The RC has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The Z doesn’t offer a remote starting system.
When three different drivers share the RC, the optional memory system makes it convenient for all three. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle. The Z doesn’t offer a memory system.
The RC’s optional easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Z doesn’t offer an easy entry system.
The RC’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The Z does not have an oil pressure gauge.
The RC’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Z has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.
The power windows standard on both the RC and the Z have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the RC is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The Z prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.
If the front windows are left open on the RC the driver can close them at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. (This window function must be activated by your Lexus service department.) The driver of the Z can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.
The RC’s standard Smart Access allow you to unlock the doors from either outside door handle, open the trunk, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Intelligent Key standard on the Z doesn’t offer a sensor on the trunk.
The RC’s optional wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically according to the amount of rainfall on the windshield. The Z’s intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.
In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The RC offers available headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The Z doesn’t offer headlight washers.
The RC’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Nissan only offers heated mirrors on the Z Performance/NISMO.
When the RC with available tilt-down mirrors is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Z’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.
The RC’s standard rear view mirror and optional side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Z has an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.
Optional air-conditioned seats in the RC keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Z doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.
On extremely cold winter days, the RC’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The Z doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.
The RC’s standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The Z doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.
The Lexus RC has a standard Homelink wireless remote control system for garage door operation and device management, conveniently located on the rear view mirror. Homelink® eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries. Homelink® is only available on the Z Performance/NISMO.
