Lexus RC vs Cadillac Optiq
What's the difference?

Lexus RC

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2020 price

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Cadillac Optiq

$80,000 - $80,000

2026 price

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Summary

2020 Lexus RC

2026 Cadillac Optiq

By Justin Hilliard

By Andrew Chesterton

Safety Rating

Engine Type

V6, 3.5L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

9.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Striking exterior design
Feels rather luxurious
Unrivalled value for money

Sharp pricing in premium land
Punchy dual-motor powertrain
Considered and comfortable cabin

Dislikes

Infuriating multimedia system
Token second row of seats
Not very fuel efficient

Ride can feel brittle on harsh road surfaces
Slow DC charge rate
Five-year warranty feels underdone these days

2020 Lexus RC Summary

If it wasn’t for this review appearing on your screen right now, would you have even remembered the Lexus RC was a thing?

At the time of writing, the RC is actually the fifth most popular model in its sports car segment. Yep, only the two-door versions of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and E-Class, and BMW 4 Series and Z4 sell better.

So, why is the RC seemingly invisible? But more importantly, does it deserve to be? Let’s test the RC 350 F Sport to find out.

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2026 Cadillac Optiq Summary

The lonely Cadillac Lyriq finally has some company, with the iconic US brand tripling its range down under with the launch of the much bigger Vistiq (which we've already tested) and this entry-level Optiq, which Cadillac describes as the gateway to its electric family.

It's a medium all-electric SUV with plenty of equipment and – depending on whether you see it as an established premium player or another newcomer brand – pretty sharp pricing.

Cadillac says it has the German big three in its sights with the Optiq, so how does it stack up?

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Deep dive comparison

2020 Lexus RC 2026 Cadillac Optiq

Verdict

If you’re a buyer that thinks with their head, the RC 350 F Sport is the obvious choice when compared to its direct rivals.

After all, it looks great (at least to these eyes), feels luxurious in more ways than one, and is unrivalled when considering value-for-money.

But, if you think with your heart instead, it’s clear it is isn’t on the same level dynamically and therefore doesn’t feel as sporty to drive as its name suggests.

So, don’t let its sports car classification fool you, the RC 350 F Sport is more of a grand tourer, or a comfortable cruiser, to be precise, and an underrated one at that.

Verdict

A taste test, but so far so good for the Cadillac Optiq, which is already my favourite model in the Caddy range. More space than you think meets a lovely cabin experience and a punchy powertrain.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with accommodation and meals provided.

Note: The author, Andrew Chesterton, is a co-owner of Smart As Media, a content agency and media distribution service with a number of automotive brands among its clients. When producing content for CarsGuide, he does so in accordance with the CarsGuide Editorial Guidelines and Code of Ethics, and the views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author.

Lexus RC vs Cadillac Optiq What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Lexus RC vs Cadillac Optiq
What's the difference?