What is the difference between Lexus RC 300 and RC 350?
The RC 300 uses a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the RC 350 uses a larger naturally aspirated V6. In practice, the RC 350 delivers more power and quicker acceleration, with different trims and equipment levels shaping pricing and features. If you want sportier performance, the RC 350 is the stronger choice; if you prioritize efficiency and a lower entry price, the RC 300 fits those goals.
Here, we break down how they differ in engines and performance, available trims and pricing, and ride/handling to help you decide which coupe aligns with your priorities. The specifics can vary by market and model year, so always check the exact spec sheet for your region.
Engines and Performance
The powertrain is the core difference between the RC 300 and RC 350, and it drives most of the other dynamic characteristics.
- RC 300: Equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine, producing about 241 horsepower and around 258 lb-ft of torque. It uses an 8-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive available on some trims or markets. Real-world acceleration typically lands in the mid-to-low 6-second range (0–60 mph), depending on drivetrain and equipment.
- RC 350: Powered by a 3.5-liter V6, delivering about 311 horsepower and around 280 lb-ft of torque. It also uses an 8-speed automatic and is offered in rear- or all-wheel drive configurations. 0–60 mph times are usually in the upper 5-second range, making it noticeably quicker than the RC 300.
Both models share the same body and chassis, so the main gap in performance comes from the engine choice, with the RC 350 offering stronger acceleration and brisker in-gear response. Drivetrain configuration and trim level can shift these numbers modestly.
Trims, Features, and Pricing
Trims and equipment differ alongside the powertrain, affecting both what you get and what it costs. Here’s a general sense of how they commonly diverge in typical markets.
- RC 300: Generally positioned as the value-oriented option within the lineup. It tends to have a lower starting price and focuses on efficient performance, with features that cover essential luxury and tech, and optional packages that add premium upgrades.
- RC 350: Higher starting price with more standard or widely available premium content. Expect larger wheels or available sport-oriented disks, higher-quality interior materials, and more advanced driver-assistance or infotainment options in many trims. Some configurations include the F Sport package, which adds adaptive suspension tuning and distinctive styling details.
In short, the RC 350 costs more upfront but often includes more standard equipment and stronger performance, while the RC 300 offers a lower entry price and efficiency advantages. Exact features and pricing vary by year and market, so consult the current Lexus brochure for your region.
Ride, Handling, and Practicalities
Beyond power, the two models diverge in ride feel, handling, and daily usability, shaped by weight, suspension tuning, and available tech.
- Weight and dynamics: The RC 350 is heavier because of the larger V6, which influences braking feel and cornering dynamics. The RC 300 is typically lighter and can feel more agile in everyday driving.
- Suspension and handling: Both can be equipped with sport-oriented setups. The RC 350 F Sport variants often include adaptive dampers and stiffer chassis tuning, while the RC 300’s sport-focused options are usually milder but still encourage a lively ride.
- Wheels and brakes: The RC 350 platforms frequently ride on larger wheels and may include upgraded brakes or sport brakes in certain trims. The RC 300 tends to use smaller wheels in base configurations, with upgrades available via packages.
In daily use, the RC 300 can feel more economical and nimble in urban settings, while the RC 350 delivers more confident performance at higher speeds and on curved roads. Your choice will hinge on whether you value everyday efficiency or pure acceleration and refinement.
Summary
The Lexus RC 300 and RC 350 share the same overall design and feel but diverge mainly in powertrain and the resulting performance, weight, and equipment. The RC 300 uses a 2.0-liter turbo four for strong efficiency and a lower price, while the RC 350 employs a 3.5-liter V6 for substantially stronger acceleration and often richer standard equipment, at a higher price. Consider how you prioritize speed, cost, and features, and review local specifications to confirm exact engine outputs and available trims for your region.
Did Lexus discontinue the RC 350?
Yes, the Lexus RC 350 was discontinued, and the 2025 model year was the final year for the RC lineup, which includes the RC 350. Production will end at the conclusion of the 2025 model year, with a Final Edition for the higher-performance RC F version.
- Reason for discontinuation: The RC has been on the market for about a decade since its 2015 debut, and Lexus is ending production to make way for other models.
- Final model year: 2025 is the last year for the RC.
- Final edition: The RC F, the high-performance version, will have a special "Final Edition" to mark its conclusion.
- Replacement: While the RC is being discontinued, the 2025 IS 350 is also ending production. However, Lexus will introduce a 2026 IS 350, which will continue to be available.
What is the difference between Lexus RC 300 and 350?
The main differences between the Lexus RC 300 and RC 350 are their base engines and performance levels. The RC 300 has a more fuel-efficient, less powerful base engine (a turbocharged four-cylinder for rear-wheel drive or a detuned V6 for all-wheel drive), while the RC 350 is equipped with a more powerful 3.5L V6. The RC 350 also typically has a higher starting price.
Engine and performance
- RC 300:
- Rear-wheel drive: 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 241 horsepower.
- All-wheel drive: 3.5L V6 engine with 260 horsepower.
- RC 350:
- All-wheel drive: 3.5L V6 engine with 311 horsepower.
- Rear-wheel drive: 3.5L V6 engine with 311 horsepower.
Additional differences
- Price: The RC 300 has a lower starting price than the RC 350.
- Drivetrain: The RC 300 is available with a choice between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, while the RC 350 is offered in both configurations but features the more powerful V6 engine in all cases.
- Performance: The RC 350 has a noticeable performance advantage due to its more powerful V6 engine.
Which one is right for you?
- Choose the RC 300 if you prioritize better fuel efficiency and a lower initial cost and do not need the highest level of power.
- Choose the RC 350 if you want a more powerful driving experience and have a larger budget.
Which is better, Lexus 300 or 350?
The main differences between the Lexus 300 and 350 are performance and price: the 350 generally has a more powerful engine and higher horsepower, while the 300 is more affordable. Specifically, the IS 300 typically features a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, while the IS 350 uses a more powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine.
You can watch this video to see a visual comparison of the exterior differences between the IS 300 and IS 350 F-Sport: 1mIBKadeYouTube · Feb 28, 2021
| Feature | Lexus 300 | Lexus 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Typically a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder (for rear-wheel drive) or a 3.5L V6 (for all-wheel drive) | Typically a 3.5L V6 |
| Horsepower | Around 241 hp (2.0L Turbo) or 260 hp (3.5L V6) | Around 311 hp |
| Torque | Around 258 lb-ft (2.0L Turbo) | Around 280 lb-ft |
| Price | Generally more affordable | Generally more expensive |
| Performance | Good for daily driving | More power for a sportier driving experience |
| Fuel Economy | Generally more fuel-efficient | Less fuel-efficient than the 300 |
| Design | Standard grille and wheels | Often features a more aggressive F-Sport grille and unique wheels (on F-Sport trims) |
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This video discusses the differences between the Lexus IS 300 and IS 350, including performance and features: 59sBen HardyYouTube · Jan 9, 2023
Is the Lexus RC 300 a good car?
The RC300 and RC350 models reviewed here make for great long-distance grand tourers and are comfortable for daily driving too, but they aren't as satisfying to drive as their sporty-looking bodywork would suggest.
