Used 2023 Lexus RC

Coupes almost seem like a blast from the past these days, but at least they’ve had more staying power than wagons. For one of those “doesn’t time fly?” moments, let’s remember that the RC has been around since the 2015 model year. But Lexus seems in no hurry to discontinue this model.

As an antidote to lumbering SUVs and ho-hum sedans, the RC coupe has the ability to cut a dash in the golf club parking lot and, with the RC F, zip around a racetrack with cool efficiency.

For empty-nesters rediscovering the joys of driving after years of doing the school run, the 2023 Lexus RC could be a gentle way of getting back into the metaphorical saddle. However, the RC 300 might feel a bit too gentle after a while. It has just enough power for a premium car, but it’s a walk on the mild side.

The RC 350 brings a more muscular V6 to the mix. It revs with a smoothness that matches the ride quality. Now we’re talking luxury coupe. F Sport versions (of both the 300 and 350) bring adaptive suspensions and upgraded brakes.

Beyond luxury is the performance of the V8-powered RC F. This is quick, accelerating from 0-60 mph in a blistering 4.2 seconds. The handling is poised yet predictable. Because the RC F is so easy to drive, it can be more fun than stressful on a track.

However, and this is a significant however, we’ve found Lexus cars to lack that last bit of finesse and fluidity that BMWs enjoy. This may not be an issue, though, especially once all the other factors are considered — like styling preferences and resale values.

Those small rear seats may come in handy one day, but let’s not criticize a compact coupe for lacking space back there. If people wanted to drive around with other people, they’d buy a sedan, SUV, or minivan.

Likewise with the small trunk. It doesn’t need to hold a week’s groceries for a family of four. Perhaps just a couple of golf bags. Job done.

Build quality in the 2023 RC coupe is of the usual Lexus high quality, and we’re pleased to see a touchscreen added to the infotainment system this year, instead of the distracting and fiddly remote touch controller. The base screen measures 8 inches diagonally, while Lexus offers a 12-inch screen as well.

We’re also grateful that blind-spot monitoring is standard, because the wide rear pillars hinder over-the-shoulder vision.

Comfort levels in the front seats are good enough for long trips, and finding the ideal driving position is quick and easy. Simulated leather seating surfaces (perforated) are standard, with real leather coming in the pricier variants. A Premium package for the RC 300 includes heated/ventilated front seats and a power-adjustable steering column.

Infotainment system
As well as touchscreens now coming on board, the 2023 RC also has Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, plus Amazon Alexa compatibility.

Intuitive Parking Assist
Just a fancy term for rear parking sensors, but a worthwhile option for the RC and its wide rear pillars.

All-wheel drive
A great help when negotiating tricky conditions. If we were going with all-wheel drive, we’d prefer to get the RC 350 for the extra power.

Rev matching
Although every RC has an automatic transmission, they also come with a rev-matching feature — a pre-programmed blip of the throttle to smooth out the downshifts. It’s a cool thing when using the paddle shifters.

Mark Levinson audio
One of the many highlights of Lexus ownership is the ability to enjoy a crisp and clear Mark Levinson audio system. On the RC’s options list is a 17-speaker/835-watt surround-sound setup.

RC F Track Edition
This range-topping model comes with a carbon fiber hood and roof (to save weight) plus a fixed rear wing in carbon fiber, along with fade-resistant carbon-ceramic brakes and upgraded shock absorbers.

Same designation, different engines. That’s the story of the RC 300 with rear-wheel drive (RWD) and the RC 300 with all-wheel drive (AWD). The rear-drive version has a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and the AWD counterpart employs a naturally aspirated V6.

Output is quite similar. Even though the RC 300 AWD has more horsepower, it has less torque (which is perceived as thrust) plus the extra weight of the all-wheel drive system.

A 3.5-liter V6 propels both variants of the RC 350 to the tune of 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.

The RC F deploys RWD exclusively, while packing a meaty 5.0-liter V8 that generates 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque.

Models with RWD have an 8-speed automatic transmission, and those with AWD are paired with a 6-speed automatic. Both have short paddles mounted behind the steering wheel so drivers can change gears whenever they so desire. All Lexus RC engines require premium 91-octane gasoline.

RC 300
2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
241 horsepower @ 5,200-5,800 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,650-4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/31 mpg

RC 300 AWD
3.5-liter V6
260 horsepower @ 6,600 rpm
236 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/26 mpg

RC 350
3.5-liter V6
311 horsepower @ 6,600 rpm
280 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/28 mpg (RWD), 19/26 mpg (AWD)

RC F
5.0-liter V8
472 horsepower @ 7,100 rpm
395 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800-5,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/24 mpg

More Lexus RC fuel economy information is available on the EPA’s website.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

The new-car warranty from Lexus lasts for four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first — the same terms as Audi and BMW. Powertrains are covered for six years or 70,000 miles, which is better than these German rivals.

The first two services — at six months/5,000 miles and 12 months/10,000 miles — are complimentary.