Used 2021 Lexus RC

The 2021 Lexus RC is a sleek 2-door coupe with a long hood, short deck, and an attention-getting Lexus grille. Although it has the power to compete effectively with European coupes like the Audi A5 and BMW 4 Series, the Germans offer a more practical back seat and a more useful trunk. Other competitors for the Lexus RC include the Infiniti Q60 and the pricier Jaguar F-Type.

To compete with this broad variety of models, Lexus has developed a wide-ranging RC lineup that starts with the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) RC 300, which is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 241 horsepower. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) RC 300, interestingly, gets a 3.5-liter V6 with 260 horsepower, while the RC 350 models get a 3.5-liter V6 with 311 hp. The top Lexus RC for 2021, the RC F, has a screaming 5.0-liter V8 that puts out 472 horsepower at a lofty 7,100 rpm.

If you want a manual transmission, you’ll need to look elsewhere because the Lexus RC doesn’t have one. On the other hand, this Lexus is more of a sporty grand-touring machine than an agile sports car, so it doesn’t cry out for a manual.

The 2021 Lexus RC coupe is heavy but fun to drive, with the RC 350 models feeling plenty quick and totally at home on winding mountain roads. The 4-cylinder RC 300 doesn’t have the V6 and V8 models’ power, but it has the same agility as the RC 350.

We suspect that most people will appreciate the added power and relaxed nature of the V6 over time. Also, enthusiastic drivers will appreciate the F Sport model’s sport-tuned suspension, even if the ride might be a little too firm for traditional Lexus owners.

If you’re looking for the absolute best performance, get the RC F. It’s isn’t inexpensive, but the trust of its 472-horsepower V8 is absolutely intoxicating.

With all RC models, Lexus has brought a high level of dependability, bold design, and precision craftsmanship to the world of luxurious sport coupes.

Keeping in mind that the RC is a relatively compact coupe, don’t expect much in the way of rear-seat accommodations or front-seat headroom. Nevertheless, the RC’s interior is a nice place with front seats that are comfortably supportive over the long haul. What’s more, the materials are top-notch, the build quality is superb, and the view out is excellent in all directions.

While the gauges are easy to read and the available 10.3-inch infotainment screen responds quickly to input, the touchpad and joystick interface is not our favorite. Systems from Audi, BMW, Cadillac, and others are much easier to use while the car is in motion.

The 2021 Lexus RC is a big departure from the company’s sedans and SUVs. The trademark “spindle” grille is there, but it’s on a low and lean body with elegant side sculpting and some styling cues from the larger LC coupe.

An even larger spindle grille is found on the RC F, which has a bolder look that’s enhanced by more aggressive aerodynamics and 19-inch BBS alloy wheels.

We think the Lexus RC F-Sport models, which occupy a niche between the base car and the RC F, are a good blend of both cars. They have an appealing dynamic look without the substantial RC F price.

DRIVE MODE SELECT
Via a rotary dial on the console, Drive Mode Select allows the RC driver to vary throttle response, select varying transmission shift points, and even customize the gauge cluster. The base RC has Normal, Sport, and Sport+ settings, while the F Sport allows more personalization and an ability to adjust the suspension.

LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL
When you order a rear-wheel-drive RC F-Sport, it’s available with a Torsen limited-slip rear differential that helps this Lexus coupe to power out of corners with excellent composure.

The 2021 Lexus RC is nicely equipped. Automatic climate control and an infotainment system with a 7-inch display screen are standard, as is a 3-year plan with Lexus Enform Service Connect that includes onboard Wi-Fi. The RC’s standard 10-speaker audio system features dual USB inputs and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration.

In addition to standard variable suspension and a Sport+ driving mode, Lexus RC F-Sport models get heated and ventilated front seats, sport suspension, and a power-adjustable steering wheel.

The most potent version of the Lexus RC, the RC F model, boasts bigger brakes, front sport seats, and forged BBS aluminum wheels.

For 2021, all Lexus RCs have a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert. They also get heated, electrochromic exterior mirrors.

The new Black Line Special Edition models deserve mention. Based on the F-Sport RC 300 and F-Sport RC 350, they get triple-beam LED headlamps, black 19-inch F-Sport alloy wheels, and darkened exhaust tips to go along with Ultra White and Cloudburst Gray exterior colors. Inside, you’ll find black seats with silver stitching and abundant ash wood trim.

The icing on the Black Line cake, though, is special luggage made for the car by Zero Halliburton. It includes a 22-inch carry-on and a 26-inch medium travel case. Only 350 Black Line Special Edition Lexus RCs will be sold for 2021.

Many Lexus RC options are contained in packages. A few of the most notable:

The Navigation/Mark Levinson Premium Audio Package ($2,725) includes an 835-watt surround-sound audio system with 17 speakers and a 10.3-inch navigation screen.

A Premium Package ($1,790) has heated and vented front seats with memory, along with rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming outside mirrors, and a power tilt/telescope steering wheel.

An All-Weather Package ($220) brings to the RC coupes a windshield-wiper de-icer, plus headlamp washers, a fast-acting interior heater, and special water-repellent door glass.

Individual Lexus RC options include 19-inch alloy wheels with summer tires ($795), Intuitive Parking Assist ($500), a tilt and slide moonroof ($1,100), triple-beam LED headlights, and a heated steering wheel ($150). If you want the 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system without the navigation system, it’s available as a stand-alone option for $1,080.

We think the Torsen limited-slip differential, at $390, is a wiser option on the RWD F-Sport models than the $1,900 Lexus Dynamic Handling system, which includes rear-wheel steering and variable-ratio steering.

The 2021 Lexus RC coupe has four available engines. Base RC 300s are RWD models powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 241 horsepower and a substantial 258 lb-ft of torque at only 1,650 rpm. In AWD form, the RC 300 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that puts out 260 horsepower but a bit less peak torque than the turbocharged 4-cylinder.

RC 350s in RWD or AWD form also come with a 3.5-liter V6, but it puts out 311 horsepower in this application. The RC-F, at the top of the lineup, is motivated by a high-revving 5.0-liter V8 with 472 horsepower.

AWD models are equipped with an old school 6-speed automatic, while the other Lexus RC models get a more sophisticated 8-speed transmission. The RC F also gets a higher final-drive ratio (3.13:1 vs. 2.97:1) for improved acceleration.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (RC 300)
241 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,650-4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/30 mpg

3.5-liter V6 (RC 300 AWD)
260 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
236 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/24 mpg

3.5-liter V6 (RC 350)
311 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
277 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/28 mpg (RWD), 18/24 mpg (AWD)

5.0-liter V8 (RC F)
472 horsepower @ 7,100 rpm
395 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/24 mpg