2023 Lexus RC Performance

Lexus used to be thought of as an old man's brand thanks to legendary land yachts like the LS 400, but it has proven that it knows how to build fast cars with the LFA and later F-series cars. Unfortunately, the 2023 Lexus RC doesn't get the complete F treatment, despite the "F Sport" name appearing on some trim levels. The base models are powered by an industry-standard 2.0-liter turbo engine with modest power outputs of 241 hp that, in the 3,737-pound RC 300, fail to deliver any sort of sporty performance. The BMW 4 Series, with its 255-hp 2.0-liter entry-level engine, is faster and more eager to please.

Lexus tries to correct the lack of power in the RC 300 by offering the RC 350. This model is powered by a 3.5L naturally aspirated V6 engine and delivers over 311 hp. Confusingly, the RC 300 models with AWD also get the V6 engine, just detuned for 260 hp, because it was easier to mate the V6 with the AWD system than the 2.0-liter. Regardless, it still can't match up to its German rivals. According to Lexus, the RC 300 will get to 60 mph in a leisurely 7.3 seconds, while the AWD V6 version will take a more respectable 6.3 seconds. The V6 RC 350 will manage the same sprint in six seconds in AWD configuration and 5.8 seconds when paired with RWD. The RWD models have a top speed of 143 mph, dropping to 130 mph for AWD variants.

There are three powertrain choices and two transmissions for the RC range in the US market. In RWD format, the RC 300 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 241 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Power comes on early thanks to a fat low-down torque curve, but the RC 300 runs out of steam fairly quickly. The RC 300 AWD replaces the turbo-four with a 3.5-liter V6 making 260 hp and 236 lb-ft, but it uses a less advanced six-speed automatic.

If you want any sort of speed and passion, you will have to go with the RC 350. In this application, the 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine is dialed up to make 311 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. In RWD guise, it uses the eight-speed auto, whereas the RC 350 AWD is saddled with the six-speed auto. Power delivery is smooth and linear, but even at full tilt, the German competitors are faster.

Due to its weight and the fact that the engines need to be worked hard to extract decent performance, the RC fails to impress in terms of fuel efficiency. EPA ratings vary due to the number of engine and drivetrain configurations. The most efficient of the lot is the RWD RC 300 with the 2.0-liter engine which will return 21/31/25 mpg on the city/highway/combined circuit. The AWD RC 300 with the lower-powered V6 will manage 19/26/22 mpg, which is the same figure the AWD RC 350 will get. RWD RC 350s are a little more frugal, at 20/28/23 mpg.

Clearly, AWD models suffer because of their heavier weight and two fewer gears. With a max fuel capacity of 17.4 gallons, the RC will manage a distance of between 382 and 435 miles.