Lexus IS 300 vs. Lexus RC 350
In comparing the Lexus IS 300's and the Lexus RC 350's specifications and ratings, the Lexus IS 300 has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, fuel efficiency, reliability, interior volume and overall quality score. The Lexus RC 350 has the advantage in the areas of resale value and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Lexus IS 300's and the Lexus RC 350's specifications and ratings, the Lexus IS 300 is a better car than the Lexus RC 350.
Lexus IS 300 vs. Lexus RC 350 Pricing
For a new model, the Lexus IS 300's price is between $41,719 and $48,765, with the Lexus RC 350 priced between $53,470 and $62,445.
Lexus IS 300 vs. Lexus RC 350 Resale/Retained Value
Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Lexus IS 300 loses 40.3 percent of its value and the Lexus RC 350 loses 32.3 percent of its value. This means the Lexus RC 350 retains 8.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Lexus IS 300.
Lexus IS 300 vs. Lexus RC 350 Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Lexus IS 300 is 9.2 out of 10 while the Lexus RC 350's quality rating is 7.7 out of 10. This results in the Lexus IS 300 being ranked 2 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars and the Lexus RC 350 being ranked 19 out of 36. Out of 30 Best Luxury Compact Cars, the Lexus IS 300 is ranked 2 and the Lexus RC 350 is ranked 17.
Lexus IS 300 vs. Lexus RC 350 Reliability Rating
iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Lexus IS 300 is 8.7 out of 10. For the Lexus RC 350 the reliability rating is 6.0 out of 10. This gives the Lexus IS 300 an advantage in reliability compared to the Lexus RC 350.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the Lexus IS 300’s base engine makes 241 horsepower, and the Lexus RC 350 base engine makes 311 horsepower. The IS 300 is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 539 miles. The RC 350 is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 490 miles. This gives the Lexus IS 300 the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Lexus RC 350. Both models use premium unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison
While both models are compact cars, the Lexus IS 300 has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Lexus RC 350 has the advantage in the areas of front head room and front leg room.
Safety Ratings Comparison
The Lexus IS 300 has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$41,719 - $48,765
Used Asking Price:
-
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
40.3%
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$53,470 - $62,445
Used Asking Price:
-
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
32.3%
Lexus IS 300 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
9.2 / 10
Reliability:
8.7 / 10
Retained Value:
8.9 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Lexus RC 350 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.7 / 10
Reliability:
6.0 / 10
Retained Value:
9.4 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Lexus IS 300 Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 36Ranking
2 out of / 36Ranking
2 out of / 30Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
2 out of / 8Ranking
2 out of / 8Ranking
5 out of / 36Ranking
5 out of / 30Ranking
5 out of / 30Ranking
6 out of / 36Ranking
6 out of / 26Ranking
8 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 30Ranking
18 out of / 36Ranking
25 out of / 30Ranking
30 out of / 36Lexus RC 350 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 36Ranking
1 out of / 30Ranking
2 out of / 36Ranking
2 out of / 33Ranking
2 out of / 30Ranking
5 out of / 8Ranking
5 out of / 8Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 33Ranking
6 out of / 29Ranking
7 out of / 33Ranking
7 out of / 30Ranking
9 out of / 36Ranking
14 out of / 33Ranking
17 out of / 30Ranking
18 out of / 30Ranking
18 out of / 26Ranking
19 out of / 36Ranking
21 out of / 36Ranking
21 out of / 36Ranking
22 out of / 32Ranking
29 out of / 33Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Coupe
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Lexus IS 300 Trim Levels
Base
Lexus RC 350 Trim Levels
Base, F SPORT
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
6 years / 70000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
6 years / 70000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
241 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
258 foot-lbs @ 1650 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.065 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
311 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque:
280 foot-lbs @ 4800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.083 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 31 / 25
Range (city/hwy):
365 / 539 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 28 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
350 / 490 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
36.9 inches
Rear Leg Room:
32.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
53.4 inches
Cargo Space:
10.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
90.2 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39 inches
Front Leg Room:
45.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
54.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
34.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
27.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
50.8 inches
Cargo Space:
10.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
83.8 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3715 lbs
Width:
72.4 inches
Height:
56.5 inches
Length:
185.4 inches
Wheelbase:
110.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.5 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3748 lbs
Width:
80.6 inches
Height:
54.9 inches
Length:
185 inches
Wheelbase:
107.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.3 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/45R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/45R18
