Hi All,

Earlier in the summer, I made a post, as I was seriously considering purchasing a 2016 RC 350. I ultimately did pass on that car, however, over the past few weeks I have resumed my search of a new car.
My original budget for the purchase was $28K, and I have bumped that up a little ($30K), and have also backed off the ML audio as being an absolute requirement, as well as decided I want to keep this next car for 5 years.

I have come across two 2020 RC 350 F-Sports (one at a dealer, one private seller) that could be a fit.

1. What differences should one find on a F-Sport RC 350 vs a non F-Sport?
2. How comfortable is the RC 350 as a daily driver?

 

The RC is a very comfortable daily. I have a 120mi daily round trip commute and it's more comfortable than my past few BMWs

 

I had my RC350 FS for over a year before I bought my RCF. I loved my 350 in almost every way, the RCF almost felt like a downgrade. The 350 was such a plush ride (even with the lowering springs), spent a pretty penny on a full sound system, and just smooth, quiet vehicle in general. Although I didn’t have the ML system, I heard a ‘23 LS with it, and it was still very underwhelming. I would absolutely not get one without the AVS suspension, that is such a lifesaver. The only gripe I had with the 350 was that it gets virtually the same gas mileage as my RCF. I honestly would still have the 350 if I wasn’t 24 with an itch for horsepower, such a perfect perfect daily driver

 

I bought a 2016 RC F Sport as a CPO vehicle in 2019 and have used it to commute to work every day. It's a great car and an excellent daily driver. Looks great. Very comfortable. Nice ride. Fast enough. The trunk is good sized. It's been very reliable. It's 9 years old but still looks and rides like new. At some point I'd like to upgrade to an LC but I like my RC too much....and it's paid for.

 

It's the best, comfortable coupe for daily and long drives. The trunk space is the best against any other 2 door coupe. That's why I'm sad that they are discontinuing this model. I do hope that in the future, they'll revive this type of car.

 

Key Differences: RC 350 (Base) vs. RC 350 F Sport

1. Exterior & Styling

• Wheels & Tires: The F Sport upgrades from standard 18‑inch wheels to 19‑inch sport wheels, often with summer performance tires.
  
• Front Fascia & Grille: Unique mesh spindle grille and more aggressive front and rear bumpers distinguish F Sport models.
  
• Trim & Badging: F Sport trims often feature darker alloy finishes, special badging, and optionally a rear spoiler or appearance packages.
  

2. Suspension & Handling

• Adaptive Suspension: F Sport models come with an adaptive sport‑tuned suspension (AVS) that delivers a firmer, more responsive ride.
  
• Optional Handling Enhancements: Available extras include the Lexus Dynamic Handling System (with rear‑wheel steering), variable‑ratio steering, and a Torsen limited‑slip differential on RWD models.
  
• Brakes & Performance Tires: F Sport packages often include upgraded brakes (e.g., two‑piece rotors, high‑friction pads) and stickier tires for improved grip.
  

3. Interior Enhancements

• Sport Seats & Upholstery: Heated and ventilated sport front seats with enhanced bolstering and perforated synthetic or leather trim are standard in F Sport models.
  
• Driver-Focused Details:
  
  • Aluminum sport pedals and a perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel with F Sport badging
    
  • Unique instrument cluster (often LFA-inspired with a sliding bezel)
    
  • Black headliner and exclusive interior trim materials.
    
• Memory & Convenience: Features like driver’s seat memory, power-adjustable steering column, and automatic wipers often come standard on F Sport or via the premium packages included.
  

Real-World Insight from Enthusiasts

On Reddit, RC owners highlight several subtle yet impactful differences:
“The F Sport model adds a sportier suspension, adaptive dampers and stickier 19‑inch tires.”

“The rims, adjustable suspension, gunmetal instead of chrome, and most importantly the LFA‑style gauge cluster is worth it… Makes the car more special.”

Another breakdown from a user lists numerous features unique to F Sport:
“F SPORT–tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension with Sport S+ and Custom drive modes; Two‑piece front brake rotors with high‑friction brake pads; F SPORT 19‑in split‑five‑spoke alloy wheels with Dark Graphite finish and summer tires; F SPORT heated and ventilated front seats with enhanced bolsters; F SPORT interior details including Dark Gray Streamline trim, aluminum pedals and black headliner; Perforated leather‑trimmed shift **** and steering wheel with F SPORT logo; F SPORT exterior styling including unique front bumper and grille; Performance‑inspired instrumentation with sliding bezel.”

4. Performance & Feel

Mechanically, both trims use the same 3.5L V6 producing ~311 hp and 280 lb‑ft torque.

However, the F Sport’s enhancements yield measurable driving benefits:

• Sharper cornering thanks to the sport-tuned suspension and available limited‑slip differential
  
• More engaging feel, particularly with optional dynamic handling systems and rear-wheel steering.
  

Bottom Line

If you're chasing a visually bolder, more engaging driving experience, the F Sport trim is a compelling upgrade—thanks to its sharper suspension, sportier aesthetics, and driver-centric enhancements. The base RC 350 offers a refined and comfortable ride but lacks the performance edge and stylized flair of the F Sport.
Lexus RC 350 (especially the F Sport trim) as a daily driver—embracing both the thrills and the trade-offs:

What Reviewers Say

Speed Academy — Found the RC 350 F Sport “very well” suited for daily use:

• Quiet and comfortable on the commute, with a smooth 8-speed automatic and eager V6.
  
• Real-world fuel economy: ~23 mpg average, nearly 30 mpg on the highway.
  
• Love the sporty interior and driving feel.
  

95Octane spent a full week driving it as a daily:

• No squeaks, rattles—even after widespread use.
  
• Comfortable front seats, engaging Sport modes, and supportive bolstering.
  
• Rear seat extremely cramped—practically a two-seater.
  
• Media interface (trackpad) felt outdated and less intuitive.
  
• Still considered a “great, high-quality coupe” for everyday use.
  

ManTripping also finds it manageable for daily wear:

• Comfortable despite being a coupe—some headroom challenges but still acceptable even for larger drivers.
  
• Plush ride, stable handling, and surprisingly roomy trunk for its class—perfect for luggage or beach gear.
  
• Rear seats remain nearly useless for adults.
  

Car and Driver noted:

• Stylish, high-quality interior that's comfortable for front-seat occupants.
  
• Cargo space is limited; packing light is key.
  
• 7″ infotainment with Apple CarPlay/Alexa (but no Android Auto).
  
• Trunk held four carry-on cases—acceptable, but not spacious.
  

Is the RC 350 (F Sport) a Good Daily?

Yes—for the right owner. If your priorities include:

• Comfortable, engaging driving experience for front passengers.
  
• A sporty yet refined feel with selectable drive modes.
  
• Reliable luxury coupe with standout looks.
  
• Practical enough for light shopping, commuting, highway cruising.
  

You’ll love it.

But if your daily priorities are hauling passengers in the back, loading cargo, or maximizing MPG, you might find it limiting.

 

That's a load of horseshit. For a coupe, it has one of the biggest trunk space. We took this car on out of state trips, packed with bags and shooting gears. 4 passengers, each with personal bags in the trunk. Even went home with more boxes of components and I was able to fit everything in. Find me a coupe with a trunk space like this.

 

I agree. For a coupe the car has a LOT more cargo space than I anticipated. I managed to fit all of this in my car easily when I was moving. It’s a coupe. If you wanted a car that is more comfortable to fit more than 2 people go get a sedan? I got a 2 door so I wouldn’t have to drive people back from the club lol other than that it’s just me in the vehicle alone almost 80% of the time. At times yes I wish I had a larger car but for what it’s classified as I feel pretty comfy in it.

 

What lowering springs do you have on your rc350? Trying to get even gap on front and rear. I have seen people put rsr downs on the front to even out the gap, but if I want to go lower should I do super downs on the front and downs on the rear?

 

If you want superdowns in front, you want superdowns in the rear. Downs only lower the rear maybe 1/4"-1/2" and hence why most, including me skip it when just going with downs in the front.

 

I did the RSR downs and brought me to a finger gap evenly on the front and rear. With the spacers, it was the perfect height and fitment for a daily driver. If you want to go below a finger gap, then go with the SuperDowns, and either don’t run spacers at all or run maybe a 10-15mm

 

This looks awesome! What spacers are you running currently? And is yours AWD or RWD?

 

RWD. 20 mm in the front and 25 mm in the rear and never rubbed once

 

i just purchased a 2015 f sport for 18k with 108k miles. you will have fun with the car especially when you modify it.