Does the Lexus RC have a turbo?
Yes. Turbocharged power is available in certain Lexus RC trims that use a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, while other RC variants rely on naturally aspirated V6 power or hybrid systems. The high-performance RC F, by contrast, uses a V8 with no turbo.
Across different markets and model years, Lexus balanced the RC lineup with turbocharged four-cylinders on some versions and non-turbo options on others. This article reviews which trims have turbo, how to identify them, and what buyers should know about performance, efficiency, and ownership considerations.
Turbocharged variants and engine lineup
The RC family blends turbocharged and non-turbo powertrains. The following breakdown reflects typical market offerings and common badge terminology.
Turbocharged options
- Turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four variants (often badged as RC 200t or RC 300 in different markets).
- These engines deliver a higher-torque, enhanced acceleration feel compared with the larger naturally aspirated V6 in some trims.
Non-turbo options
- RC 350 — 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 with smooth, linear power delivery.
- RC 300h — hybrid powertrain pairing a 2.5-liter engine with electric motor for efficiency, not turbocharged.
- RC F — high-performance, 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 designed for track-focused driving.
Notes: Engine naming and availability vary by market and model year. If you’re shopping for a specific powertrain, verify the exact engine in the vehicle’s window sticker or VIN, since badges can differ regionally and over time.
How to tell if your RC is turbo
Use these cues to confirm turbocharged status before buying or when reviewing a used RC.
Key indicators to check
- Badge or model name: Look for RC 200t or RC 300 designation; some markets display “2.0T” or similar turbo-specific notation on the badge or window sticker.
- Engine specification: The presence of a 2.0-liter turbo inline-four indicates a turbo model; non-turbo variants list a 3.5-liter V6 or hybrid powertrain.
- VIN/window sticker: The official documentation should specify “Turbocharged” or show the engine code corresponding to a turbo setup.
- Exhaust and sound: Turbo four-cylinders can have a distinct exhaust note compared with the NA V6, though exhaust tuning varies by year and market.
- Performance figures: Turbo models typically show higher torque at lower RPM and faster acceleration relative to analog NA trims in the same lineup.
Always confirm with the dealer or the vehicle’s official spec sheet to avoid misidentifying a turbocharged RC.
What this means for buyers
Choosing a turbo RC can offer brisk mid-range acceleration and potentially better highway fuel economy versus a larger NA V6, but there can be trade-offs. Turbo models may involve different maintenance considerations (turbocharger components, intercooler systems) and can carry different insurance costs and long-term reliability profiles compared with the RC 350 or RC F variants.
Summary
In brief, the Lexus RC does offer turbocharged options in certain trims and markets, most notably the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four variants (badged as RC 200t/RC 300 in various regions). Other RC models run on a naturally aspirated V6 (RC 350) or hybrid system (RC 300h), while the RC F uses a V8 with no turbo. When evaluating an RC, check the exact engine specification on the window sticker or VIN to confirm whether the car is turbocharged, as naming and availability can vary by year and market.
Is the Lexus RC faster than the is?
Is the Lexus RC or Lexus IS faster? While both Lexus cars can deliver impeccable 0-60 times, the Lexus IS is slightly faster than the Lexus RC with the Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance and IS 500 F SPORT Performance Premium offering a 0-60 time of 4.4 seconds.
Does the Lexus RC have turbo?
The RC 200t (now called RC 300), featuring a 2.0-liter 8AR-FTS I4 turbocharged petrol engine, was added to the range in late 2015. All-wheel drive is offered for the RC 300h and RC 350.
Is RC F faster than LC 500?
The LC 500 has 3 more pound-feet of torque than its sibling. Again, the driver isn't likely to notice the difference between 395 and 398 pound-feet. The two rear-wheel cars have the same 168-mph top track speed. All of this would imply that the driving experience is exactly the same.
Which Lexus models have a turbo?
EXPLORE OUR TURBO SUVS
- NX 300. Compact Luxury SUV.
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- NX 300 F SPORT. Compact Luxury SUV.
- RX 300. Mid-size Luxury SUV.
- RX 300 Luxury. Mid-size Luxury SUV.
- RX 300 F SPORT. Mid-size Luxury SUV.
