What is the spec of the Lexus RC300?
The Lexus RC300 is the 2.0-liter turbocharged variant of the RC coupe lineup, delivering a balance of performance and luxury with available all-wheel drive and a refined interior. Here’s a current, market-aware snapshot of what to expect from the RC300 in typical U.S. specifications.
Engine, power and transmission
The RC300 relies on a turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an automatic transmission. The key figures are typically cited as follows, with minor year-to-year changes depending on trim and region:
- Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 with direct injection and variable valve timing
- Maximum power: about 241 horsepower
- Maximum torque: about 258 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic gearbox with manual shift mode
- Drivetrain: rear-wheel drive (standard) with available all-wheel drive (Lexus’ Dynamic Torque Control)
Before listing, this section covers the core propulsion setup and how it translates to everyday driving.
These power figures give the RC300 brisk acceleration for a compact luxury coupe while maintaining smooth, everyday usability. Expect slight variations by model year and market, especially around drivetrain availability and tuning for sport vs. comfort modes.
Performance figures and efficiency
Performance times and fuel economy are important for buyers considering everyday usability versus spirited driving. The RC300’s numbers vary by drivetrain and year, but typical ranges are:
- 0-60 mph: roughly 6.9 to 7.5 seconds (RWD and AWD variants differ slightly, with AWD often a touch slower due to weight)
- EPA-estimated fuel economy (varies by year and trim): roughly 23 mpg city / 32 mpg highway / around 26 mpg combined for RWD; AWD may drop to about 21-23 mpg city and 29-30 mpg highway, with a similar combined figure
Before listing, note how acceleration and economy differ by drive layout and trim.
Actual performance and efficiency will depend on factors such as tire choice, cargo load, driving style, and whether the car is equipped with eco, sport, or sport+ driving modes.
Chassis, suspension and handling
Lexus tunes the RC300 for a balance between ride comfort and driving engagement. The suspension and chassis features are typically consistent across trims, with sport-oriented variants offering more aggressive setup.
- Front suspension: MacPherson struts; rear suspension: multi-link setup
- Steering: electric power-assisted steering with variable effort depending on drive mode
- Brakes: ventilated disc brakes on all corners; typical brake setup for confident stopping power
- Wheels and tires: 17–18 inch wheels standard; larger 19-inch wheels available on sport-focused trims
- Drive modes: selectable modes (e.g., Normal, Sport, Sport+) that adjust throttle response, transmission shift points, and chassis feel
Before listing, this section highlights how the RC300 is engineered to handle daily driving and spirited runs.
The RC300 aims to deliver poised cornering and a refined ride, with sport modes enhancing throttle response and transmission behavior without sacrificing everyday comfort.
Interior, technology and features
- Infotainment display: a touchscreen system (size evolved with model year); Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility typically available
- Premium audio: multiple speaker configurations depending on trim, with higher trims offering premium audio options
- Climate control: dual-zone automatic climate control
- Seating: supportive front seats with available power adjustments and memory functions on higher trims; optional leather upholstery
- Other tech: available navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and Lexus Enform connected-services
Before listing, this section covers the core tech and cabin comfort expected in the RC300.
Interior refinement and in-cabin tech are hallmarks of the RC300, delivering a comfortable daily driver with the option for enhanced sport-oriented materials and electronics on higher trims.
Safety and driver-assistance features
Lexus Safety System+ or its newer iterations are typically standard, with a suite of assists designed to help with everyday driving and highway cruising.
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Automatic high beams and other camera/radar-based aids
- Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert on higher trims and options
Before listing, this section outlines the core safety equipment that accompanies the RC300.
As with many premium coupes, safety tech is designed to complement attentive driving, with optional packages to expand active safety coverage
Dimensions, trunk, and cargo space
- Wheelbase: about 106 inches
- Overall length: roughly 184 to 186 inches
- Width: around 72 inches
- Height: about 54 inches
- Cargo space: modest rear cargo area typical of a two-door coupe
Before listing, this section covers the footprint and practicality of the RC300.
These dimensions underscore the RC300’s role as a compact luxury coupe—more focused on style and performance than on cargo capacity.
trims and availability
While the RC300 sits below the RC350 (V6) and RC F (high-performance), the exact trim structure and availability can vary by region and model year. In the U.S., common configurations include base RC300 and sport-oriented variants (such as F Sport) with differing levels of equipment and suspension tuning.
Bottom line and context
The Lexus RC300 represents the entry point to Lexus’ compact coupe lineup in many markets, offering a 2.0-liter turbo engine, a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive, and a blend of luxury interior and modern tech. For buyers prioritizing a balance of daily usability and sporty character, the RC300 is positioned against rivals in the same class while keeping Lexus’ reputation for quiet refinement and strong resale value. Always verify the exact specs for your model year and region, as features and drivetrains can shift with updates or market-specific packages.
Summary
The RC300 is defined by its 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine around 241 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic and available RWD or AWD. It offers a comfortable, technology-forward cabin, standard or optional safety features, and a chassis tuned for balanced performance and daily usability. For the most current, region-specific numbers and trim details, consult a local Lexus brochure or the official Lexus website for your market.
What are the RC 300's common problems?
The most common recall is: Fuel Pump Inside Fuel Tank Fails Causing Engine Stall While Driving.
Is the Lexus RC 300 fast?
With this engine, the RC 300 can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds and reach a top track speed of 143 mph.
What are the pros and cons of the RC 300?
The RC 300 does a great job looking like a stylish sport coupe (especially the F Sport model), but it drives more like a grand tourer. It's composed around corners but it's more at home cruising the highway. You have two powertrain options to choose from, but neither will get your heart racing.
What's the difference between a Lexus RC 300 and a Lexus RC 350?
Rear-wheel-drive RC 300 models are powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine (241 horsepower), while all-wheel-drive models come equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 (260 hp). The RC 350 comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine (311 hp) and is offered in rear- or all-wheel drive.
