2020 Lexus RC F

2020 RC F Photos
Sporty in nature and stylish to the eyes, the 2020 Lexus RC demonstrates that larger coupes can still be compelling choices. Aggressively handsome, the RC has become a worthy competitor to sporty German-brand two-doors since its 2014 launch.

Little has changed for the 2020 model year, except for an updated design and enhanced performance for the sizzling RC F, including a new Launch Control system. Headlights for the RC F are new, and its engine gains 5 horsepower. Android Auto compatibility has been added to the infotainment system.

The broad lineup is arranged by powertrain and performance. The lineup includes RC 300, RC 350, and RC F versions, as well as F Sport offshoots of the RC 300 and RC 350.

The base RC 300 can be fitted with either a turbo-4 or a V-6. The tepid 2.0-liter turbo-4 issues 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, reaching the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel-drive versions of the RC 300 get the slightly more powerful 3.5-liter V-6, making 260 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic.

In the RC 350, the V-6 upgrades to 311 hp and 280 lb-ft, promising significantly greater vigor. It's paired with the 8-speed automatic.

For all-out frenzy, nothing will suffice other than the RC F, which unleashes a 472-hp 5.0-liter V-8. Lexus also offers a Track edition, adding a carbon fiber hood, Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, a titanium muffler, and other performance upgrades. Acceleration to 60 mph takes a mere 4.2 seconds, versus 5.8 seconds for the rear-drive RC 350 and 6.3 seconds for the RC 300's 260-hp V-6.

Gas mileage is a demerit, especially with the V-6 engine that's otherwise a good choice. With the turbo-4 and rear-drive, the RC 300 is EPA-rated at 21 mpg city, 30 highway, and 24 combined. All-wheel drive, with the 260-hp V-6, lowers fuel economy to a less-frugal 18/24/21 mpg.

In the RC 350, the more powerful V-6 is rated at 20/28/23 mpg with RWD, or 19/26/21 mpg with AWD. The swift-moving RC F and its V8 aren't much worse at 16/24/19 mpg. Lexus recommends premium fuel for all versions.

The IIHS gave the RC top “Good” ratings in each of its crash tests, including the challenging small-overlap collision for both the driver and passenger sides. Headlights haven't been tested, which takes the RC out of the running for the agency's Top Safety Pick designation.

Every RC includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward-collision warnings, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, lane-departure warnings, active lane control, and automatic high-beam headlights. Drivers can expect good outward visibility.
Full Review

Sporty in nature and stylish to the eyes, the 2020 Lexus RC demonstrates that larger coupes can still be compelling choices. Aggressively handsome, the RC has become a worthy competitor to sporty German-brand two-doors since its 2014 launch.

Little has changed for the 2020 model year, except for an updated design and enhanced performance for the sizzling RC F, including a new Launch Control system. Headlights for the RC F are new, and its engine gains 5 horsepower. Android Auto compatibility has been added to the infotainment system.

The broad lineup is arranged by powertrain and performance. The lineup includes RC 300, RC 350, and RC F versions, as well as F Sport offshoots of the RC 300 and RC 350.

The base RC 300 can be fitted with either a turbo-4 or a V-6. The tepid 2.0-liter turbo-4 issues 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, reaching the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel-drive versions of the RC 300 get the slightly more powerful 3.5-liter V-6, making 260 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic.

In the RC 350, the V-6 upgrades to 311 hp and 280 lb-ft, promising significantly greater vigor. It's paired with the 8-speed automatic.

For all-out frenzy, nothing will suffice other than the RC F, which unleashes a 472-hp 5.0-liter V-8. Lexus also offers a Track edition, adding a carbon fiber hood, Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, a titanium muffler, and other performance upgrades. Acceleration to 60 mph takes a mere 4.2 seconds, versus 5.8 seconds for the rear-drive RC 350 and 6.3 seconds for the RC 300's 260-hp V-6.

Gas mileage is a demerit, especially with the V-6 engine that's otherwise a good choice. With the turbo-4 and rear-drive, the RC 300 is EPA-rated at 21 mpg city, 30 highway, and 24 combined. All-wheel drive, with the 260-hp V-6, lowers fuel economy to a less-frugal 18/24/21 mpg.

In the RC 350, the more powerful V-6 is rated at 20/28/23 mpg with RWD, or 19/26/21 mpg with AWD. The swift-moving RC F and its V8 aren't much worse at 16/24/19 mpg. Lexus recommends premium fuel for all versions.

The IIHS gave the RC top “Good” ratings in each of its crash tests, including the challenging small-overlap collision for both the driver and passenger sides. Headlights haven't been tested, which takes the RC out of the running for the agency's Top Safety Pick designation.

Every RC includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward-collision warnings, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, lane-departure warnings, active lane control, and automatic high-beam headlights. Drivers can expect good outward visibility.
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Retail Price

$64,900 - $96,800 MSRP / Window Sticker Price
Engine 5.0L V-8
MPG Up to 16 city / 24 highway
Seating 4 Passengers
Transmission 8-spd auto w/OD
Power 472 @ 7100 rpm
Drivetrain rear-wheel
Curb Weight 3,781 - 3,902 lbs
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