Compare the2023 Jaguar F-TypeVS 2023 Lexus RC

Both the F-Type and RC offer rear cross-traffic warning, but the F-Type has Rear Traffic Braking (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The RC’s Rear Cross-Traffic Alert doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the F-Type and the RC have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors and available blind spot warning systems.

The F-Type comes with a full 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The RC’s 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 10,000 miles sooner.

Jaguar pays for scheduled maintenance on the F-Type for 4 years and 50,000 miles longer than Lexus pays for maintenance for the RC (5/60,000 vs. 1/10,000).

A hardened steel chain, with no maintenance needs, drives the camshafts in the F-Type’s engine. A rubber cam drive belt that needs periodic replacement drives the RC’s camshafts. If the RC’s belt breaks, the engine could be severely damaged when the pistons hit the opened valves.

The battery on the F-Type is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the F-Type’s battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The RC’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

The F-Type has more powerful engines than the RC:

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the F-Type’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The RC doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The F-Type has a gallon more fuel capacity than the RC (18.5 vs. 17.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The F-Type’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The RC doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the F-Type’s brake rotors are larger than those on the RC:

The F-Type stops much shorter than the RC:

For better traction, the F-Type has larger standard tires than the RC (F:255/35R20 & R:295/30R20 vs. 235/40R19). The F-Type R’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the RC (F:265/35R20 & R:305/30R20 vs. F:235/40R19 & R:265/35R19).

The F-Type’s 255/35R20 front and 295/30R20 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the RC’s standard 45 series tires. The F-Type’s tires are lower profile than the RC’s optional 40 series front and 35 series rear tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the F-Type has standard 20-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the RC. The RC’s largest wheels are only 19-inches.

The F-Type’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The RC doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the F-Type is .2 inches wider in the front and 1.7 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the RC.

The F-Type R Coupe handles at 1.00 G’s, while the RC 350 AWD pulls only .86 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The F-Type is 9 inches shorter than the RC, making the F-Type easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The F-Type Coupe has a much larger trunk than the RC (14.4 vs. 10.4 cubic feet).

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the F-Type Coupe offers an optional power trunk, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button. The RC doesn’t offer a power trunk.

Unlike the driver-only memory system optional in the RC, the F-Type offers an optional driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The F-Type’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. An easy entry system costs extra on the RC.

The F-Type’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The RC’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the F-Type has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The RC doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The F-Type’s optional Park Assist can parallel park by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The RC doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

The Jaguar F-Type comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the Lexus RC isn’t available as a convertible.