Is the Lexus RC 350 V-6 or V8?
The Lexus RC 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine; the high-performance RC F uses a V8. This article explains the lineup and how engine choices vary by year and market.
Engine options in the RC lineup
To understand where the RC 350 fits, it helps to outline the core engine choices available across the RC family. The RC 350 sits with a V6, the RC F is the V8 option, and some regions have hybrid or four-cylinder alternatives.
- RC 350: 3.5-liter V6 (approximately 300–311 horsepower, depending on year/market); 8-speed automatic; rear-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available on certain trims.
- RC F: 5.0-liter V8 (roughly 467–472 horsepower, depending on year/market); 8-speed automatic; focused on rear-wheel drive and performance handling.
- RC 300h / RC 350h (hybrid options in some markets): four-cylinder engine paired with electric motors; not a V6.
In short, if you’re shopping for a V6-powered RC, the RC 350 is the model to look for; the RC F is the V8 counterpart; hybrids sit outside the V6/V8 core lineup in markets where offered.
The RC 350’s V6 in detail
What powers the RC 350
The RC 350 uses Lexus’ 3.5-liter V6, commonly associated with the 2GR-FKS family. It delivers a broad, flexible torque curve suited to daily driving and spirited performance, with power figures that hover around the low- to mid-300 horsepower range depending on model year and market.
Drivetrain and transmission
Most RC 350 models come with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is available on select trims and markets, offering improved traction in less forgiving conditions without sacrificing daily usability.
How the RC F compares
The RC F is the performance-focused sibling powered by a larger V8. The V8 setup delivers significantly higher horsepower and a different driving character, emphasizing straight-line speed and track-oriented handling. The RC F uses roughly 470 horsepower and is typically configured for rear-wheel drive with a sport-tuned suspension.
Yearly and market variations
Notes on availability across years
Across model years, the core pairing remains consistent: RC 350 with a 3.5L V6, RC F with a 5.0L V8, and regional hybrids or non-V6 variants where offered. Specific horsepower figures, drivetrain options, and trim availability can vary by country and calendar year due to emissions standards, upgrades, and option packages.
Bottom line
The RC 350 is a V6-powered model within Lexus’ two-door RC lineup. The RC F sits at the top of the range with a V8 engine. Hybrid variants, where available, use different powertrains that do not rely on the V6 or V8 configurations.
Summary
