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Lexus RC 350 2018 review: snapshot

EXPERT RATING
7.9

Likes

Plenty of kerb appeal
A sense of lasting quality throughout
V6 engine is our pick for perkiness

Dislikes

Go never quite matches the show
Back seat is tight
Lacks modern cabin technology
Andrew Chesterton

Contributing Journalist

1 min read

The 350 occupies the second rung on the RC ladder, between the entry-level 300 and the V8-powered RC F models. It's powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, good for 232kW at 6400rpm and 380Nm at 4800rpm. The eight-speed automatic gearbox sends that power to the rear tyres.

It's available across three trim levels; Luxury ($68,400), F Sport ($77,700) and Sports Luxury ($87,900).

The cheapest version arrives with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and fog lights, leather trim, standard navigation, heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate and keyless entry with push-button start. The F Sport trim adds bigger 19-inch alloys, a better Mark Levinson stereo and rain-sensing wipers. Finally, the Sports Luxury models get better seats, some fancier cabin furniture and a moonroof.

All RC models get a new 10.3-inch screen (but there's no Apple Car Play/Android Auto), which pairs with a mousepad-style controller (which takes some getting used to).

Read the full 2018 Lexus RC review

Lexus RC350 2018: Luxury

Engine Type V6, 3.5L
Fuel Type Premium Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency 9.4L/100km (combined)
Seating 4
Price From $32,450 - $38,610

Pricing Guides

$46,427
Based on 9 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months.
LOWEST PRICE
$29,990
HIGHEST PRICE
$51,990
Andrew Chesterton

Contributing Journalist

CarsGuide contributing journalist Andrew Chesterton is an award-winning Australian automotive reporter with more than 20 years of experience across newspapers, magazines, digital publishing and automotive corporate communications. Andrew began his journalism career at Sydney’s The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Telegraph, reporting across business, courts, crime, property and state politics before moving into automotive journalism. He joined Top Gear Australia as its online editor in 2008, later being appointed editor of Top Gear New Zealand. He subsequently worked as an assistant editor during the Australian launch of the Daily Mail Australia, and as communications manager at FCA Australia, now Stellantis. His experience on both sides of the media industry gives him an unrivalled understanding of the automotive industry, and the relationship between car manufacturers, the media, and Australian consumers. Andrew’s work has appeared across leading automotive, news, business, luxury, travel and lifestyle publications, including CarsGuide, EV Central, DMARGE, The Sydney Morning Herald, Marie Claire, Top Gear, GQ Australia, The Australian, WISH Magazine, Boss Hunting, The West Australian, The Nightly, Women’s Day Australia, Carsales, NRMA, Men’s Health, CEO Magazine, Australian Financial Review and more.   Andrew specialises in industry news, vehicle reviews, policy,  performance and luxury cars, electric vehicles, automotive technology, EVs hybrid and plug-in hybrids, and the broader Australian new-car marketplace. In 2025, Andrew was named Newspress Australia News Journalist of the Year and was a finalist for the overall Journalist of the Year award. Earlier honours include Website of the Year wins at the Australian Magazine Awards and ACP Awards, the ACP Rising Star Award and recognition in the Bauer Media and News Ltd journalism awards. Expertise Electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles Performance, luxury and supercars New-car reviews and road testing Australian automotive industry and new-car sales Chinese automotive brands and emerging manufacturers Utes, SUVs and family vehicles Automotive technology Policy Awards 2025 Newspress Australia News Journalist of the Year Featured Publications CarsGuide EV Central DMARGE The Sydney Morning Herald Marie Claire Top Gear GQ Australia The Australian WISH Magazine Boss Hunting The West Australian The Nightly Women’s Day Australia Carsales NRMA Men’s Health CEO Magazine Australian Financial Review The Daily Telegraph The Sunday Telegraph Note: The author, Andrew Chesterton, is a co-owner of Smart As Media, a content agency and media distribution service with a number 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.
About Author
Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication. Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.
Pricing Guide
$29,990
Lowest price, based on CarsGuide listings over the last 6 months.
For more information on
2018 Lexus RC
See Pricing & Specs

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