The 2024 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.Read full review
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.
Will Kaufman has worked in the automotive industry since 2017. He has written hundreds of car-related articles and reviews over the course of his career. Will is a senior editor and content strategist for CarMax at Edmunds. Will has been featured in the Associated Press and a number of major outlets on the topics of infotainment and vehicle data, vehicle subscription services and autonomous vehicles. Will started his career in online publishing by writing and editing standardized test guides, but he has a lot more fun writing about cars.
Pros
Excellent interior craftsmanship
Quiet cabin at highway speeds
Smooth power from the V6 engine
RC F's V8 engine has buckets of personality
Cons
Overall performance comes up short against rivals
Back seats are small even for kids
Offers slightly less cargo room than some competitors
What's new
Besides a few new color choices, the Lexus RC returns unchanged
Part of the first RC generation introduced for 2015
Overview
Even though two-door coupes have vanished from many carmakers' lineups, that class of cars remains popular in the luxury segment. The RC line from Lexus is the only coupe in this class that isn't made by a European manufacturer. For 2024, the lineup includes the entry-level RC 300, the more powerful RC 350 and the high-performance RC F. These sporty coupes, however, have been around since 2015, and their age has been showing against newer competitors.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Lexus RC F Track Edition 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 $4.11 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Edmunds spotlight: Comfort and refinement are the highlights
Even when the Lexus RC debuted nine years ago, it didn't perform on the same level as its contemporaries. Instead, it focused more on the luxury side of things, and that emphasis continues to be one of its best attributes. Throughout the lineup, the RC tends to have a smoother ride quality than some German rivals, and comfort is bolstered by cushy seats and a very quiet cabin. The interior is also well constructed, and the quality of materials is appropriately refined for the luxury price. Get more details on where the RC leads or could use improvement in our Expert Rating.
Competitors to consider
Just as the Lexus RC's lineup spans from mild to wild, so too do its few rivals. The BMW 4 Series has a similar roster, with the potent M4 being the sporty driver's choice in the class. The Audi A5, S5 and RS 5 tend to find a middle ground between the Lexus and the BMW. New for 2024 is the Mercedes-Benz CLE, which will likely take the crown for the most luxurious. Considering the RC's age, we suggest checking out the competition first.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our Verdict
The 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 2024 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 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
8/10
How comfortable is the RC? 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.
Interior
7/10
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.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Save as much as $3,922 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $3,922 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the F Track Edition trim.
2024 Lexus RC F Track Edition pricing in Columbus, OH
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.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
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 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 does Edmunds recommend?
We like the RC 350 for the added power you get over the RC 300, and stepping up to the F Sport trim adds an appropriate amount of performance while maintaining high levels of comfort. To that, we'd consider adding the Navigation with Mark Levinson Premium Audio package for the larger touchscreen and powerful audio upgrade. As much as we like the RC F's V8 growl, we think most performance-focused shoppers would be better served by its rivals.
Warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time.
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
Warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position.
High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
Adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the Lexus RC F and the car in front.
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good
FAQ
Is the Lexus RC a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 RC both on the road and at the track, giving it a 6.9 out of 10. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the RC 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. Learn more
What's new in the 2024 Lexus RC?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Lexus RC:
Besides a few new color choices, the Lexus RC returns unchanged
Part of the first RC generation introduced for 2015
To determine whether the Lexus RC is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the RC. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the RC's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2024 Lexus RC a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Lexus RC is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 RC and gave it a 6.9 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 RC is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 Lexus RC?
The least-expensive 2024 Lexus RC is the 2024 Lexus RC F Track Edition 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $100,020.
Other versions include:
F Track Edition 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 8A) which starts at $100,020
If you're interested in the Lexus RC, the next question is, which RC model is right for you? RC variants include F Track Edition 2dr Coupe (5.0L 8cyl 8A). For a full list of RC models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more