2023 Lexus RCF has a smooth ride, but that doesn’t change the car’s underlying problem: its heft. Beyond that, the RC F is also the oldest car in its segment, and it can be seen in terms of performance and technology. It is a sporty coupe but it performs worse compared to its counterparts.
The Lexus RC F is a rear-wheel drive high-performance luxury coupe driven by a powerful V8. Its engine is shared with the IS 500 sedan and the more expensive LC 500 coupe and is the heart of the RC F.
It’s a non-turbocharged unit that delivers something none of its competitors can: a captivating soundtrack that will make you want to step on the accelerator forever.
- The V8 engine has buckets of personality
- Comfortable seat and comfortable ride
- Lower cost of entry than competitors
- Superb build quality
- No significant changes are expected for 2023
- Part of the first RC F generation introduced for 2014
2023 Lexus RCF Review
With its muscular build and aggressive stance, the refined Lexus RC is built to stand out from the crowd. The bold fascia, available Premium Triple-Beam LED headlamps and strong character lines that sweep towards the dramatic rear valance and LED taillights allow the RC to captivate from every angle.
For those seeking the ultimate F driving experience, the RC F and RC F Track Edition offer non-stop dynamic performance and uncompromising comfort.
For 2023, the RC and RC F interiors have been updated to highlight the elegance of the premium coupe. With an updated 10.3-inch (standard 8-inch) touchscreen multimedia display and updated interior touches on the instrument panel, glove box, and side register, the RC line continues its luxury sports coupe prowess.
The RC 300 is powered by a highly responsive 2.0-liter inline-four, twin-scroll turbocharged and inter-cooled engine with direct injection that produces 241 horsepower. Generating 258 lb-ft of torque from 1,650 to 4,400 rpm, the engine is paired with a rear-wheel drive system and an eight-speed Sport Direct-Shift automatic transmission.
The RC 300 AWD pairs a six-speed automatic transmission with a 260 horsepower 3.5-liter V6. Featuring intelligent Variable Valve Timing, this engine is designed to provide additional torque at low speeds and more horsepower at high speeds. These refinements combine to produce 236 lb-ft of torque from 2,000 to 4,800 rpm.
The RC 350 and RC 350 AWD’s 311-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 produces 280 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm and offers direct and port fuel injection, not to mention, a stunning sound reminiscent of an LFA supercar. The all-wheel drive RC 350 is equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission, while the rear-wheel drive models are equipped with an eight-speed Sport Direct-Shift transmission.
And on the rear-wheel drive F SPORT, a Torsen ® limited-slip rear differential is available which helps maximize the driver’s ability to exit corners. The RC 350 can accelerate from 0 to 60 in approximately 5.8 seconds (RWD) and 6.0 seconds (AWD).
For 2023, the exclusive F SPORT Special Appearance Package is available with a combination of bi-tone exterior colors including the available Incognito body color paired with an Obsidian roof/bonnet and dark Enkei 19” alloy wheels.
HIGHEST
Luxurious upholstered interior, epic V-8 exhaust notes, and most expected tech features are standard.
LOWEST
Small trunk, infotainment system’s finicky touchpad controller, not quite as fast as its German hot-coupe competitor.
DECISION
The RC F rolls to the tune of a thunderous V-8 muscle car, but its handling relegates it to a more comfortable cruiser than a twisty break-road dancer.
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2023 Lexus RCF Specs
While it looks as aggressive and sporty as the RC F, it’s not a full-bore sports car. Otherwise, it’s a comfortable, luxurious grand tourer. Its heavy weight and aging platform keep it from having the handling dynamics of a genuine sports coupe.
The expensive, limited edition Fuji Speedway tries to fix that by reducing weight and increasing agility, but it still lags behind comparably priced sports cars. Reports suggest that a new RC F is on the way and could arrive for the 2024 model year, meaning the 2023 RC F will most likely remain unchanged.
The RC F is priced below most of its competitors and is an attractive choice if comfort and a euphoric-sounding V8 are your priority. But if you’re looking for a flashy European sports coupe, consider the BMW M4.
The Audi RS 5 is another rival and a solid performer. Or take the American route in a Chevrolet Corvette, a performance beast that delivers plenty of comforts. To learn more about the RC F’s strengths and weaknesses, see the Expert Rating below for an in-depth review.
- 31 HWY MPG *
- 8-INCH TOUCH MULTIMEDIA SCREEN
- LEXUS+ 2.5 * SECURITY SYSTEM
Lexus RC F Dimensions
- Length 185.4 in
- Wheelbase 107.5 in
- Height 54.7 in
- Max Width 72.6 in
- Front Width 61.2 in
- Rear Width 61.4 in
- Curb Weight 3,902.0 lbs
Lexus RC F Fuel Capacity
- Fuel Tank Capacity 17.4 Gallons
- Fuel Economy City/Hwy: 16/24 mpg
Interior and Cargo Space
- Seating capacity 4-seater
- Trunk Volume 10.1 ft³
2023 Lexus RCF Interior
The comfortable front seats and good insulation from the sound of surrounding traffic are highlights, adding to the car’s grand-touring character. The front seats also provide ample support for aggressive driving and are heated and effectively ventilated.
The adaptive suspension does a great job of eliminating larger bumps and making the ride more conformable. It’s still sturdy but smooths out enough of the road’s imperfections to stay comfortable on long journeys.
The climate system’s automatic mode works great. The capacitive touch temperature control is responsive, if a little too zealous, and manual adjustments are mostly easy. Unfortunately, the more in-depth controls require frustrating navigating the infotainment system.
Cabin
The RC F has a solidly built, high-end cabin. Most drivers will find the seating position ample with enough adjustments for a sporty and comfortable ride. Getting in and out is much easier than in other sports cars because you don’t sit too low in the car. There is good visibility towards the front, although the thick rear roof pillar creates a blind spot.
The back seat is tiny and barely usable by people. Think of it as a storage rack and you’ll be good to go. The biggest problem is that RC F is burdened with one of the worst infotainment interfaces in the industry. The touchpad system is difficult to use, especially when moving, and some of the menus are confusing to navigate.
The RC F’s trunk is one of the smallest in its class, and there aren’t many storage options in the cabin either. Cupholders, a small console box, a small glove box, and narrow door pockets are all you get. Overall, there is not much space for your belongings in this car.
But at least the trunk opening is wide, and the trunk floor is deep and level, making the available space more usable. The rear seats don’t fold up, but there’s a small opening for longer items. Installation of a child restraint was a challenge due to the narrow rear seat space of the RC F.
Comfort, and Cargo
The RC F cab is known for its luxurious comfort and elegant design. The front seats are a pleasant place to spend your journey, and the interior is stylish and premium materials. Technically, the coupe provides seating for four passengers, but the cramped rear seats are best used for cargo storage.
In the back, the RC F’s trunk offers 10 cubic feet of space for your belongings. That’s less space than you get with rivals like the BMW M4 coupe (12 cubic feet) and the Mercedes-AMG C43 4Matic (11 cubic feet).
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Infotainment and Connectivity
Lexus has equipped the RC F with the technological features modern buyers crave. The base model features a 10-speaker audio system with SiriusXM satellite radio. Bluetooth connectivity is standard, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both ready for hassle-free device integration.
All models come with Amazon Alexa compatibility as well as a Wi-Fi hotspot that allows you to easily connect to the internet. The infotainment system comes standard with an 8.0-inch display screen; a larger 10.3-inch screen is available as an upgrade. Integrated navigation and Mark Levinson voice system are optional.
2023 Lexus RCF Driving
The RC F comes with a responsive 472-hp V8, a trick active rear differential, and adaptive suspension. But neither can fully overcome the RC F’s beefy curb weight.
We haven’t tested the newer RC F, but in our 2018 model test, we were able to go 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds. It’s not slow in the broader scheme of things but slows in its category.
But it’s not all doom and gloom: The engine sounds great when pushed, and the RC F is one of the few V8-powered coupes left on the market. The RC F’s braking performance is also competitive in the sports car class, and its transmission responds quickly to shifting demands from the paddle shifters.
2023 Lexus RCF Engine, Transmission, and Performance
All of the 2023 Lexus RC F coupes are powered by a 5.0-liter V-8 engine that produces 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to the rear wheels. During our 2014 test, the RC F made it from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds.
In 2020, the RC F received a slight increase in power and a lighter curb weight, allowing it to reach 60 in just 4.1 seconds; Fuji Speedway Edition does it in 4.0 seconds. Even with this slight upgrade, few others in the high-performance coupe segment deliver quicker acceleration.
For example, the manual-equipped M4 we tested brought it from a standstill to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. The RC F comes standard with a driving mode setting that lets you customize the car’s performance. Its smooth handling makes it a comfortable choice for everyday driving, it’s just not the formidable performance weapon the looks would have you believe it to be.
2023 Lexus RCF F Sport
Introducing the 2023 RC F SPORT Special Performance Package, where extraordinary drive meets expressive design. Offered across the RC 300 F SPORT and RC 350 F SPORT classes, this package stands out with a unique bi-tone paint scheme featuring the RC body in Incognito and a contrasting hood and roof with an Obsidian finish.
And a distinct 19-inch Enkei F SPORT split-10-spoke alloy wheel finished in Dark Gray Metallic is offered in width adjustments to further accentuate the coupe’s athletic demeanor.
It’s not the newest Lexus in its lineup, but with a 472-hp V-8 engine under its hood, the 2023 RC F is really the boisterous one. It shares its platform—and its name—with the sexy-looking but warm-performing standard RC coupe.
However, for the F assignment, Lexus has included every performance-enhancing piece it has in its arsenal. In addition to the thunderous V-8, all RC Fs come with adaptive suspension, upgraded Brembo brakes and a limited-slip rear differential. Even with all those hi-po mods, the RC F can’t keep up with rivals like the Audi RS5 and BMW M4 in terms of both performance and handling.
The RC F is a pretty good drive car with a smoother ride than the German; it is not a thrilling and sharp road eater. The cabin is luxurious, its infotainment technology is finally keeping up with the times, and Lexus equips every model with a competitive suite of driver assistance that includes adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance.
The RC F is largely unchanged for 2023, but Lexus is happy to trade the car’s outdated infotainment system for a more modern one that uses a touchscreen rather than a console-mounted touchpad. Elsewhere, the more racing Fuji Speedway Edition model now comes with updated Hitachi shocks and can be painted in a new color called Incognito.
2023 Lexus RCF Models
RC F
The high-performance RC F continues in 2023 with a GT3-inspired look and a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 producing 472 horsepower. The RC F is the most powerful V8-powered Lexus to date and boasts stunning looks, clever dynamics, and a unique exhaust signature.
Standard F-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension and 19-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin ® Pilot Sport ® 4 S tires (255/35ZR19 front, 275/35ZR19 rear) provide superior toughness, while the large six-piston front, four-piston rear Brembo ® brakes stopping everything with impressive confidence.
Having Brembo brakes onboard is essential to controlling the excitement that the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 brings. It takes about 4.2 seconds to accelerate to 60 mph from a standstill.
Inside the RC F, front passengers will appreciate the exclusive F-badged sports seats that offer good support and support. As well as the quality of its grip in high G driving scenarios, the seats are designed to be as ergonomic as possible, with optimal dispersion of body pressure integrated into the technique.
Bold digital instrumentation displays everything from G-force gauges to Launch Control status. The RC F’s eight-speed Sport Direct-Shift transmission with rev-matching downshifts and optimally positioned paddle shifters allow a split-second boost to a top track speed of 168 mph.
For 2023, RC F will continue to offer an exclusive performance package, the RC F Track Edition. The Track Edition includes standard features such as a carbon fiber hood, fixed roof, and rear wing, unique black and blue Alcantara ® interior trim, carbon-ceramic Brembo ® brakes, and new Hitachi ® shocks and will be available in the exciting new exterior color Incognito.
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CARBON PACKAGE RC F
Boosting the gravity of the RC F is the available Carbon Package. Included in the package are the following features.
Carbon fiber roof, rear bumper, front lip and air dam spoiler, fin rockers, door lower molding and retractable wing rear spoiler
19-inch matte black wheels with 255/35ZR19 front tires, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S 275/35ZR19 rear tires
- Carbon fiber interior trim
- Leather upholstered heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated steering wheel with power tilt/telescopic steering column
- Intuitive Parking Assist
- LEXUS+ SAFETY SYSTEM 2.5
All 2023 RC and RC F models come with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, which includes Pre-Collision with Pedestrian Detection, Low Light Daytime Pedestrian & Cyclist Detection, Left Turn Vehicle Intersection Support, Lane Departure Warning with Steering Assist, High Beam Intelligent, Enhanced Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Enhanced Path Tracking Assist, and Road Sign Assist.
The 2023 RC and RC F models are expected to arrive in dealerships in early 2023.
V6
The RC 300 AWD and RC 350’s 3.5-liter V6 engines produce 260 and 311 horsepower, *respectively. A very sturdy platform, double-wishbone front suspension, and multilink rear suspension provide sharp turns and poise through corners.
2023 Lexus RCF Technology
To maximize RC Apple CarPlay® *integration and Android Auto™ *compatibility, the redesigned interior places the touchscreen display closer, making it more convenient than ever. While available Mark Levinson® *Surround Sound lets you unlock a deeper appreciation of sound with advanced 3D audio technology that you have to feel to believe. It all comes together to make this the most connected RC yet.
The optional Mark Levinson stereo is excellent and provides clear, undistorted sound with increased volume. The infotainment screen is clear and can even show useful stuff like live traffic information. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is standard but integrated voice control, while providing good functionality, is slow to respond and requires correct syntax.
Another area where Lexus is clearly lagging behind is an active driver assist devices. Adaptive cruise control only goes over 25 mph and can’t handle stop-and-go traffic. The lane-keeping assistance system is weak and sometimes loses lanes.
2023 Lexus RCF MPG
The EPA RC F rating is average for the segment. Our test car averaged just under 20 mpg on our freeway-heavy test loop, which was slightly below what we expected. In our daily driving in traffic, our average drops drastically.
Real World Fuel and MPG Savings
According to the EPA, the Lexus RC F achieves 16/24 mpg city/highway mileage. It’s less fuel efficient on the highway than rival coupes like the rear-drive BMW M4 (16/25 mpg). In our 75 mph highway fuel-economy test, the RC F managed to beat EPA estimates by 26 mpg. For more information on the RC F’s fuel economy, visit the EPA website.
2023 Lexus RCF color
- Caviar
- UltraWhite
- Cloudburst Grey
- Infrared
- Flare Yellow
- Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0
- Incognito
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2023 Lexus RCF Safety
LEXUS+ SAFETY SYSTEM 2.5
The Lexus+ 2.5* Safety System is the most comprehensive safety system ever offered on RC. Class-leading standard active safety equipment suite *including Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, *Line Departure Warning with Steering Assist, *Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control *, and more.
2023 Lexus RCF Price
We think most people who want the RC F will be happy with the base model, which ships with an attractive range of standard equipment.
The base RC F rides on 19-inch forged aluminum wheels and is equipped with exterior features such as a spoiler, black grille with metallic accents, automatic LED headlights, LED brake lights, rain-detecting windshield wipers, and heated side mirrors with integrated turn signal.
The list of standard interior features includes simulated leather seats, a manually adjustable tilt-and-telescoping steering column, and auto-dimming mirrors.
All RC F models come with the Lexus Safety System+ suite of driver assistance technologies, and these include technologies such as forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control.
- RC F $67,845
- RC F Fuji Speedway Edition $100,720
People also ask Lexus RCF 2023
Q: Will there be a 2023 RC F?
A: The high-performance RC F continues in 2023 Lexus with the GT3 – inspired looks and naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 472 horsepower. The RC F is the most powerful V8-powered Lexus to date and boasts stunning looks, clever dynamics and a unique exhaust signature.
Q: Is Lexus RC being discontinued?
A: The RC is replaced by the Lexus LC for the 2017 season.
Q: Will there be a 2023 Lexus RC 350?
A: The RC300 and RC350 coupes, along with the V-8-powered RC F, now have touchscreens and feature a few other tweaks. Lexus is awarding several updates to its RC and RC F coupe models for 2023.
Q: Is RC F faster than lc500?
A: Actually the LC 500 is slightly bigger and heavier. The RC F, especially the Track Edition, has a lot of aerodynamic features to help it. Perhaps this is why the LC 500 sprints in 4.4 seconds. That’s slightly longer than the RC F at 4.2 seconds or the RC F Track Edition at 3.96 seconds.
