2018 Lexus RC Road Test and Review

2015 Lexus RC 350 F Sport red side ・ Photo by Lexus Media

Luxury coupe sales aren’t as strong as they used to be. Buyers have migrated to SUVs as well as sleekly styled and more practical four-door hatchbacks that have become all the rage. But sexy luxury coupes, like the 2018 Lexus RC, are still the first choice for buyers looking for style and performance.

Essentially a two-door version of the popular Lexus IS sedan, the RC is the luxury brand's smallest and least expensive coupe. It was first introduced in 2015 and immediately found a following with younger enthusiasts attracted to its athletic rear-wheel-drive chassis, aggressive styling, and prestigious Lexus badge. Today it remains popular thanks to a unique combination of style, luxury, and performance. Built in Japan, the RC is a consistent favorite in the extremely competitive small luxury coupe segment, where it successfully competes against the BMW 4 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A5, Cadillac ATS and Infiniti Q60.

Over 300 Horsepower

For 2018, the Lexus RC is available in four models: RC Turbo, RC 300 AWD, RC 350 and RC F. The rear-wheel-drive RC Turbo is powered by a 241-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Prices start around $41,000, including $995 for destination. The all-wheel-drive RC 300 is powered by a 260-hp 3.5-liter V6, which is an increase of five horsepower over last year’s model and uses a six-speed automatic transmission. The RC 350 gets a 311-hp version of the V6 and it’s available with rear- or all-wheel drive. RC Turbo and RC 350 models get an eight-speed automatic transmission. No manual transmission is available, and there are no hybrid models.

Our rear-wheel drive 2018 Lexus RC 350 F Sport test vehicle showed up equipped with an extensive list of options including navigation and a sunroof, which spiked its sticker price to nearly $60,000.

Photo by Lexus Media

Enthusiasts want the F Sport.

Think of F as Lexus’ in-house tuner or hot-rod shop, like BMW’s M division or AMG at Mercedes-Benz. F is not as well-known as those German efforts, but the engineers that develop Lexus’ high-performance models have created some unique machines, including the 553-hp LFA supercar.

For more than a decade, those engineers have been applying performance technology to Lexus’ other models, including its SUVs and hybrids. These desirable option packages are called F Sport. Although they aren’t as extreme as a full blown F model, they increase the performance and sport image of the vehicle. On the RC, the F Sport adds a sport-tuned suspension, sport seats with perforated leather, F Sport badging, LFA-inspired gauges and a sinister grille mesh. It’s available on RC Turbo, RC 300 and RC 350 models for around $4,000.

Photo by Lexus Media

Hardcore enthusiasts want the RC F.

Don’t confuse the RC F Sport with the RC F. Although the F Sport package increases the performance of the coupe, it doesn’t take it anywhere near the extreme capability of the high-performance RC F. Sold in small numbers, Lexus’ all-out F models like the RC F are tuned on the world’s racetracks and get their own powertrains, suspensions, and braking systems. They appeal to discerning enthusiast buyers who want the most power and the best handling the brand has to offer.

Under the RC F’s hood is a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 making 467 hp. It’s the same engine Lexus uses in the new LC 500 coupe. Every RC F has an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. No manual transmission is available and all-wheel drive is not offered. The RC F rockets to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds, which makes it one of the quickest cars on the road — though unfortunately for Lexus, the BMW M4, Mercedes-Benz C63 and Cadillac ATS-V are even quicker. RC F pricing starts around $65,000.

Photo by Lexus Media

Sexy Design

It didn’t take long for the 2018 Lexus RC to cause a stir at my daughter’s school, where it disrupted the carpool lane as moms and dads left their minivans and SUVs to get a closer look at the sexy coupe. One mom wanted to know if my wife and I were going to drive it up the California coast that weekend for a romantic getaway. “Leave the kids with me and hit the road,” she said. “Ya gotta do it in a car this cool.”

Lexus does know how to make a beautiful coupe. The brand’s new LC 500 model is breathtaking, and our Ultra While RC 350 test vehicle was a stunner. Although it’s essentially a two-door version of the IS sedan, the RC hardly looks like an IS with its rear doors lobotomized. It stands on its own. And its gaping Darth Vader grille, broad shoulders and flared fenders turn heads. It’s even more striking with the optional F Sport Package, which adds a more aggressive grille mesh and front bumper design, 19-inch 10-spoke wheels and beefy high-performance summer tires. Visually, our test vehicle was also set off by an optional small rear spoiler and orange brake calipers.

Photo by Lexus Media

Cool interior for four.

This is a four-seater. There is no middle seat in the back, although rear passengers do get their own air conditioning vents and adjustable headrests. The RC’s rear seat is tight, but two 14-year-old volleyball stars fit back there without any issue.

Open the door and you’re met with beautiful materials, dynamic design and high build quality. Everything feels expensive and the analog clock in the center of the dash is an appreciated touch of class. This year Lexus has increased the size of the standard infotainment screen to 10.3-inches and it’s a huge improvement. Unfortunately, there’s no onboard Wi-Fi.

Visibility is good, and the heated and cooled front seats in our test vehicle were extremely comfortable. Misses include a foot-operated parking brake, which is old-fashioned at this price point. Also, Lexus’ Remote Touch infotainment interface is still frustrating to use.

Photo by Lexus Media

Small trunk for the class.

Trunk space is tight for this class. The 2018 Lexus RC offers 10.1 cubic feet, which is less than the BMW, Mercedes and the Cadillac. If more is needed, every RC comes standard with a 60/40 split folding rear seat for your larger items. However, I was surprised it was without a power-operated trunk lid, which has become a common feature at this price point.

Storage inside the Lexus’ interior is sufficient and well thought out. The center console bin is large and felt-lined, and the door pockets are sizable. The two front cupholders are not huge, but they’re well placed so tall drinks don’t interfere with any of the switchgear. There are no rear cupholders.

Photo by Lexus Media

Quick and Comfortable Drive

In and around Los Angeles, the 2018 RC F Sport felt sporty and responsive, especially in Sport and Sport+ modes, which increase the throttle response and retune the transmission for more aggressive shifting and gear-holding. Sport+ also tightens the suspension for quicker response, but not enough to spoil the coupe’s smooth ride. Pick up the pace and its handling is more than enough for most buyers. Front-end grip is impressive. Although the Lexus is a heavy car for its size, the car's balance is right. The steering is a bit abrupt off center, but you get used to it quickly. Steering feel is good, and the brakes are excellent.

At full throttle, the RC 350 isn’t explosively quick, but its big V6 will press you back in your seat and hold you there. Unfortunately, fuel economy is below average for this class. The RC 200t is the fuel sipper of the range, rated at 22 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. The more powerful RC 350 is rated 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway with rear-wheel drive, and I averaged 22 mpg during a week of mixed driving.

Photo by Lexus

Top Safety Ratings

The 2018 Lexus RC has earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, but it hasn't been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Every RC comes standard with valuable active safety systems like the Pre-Collision System, which warns if vehicles and pedestrians are in your path. Should it determine an imminent frontal collision, it will automatically begin braking and can even bring the vehicle to a stop. A lane departure alert with steering assist, intelligent high beams, and radar cruise control are also included. Front and rear parking sensors are optional, and a blind-spot monitoring system is part of the F Sport package.

Photo by Lexus Media

Desirable Overall Choice

With its strong performance and comfortable ride, the well-appointed RC strikes a very appealing compromise between sport and luxury. It's stylish, luxurious and fun to drive. It also comes with a long list of standard safety technology and boasts excellent crash-test ratings. Lexus also pays for the coupe’s first two scheduled maintenance services and the brand’s reputation for reliability remains the envy of the industry.

Although the power of the RC Turbo’s four-cylinder engine is enough for most buyers, the big V6 in the RC 350 is worth the extra $3,000. You’ll appreciate the additional power over time, and the fuel economy penalty isn’t severe. If you’re looking for a sporty small-luxury coupe, the 2018 Lexus RC is a very desirable overall choice.

Photo by Lexus