2021 Lexus RC: Review, Trims, Specs, Price, New Interior Features, Exterior Design, and Specifications

$42,220 - $51,230

Price Range (MSRP)

2021 Lexus RC For Sale

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2021 Lexus RC Review: Splendor Over Capability

by Aiden Eksteen

If the fun driving character and eye-catching aesthetic of a sporty compact coupe tickles your fancy, and you're not overly concerned about having the fastest or most capable car on the road, then the 2021 Lexus RC may be the one for you. The same powertrains are on offer for 2021, meaning that you get the choice of either a mild 241-horsepower turbo-four, a more enthusiastic 260-hp V6, or V6 with 311 hp. Either V6 setup can be had in F Sport guise, which enhances the sporting appeal of the coupe - but even so, with competitors such as the BMW 4 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe, the Lexus RC doesn't quite impress on the performance side of things. With Lexus' proclivity for a pleasant driving experience and dependability, it remains a really attractive offering in the segment as more of a luxury cruiser. With its premium, contemporary cabin, an impressive selection of comforts and conveniences, and an extensive list of driver-aids, the Lexus RC has a unique charm that most can still appreciate. If you're in the market for a striking sports coupe that prioritizes comfort and luxuries over brute acceleration the Lexus RC may just fit the bill for you.

Read in this review:

Exterior Design 8 /10
Performance 7 /10
Fuel Economy 9 /10
Interior & Cargo 9 /10
Infotainment & Features 7 /10
Reliability 10 /10
Safety 9 /10
Value For Money 8 /10

8.4

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2021 Lexus RC Changes: What’s The Difference vs The 2020 RC?

For 2021, Lexus introduces a limited-production Black Line Special Edition of the RC coupe to the line that features unique crafted touches and comes with a matching set of Zero Halliburton Luggage.

For the existing models, there's a new exterior color named Grecian Water. Lexus has also made electrochromic, heated exterior mirrors and a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert standard across the board.

Pros and Cons

Unique, eye-catching exterior design
F Sport is exciting and finely balanced
All models boast a refined ride quality
Many premium comforts and conveniences
Strong safety and reliability expectations

Not as fast as its core competitors
No manual gearbox is offered
Prioritizes aesthetics over drive dynamics
Infotainment touchpad is unintuitive
Cramped back seat

Best Deals on 2021 Lexus RC

2021 Lexus RC 350

$41,995

6,502 miles

2021 Lexus RC 300 F SPORT

$69,959

4,200 miles

2021 Lexus RC 350 F SPORT

$53,995

19,104 miles

2021 Lexus RC 350

$45,000

8,275 miles

Fair Deal

Average price

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2021 Lexus RC Trims

See trim levels and configurations:

Trim	Engine	Transmission	Drivetrain	Price (MSRP)
RC 300	2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas 3.5L V6 Gas	6-Speed Automatic 8-Speed Automatic	Rear-Wheel Drive All-Wheel Drive	$42,220
RC 350	3.5L V6 Gas	6-Speed Automatic 8-Speed Automatic	Rear-Wheel Drive All-Wheel Drive	$45,150
RC 300 F SPORT	2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas 3.5L V6 Gas	6-Speed Automatic 8-Speed Automatic	Rear-Wheel Drive All-Wheel Drive	$46,690
RC 350 F SPORT	3.5L V6 Gas	6-Speed Automatic 8-Speed Automatic	Rear-Wheel Drive All-Wheel Drive	$49,620

See All 2021 Lexus RC Trims and Specs

2021 RC Exterior

Lexus

See All 2021 Lexus RC Exterior Photos

Dimensions

Length 185.0 in
Wheelbase 107.5 in
Height 54.9 in
Max Width 72.4 in
Front Width 62.2 in
Rear Width 63.0 in
Curb Weight 3,737.0 lbs

Exterior Colors

Atomic Silver
Obsidian
Caviar
Eminent White Pearl
Infrared
Grecian Water
Ultra White
Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0
Flare Yellow
Cloudburst Gray

2021 RC Performance

Lexus

Engine and Transmission

Engines

2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas, 3.5L V6 Gas
Transmissions

6-Speed Automatic, 8-Speed Automatic
Drivetrains

AWD, RWD

2021 RC Interior

Lexus

See All 2021 Lexus RC Interior Photos

Seating and Interior Space

Seating capacity

4-seater

Front Leg Room 45.4 in
Front Head Room 39.0 in
Rear Leg Room 27.3 in
Rear Head Room 34.8 in

2021 RC Trunk and Cargo Space

Lexus

Trunk Volume

10.4 ft³

2021 RC Safety and Reliability

Warranty

Basic:
4 Years \ 50,000 Miles
Drivetrain:
6 Years \ 70,000 Miles
Corrosion:
6 Years \ Unlimited Miles
Roadside Assistance:
4 Years \ Unlimited Miles
Maintenance:
1 Years \ 10,000 Miles

US NHTSA Crash Test Result

NHTSA safety ratings are not available at this time.

Verdict: Is the 2021 Lexus RC A Good sports coupe?

With its striking design, three impressive powertrain options, and selection of performance-specified underpinnings, the 2021 Lexus RC looks like a capable sports coupe on paper. But when compared to its German contemporaries in the USA, it becomes clear that Lexus maintains their penchant for comfort and refinement and forgo competitive performance measures. It's still a fast coupe with the chops to excite, but it's to no extent one of the top contenders when it comes to real competitiveness and deeper driver engagement.

The 2021 Lexus RC coupe can be seen as a sporty coupe with grand tourer resolve, and a composed and compliant driving character. Counting in its favor are a premium cabin and an extensive array of luxury comforts and conveniences. The F Sport versions of both the RC 300 and the RC 350 do offer greater driver engagement and handling poise with their upgraded suspension kits, stronger brakes, and an available limited-slip differential, but don't expect the same degree of performance you'll get from some rival 2-door coupes. As a premium cruiser, the RC's unintuitive infotainment controls and cramped back seats also detract from the experience. Ultimately, the Lexus RC is a fun and polished car to cruise about in, but it won't earn you any bragging rights against your racing buds.

What Lexus RC Model Should I Buy?

Though the 2021 Lexus RC is a sporty and striking vehicle regardless of which specification you go for, we still suggest going for one of the RC 350 versions for the extra punch the V6 motors grant them. Both the 260- and 311-hp V6 motors provide the extra power needed to contend with the RC's size and heft and contribute to performance dynamics that are more in line with the RC's sporty design. Creature comforts, conveniences, and tech remain almost identical throughout the line with the RC 350's and RC 300 AWD model essentially getting front seat heating over the entry-spec RC 300. We also recommend going for the F Sport version to have the RC 350's bark match its bite. The performance front brakes and adaptive variable suspension also add to its bite and all the performance-inspired cabin elements remind you of the massive potential you have at hand. The price of the 2021 Lexus RC coupe in this guise starts at $51,230.