DecodedCars2020 Lexus RC
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 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)
- 24 combined · 21 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 185 in
- Curb weight
- 3,891 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
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 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2020 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 24 MPG combined (21 city / 30 highway), 5% better than the 2020 subcompact car average of 22.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,400 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2020
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2019 RC — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 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 / 30 / 24 | +5% | $3,400 | 363 |
| RC 350 | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | 0% | $3,550 | 388 |
| RC 300 AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 21 | -8% | $3,900 | 422 |
| RC 350 AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 21 | -8% | $3,900 | 422 |
| RC F | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | -17% | $4,350 | 459 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2020 Lexus RC.
Similar 2020 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Lexus RC (this car) | 24 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2020 BMW 5 Series | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2020 Lexus IS | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Tesla Model 3 | 330 mi | ★★★★★ | 21 |
| 2020 Audi A6 | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 9 |
Recalls (1)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Apr 8, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V222000 · 9,139 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2015-2022 Lexus RC, 2016-2020 GS, and 2022 IS vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- Risk
- Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed October 15, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26LB05 and 26LA05.
Not every 2020 Lexus RC is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2020 Lexus RC buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Wheels — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 2,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 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 |
| 2023 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 |
| 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 →