2022 Lexus RC Review: Sheep In Wolf's Clothing

The automotive world is all about two things at the moment: going faster and polluting less, and preferably both simultaneously. So it's both comforting and refreshing to know that some cars like the 2022 Lexus RC Coupe ignore both of these trends. This two-door coupe isn't especially fast, it's not a sharp handler, and it's not very economical. However, it looks fantastic and is pleasingly comfortable for a car of this kind. Even with a maximum power output of 311 horsepower from a 3.5-liter V6, none of the RC luxury coupes are not going to win many street races, but they will wrap you in a serene bubble of luxury and waft you around town in style. Sure, the BMW 4 Series Coupe and Audi A5 Coupe are more entertaining to drive, but the Lexus RC is great because of its low-key, unpretentious style. And with three powertrain options, the RC coupe ranges in starting price from around $42.5k to upwards of $52k depending on options.

What's the Price of the 2022 Lexus RC?

The 2022 RC is competitively priced against its main German rivals and starts with an MSRP of $42,470 excluding tax, registration, and a destination charge of $1,075 in the USA. Going from the base model RC 300 to the RC 300 AWD will cost $45,160. The RC 300 F Sport costs $46,940 and its AWD derivative goes for $49,115. The standard RC 350 sells for $45,400, and the AWD version is priced at $47,565. The top-of-the-line RC 350 F Sport is priced at $49,870 for the RWD model and $51,480 for the AWD car. Fully loaded, the price of the Lexus RC will reach around $60,000 for a 350 F Sport AWD with all the extras.

2022 RC Exterior

Dimensions

2022 RC Performance

Handling and Driving Impressions

The 2022 Lexus RC is no straight-line sprinter, so it wouldn't make sense to make it handle like a hardcore sports coupe, either. Lexus knows its place in the order of things and has deliberately made the RC Coupe softer than most of its rivals; in that way, it can attract a more mature crowd that appreciates comfort over pure capability. The Lexus RC offers a pliant and comfortable driving experience that is perfect for those who want a relaxed daily cruiser. Even F Sport models with the larger wheel option return a smooth ride that is difficult to fault, even over bumpy road surfaces. The chassis isn't entirely made of gooey marshmallows and candy floss, however. The Lexus RC doesn't mind being thrown around a corner, and despite a fair bit of body lean and low-speed understeer, there's a surprising amount of feedback through the steering wheel which is a rare commodity these days. An optional Torsen limited-slip differential is a $390 option on F Sport derivatives, but we wouldn't bother. Understand and enjoy the RC for what it is, and you'll never be disappointed.

2022 RC Interior

2022 RC Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

Verdict: Is the 2022 Lexus RC A Good car?

There is no doubt in anyone's mind that Lexus can build a decent sports car: the RC F is proof of this. But Lexus is first and foremost a luxury car brand, and the bulk of its products focus on premium comfort. The 2022 RC Coupe falls solidly into that category. This isn't the fastest or sharpest premium coupe around, but it looks great, goes well enough, and can still entertain if the occasion arises. What the RC is best at, however, is delivering a comfortable and quiet ride in class and style. The build quality is excellent, safety levels are competent, and it's more reliable than most. Yes, it lacks the German brand equity, but Lexus cars have come far enough to be recognized as quality products in their own right, and the RC is a shining example.

What Lexus RC Model Should I Buy?

Let's be honest: the 2022 RC Coupe will never be a track-day star and will most likely spend its days cruising city streets at legal speeds. This car is about style, and for that reason, we'd suggest the RC 300 F Sport. Its 241 hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine offers enough power for city living, and it comes with all the cool-looking exterior features and a sporty interior. As far as optional extras go, we'd add intuitive parking assist and a power moonroof for added comfort and style. The total cost comes to just under $50,000.

2022 Lexus RC Comparisons

2022 Lexus RC vs Infiniti Q60

These cars are aimed at German rivals such as the BMW 4 Series Coupe, but neither offers a convincingly sporty drive; the Infiniti Q60 is a comfortable vehicle to cruise around in and reminds us of early 2000s German coupes such as the Mercedes-Benz CLK. The Infiniti does offer more real-world power from its twin-turbo power plant, but neither of these cars are particularly quick. On the inside, the Infiniti falls to provide the same premium feel as the Lexus, and the RC also has greater trunk space. Pricing may be similar, and the choice here should mainly boil down to looks, but if we were buying, we'd go with the Lexus.

2022 Lexus RC vs Lexus IS

The Lexus IS is considered a compact executive sedan and sports four doors instead of the RC's two. This is the most important difference between these two cars and one that will ultimately be the deciding factor. The IS is powered by the exact same engine options as the RC and weighs more or less the same, so performance and fuel consumption figures are comparable. The IS is cheaper, however, beginning at just under $40,000. Inside, these two cars share the same luxury look and feel, and most of the standard features are also shared between these two siblings. The IS outshines the RC when it comes to practicality and can actually accommodate fully-grown adults in the back. Get the IS if you need the space or the RC if you're after some style points.