2020 Lexus RC Reviews, Pricing & Specs

If you’re in the market for an Audi A5, BMW 4 Series, Infiniti Q60, or Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe, you might also consider the Lexus RC....

If you’re in the market for an Audi A5, BMW 4 Series, Infiniti Q60, or Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe, you might also consider the Lexus RC. This compact luxury coupe received some notable updates last year, so for 2020, it goes without major changes.

Lexus splits the RC into a number of submodels. The entry-level RC 300 comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine, making 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters sends all power to the rear axle. Opt for all-wheel drive (AWD) on the RC 300, and you get a 3.5-liter V6 with 260 hp and 236 lb-ft, plus a 6-speed automatic transmission. There are also F Sport versions of both models, which get unique front and rear fascias, sport seats, an adaptive suspension, and larger wheels. The rear-wheel drive (RWD) RC 300 F Sport also benefits from a limited-slip rear differential. Fuel economy is as high as 21 mpg city, 30 highway, and 24 combined on premium fuel for RWD versions and 18, 24, and 21 with AWD.

Slotting above those versions is the RC 350, which houses a 3.5-liter V6 with 311 hp and 280 lb-ft and is available with RWD or AWD. The RC 350 F Sport also comes in RWD or AWD and tacks on sportier styling, sport seats, an adaptive variable suspension, and an exclusive Custom drive mode. You can also opt for an intuitive rear-steering setup on the RC 350 F Sport with RWD, which gives the RC 350 tighter handling around curves and low-speed maneuvers. Maximum fuel economy for the RC 350 as a whole dips to 20 mpg city, 28 highway, and 23 combined on premium fuel with RWD and 19, 26, and 21 with AWD.

Standard features across the RC range include keyless start; a 7-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and Android Auto; LED taillights; WiFi hotspot capability; telematics; a leather-trimmed shift knob and steering wheel; leatherette upholstery; and auto-dimming mirrors. Options include a Mark Levinson sound system, a 10.3-inch infotainment system with navigation, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, leather upholstery, triple-beam LED headlights, and memory settings.

Like all 2020 Lexus models, the RC comes standard with the Lexus Safety System+ suite. That gets you a rear-view camera, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert with steering assist, sway warning, automatic high-beams, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring, rain-sensing wipers, a windshield wiper de-icer, and headlight washers are options. The Lexus RC achieved a 2018 Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Agency for Highway Safety (IIHS), and still receives good ratings for the strengthened 2020 battery of tests.