New 2026 Lexus RC 300 Pictures, Specs, MSRP

New 2026 Lexus RC 300 Pictures, Specs, MSRP  –  Since the enduring entry-level luxury sedan is so similar to Toyota’s reliable mid-sizer, it has occasionally been difficult to persuade consumers to shell out cash for a new Lexus ES. However, when the stunning New 2026 Camry was introduced to the market this year, it was not only a significant upgrade over the previous family sedan but also more dynamic than the ES 300. It was considerably harder to justify the somewhat bigger ES.

It was inevitable that the Lexus ES sedan would receive an upgrade, and now it has, after a similarly significant makeover over the previous model. According to reports, Lexus is working to increase the brand’s appeal to a wider audience by giving all of its vehicles better driving characteristics and a sportier appearance. Given that the high-end brand has previously proven its ability to produce sophisticated, cozy machines that were well acclaimed for their superb build quality, this is a fair course of action. Although they weren’t very thrilling to drive, previous ES models were regarded as a secure investment.

New 2026 Lexus RC 300 Redesign and Update Plan

Exterior and Interior

All of this obviously makes the new ES better than any models from the previous generation, but it still sounds a lot like the cousin Camry. The inside of the new Lexus is where it shines the most. The new ES 350’s cockpit is its most striking feature, other from its more rigorous construction methods, which include laser welding. The remainder of the interior is meant to provide passengers an open and breezy space, whereas this area is meant to make the plethora of information that a driver may access easily visible.

In fact, Lexus says that the new ES offers more rear-seat legroom than their LS full-size sedan since it has a larger wheelbase than the previous model. A lower hip-point ensures that back headroom is not compromised for appearance, even with a more rakish roofline. The interior of the F Sport is, predictably, where the biggest deviation can be found. Here, Lexus’s designers produced a striking metal trim that adds visual intrigue from several perspectives, drawing influence from traditional Japanese sword forging. Real wood trimmings will still be available on other ES variants.

New 2026 Lexus RC 300 Specs

Given how great the new Camry is, it is not surprising that the new Lexus ES 350 and ES 300h seem to be major improvements to the popular entry-level luxury sedan from Lexus. In addition to the enhanced dealership experience and the coveted “L” badges, the ES 350 now has a better case against the Camry and its immediate competitors thanks to the addition of adaptive suspension, a suitably luxurious interior, and even Apple CarPlay.

If more dynamic and aesthetically pleasing machines are the way to sustained relevance and increased sales in the entry-level luxury machine industry, Lexus should experience a pleasant uptick in sales of its robust ES model with this new machine. In September of this year, the new Lexus ES 300 and ES 300h models for 2026 will go on sale in Canada. As the model’s release date approaches, pricing will be made accessible.

Engine and Performance

That lack of legroom and headroom is ironic, as there’s a high-mounted lever to easily fold the front seats forward when needed, but reality dictates this be more to throw your gym bag or suitcase than to fold a human with actual legs back there. But on the plus-side practicality-wise, the rear cargo area has a wide opening and holds a decent (for a two-door) 295 litres. That is normally not much, but considering the seats that fold down, there will certainly be a way to transport your clubs to and from each round of golf with no issues.

From the driver’s seat, this 3.5-litre V6 gave a good account of itself, with an overall quiet demeanour that could easily be turned up quickly by using the six-speed transmission’s shift paddles. Its 307 ponies arrive at 6,400 rpm, while its 277 lb-ft of torque come in at a more usable 4,800, providing for a fleet but not class-leading sprint from rest to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds.

New 2026 Lexus RC 300 Fuel Economy

These figures, which are 34 horsepower and 19 lb-ft more than the 2018 ES 350, are anticipated to be among the car’s best features, similar to those of the Camry. To enhance the sportier driving experience, Lexus has equipped F Sport models with an Engine Sound Enhancement technology that, while in Sport+ mode, artificially amplifies engine sounds.

New 2026 Lexus RC 300 Safety Features

Those different drive modes certainly change the character of the RC 350, especially when moving from the default Normal up to Sport+, where the active sound control (yes, fake piped-in engine noise) pumps up the volume most. It’s a fairly impressive system, as it is relatively invisible where the real engine noise stops and the simulated one begins. The adaptive suspension also adapts to sharper handling in either S mode, with less perceived body roll from the relatively hefty luxury coupe, though you’re still never uncomfortable in this car.

Scratch that, okay, you’re never uncomfortable in this car if you’re in one of the two seats up front. If you’ve been relegated to either of the tiny rear seats, through some cruel bet you lost perhaps or some seismic weather activity that has you running for cover, you’ll want to be extra kind to the person sitting in front of you.

New 2026 Lexus RC 300 Price and Release Date

Let’s start with the luxury part. There’s no doubt that the RC offers a comfortable and well-appointed upscale cabin. Standard features on even the base RC 300 AWD models (which start at an MSRP of $48,850) include a 10-speaker stereo, a keyless Smart Key entry system, power-adjustable and heated front seats, heated steering wheel, two USB inputs, paddle shifters, and a HomeLink universal garage-door opener. A 2017 RC 300 AWD like the one I tested starts at $59,050, which adds niceties such as front and rear adaptive suspension systems, 19-inch wheels, a navigation system, driver’s seat memory, blind-spot monitoring, cooled front seats, and a digital instrument cluster inspired by the dearly departed Lexus LFA supercar.

Add in this tester’s $3,300 F Sport Series 2 option package (upping the ante to a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, dynamic radar cruise control, and an active parking assist system) and special paint, this tester topped out at an as tested price of $65,171. So, very reasonable in this luxury segment, where options can sometimes tack on 15 or 20 grand onto a purchase, especially considering the power and performance upgrades of the 307 hp RC 350 as well over the 255 hp RC 300.