2025 Lexus RC vs 2025 Subaru BRZ
Comparison Overview
When deciding between the 2025 Lexus RC and the 2025 Subaru BRZ, the core dilemma is whether premium luxury and effortless power matter more than pure engagement and substantial savings. The Lexus RC starts at a hefty $45,620, demanding a $12,410 premium over the BRZ's base MSRP of $33,210. While both are rear-wheel-drive coupes, the RC offers more raw muscle with 241 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, compared to the BRZ's 228 hp. Fuel economy is a slight win for the Lexus at 25 combined MPG versus the BRZ's 22 combined MPG, though both require premium fuel. Daily usability favors the RC, which offers nearly double the storage space with 10.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the BRZ's tight 6.3 cu ft. Ultimately, the choice boils down to budget and priority: refined comfort or raw driving connection.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Lexus RC
The Lexus RC is the better commuter due to its marginally better fuel economy (25 combined MPG) and the smoother 8-speed automatic transmission.
2025 Lexus RC
The Lexus RC wins by default as it offers a larger cargo capacity of 10.4 cu ft, making it marginally more practical than the BRZ's 6.3 cu ft.
2025 Subaru BRZ
The Subaru BRZ is geared toward purists with its involving 6-speed manual transmission, prioritizing driver feedback over brute power.
2025 Subaru BRZ
The Subaru BRZ offers exceptional handling dynamics at a price point that is $12,410 less than the Lexus RC.
Choose the Lexus RC if...
- You prioritize luxury refinement and require the ease of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
- You need slightly better efficiency, achieving 31 MPG on the highway.
- You require more usable storage space, as the RC boasts 10.4 cubic feet of cargo room.
Choose the Subaru BRZ if...
- You want the most engaging driving experience possible via the standard 6-speed manual transmission.
- Sticking to a strict budget is paramount, saving $12,410 compared to the Lexus.
- You prefer a slightly smaller, more nimble footprint, as the BRZ is 17.1 inches shorter in length than the RC.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Lexus RC | Subaru BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.0" | 167.9" |
| Width | 72.4" | 69.9" |
| Height | 54.9" | 51.6" |
| Wheelbase | 107.5" | 101.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Lexus | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | — |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Lexus | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 241 hp @ 5200 rpm | 228 hp @ 7000 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1650 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Lexus | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Rear Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Lexus | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/31 MPG | 20/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 367.5/542.5 mi. | 264.0/356.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.5 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Lexus | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Driver Vanity Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Lexus | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 10 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Lexus | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Lexus | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.0 in. | 37.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 45.4 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 54.7 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.9 in. | 52.4 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 10-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Lexus | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 34.8 in. | 33.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 27.3 in. | 29.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 50.8 in. | 51.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 44.9 in. | 45.2 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Lexus | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | 17 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | Performance |
| Tire Size | 235/45R18 | 215/45R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Lexus | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Lexus | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 10000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus RC and 2025 Subaru BRZ.
What is the primary performance difference between these two coupes?
The 2025 Lexus RC produces 241 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the 2025 Subaru BRZ offers 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. The Lexus has more horsepower, but the BRZ's lower weight often results in a more direct, tossable feel.
Which car will cost more to fuel up in the long run?
Both cars require premium unleaded fuel, but the Lexus RC is slightly more efficient with a 25 combined MPG rating compared to the BRZ's 22 combined MPG. However, the BRZ is significantly cheaper to purchase initially.
Is the Lexus RC significantly larger than the Subaru BRZ?
Yes, the Lexus RC is considerably larger; it measures 185.0 inches long and 72.4 inches wide, whereas the BRZ is shorter at 167.9 inches in length and narrower at 69.9 inches in width.
If I value ease of driving in traffic, which coupe should I choose?
For daily stop-and-go driving, the Lexus RC is the clear winner because it comes standard with a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission. The Subaru BRZ mandates a more physical engagement with its 6-speed manual transmission.
How much more do I pay for the Lexus RC, and is it worth it for performance alone?
The Lexus RC commands a $12,410 higher starting MSRP. Since the BRZ delivers 228 hp versus the RC's 241 hp, enthusiasts might argue the BRZ offers a better raw power-to-dollar ratio.
Can I fit golf clubs or luggage in either car?
The Lexus RC offers 10.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is substantially more than the BRZ’s tight 6.3 cubic feet. If you plan on carrying anything beyond a small duffel bag, the Lexus provides more practical space.
More Mid-Range Sedans ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool