2022 Lexus RC Coupe When the Lexus RC was launched in 2019, this compact sports car came with a sharper styling to keep the carmaker’s entry-level performance vehicle fresh. With this sports car entering its eighth model year on sale, we expect the Lexus RC 2022 to become the default model.
Initially, the Lexus RC arrived in 2015 with a compact footprint, massive front grille, and sharp body lines. In 2019, the sports car received a new exterior style featuring more luxurious headlamps, softer fender flares, and plump hood lines.
At the rear, the RC currently sports coated taillights, dual exhaust outlets, and a rounded rear bumper. As a carryover model, the Lexus RC 2022 will have the same design as the current model.
2022 Lexus RC Coupe
One look at the Lexus RC 2022 is enough to start your engine for a thrilling two-lane test drive, but from behind the wheel of this sporty-looking coupe is anything but. Four-cylinder drive and rear wheel with a turbocharger are standard; The V-6 is optional, as is all-wheel drive. It has adequate acceleration but is not class-leading, and the RC lacks the sharp handling of some of its competitors.
The advantage is that these two doors mimic the ride of other Lexus models. There is plenty of room for two adults to cruise comfortably in the front seats, but the rider in the rear seats will feel the pressure. Some of the technology features are standard, including an infotainment system with a Wi-Fi hotspot and several driver assistance features.
A Black Line RC Special Edition is available for the 2022 model year – apart from black exterior details and ash wood interior trim, this limited production RC F Sport model comes with two matching Zero Halliburton suitcase sets. . Otherwise, minor changes, including blind-spot monitoring, becoming standard and a parking sensor are added to the optional Premium package.
Don’t jump to conclusions and start with facts. In the press release, Lexus Enthusiast took a report from the Japanese website Best Car: said the next generation RC Coupe could be the recipient of the platform sharing program between Mazda and Toyota.
Frankly, the only thing that is surprising here is that they did not succeed with BMW, Despite being one of the biggest brands in the world. Toyota doesn’t like to waste money. So co-developed sports models are quite common, starting with the legendary new Toyota you might be thinking about right now.
Also, the report doesn’t actually imply that the existing Mazda platform will be used. About a month ago, we encountered a very interesting new development: six-cylinder, inline-6 engines of the SkyActiv-X, and SkyActiv-D types.
And they will not hide as usual. Instead, Mazda has a new platform called Grand Architecture, which will support most mid-to-high-end models. Basically, you will have fewer reasons to buy that BMW or Mercedes now.
A report also suggests that while the company can’t make another RX-8 with a Wankel engine, another sports car is in the works. The next-generation Lexus RC could actually have a sister car instead of just borrowing Mazda technology.
Period of time? Well, the Japanese website further suggests that the next generation RC coupe will be ready in 2022. After that, the fifth-generation Lexus IS sedan will also be out in 2026, complete with the Mazda SkyActiv-X inline-6. Of course, this could all be a fake, as Best Car also said a 600 horsepower Lexus V8 supercar is coming.
2022 Lexus RC Coupe Redesign
The Lexus RC 350 2021 will carry the same design and style as the previous year with only minor revisions to the standard features offered. It’s stylish, performance-friendly, and bold at the same time.
As a result, the enemies it battles are equally exemplary. The luxury competition consists of the Infiniti Q60 and the powerful German Audi S5 Coupe. So let’s see if Lexus is ready to fend off the attacks it is about to face.
Some of the new updates brought in for the Lexus RC 350 2021 are:
- Standard Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert
- Heated Electrochromic Exterior Rearview Mirror
- New Grecian Water Exterior Colors have been added for 2021
2022 Lexus RC Coupe Interior
On the inside, the Lexus RC currently has a simple design that we don’t expect will change for the 2022 model year. The infotainment screen is hidden in the dashboard, while an analog clock separates the dashboard from the center console controls.
Passengers are treated to high-end materials and comfortable front seats on current RCs, although the rear seats are best used for storage as they are too small for children.
On top of a 7-inch screen, the RC now comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Wi-Fi hot spot, satellite radio, two USB ports, and a 10-speaker audio system as standard. Optional features include a 10.3-inch screen, Mark Levinson audio system, navigation, and voice recognition. We hope that these technological features will continue to be offered in the Lexus RC 2022.
There are four different powertrains to choose from with the current RC. This same engine will be available for the upcoming RC 2022. The standard engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 241 horsepower.
Two 3.5 liter V6 engines are available, producing 260 hp and 311 hp respectively. The 311-hp V6 engine is available with an all-wheel drive. At the top of the range is the 5.0 liter V8 which is rated at 472 hp. The rear-wheel-drive RC model is equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the all-wheel-drive model is equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Standard safety features on the RC today include adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear traffic warning, lane maintenance assistance, and pedestrian detection.
Optional features include parking assistance and a parking sensor. In IIHS testing, RC is currently rated “Good” in all six of its hit tests. The safety features and crash test scores are expected to remain unchanged for the Lexus RC 2022.
Regardless of what’s under the hood, the RC interior shows great attention to detail and high build quality. In total, there are seven exclusive interior color combinations available, including for the F Sport. From meticulous stitching to signature wood trim, the RC is definitely not a cheap basement car.
Perforated leather trim is available, along with a choice of Linear Espresso or Linear Dark Mocha wood accents to perfect it all. There are a sleek analog clock and refined gauge for that extra level of sophistication.
Dual-zone climate control is standard, of course, and to help ensure the cabin stays fresh and beautiful, the haze sensor system automatically switches to recirculation mode if it detects increased levels of pollutants outside.
On the side, the well-made RC interior is stylish and comfortable, and spacious but only for the front seat passengers. Its wild exterior styling also comes with a large blind spot an interior flaw. The front seats on our 2022 RC350 F Sport test vehicle are supportively soft and wrapped in resilient leather.
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All RC models come with dual-zone automatic climate control that is adjusted with a touch-sensitive slider control that is surprisingly intuitive and easy to use.
Cargo space is limited to RCs, so if you want to travel long distances it’s best if you bring light items with you. While the RC luggage swallowed up four carry-on bags we only increased by five with the two rear seats folded.
Storing small items throughout the cabin isn’t much, but the Lexus rivals also don’t have much to offer.
The 2022 Lexus RC as a whole model comes with a 7.0-inch infotainment screen set inside a multi-level dashboard. The system is controlled by knobs and a series of buttons on the center console.
When equipped with one of the two optional navigation packages the system swaps the rotary knob for a laptop-style touchpad which is frustrating to use due to its imprecision.
Also includes onboard Wi-Fi with 4G LTE – Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa integration are all standard but you can’t get Android Auto.
2022 Lexus RC Coupe Exterior
The RC 350 received a lightweight styling update in 2019 and has been carrying on that lead ever since. The car has a prominent spindle grille along with aggressive and sleek lines to complement the styling factor.
The Black Line Special Edition as the name suggests gets a discolored exterior treatment which includes blackened side mirrors, 19-inch F SPORT wheels with Black Sputtering Chrome finish, and darkened exhaust tips.
Driving 18-inch wheels, it carries the distinctive look of a sports car even though it’s not a car. The sharp headlamps add another dimension to the entire front fascia and take the design to another level. Lexus offers a wide selection of exterior colors and for 2021 has added Ultra White and Cloudburst Gray to its exterior color list.
Walk back, and you’ll see the same Heritage Lexus design language emerge. L-shaped LED taillights and wide rear lip allow you to stand out as you walk along the road. With the options available, you can easily “step up” your ride and make it stand out from the crowd.
2022 Lexus RC 300 F Sport
If you’re not careful, the look of the 2022 Lexus RC will make you think it’s a beefy sports coupe with cannon-carving capabilities, but underneath its sporty façade, it’s really big. You can choose between a turbocharged four-cylinder or naturally aspirated V-6, but regardless of the engine, RC is best suited for comfortable rides and boulevard cruises. The cabin is comfortable and spacious, at least for the driver and front passenger, and the ambience of the luxurious Lexus cabin feels incredibly luxurious. A range of standard and optional driver assistance and infotainment technologies are also available, but there is nothing cutting edge about the RC.
The Lexus sports coupe will remain unchanged in 2022 and enter the new year without any major changes.
Interiors
The RC’s well-designed interior is stylish, comfortable and spacious, but only for front-seat passengers. Its wild appearance also has an internal flaw: a large blind spot. The front seats of our test car RC350 F Sport are comfortable, soft and covered in soft leather. All RC models are equipped with an adjustable dual-zone automatic climate control with a touch-sensitive slider that is very intuitive and easy to use. Luggage space on the RC is limited, so if you want to travel long distances, it’s best to bring light things with you. While the RC trunk absorbed four of our carry-on bags, it managed to add five more with the two rear seats folded. Small storage space in the cabin isn’t all that much, but the rival Lexus doesn’t offer much either.
All RC models come with a 7.0-inch infotainment screen mounted on a tiered dashboard. The system is operated by a knob and a series of buttons on the center console. When equipped with one of two optional navigation packages, the system changes the play button to a laptop-style touchpad, which is inconvenient to use due to its inaccuracy. Built-in Wi-Fi with 4G LTE, Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa integration are standard, but you can’t get Android Auto.
Specs
PRICE AS TESTED: $50,280 (base price: $48,090)
ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and head, ports and direct fuel injection
Displacement: 211 cu in, 3456 cc
Power: 306 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque: 277 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 8 speed automatic with manual shift mode
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 107.5 inches
Length: 184.8 inches
Width: 72.4 inches Height: 54.9 inches
Passenger volume: 84 cubic feet
Luggage volume: 10 cubic feet
Curb weight: 3816 pounds
C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 5.7 seconds
Zero to 100 mph: 14.0 seconds
Zero to 130 mph: 25.9 seconds
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 6.1 seconds
Top gear, 30-50 mph: 3.4 seconds
Top gear, 50-70 mph: 4.1 sec
Standing -mile: 14.2 sec @ 101 mph
Top speed (limited by governor): 147 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 168 feet
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.88 g
FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA combined/city/highway: 22/19/28 mpg
Monitored C/D: 20 mpg
C/D observed 75-mph road driving: 29 mpg
C/D Monitored highway range: 500 miles
engine
The RC300 is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 241 hp. and is exclusively mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The only adjustment is rear-wheel drive. We found the automatic transmission was fine for the turbo four, but the engine was not up to the challenge of the RC’s agility. Lexus offered two versions of the V-6 to address the lack of power. Under the hood, the all-wheel drive RC300 V-6 makes 255 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed automatic. The high-end RC350 is powered by a 306-horsepower V-6 engine paired with an eight-speed (front-wheel-drive only) or six-speed (four-wheel drive only) automatic transmission. In our tests, we found this motor to be very smooth with linear power delivery, but still not as daring as its competitors. While it did 5., the BMW 440i coupe we tested did it in 4.4 seconds. A comfortable ride is what the RC excels at, and it does it with praise. Upgrading to larger wheels with lower profile tires, like we did on the RC350 F Sport we tested, did give a sharper ride, but was never rough. The RC isn’t quite as good as the fast coupe when it comes to driving enthusiasm, but there is still a lot to play with. The steering wheel conveys a good feel for the road, and there is enough feedback to let you know when the front wheels are losing traction.
MPG
Fuel economy ratings for all available RC engines are mediocre and outperform most competitors, with the most efficient model – the rear-wheel drive RC300 – rated at 21 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. The actual performance of the turbocharged four-cylinder engine on our test highway fuel economy route was disappointing: 29 mpg; in our tests, many of the more powerful contenders either caught up with or surpassed their highway ratings. In fact, the more powerful RC350 F Sport we tested matched exactly the results of the turbo four. For more information on RC fuel economy, visit the EPA website.
Price
RC is an interesting car because it has a sporty look; However, he failed to realize this illusion. This makes one think about upgrading to the more powerful RC350 with or without the F Sport package. Those looking for luxury and performance from a two-door coupe should look to one of its competitors like the Genesis G70 or the Audi A5 Sportback. Instead, we’ll stick with the entry-level RC300, which has all the RC350 styling for a fraction of the price. Those looking for four-wheel drive can get it for about $ 2,700 more.
- RC300 $44,000 (est)
- RC350 $46,000 (est)
- 2022 Lexus RC 300 F Sport $48,000 (est)
- RC350 F Sport $50,000 (est)
2022 Lexus RC Coupe MPG
Buying a luxury coupe rarely reminds you to look at fuel economy figures. Even so, the Lexus RC 350 2021 offers a modest fuel economy with 18 MPG in the city, 24 MPG on the road, and a combined 21 MPG. With an average-sized fuel tank, mileage also averaged at 452 miles on the highway after a full refuel.
Being a straightforward sport-touring coupe, the fuel tank is 17.5 gallons, although the average is a huge advantage for traversing for long periods without having to stop fueling frequently.
The fuel economy ratings for all available RC engines are not outstanding and outperform most competitors. The real-world performance of a four-cylinder turbocharger on our road fuel-efficient test route turned out to be a disappointing 29 mpg; in our tests, many high-powered rivals matched or exceeded their road forecasts. In fact, the more powerful 2022 RC350 F Sport we tested was the same as the turbo-four result.
2022 Lexus RC Coupe Engine
In terms of engine, Lexus RC buyers get three drivetrains options. The RC 300 is powered by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder which has a twin-scroll bolt and an inter-cooler turbocharger. It puts out a hefty 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. torque. The eight-speed Sport Direct-Shift automatically sends power to the rear wheels. Huzzah! Have fun with it!
If you’re the “always interesting” type, the RC 300 AWD is your car. There’s a six-speed automatic transmission mated to a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 260 horsepower and 236 lb-ft. torque.
The top powerplant, a 3.5-liter V6 offering direct fuel injection and ports (isn’t that one / or one of those things !?), comes in the RC 350 and RC 350 AWD. Lexus produces 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft. of torque from the 3.5-liter engine.
All-wheel drive the RC 350 is a six-speed automatic, while the rear-wheel RC 350 is equipped with an eight-speed Direct-Shift Sport transmission. Bottom line: the RC 350 can accelerate from zero to 60 in 5.8 seconds (RWD) and six seconds flat (AWD). The available Torsen limited-slip rear differential helps maximize your ability to get off corners.
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The RC300 is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 241 horsepower and is mated exclusively to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is the only setup. We found that the automatic was suitable for a turbo-four, but the engine could not pull the RC in a fast manner. L
2022 Lexus RC Coupe offers two versions of the V-6 to overcome the lack of power. Under the hood of the all-wheel-drive RC300, the V-6 produces 255 horsepower and is paired with a six-speed automatic.
The top-range 2022 RC350 gets a 306-hp V-6 that works the same as an eight-speed (RWD only) or six-speed (AWD only) automatic. Our tests found this machine to be very smooth with linear power delivery, but still not as bold as its competitors. While it worked 5., the BMW 440i coupe we tested did its thing in 4.4 seconds. Ride comfort is where RC works – and it does it’s very well.
Upgrading to bigger wheels with lower-profile tires, as shown on the 2022 RC350 F Sport we tested, does provide a sharper edge when driving, but never rough. RC isn’t quite as excited as the faster coupe when it comes to enthusiastic driving, but there’s still room to play. The steering wheel gives off a good sense of the road, and there’s enough feedback to let you know when the front tire loses grip on the curb.
2022 Lexus RC Release Date
Lexus has not announced when the RC 2022 will go on sale. Based on previous years, we expect the date of the sale to fall in 2021.
2022 Lexus RC Coupe Price
The price of the Lexus RC 2022 remains a mystery. Without the expected changes, the 2022 RC should stay close to the current model’s $ 43,245 to $ 67,000 range with goals.
The RC is an attractive car because it is inherently sporty; however, he failed to live up to the illusion. It leaves us wondering whether to step up to a more powerful 2022 RC350, with or without the F Sport package.
Those looking for the luxury and performance of a two-door coupe should consider one of its competitors, such as the Genesis G70 or Audi A5 Sportback. Instead, we will stick with the entry-level RC300 which has all the styles of the 2022 RC350 at a lower price. Those who want an all-wheel drive can have it for around $ 2700 more.
We also chose the Premium package which added heated and ventilated front seats, rain sensor wipers, and more. The individual choices we like are the 19-inch wheels, parking sensor, sunroof, heated steering wheel, and upgraded LED headlights.
Lexus has yet to release exact pricing and availability information for the RC 2022. Currently, the 2020 Lexus RC 300 starts at $ 41,295 with rear-wheel drive, while the all-wheel-drive model starts at $ 43,985. The RC 350 starts at $ 44,225 with rear-wheel drive or $ 46,390 if you choose all-wheel drive.
The F Sport models start at $ 46,365 and go up from there. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have not been able to inform you when the exact release schedule for the 2022 Lexus LX will be released
- RC300 – $ 43,145
- RC350 – $ 46,075
- RC300 F Sport – $ 47,615
- RC350 F Sport – $ 50,545
