New 2026 Lexus RC 350 Price, Interior, Reviews

New 2026 Lexus RC 350 Price, Interior, Reviews  –  At times, it’s surely been a bit of a tough sell to convince buyers to ante up for a new Lexus ES, given the perennial entry-level luxury sedan is so closely related to Toyota’s stalwart mid-sizer. But when the magnificent New 2026 Camry hit the market this year, it was a wholesale improvement over not only the outgoing family sedan, but was also dynamically superior to the ES 350. Justifying the slightly larger ES became even more challenging.  New 2026 Lexus RC 350 Price

Unsurprisingly, it was only a matter of time before the Lexus ES sedan was updated, and here it is, having enjoyed a similarly dramatic update over the previous generation. Lexus is on a charge to broaden the brand’s appeal to a larger market, which apparently means adding improved driving dynamics and a sportier visage to all of its models. This is a reasonable direction given that the upscale brand had already established its prowess in making refined and comfortable machines, widely regarded for their exceptional build quality. Past ES models were known to be a safe-bet purchase, though far from exhilarating to drive.

New 2026 Lexus RC 350 Redesign and Update Plan

Exterior and Interior

All of this clearly sets the new ES above any previous generation models, but still sounds awfully similar to cousin Camry. Where the new Lexus makes its strongest case is in the interior. Aside from more stringent build processes including laser welds, the most impressive part of the new ES 350 is its cockpit. This is a place designed to put the litany of information available to a driver within easy glimpse or reach; the rest of the interior is intended to provide an open and airy environment for passengers.  New 2026 Lexus RC 350 Price

The new ES has a longer wheelbase than before, lending to greater rear-seat legroom; so much so, in fact, that Lexus claims there’s more rear legroom than in their LS full-size sedan. Despite a more rakish roofline, a lower hip-point means rear headroom is not sacrificed for style. The greatest departure is unsurprisingly found in the F Sport’s interior. Here, Lexus’s designers drew inspiration from traditional Japanese sword crafting and created a metal trim that catches the eye, providing visual interest from several angles. Other ES models will continue to offer real wood trims.

New 2026 Lexus RC 350 Specs

Given how great the new Camry is, it’s unsurprising the new Lexus ES 350 and ES 300h look to be dramatic updates to the popular entry-level luxury sedan from Lexus. Now, thanks to the implementation of the adaptive suspension, a properly luxurious interior, and even Apple CarPlay – not to mention the superior dealership experience and coveted “L” badges – the ES 350 makes a more compelling case over the Camry – and its direct competitors – than it did previously.

If more dynamically and visually enticing machines are the way to ongoing relevance and increased sales in the entry-level luxury machine segment, Lexus should see a pleasing uptick to its robust ES model sales with this new machine. The New 2026 Lexus ES 350 and ES 300h go on sale in Canada in September of this year. Pricing will become available closer to the model’s release date.

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 350 Fuel Economy

These numbers represent an increase of 34 hp and 19 lb-ft compared to the 2018 ES 350, and are expected to be one of the car’s shining jewels, just as it is in the Camry. Lexus has added an Engine Sound Enhancement feature in F Sport models when in Sport+ mode that digitally magnifies engine noise, intended to further the sportier driving experience. Power is directed to the front wheels (no all-wheel-drive option is available) through an eight-speed automatic transmission, which is expected to help reduce fuel consumption. New 2026 Lexus RC 350 Price

ES buyers looking for greater fuel savings will want to opt for the ES 300h with a fourth-generation Lexus Hybrid Drive system utilizing a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder engine and a new electric motor that is both lighter and more powerful than before, combining to deliver 215 horsepower. Fuel consumption figures are not yet finalized for either ES model; Lexus estimates the ES 300h’s combined rate to be an impressive 5.3 L/100 km.

New 2026 Lexus RC 350 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.  New 2026 Lexus RC 350 Price

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 350 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 350 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.  New 2026 Lexus RC 350 Price