DecodedCars2021 Lexus LC
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- 500 2dr Convertible, 500 2dr Coupe, 500h 2dr Coupe
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl, 5.0L 8-cyl
- Horsepower
- 471 hp
- Transmission
- 10-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 4
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 29 combined · 26 city / 34 hwy
- Length
- 187.4 in
- Curb weight
- 4,266–4,696 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 29 MPG combined — 24% better than the average 2021 subcompact car (23.4 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Lexus LC is a subcompact car offered with 2 engines (3.5L 6-cyl and 5.0L 8-cyl), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 187 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,539 lb (500 2dr Convertible).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (26 city / 34 highway), 24% better than the 2021 subcompact car average of 23.4 MPG, for an estimated $2,850 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the exterior lighting.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 LC — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 LC →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Toyota City, Aichi
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 2 2021 LC configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 2dr Convertible | 187.4 in | 75.6 in | 53.1 in | 113 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,539 lb | 52/48 |
| 500 2dr Coupe | 187.4 in | 75.6 in | 53.1 in | 113 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,266 lb | 52/48 |
| 500h 2dr Coupe | 187.4 in | 75.6 in | 53.1 in | 113 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,696 lb | 52/48 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LC 500h Hybrid | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (AV-S10) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 26 / 34 / 29 | +24% | $2,850 | 303 |
| LC 500 | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (S10) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 25 / 19 | -19% | $4,350 | 473 |
| LC 500 Convertible | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (S10) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 25 / 18 | -13% | $4,550 | 489 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 Lexus LC.
Similar 2021 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Lexus LC (this car) | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Porsche 911 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Lexus LC.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2021 Lexus LC is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Lexus LC buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Exterior Lighting — 1 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 1 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Electrical System — 1 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Lexus LC. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other LC years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lexus. How we calculate this →