DecodedCars2023 Lexus RC
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- 300/350 AWD 2dr Coupe
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.5L 6-cyl, 5.0L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 21 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 185 in
- Curb weight
- 3,891 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- 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 against 20 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2023 Lexus RC is a subcompact car offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.5L 6-cyl and 5.0L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 185 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,891 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (21 city / 31 highway), 7% better than the 2023 subcompact car average of 23.3 MPG, for an estimated $3,300 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2023
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2022 RC — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2022; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2022 RC →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300/350 AWD 2dr Coupe | 185 in | 72.4 in | 55.1 in | 107.5 in | 62.2 / 63 in | 3,891 lb | 54/46 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RC 300 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 / 31 / 25 | +7% | $3,300 | 355 |
| RC 350 | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | -1% | $3,550 | 385 |
| RC 300 AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | -6% | $3,750 | 407 |
| RC 350 AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | -6% | $3,750 | 407 |
| RC F | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | -18% | $4,350 | 459 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2023 Lexus RC.
Similar 2023 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Lexus RC (this car) | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2023 BMW 3 Series | 29 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2023 Lexus IS | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model 3 | 358 mi | ★★★★★ | 12 |
| 2023 Audi A6 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2023 Lexus RC.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2023 Lexus RC is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2023 Lexus RC in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2023 Lexus RC buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2023 Lexus RC. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other RC years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 RC | 25 | 185 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2024 RC | 25 | 185 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 RC | 25 | 185 in | Not rated | 1 | 1 |
| 2021 RC | 25 | 185 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2020 RC | 24 | 185 in | Not rated | 1 | 2 |
| 2019 RC | 24 | 185 in | Not rated | 3 | 4 |
| 2018 RC | 26 | 185 in | Not rated | 2 | 2 |
| 2017 RC | 26 | 185 in | Not rated | 3 | 9 |
| 2016 RC | 26 | 185 in | Not rated | 1 | 4 |
| 2015 RC | 22 | 185 in | Not rated | 2 | 14 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lexus. How we calculate this →