Flash Drive

2020 Lexus RC300

August 16, 2020 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2020 Lexus RC300 F Sport AWD

The 2020 Lexus RC300 and RC350 coupes are beautifully styled and look great from all angles.

Engine: 3.5-liter V6, 260 horsepower, 236 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 6-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 18-mpg city, 24-mpg highway, 21-mpg combined

Base Price: $48,540

As Tested: $57,230

Performance:

Fun to drive in a relaxed touring manner

Great long distance scenic drive car

Smooth, competent engine

The AWD option turns the excellent handling RC300 into an all season car.

Acceleration is good, but not exciting

Excellent fuel economy—our best was 28.2-mpg highway

Drive modes: Eco, Normal, Custom, Sport, Sport+

Separate controls for snow and traction control on/off

Drive modes default to Eco for optimum fuel economy

All-wheel-drive adds all-weather confidence

F Sport adaptive suspension

Smooth 6-speed automatic

The Lexus RC300 interior is beautifully executed and provides great comfort on long or short trips.

Manual 6-speed available on RC350 with AWD

Comfort:

High quality/style interior design and materials

Excellent stretch-out front legroom

Comfortable, supportive, bolstered seats

Heated and ventilated (3 temps)

Soft headrests

Power tilt/telescopic column

Nicely contoured, medium thick, heated leather steering wheel

The Lexus RC300 is very driver focused. Driving position is great as are all controls and touch surfaces.

Good auxiliary controls

Super tight back seat—minimal legroom

Two seatback pouches

Hard plastic between rear seats guarantees no middle passenger

Utility:

Trunk has flat floor

Split folding rear seats

Substantial height difference from trunk

Good size pass-through

Medium size narrow door bins

Padded armrest over medium size console bin

A central dial allows the driver to choose from a wide array of drive modes.

Medium size locking glovebox with huge owner’s manual

Large infotainment screen

OK touchpad controls, but not great

WOW Factors:

Sharp, sporty styling

Great comfort for two

Very pleasant driving experience

Whines:

Back seat best for cargo, not people

Pricey options add $8,000 to base

Bottom Line:

The Lexus RC300 is most enjoyable on the open road, but it’s also a nimble city traffic warrior.

The 2020 Lexus RC300 F Sport AWD coupe is visually stunning and very comfortable/luxurious. The F Sport features and AWD are pluses and the car is very pleasant to drive, but it looks like it should be more exciting. The RC300 is great for touring or long freeway hauls, but its swoopy looks need to be matched by a more athletic drivetrain.