Used 2022 Lexus RC 300 for sale 

The 2022 Lexus RC 300 is offered across a couple of trims. The RC 300 RWD comes for $42,550 while the AWD trims come for $45,050. The RC 300 packs a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 engine mated to an 8-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic gearbox. While the costlier AWD trim boasts a 3.5L V6 engine with a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Irrespective of any drivetrain you choose, the system offers different driving modes: Eco, Normal, Sport S and S+, Snow, and Custom. 

The exterior looks modern and distinct and its distinct exterior design makes it widely loved and recognizable. The cabin can seat 4 people and feels rich and comfortable. The infotainment system was updated with a newer interface last year and now feels more fluid and better. For safety, the system comes fitted with modern safety features and driver assistance programs.

Additional Packages:

• All-Weather Package - $220
• Accessory Package - $285
• Accessory Package 2 - $370
• Navigation Package - $1,645
• Premium Package - $1,790

Options:

• Moonroof w/Power Tilt/Slide - $1,100
• Triple-Beam LED Headlamps - $1,160
• Rear Spoiler - $410
• Split-10-spoke alloy wheels - $795
• 19" F SPORT Forged Alloy wheels - $1,995
• Illuminated Door Sills - $450
• Heated Leather Steering Wheel w/Paddle Shifters - $150
• Front & Rear Intuitive Parking Assist - $500
• Mark Levinson Surround Sound System - $1,080
• Navigation System w/Mark Levinson Premium Audio - $2,725

Which trim should you buy?

Lexus offers two trims of the RC 300. The RWD and AWD. The RWD is powered by a 2.0L turbo inline-4 engine while the AWD is powered by a 3.5L V6 engine that offers better power and performance. The RWD model comes loaded with plenty of standard fitted features, comforts, and tech. 

However, we recommend you buy the AWD model because of a couple of reasons. The AWD trim level offers a more powerful engine and secondly, the power is transferred to all four wheels and offers better traction and grip. Lastly, the AWD trim level comes with standard fitted heated seats.

The 2022 Lexus RC 300 is no less than a sports car when you look at it but once you’re on its command, some may acknowledge its sporty and sophisticated appeal or some may get turned down due to its weaker powertrain.

There are a couple of engines fitted across the RWD and AWD models. The RWD model is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 engine mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Power generated is sent to the rear wheels via the RWD system. The engine generates 241 hp of power and 258 lb-ft of torque. The power generated helps it accelerate from 0-60 MPH at 7.1 seconds and can reach a quarter-mile by 15.4 seconds.

The AWD model comes packed with a 3.5L V6 engine that offers better power. The six-cylinder engine generates 260 hp of power and 236 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0-60 MPH at 6.8 seconds and reach a quarter-mile by 14.8 seconds.

The 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 engine offers adequate power and torque to meet basic needs easily and the performance offered by the engine helps it glide on the highways comfortably at a good speed. The AWD’s V6 engine offers slightly better power making it a better performer. However, both the powertrains lag behind their German counterparts. Though the V6’s performance is inferior compared to what BMW and Mercedes offers, Lexus’s V6 feels creamier and more premium. The RC 300 is slower than its rivals but it offers a smooth experience.

The Lexus RC 300 is the most affordable coupe in the lot. However, its lower price makes it the laziest performer because of the feeble four-cylinder engine. The Audi A5 being a couple of grand extras offers a better performing engine. Among all the cars, the Mercedes C 300 performs the best followed by the Audi and BMW.

How does the 2022 Lexus RC 300 handle?

If we were to explain the handling and driving dynamics of the 2022 RC 300, we’d say it’s ‘delightful’. As we talked about how Lexus focused on handling, driving dynamics, and feeling primarily overpower and performance, driving the RC 300 clearly shows. 

The 107.5” wheelbase does an excellent job of enhancing the handling. The wheelbase being of the optimal size offers both comfort and responsive enough maneuverability. Though the RC 300 is the heaviest in the lot, you won’t feel the heavier curb weight while driving. The curb weight is well balanced and distributed.

The steering is responsive and sharp. The hydraulic power steering feels well weighted and offers a pleasant amount of feedback. The chassis comes with capable suspensions further installed with lateral performance dampers that offer good stability while taking sharp turns and corners along with adequate comfort in the cabin. Irrespective of any drivetrain you choose, the system offers different drive modes for driving in different conditions.

Braking Performance

The 2022 RC 300’s wheels come fitted with disc brakes on all the wheels. A couple of wheels at the front come fitted with 13.2” of ventilated disc brakes while the rear gets 12.2” ventilated disc brakes. 

The braking system is further installed with modern safety programs like ABS, EBD, Emergency Brake Assist, Collision Mitigation Front, and Pre-Collision System. The brakes feel responsive and work efficiently to bring the car to stop from 60 MPH at 121 feet.

The Audi A5 despite being the second heaviest in the competition offers the best braking performance in the lot. It comes to stop within 112 feet because of the large ventilated disc brakes. The BMW is the second-best in braking with one feet difference. The BMW’s curb weight is the lightest among all and it gives it an edge in a good braking performance. The Lexus RC 300 and the C 300 trials in braking due to their smaller disc brakes.

The 2022 Lexus RC 300 is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that offers lower power compared to its rivals. We expected good efficiency figures from the RC 300 because it trailed in the power and performance section. 

But, it is the opposite. The mileage is lesser than all of its rivals. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine manages to offer 21 and 31 MPG in the city and highway. Being packed with a 17.4-gallon fuel tank, the range is 435 miles combined.

The BMW 430i offers the best fuel economy. Further being packed with a smaller fuel tank compared to the RC 300 and C 300, the range is better than the RC 300. The RC 300 on the other hand trails in fuel economy. Its City, highway, and, combined MPG numbers are inferior to the others. However, its large fuel tank helps it with a respectable fuel range.

Lexus failed to justify its RC 300 in the power and performance sector, However, when it comes to the RC 300’s cabin, it is as good as its German rivals.

The RC 300’s cabin is a perfect place to be after a long day of work. It’s comfortable, premium, and surrounded by a plethora of features. The cabin can seat 4 people and the amount of space for the front passengers is enough. 

The rear seats offer less headroom and are not suitable for adults. Thus, the rear seats are more suitable for children, pets, and belongings. The dashboard layout remains the same and it doesn’t exhibit any design or structural changes. The dashboard comes embellished with Aluminum or Genuine wood inserts that feels and looks deluxe. The seats are NuLuxe Leatherette trimmed. 

The cockpit comes installed with a leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted control buttons and paddle shifters, a 7” digital driver’s display, a rotary controller, and dual-zone automatic AC. For seating, the front features a 10-way power adjusted seat for the driver and 8-way power adjusted seat for the front passenger. The rear seats are well-padded and wide but lack adequate headroom.

For storage, the rear comes packed with a 10.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity that can store 3-4 medium-sized luggage. Additionally, for the further need for cargo space, the rear seats once folded provide additional cargo space.

All the coupes offer a seating capacity for four people. The Lexus RC offers the most opulent cabin that is loaded with features. The RC 300’s front seats offer the best space and comfort, but its rear seats feel tighter due to the coupe body structure. The Audi A5 offers the most spacious rear seats. The RC 300, A5, and C 300 offer similar cargo capacity, oppositely the BMW offers a larger cargo trunk that can be used to store 4-5 luggage easily.

Some of the standout interior features are as follows:

• 7” digital driver’s display
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters
• NuLuxe trimmed seats
• 10 and 8-way power adjusted driver and front passenger seats
• Heated front seats
• Dual-zone automatic AC with air filter and smog sensor

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The RC 300’s cabin offers a good infotainment system that comes installed with a practical set of features and is installed with a user-friendly UI. Standard fitted features include a 10.3” Lexus Multimedia touch display mated with a 10-speaker premium audio system. 

For smartphone-related services, the system offers Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth Services. The infotainment system also offers voice command, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa for voice-related services. Wi-Fi, Lexus Enform Safety and Service Connect, Lexus App, and USB media and charging also come installed.

If you want more Infotainment features and tech, Lexus offers an optional Mark Levinson Surround sound system for $1,080 and Navigation System with Mark Levinson Premium Audio for $2,725.

Some of the highlights of the infotainment system are as follows:

• 10.3-inch Lexus Enform multimedia touch display
• 10-speaker premium audio system
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
• Siri Eyes Free
• Wi-Fi hotspot
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio
• HD Radio

We were confused when we first saw the RC 300. After gazing at the exterior design we were in a dilemma whether it was a wannabe sports car or a deluxe coupe because of the sharp and premier looks. This is because the RC 300 incorporates attributes from both worlds.

The fascia shows off Lexus signature ‘Spindle’ as usual and the grille is leaner and lower this year. The fascia comes with embedded bi-LED headlamps with a sharper design. The L-shaped DRLs are now lower and maintain a gap. 

The front bumper features more gaps for better air intake for brake pads cooling. The hood comes with contoured body lines that make the fascia look leaner. The rear is fitted with all-LED taillamps, a bi-exhaust system, and a lowered step bumper. A set of 18” alloy wheel rims come standard fitted below but we recommend you fit the car with the 19” alloy wheel rims.

There are some options Lexus offers for the customization of the RC 300. The front can be further fitted with a set of Triple-Beam LED Headlamps for $1,160 followed by a Rear Spoiler for $410. The optional headlights will increase visibility at night with better lighting and the rear spoiler will enhance the handling by spoiling the airflow on top of the car.

The Lexus RC 300 is the heaviest in the lot. It features a higher ground clearance that gives it the freedom to tread on rougher surfaces. Additionally, the RC 300 has the shortest wheelbase, the shorter wheelbase results in responsive handling. The Beamer is the lightest in the competition. But it is also the largest in the lot. With a longer wheelbase and an impressive ground clearance, the 430i offers an excellent and comfortable ride.

Some of the standout exterior features are as follows:

• 18” Split-five-spoke alloy wheels
• Bi-LED headlamps
• Signature DRLs
• All-LED taillamps
• Sunroof
• Body-color heated door mirrors

Toyota enjoys a respectable position among all the car giants when it comes to safety. Lexus being a luxury brand of Toyota is a torchbearer of Toyota's prolonged legacy. The RC 300 comes loaded with a galore of standard-fitted safety features and driver assistance programs. 

The 2022 RC 300 is based on the TNGA: GA-L platform. The vehicle’s body is monocoque and is primarily built with high-quality steel and aluminum. The car’s frame is additionally equipped with side-impact beams and pillars for safety during a collision. Additionally, the car is stuffed with plenty of safety features and driver assistance programs that help avoid crashes and keep the passengers safe.

The 2022 RC 300 hasn’t been crash-tested either by the NHTSA or IIHS. However, the 2021 RC 300 was given 5-stars by the NHTSA and IIHS rated it ‘GOOD’.

Some of the standout safety features are as follows:

• Lexus Enform Safety Connect
• Lexus Safety System+
• Blind-spot monitoring system 
• Rear-cross traffic alert
• Driver monitoring alert
• Backup camera

2022 Lexus RC 300 vs 2022 Audi A5

The Audi A5 S costs a couple of grand extra than the RC 300. The Audi A5 S offers the best value in the lot. It comes powered by a hybrid engine that offers good power and fuel economy. The cabin inside is practical and comfortable. Though the RC 300 comes with a richer cabin, the A5 offers better rear space. The A5 offers better performance, braking capability, fuel economy, and the best AWD system (Quattro).

Additionally, the after-sales service, safety, and reliability are good, so we choose the A5 S over the RC 300.

2022 Lexus RC 300 vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz C 300

The Mercedes-Benz C 300 is the most expensive in the competition. It offers the best engine when it comes to performance and the engine offers fuel economy. However, we’d like to invest in the RC 300 AWD because it costs $4,000 less than the C 300 and comes powered with a 3.5L V6 engine. 

The RC 300 looks distinct and we prefer it over the Benz when it comes to looks. The cabin inside is rich and pragmatic. The C 300 offers a similar cabin but costs $4000 more. The $4000 can be used for further customization. Moreover, the standard features list in the RC 300 is superior to that of the C 300. So, the RC 300 is what we choose.

2022 Lexus RC 300 vs 2022 BMW 430i

Both the RC 300 and BMW 430i are great options among coupes. Lexus eMPHasizes luxury more, while the Beamer focuses on performance. Nevertheless, we recommend the BMW because it costs $3000 more than the RC 300 and offers the best practicality. The cabin inside is better than the Lexus and we love the exterior. BMW’s turbocharged 4-cylinder engine not only performs better but also offers better mileage. SO, we recommend the BMW 430i over the RC 300.

The 2022 Lexus RC 300 comes in a couple of trim levels with both RWD and AWD drivetrains. There are a couple of engine options, the base 2.0L turbo inline-4 engine offers adequate power for daily needs and the 3.5L V6 offers slightly better power. The cabin inside can accommodate 4 people. 

The front seats are spacious while the rear seats are opposite. The infotainment system is good and comes installed with a user-friendly UI. For safety, the vehicle comes installed with a diverse set of safety features and driver-assist programs. The exterior looks distinct and appealing. The RC 300 focuses primarily on comfort, luxuries, and driving dynamics. 

If you want performance, the German counterparts offer more power and performance. However, they are expensive and the luxuries offered inside the RC 300 are the same as those offered inside the Audi, Mercedes, and BMW. We prefer the RC 300 because it offers luxury, good looks, great handling, vast lists of options, and good safety.