.
Specifications, Quarter Mile, 0-60 Mph & Top-Speed
| 2023 Lexus RC Specifications | Specs |
| Engine | DOHC V6 |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Horsepower | 311 hp |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | 5.6 sec |
| 0-100 MPH | NA |
| 1/4 Mile | 14.1 sec |
| Top-Speed | 132 mph |