Cars in Review: 2024 Lexus RC

We made it to another cars in review and this time, we will be spotlighting the 2024 Lexus RC. Now the Lexus RC’s design is one thing that stands out – some would even say it’s showing its age – but the car is 9 years old (in 2024), so who could really blame it for not fitting in with today’s new releases? I mean is it really such a bad thing to stand out from the crowd if it makes you special and unique? 

And the price tag on this model screams anything but “vintage costs” starting at $45,920 for the base model and the top of the line model going for all the way up to $52,470 – so are those critics really right? Who’s to say? Everyone is entitled to their opinions after all. I’m just here to write and give the facts, nothing else. 

So back to the review, with the next section to cover being the new features for 2024. Now, normally a whole section would be dedicated to the new features for the year, but this car really hasn’t seen much changes throughout its years of existence to be honest, and the same holds true for the 2024 edition. The only new thing for this year is the new paint color added to the lineup – Cloudburst Gray. Now making this vehicle available in 9 colors. To see a full list of these colors, please visit Lexus’s official website linked here. 

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

For this section, a couple different models will be referenced, starting with the base model. Under the hood of this vehicle you will find a turbocharged four cylinder engine that has capabilities of making 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque that is paired with an eight speed automatic transmission – a very rare find nowadays – also coming in rear wheel drive. The option for full torque is available at 1,650 RPM, and despite not being too fast, it won’t leave you waiting too long to get up to speed. 

Choosing to go for all wheel drive does allow you to have the naturally aspirated 3.5 litre V6 engine and six speed transmission, increases horsepower to 260, but brings the torque down a bit to 236 pound-feet. Now the V6 in the RC350 (the next model in line) is tuned to make 311 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It comes available in rear wheel drive that also allows for the 8 speed transmission whereas the all wheel drive allows for a 6 speed automatic transmission. The engine under this hood was found to be smoother than the 4 (found in the base model) but still not as brave as its rivals. This model managed 5.6 seconds in the 0-60 MPH test whereas the BMW 440i coupe made it in 4.4 seconds. Now although the RC isn’t completely out of its league, it will play along with moderate enthusiasm and provides a comfortable ride – one of its bonuses – and does so with honours.

Fuel Economy and Real World MPG

Out of all the models in the lineup, the RC300 (the base model) with the turbocharged 4 cylinder engine (with the rear wheel drive variant) earned EPA ratings of 21 MPG city and 31 MPG highway, although returning a disappointing 29 MPG in Car and Drivers Real World test. 

In the more powerful RC350 F Sport (the top of the line model), the results matched the numbers produced by the base model. This car is rated at 20 city, 28 highway (for rear wheel) and 19 city and 26 highway (for all wheel drive). It’s a safe conclusion to say that none of the RC models really standout in this section but nonetheless still make great cars.  

Interior Comfort and Cargo

Another really good selling point for the Lexus RC is the interior quality, comfort, and layout of the vehicle overall – at least for the front passengers. Rear seats in the RC are for limited use, with favouritism being played toward the small and flexible types who don’t mind manoeuvring into position. The front seats on the other hand are inviting and supportive, and the leather feels even better than it should. 

Dual zone climate controls are standard and the interior is silent at any speed. But cargo space is another downfall for this car although the RC’s trunk allows for 4 carry-on cases – 5 with the rear seat folded flat. This car works perfect for 2 people as it provides a luxurious space to spend time in as the miles pass but be warned about the low roofline and fastback design that cuts into the interior space and creates some pretty bad blind spots. 

Infotainment and Connectivity

An 8 inch touchscreen comes standard with a 10.3 inch touchscreen coming optional, and now the screens come touch-capable as the console mounted remote touchpad no longer has a monopoly on controlling the infotainment system. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, all come standard as well with onboard Wi-Fi coming as optional. 

For those audio lovers out there, the Premium Audio Package (that includes a 17 speaker Mark Levinson audio system bundled with the larger 10.3 inch touchscreen and navigation) was made for you, for the price of $2725 of course. Steep price but sweet sound. 

Safety and Driver Assistance Technology

It is important to note the 2024 Lexus RC has not been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) but the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave it a “good” rating across the battery tests. 

It does come with several key driver safety technology that all come standard including radar cruise control, automatic braking, and more as part of the Lexus Safety System + 2.5 package. Other key safety features include: 

• Standard forward collision warning and automated emergency braking 
• Standard lane keeping assist and lane departure warning 
• Standard adaptive cruise control 

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Lexus provides a longer powertrain warranty when compared to its rivals but the rest of the RC’s coverage is average. Now not to say a year’s worth of complimentary scheduled maintenance isn’t nice but the BMW 4 series offers 3 years of coverage…Nonetheless, Lexus offers the following:

• Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles 
• Powertrain warranty covers 6 years or 70,000 miles 
• Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for 1 year or 10,000 miles