The 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.
Michael Cantu has worked in the automotive industry since 2014. He has written over 800 car-related articles and tested and reviewed over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Michael is a contributor at Edmunds and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Digital Trends and InsideEVs. Michael was featured on a few InsideEVs YouTube channel videos on the topic of electric vehicles. Michael was a MotorTrend Car of the Year judge for 2019 and was a driver in MotorTrend's World's Greatest Drag Races 7 & 8.
Pros
V8 engine has buckets of personality
Comfortable seats and a comfortable ride
Lower cost of entry than competitors
Excellent build quality
Cons
Hefty weight hampers virtually every dynamic element
Tech features lag the competition
What's new
Central display screen now offers touchscreen control
Last year's limited-production Fuji Speedway Edition is replaced by the Track Edition, which has all of the same features
Part of the first RC F generation introduced for 2014
Overview
The Lexus RC F is a rear-wheel-drive high-performance luxury coupe that's propelled by a vigorous V8. The engine is shared with the IS 500 sedan and the more expensive LC 500 coupe and is the RC F's centerpiece. It's a non-turbocharged unit that delivers something not all of its rivals can: a captivating soundtrack that will make you want to stomp on the gas pedal forever.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Lexus RC F 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
As aggressive and sporty as the RC F looks, it's not a full-bore sports car. Instead it's a comfortable and luxurious grand tourer. Its heavy weight and aging platform hold it back from having the handling dynamics of a genuine sport coupe. The eye-wateringly expensive Track Edition tries to remedy that by reducing weight and increasing agility, but it still falls behind a comparably priced sports car.
The RC F is priced below most of its rivals and is a compelling choice if you prioritize comfort and a euphoric-sounding V8. But if you're looking for a striking European sport coupe, consider the BMW M4. The Audi RS 5 is another rival and an all-around solid performer. Or go the American route with the Chevrolet Corvette, a performance monster that provides lots of comfort. To learn more about the RC F's strengths and shortcomings, check out the Expert Rating below for an in-depth review.
What's it like to live with?
Edmunds drove a 2015 Lexus RC F for 10,000 miles over a course of six months. There have been several improvements since then, but it's the same generation and essentially the same car. Read our long-term test to see what we thought of the RC F's performance, comfort, fuel economy and more.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Below Average
6.9
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The 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.
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 a newer 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
8.0/10
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.
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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
7.0/10
How’s the tech? The optional Mark Levinson stereo is excellent and provides clear sound that doesn't distort with increased volume. The infotainment screen is clear and can even display helpful things such as live traffic information. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone 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 assistance system is weak and sometimes loses track of lane lines.
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. Among its main competitors, it offers above-average warranty coverage, 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.
Which RC F does Edmunds recommend?
The RC F comes in one well-equipped trim level that offers you the choice of several available packages and stand-alone options. The Premium package is a must-have; it doesn't tack much onto the price, but upgrades like leather upholstery, ventilated seats and power-adjustable steering wheel make the RC F feel like the luxury grand tourer that it is. The Navigation/Mark Levinson package is also worth adding; as much as it might stretch the imagination, there could be some people in the world who will eventually tire of the V8 soundtrack.
Lexus RC F models
The 2023 Lexus RC F is a rear-wheel-drive luxury coupe that is available in only one trim level with several optional packages. The 5.0-liter V8 that powers the RC F produces 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque. The much more expensive RC F Track Edition uses the same V8 but adds numerous weight-saving and performance upgrades to set the quickest lap times possible. An eight-speed automatic is the only transmission choice.
Standard feature highlights include:
19-inch matte black BBS wheels with summer performance tires
Limited-slip rear differential
Adaptive suspension dampers
Brembo brakes
Speed-activated rear spoiler
Keyless entry and ignition
8-inch touchscreen
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Synthetic leather upholstery
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Lexus Enform connected services, including Wi-Fi
10-speaker audio system
Standard driver assist features include:
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Lexus and the car in front)
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
Automatic high beams
Most RC F buyers will want the Premium package, which includes:
19-inch gunmetal-finish BBS wheels
Leather seats
Heated steering wheel
Heated and ventilated front seats
Rear-seat center console
Power-adjustable steering wheel
Front and rear parking sensors
A Carbon package is also available. It includes the contents of the Premium package plus:
19-inch black wheels
Carbon-fiber roof
Carbon-fiber spoilers, splitters and rear diffuser panel
Carbon-fiber interior trim
The Navigation/Mark Levinson package is a worthy upgrade. It installs:
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
5 out of 5 stars
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. … Heavy vs competition. Mileage has been a pleasant surprise - over 18 in city and 27 or 28 on highway. Levinson sound is great. Balanced handling, smooth progression when pushed - easy to drive fast. Like spoiler deployment. Seats are awesome. Wish it had power folding mirrors. Nice exhaust sound. Steering wheel is "just right" - paddle shifters easy to access and high quality. Engine block is blue - looks cool.
RC F--Exceptional Balance of Luxury and Performanc
5 out of 5 stars
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 … in 40 seconds, this is the ride. Road & Track's Motown Mile had the RC F beating the M4 and RS5. The Motortrend Head-to-Head on the Streets of Willow had the M4 and RC F finishing in a near dead heat with Randy Pobst driving.
The RC F will destroy most tracks, if that is your thing, but most of us will drive it 363 days per year to the office and 2 days per year on a track. And if you just want a daily driver with a huge fun factor, this too is your ride.
The RC F carbon TVD is a virtual slot car on hairpin corners and is faster than the Torsen, but either car will deliver the thrills and luxury.
I unequivocally recommend the new RC F to any driving enthusiast!
1 year of RC-F ownership - it's amazing!
5 out of 5 stars
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 … possibly be reading this. As a daily driver, the car is stiff. If you drive on rough roads, it might get old. But I will say that I have grown to love the stiffness of it - and the seats are even more important than the suspension. The seats in this car are so amazing that even all day drives in the seat will leave you feeling great. They are truly a work of art - I would drive this car across the country without hesitation. In keeping with Lexus tradition, the car is exceptionally refined, with great fit/finish and excellent materials throughout. Track impressions and spirited mountain road driving: A lot is made of this car's weight, but let me tell you: this car is exceptionally balanced and it is absolutely track ready. I've got 3 separate track days under my belt, some of which in mid 80 degree weather - the car never gets too hot, the brakes never die on you and you simply drive it home when you're done. This car will hang with all but the fastest of sports cars. On twisty mountain roads, you simply can't approach the car's limits. Braking, shifting, steering feel are all excellent; plus you get the amazing (and now, RARE) sound of a naturally aspirated 5.0 V8 roaring when you press the skinny pedal. If you can find another naturally aspirated V8 GT luxury coupe, buy it! Just kidding, you won't, because there are literally no other choices. This car is special . - Last, and this bears mentioning, this car will GET ATTENTION. If you spend $150k on a Porsche 911, no one will look twice at you. If you spend $100k plus on a Tesla, people will casually comment on your nice car. But if you pull up in a Lexus RC-F, jaws hit the floor and everyone wants to talk to you about it. This car is the real deal.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 Lexus RC F, so we've included reviews for other years of the RC F since its last redesign.
Best Muscle Cars — Chevy Camaro, Dodge Challenger and Ford Mustang, But What Else?
NOTE: This video is about the 2020 Lexus RC F, but since the 2023 Lexus RC F is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
Edmunds' Elana Scherr lists the best muscle cars of 2020, including American muscle cars and other, more unusual choices. She also explains what makes a classic muscle car and gives her Top 10 picks for the best modern muscle cars on sale.
The M4 is an exceptional high-performance coupe in more ways than just performance. It's quicker and more agile than the RC F and offers superior tech and all-wheel drive. The BMW also has a larger trunk and provides more passenger room in the rear. Both coupes are very comfortable for performance cars and have similar fuel economy ratings. If you don't mind the M4's grille and its higher price tag, it'd be hard to pass on.
The mid-engine Corvette is one of our highest-ranking performance coupes. It's not from a luxury brand, but the Corvette sports a driver-focused interior that offers plenty of luxury and tech. The Chevy also provides excellent ride quality and comfortable seats. It tops the RC F in practically every performance metric and packs a more powerful non-turbocharged 6.2-liter V8. Starting prices are similar and so is fuel economy.
The RS 5 coupe is much quicker and has superior levels of grip thanks in part to its all-wheel-drive system. It also provides more cargo space and more passenger room in most metrics and slightly better fuel economy. The available Sportback model with its two extra doors and hatchback-style trunk makes for a very practical sports car. Unlike the two competitors above, neither the Audi nor the Lexus is particularly engaging to drive. The RC F's lower starting price and phenomenal-sounding V8 are two areas where it wins.
On its face, the Lexus RC F is a two-plus-two luxury coupe with a big, burly V8 under the hood. The only problem is the RC F doesn't seem to know if it wants to be a luxury GT with big power or an out-and-out sports car. Since its introduction in 2015, Lexus has consistently tried to push that needle toward the performance end of the spectrum. It gave us a Track Edition with less weight and slightly sharper handling in 2019, and for 2022 it gave us a slightly less hardcore RC F Fuji Speedway Edition.
However, none of the changes those special editions made have ever remedied the RC F's main issue: its weight. The RC F is built via a combination of three different platforms, and this Frankensteinian approach to building the RC F limited dynamically it from Day One. As a result, it falls flat when compared to rivals like the Audi RS 5 and BMW M4. But the RC F offers something those cars don't. The 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 under the hood is less of an engine and more of a musical instrument that you play with your right foot, and if a soulful soundtrack is what you're after, the RC F is the only car in its category that will give it to you.
There have been reports that a new RC F is on the way, and it seems likely it would arrive for the 2024 model year. As a result, we expect Lexus to keep the changes to the 2023 RC F to a minimum. Maybe there will be a limited-edition model and some changes to equipment levels, but beyond that, we expect the RC F to be the same as it ever was. We just hope the next car, whenever it comes, keeps that sonorous V8.
Edmunds says
The 2023 Lexus RC F should hold steady without major changes as it looks like a new model is on its way in the near future. Let's hope Lexus gets the next RC F right because Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz sorely need some competition in the small yet feisty segment.
FAQ
Is the Lexus RC F a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 RC F both on the road and at the track, giving it a 6.9 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2023 RC F gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 25 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the RC F has 10.1 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Lexus RC F. Learn more
What's new in the 2023 Lexus RC F?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Lexus RC F:
Central display screen now offers touchscreen control
Last year's limited-production Fuji Speedway Edition is replaced by the Track Edition, which has all of the same features
Part of the first RC F generation introduced for 2014
To determine whether the Lexus RC F is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the RC F. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the RC F's 5-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2023 Lexus RC F a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Lexus RC F is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 RC F and gave it a 6.9 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 RC F gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 25 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 RC F is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2023 Lexus RC F?
The least-expensive 2023 Lexus RC F is the 2023 Lexus RC F 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $66,695.
Other versions include:
2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 8A) which starts at $66,695
Track Edition 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 8A) which starts at $99,570
If you're interested in the Lexus RC F, the next question is, which RC F model is right for you? RC F variants include 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 8A), and Track Edition 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 8A). For a full list of RC F models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more