2018 Lexus RC 300 — Full Specifications
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The 2018 Lexus RC 300 is a coupe offered with 2 engines (2L 4-cyl turbo, 3.5L 6-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 31 mpg (UK) / 26 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 25–31 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Lexus RC 300 workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2017 Lexus RC 300: Fuel economy improves from 25 to 31 mpg (UK) combined on the most efficient configuration. EPA lists new engine options for 2018: 2L 4-cyl turbo.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2L 4-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2L 4-cyl turbo · 3.5L 6-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (S8) |
| Fuel Type | Premium Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Coupe |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 84 cu ft (2,379 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 10 cu ft (283 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 31 combined / 26 urban / 38 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 26 combined / 22 city / 32 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 214 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 5 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,150 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 2 configurations for the 2018 Lexus RC 300 across 2 engines (2L 4-cyl turbo, 3.5L 6-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 21 to 26 mpg (US), or 25 to 31 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 31 | 26 (22/32) | 214 | $3,150 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 25 | 21 (18/24) | 262 | $3,900 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 84 cubic feet (about 2,379 litres) and luggage volume at 10 cubic feet (about 283 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2018 Lexus RC 300
Running Costs: 2018 Lexus RC 300
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2018 Lexus RC 300 at 31 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,173 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $3,150 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2018 Lexus RC 300 Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
No NHTSA crash-test rating is on record for this model year. The NHTSA rates only a subset of vehicles each year; you can browse every rated vehicle on our NHTSA Safety Ratings hub.
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns that include the 2018 Lexus RC 300 (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Fuel system (2). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Fuel system — campaign 26V222000, reported 8 April 2026. Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fuel system — campaign 20V012000, reported 13 January 2020. Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Lexus RC 300. The most-reported areas are Service brakes (1), Vehicle speed control (1). Complaints include 1 reported crash.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2018 Lexus RC 300
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Fuel system (2 recall campaigns) — Ask whether any fuel-pump or fuel-system recalls were completed, and watch for hard starting or stalling.
- Brakes (1 owner complaint) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
- Throttle & cruise control (1 owner complaint) — Check throttle response and cruise control are smooth, and ask about any software or throttle recalls.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Lexus RC 300 compare to similar coupes? For context, coupes in our database average around 25 mpg (UK) combined — this model's 31 mpg figure is 6 mpg better than that average. Its 214 g/km CO₂ figure is 64 g/km lower than the 278 g/km average for coupes on this site. This comparison is based on 1072 coupes in our dataset.
Lexus models in our database average about 28 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2018 Lexus RC 300's 31 mpg is 3 mpg above that make average. Its 214 g/km CO₂ figure is 38 g/km lower than the 252 g/km Lexus average.
Of the 10 Lexus RC 300 model years we cover, the 2018 is the most economical on its best configuration (31 mpg UK combined). See every Lexus RC 300 year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2018 Lexus RC 300
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2018 Lexus RC 300 have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2018 Lexus RC 300: 2L 4-cyl turbo, 3.5L 6-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2L 4-cyl turbo with a automatic (s8).
What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Lexus RC 300?
The most efficient configuration returns around 31 mpg (UK) combined, or 26 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 25 to 31 mpg.
How much does the 2018 Lexus RC 300 cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $3,150 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2018 Lexus RC 300 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns that include the 2018 Lexus RC 300 (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Fuel system (2). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2018 Lexus RC 300?
Among the 2 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Service brakes (1 complaint), Vehicle speed control (1 complaint). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2018 Lexus RC 300 have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 84 cubic feet (about 2,379 litres) and luggage volume at 10 cubic feet (about 283 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.
Is the Lexus RC 300's fuel economy good for a coupe?
Yes — it returns around 31 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 25 mpg among the coupes we track, making it one of the more efficient options in its class.