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Used Car Expert Rating

Lexus RC (2015 to 2020)

Expert Rating

Used car score:

58
%
D

This model is no longer on sale or in production, so it doesn't have a New Car Expert Rating score.

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

54
%
E

Safety Rating:

-

Eco Rating:

63
%
B

Reliability Rating:

-

Running Costs:

52
%
D

How are our Expert Rating scores calculated?

Expert Rating

Used car score:

58
%
D

This model is no longer on sale or in production, so it doesn't have a New Car Expert Rating score.

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

54
%
E

Safety Rating:

-

Eco Rating:

63
%
B

Reliability Rating:

-

Running Costs:

52
%
D

Summary


Given initials that stand for ‘Radical Coupé’, Lexus RC was a compact two-door coupé that first arrived on UK roads towards the end of 2015, later being removed from sale in 2020. An uprated version, the RC F, is still available new in the UK, but that will be given its own Expert Rating, coming soon.

Besides its unique exterior design, the RC stood out from other premium competitors like the BMW 4 Series Coupé and Audi A5 as it was the only coupé model of its size to be offered with a petrol-hybrid engine option.

“If you’re looking for a hybrid driver’s car then the Lexus RC is one of the best options”, said Green Car Guide‘s Paul Clarke, while also praising the coupé for its “rewarding rear-wheel drive handling” and its “sporty interior”.

The Top Gear team were not so enthused. “Forgettable engine and transmission in a sporty-looking package. A sheep in wolf’s clothing.” This conclusion was shared by several outlets – the Lexus RC certainly looked fast but it couldn’t match the pace of its coupé competitors.

Some reviewers also took issue with the car’s infotainment, which Carwow called “infuriating”, and Parkers said was “dated” even while on sale. Finally, despite the high build quality of the RC’s upmarket interior, reviewers frequently commented that its cabin was not very practical for those making a daily commute, and the rear seating was rather cramped.

No longer on sale, the Lexus RC holds a Used Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 58%. It gets good grades for its low CO2 emissions, but its running costs are high and its media review scores were poor.

RC highlights

  • Smart exterior looks
  • Upmarket interior build
  • Quiet and refined on the move
  • The only hybrid two-door coupe of its size

RC lowlights

  • Rivals are more engaging to drive
  • Dated infotainment system
  • Not a very practical choice
  • Rather cramped in the rear

Key specifications


Body style: Coupé
Engines:
petrol, petrol hybrid
Price when new:
From £36,995 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2015
Last updated: Summer 2018
Removed from sale: 2020


Media reviews


Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express

+

Auto Trader

+

Business Car

+

Car

+

Car Keys

+

Carbuyer

+

Carwow

+

Driving Electric

+

Evo

+

Fleetworld

+

Green Car Guide

+

Honest John

+

Motoring Research

+

Motors

+

Parkers

+

The Sun

+

Top Gear

+

Safety rating


Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

No safety rating

The Lexus RC was not crash tested by Euro NCAP during its production life.

Eco rating


Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Lexus RC was not lab tested by Green NCAP during its production life.

Reliability rating

MotorEasy logo 600x167

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of May 2024, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Lexus RC to generate a reliability rating.

The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the RC, we’ll publish the score here.

Running cost rating

Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumptionAverageScoreVariationScore
Hybrid models45 mpgC44 – 46 mpgC – C
CO₂ outputAverageScoreVariationScore
Hybrid models144 g/kmB141 – 146 g/kmB – B
Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
All models32C31 – 32C – C

The Lexus RC is fairly average when it comes to ownership costs, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data. However, it must be noted that we don’t have servicing costs because the car has been out of production for some time.

Similar cars


If you’re looking at the Lexus RC, you might also be interested in these alternatives.

Audi A5 | BMW 4 Series CoupéFord Mustang | Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé


More news, reviews and information about the Lexus RC at The Car Expert

Everything you need to know about Lexus

Everything you need to know about Lexus

Lexus RC F test drive

Lexus RC F test drive

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Lexus RC F review

Lexus RC F review

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The Lexus RC coupé boasted an upmarket interior and a quiet driving experience, but didn't have the pace to match its looks.Lexus RC (2015 to 2020)