2021 Lexus RC F Review: Beauty Is a Beast
The Lexus RC F is the brand's answer to big-name sporty coupes like the Audi RS5, BMW M4, and Mercedes-AMG C63, and the automaker crams a whole lot into it to help it gain traction in the fray. A burly 472-hp V8 under the hood, a sweet soundtrack, a rear-wheel-drive layout, and sport-tuned suspension are all part of the package, and with a few tweaks to the on-board tech for the new model year, there's a lot of value to be had.
Last year, Lexus endowed the RC F sports coupe with various powertrain enhancements and weight-reduction changes to improve performance, and with the much-anticipated inclusion of Android Auto, the 2021 Lexus RC F is more prepared than ever to make a name for itself in the segment. But, with less-than-ideal gas mileage returns and handling that can't quite compete with the German Trinity, has Lexus done enough to get its 2-door sports car near the top?
2021 RC F Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 185.4 in | 107.5 in | 54.7 in | 72.6 in | 61.2 in | 61.4 in | 3,902.0 lbs |
2021 RC F Performance
2021 RC F Interior
2021 RC F Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 6 Years / 70,000 Miles | 6 Years / Unlimited Miles | 4 Years / Unlimited Miles | 1 Years / 10,000 Miles |
Verdict: Is the 2021 Lexus RC F A Good coupe?
Improvements to the RC F sports coupe have helped to bring it closer to the level on which its competitors are, but while it has the chops to impress most, true enthusiasts may be left wanting. The 2021 RC F has a price tag of $65,975, which is quite attractive alongside many of the other premium sports coupes on the US market. But with that said, most rivals are more proficient and engaging performers. If you're drawn to the RC F for its design, we wouldn't blame you - it's a handsome beast, for sure. And there are a lot of other positives to the RC F, too, such as a modern and upscale cabin with dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable front seats, premium ten-speaker sound system, and Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa.
As with most luxury sports cars, the 2021 Lexus RC F hasn't undergone an official review for a safety rating, but as a Lexus vehicle, it does come standard with a good selection of driver assists and safety features, as well as with a proven reliability track record. The RC F is also surprisingly smooth and comfortable on the road, so while it may not be the most competitive track car, it is a great combination of good-looking, livable, and luxurious - all at a reasonable price.
What Lexus RC F Model Should I Buy?
For 2021 there are only two options to choose from, and while a special edition is usually something out of the ordinary, the Fuji Speedway Edition doesn't offer too much over the base RC F, although the price jumps with more than $30k. The extra layout gets you a sub-four-second 0-60 sprint time, carbon fiber exterior bits and pieces, carbon fiber interior trim, ultra-lightweight wheels, carbon ceramic brakes, and unique color schemes. It also loses out on blind-spot monitoring which is standard on the base.Is it worth it? We don't think you need much more than the base model with a few choice additions from the options list. The standard RC F has launch control and an F-adaptive variable suspension already, as well as dual-zone automatic climate control, sports seats with power adjustment and memory for the driver's seat, and a driver assist suite that includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Add the Premium Package and you'll be quite happy with the overall result, and still come in cheaper than main rivals.