2022 Lexus LC Review
What Owners Say About the Premium Sporty Car Segment - Find the best Lexus deals!
Photo: Ron Sessions
The Lexus LC competes in the Premium Sporty Car market segment. According to data collected from verified new-vehicle buyers for the J.D. Power 2022 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, 91 percent of new Premium Sporty Car buyers are male (vs. 62 percent for the industry), and the median age of a new Premium Sporty Car buyer is 62 years (vs. 54).
As part of the APEAL Study, owners rated Premium Sporty Cars in 10 primary categories. Listed below in descending order, you'll find their preferences from their most favorite thing about the vehicle to their least favorite:
- Exterior styling
- Powertrain
- Driving feel
- Setting up and starting
- Interior design
- Driving comfort
- Infotainment
- Feeling of safety
- Fuel economy
- Getting in and out
What Our Independent Expert Says About the Lexus LC - Find the best Lexus deals!
In the sections that follow, our independent expert analyzes an LC 500h Coupe equipped with the following options:
- Bespoke build package (driver-selected options, authenticity certificate)
- Ultra White premium paint
- Alcantara with Manhattanhenge trim and sport seats
- Head-up display
- Mark Levinson Reference surround-sound audio system
- Airwing rear spoiler
- Carbon-fiber roof and scuff plates
The test vehicle's price was $115,285, including the $1,075 destination charge.
Getting In and Getting Comfortable
Photo: Ron Sessions
Long doors with flush-mounted handles that pivot out at the rear as you approach with the proximity key fob on your person or a push of the key fob unlock button ease access to the sensationally luxurious LC cabin. Upon locking the car or when the LC is in motion, the door handles fold flush against the body's sides.
Lexus impeccably dressed the LC 500h test car's cabin in rich, buttery-soft leather and Alcantara suede covering the seats and most upper surfaces. It offset this with brushed aluminum accents, done up in an unforgettable bespoke Manhattanhenge (said to emulate Gotham City's bright orange sky at sunset) and black color scheme. Perfect for upscale trick or treating.
The driver's and front passenger's seats offer 10-way power adjustability, heating and cooling, and they cradle their occupants in comfort while supporting both the thighs and torso with large but unobtrusive wings. The tilt/telescopic heated leather steering wheel is power-operated, and the driver looks out over a low-mounted dash with a configurable 8-inch color gauge display. Controls have a premium tactile feel and are within easy reach. Despite the low seating position that delivers a low-center-of-gravity feel, forward visibility is good courtesy of a relatively low-mounted dash and hood as well as thin windshield pillars.
The Lexus LC has four seat belts, and there are tiny rear-seat cushions and headrests in the aft section. That said, this luxurious 2+2 Lexus will only seat two adults comfortably. Think of the back seat as an in-cabin storage shelf for a briefcase, purse, or pet. Unfortunately, unlike the smaller Lexus RC coupe, the rear seats of the LC do not fold down because the LC 500h hybrid battery lives between the back seat and trunk. In the case of the LC convertible, its folding hardtop stashes into that space when you retract the top. So, forget carrying long objects in the LC.
Storage that's reachable by the driver and front passenger is modest at best. There's a decent-size glovebox, pockets in the doors, and a small net on the passenger side of the transmission tunnel. However, the infotainment remote controller pad (more on that later) and transmission shifter take up a good portion of the center console. Also available is a small bin with two USB ports and a cupholder ahead of the shifter and another hidden in a console storage bin under the center armrest with an ingenious sliding cover that doesn't get in the way when opened. The LC does not have wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, so if you're using that technology, you'll be running a USB cord and looking for a place to stash your phone.
2022 Lexus LC Infotainment System Review
Photo: Ron Sessions
The 2022 Lexus LC still has the infotainment system it had when first introduced for the 2018 model year. Whereas most of the LC's competitors have moved on to a large, tablet-style touchscreen interface close to the driver, the LC soldiers on with a smaller infotainment display far from the driver with a space-robbing and awkward-to-use console-mounted remote-touch controller. Details of the 2022 LC infotainment system include:
- 10.3-inch landscape-format display
- Console-mounted remote-touch infotainment screen controller
- Wired (via USB cable) Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Standard dynamic navigation with a three-year trial
- Alexa compatible
- Advanced voice command
- 12-speaker premium AM/FM stereo
- HD Radio with complimentary traffic flow and weather
- 3-month trial of SiriusXM satellite radio
- Optional 13-speaker, 915-watt Mark Levinson Reference surround-sound audio system
- 3-month trial of Lexus Enform 4G LTE in-car Wi-Fi for up to five devices
- 3-year trial of Lexus Enform Destination Assist with a live agent
- CD player
- Two Type-A USB ports
The LC's 10.3-inch infotainment screen is of a good size, but Lexus located it far from the driver along a narrow band sweeping horizontally across the dash that easily gets washed out in bright sunlight. The main access point is via a console-mounted remote controller. There's a well-placed pad to steady your right hand but getting the knack of where to touch the crosshairs-style controller pad takes a lot of practice because you need to look at both the screen and touchpad to see if your finger movement accomplishes the intended task. It is especially clumsy in a moving car and over bumpy roads. Adjacent to the touchpad on the center console are hard-button shortcuts for frequently used functions, as well as an analog audio volume knob and a scroll wheel for tuning. The steering wheel also has tap-up/down buttons for volume control.
Lexus optioned the LC 500h test car with the 915-watt Mark Levinson surround-sound premium audio system that offers good separation, crystal-clear fidelity, and an enveloping sound that stays distortion-free regardless of the volume.
Along for the ride was the LC's new Dynamic Navigation system, which is free for the first three years. After that, you can subscribe via Lexus Enform services or simply use the navigation provided with a paired phone mirrored with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Dynamic Navigation is handy because of the continuous updates to the cloud-based system. The nav system can provide alternative routes based on real-time traffic and weather conditions and automatically sorts points of interest based on current location and relevance.
Using Dynamic Voice Command, the LC's infotainment system quickly and accurately executed my verbal requests to change radio stations, switch audio sources, and find a wide range of destinations.
The system easily paired my Samsung Android phone via Bluetooth, and I could make and receive phone calls hands-free. Just don't forget your USB cable (Type A on the vehicle end), as the LC doesn't yet have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
What It's Like to Drive the 2022 Lexus LC
Photo: Ron Sessions
The LC 500h combines the output of two electric drive motors and a 3.5-liter V6 gas engine for a total system output of 354 hp. According to Lexus, the 4,435-pound coupe can scoot from zero-to-60 mph in just 4.7 seconds—just two-tenths slower than the much thirstier 471-hp 5.0-liter V8-powered non-hybrid LC 500.
The LC 500h hybrid is a multi-stage design with power flowing through a novel setup consisting of a continuously variable transmission combined with a 4-speed planetary automatic. This results in a more natural step-shift feel, eliminating the droning engine sensation present in many other hybrids. A 1.1-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, sandwiched between the rear seats and the trunk, provides the electric energy source. According to Lexus, the LC 500h can operate at speeds up to 87 mph on electric power alone.
Even with weight-saving aluminum used for some body panels and suspension pieces, the LC 500h is more of a grand touring machine than a toss-and-catch sports car. A stiff body structure helps deliver a planted and surefooted demeanor at speed. Regardless of the drive-mode setting you choose using the motorcycle-style control knob on the right side of the LFA supercar-inspired binnacle, the LC 500h stays true to its mission as a premium luxury coupe. Even with the test car's meaty 245/45RF21 front and 275/40RF21 run-flat Dunlops, the adaptive suspension dampers do a great job of taking the edge off potholes and broken and uneven pavement while keeping vertical body motions in check. The LC 500h corners flat with little noticeable body roll in turns.
Even without the optional variable-ratio steering and active rear steering, the reasonably quick base electric-boosted steering is crisp and precise, delivering a satisfying turn-in response. Large-diameter ventilated disc brakes at all four corners provide a crisp top-of-pedal response and confidence-inspiring stopping power from any speed. Sturdy magnesium paddle shifters give the driver manual shift control with 10 simulated ratios for sporty or mountain driving.
Lexus Safety System+ Review
Photo: Ron Sessions
When first introduced, the Lexus LC had the brand's latest and greatest Lexus Safety System+ (LSS+) suite of advanced driver assistance systems and related safety features. However, while adding standard blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems a few years ago, this system doesn't incorporate some of the more advanced technologies included in other models that Lexus now equips with the updated LSS+ 2.0, LSS+ 2.5, and LSS+ 3.0 systems. Those systems bring improved functionality for bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, intersection turn assistance, adaptive cruise control curve slowing, lane-centering assistance, and traffic-sign recognition. The basics of the 2022 LC system are the following:
- Forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Lane-departure warning
- Lane-keeping assistance with mild steering assist
- Intelligent adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability
- Automatic high-beam headlight assistance
- Blind-spot warning
- Rear cross-traffic warning
In addition to the LSS+ features, the LC comes standard with the following:
- Reversing camera with trajectory lines
- Eight airbags
Lexus also equipped the LC 500h test car with an optional head-up display and a sonar-based front and rear parking-assist system that senses the proximity of objects near the front or rear bumper. The system displays an overhead view of the LC, showing the closing distance and possible collision point, and sounds warning beeps with more urgency as the LC nears an obstacle. Unlike in the newer Lexus systems, it does not apply the brakes if the driver doesn't.
Unlike many other Lexus products, the automaker doesn't equip the LC with a 360-degree surround-view camera that displays an overhead view of the car and its immediate surroundings when the driver places the transmission in Reverse.
Also unavailable in the 2022 Lexus LC is a driver monitoring system or a safe-exit system that uses the blind-spot sensors to check if it is unsafe to open a door due to an approaching bicyclist or vehicle.
2022 Lexus LC FAQ - Find the best Lexus deals!
Photo: Ron Sessions
How much cargo space does the 2022 Lexus LC have?
As with most premium coupes, the Lexus LC doesn't offer an abundance of luggage space. The LC 500h coupe test car had 4.7 cubic feet—enough room for two airport roller bags and a couple of smaller carry-ons such as a purse or laptop case. The LC's trunk hinges don't intrude into the luggage area, so what space is there is usable. The non-hybrid LC 500 coupe doesn't have a lithium-ion hybrid battery wedged between the cabin and trunk, so at 5.4 cubic feet, it offers a smidge more trunk space. On the other hand, at 3.4 cubic feet, the LC 500 convertible has the least luggage space of the trio as the folding top retracts into a space between the front seats and trunk.
Does the 2022 Lexus LC get good gas mileage?
As premium midsize sporty coupes go, the Lexus LC 500h stands out for its relatively good fuel economy. The hybrid V6-powered Lexus coupe is EPA-rated at 29 mpg in combined city/highway driving, far more fuel-efficient than the 18-19 mpg combined rating of the non-hybrid V8-powered Lexus LC 500 coupe and convertible.
In a week of admittedly spirited driving, the LC 500h test car indicated 25.5 average mpg, which with the large 22.2-gallon fuel tank, would result in a cruising range of more than 550 miles.
Is the 2022 Lexus LC safe?
Due to its low-volume, specialty-car status, neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has rated the crashworthiness of the 2022 Lexus LC 500 and LC 500h.
However, the 2022 Lexus LC does come standard with the brand's Lexus Safety System+ suite of safety and driver-assistive systems.
How much is the 2022 Lexus LC?
The LC 500h coupe is the middle offering in the Lexus premium sporty car lineup that includes the $94,125 LC 500 coupe, the $100,125 LC 500h coupe, and the $102,175 LC 500 convertible. There is no LC 500h convertible model. The destination charge adds another $1,075.
What are the 2022 Lexus LC competitors?
In the J.D. Power 2022 Initial Quality Study (IQS), the Chevrolet Corvette ranks highest in the Premium Sporty Car segment. No other model in the segment performs at or above the segment average.
In the 2022 APEAL Study, the Porsche 911 ranks highest in the Premium Sporty Car segment, followed by the Chevrolet Corvette.
Other competitors to the 2022 LC include the BMW 8 Series, Jaguar F-Type, and Mercedes-Benz SL.
Independent Expert Opinion - Find the best Lexus deals!
Photo: Ron Sessions
Smoothly and seductively, the Lexus LC grabs attention with a swoopy design, coddles its occupants in comfort and luxury, steps out with exhilarating performance and handling appropriate for everyday use, and, with the LC 500h hybrid variant, adds electrification with some save-the-planet cred and carpool-lane opportunities.
Ron Sessions is a seasoned vehicle evaluator with more than three decades of experience. He has penned hundreds of road tests for automotive and consumer websites, enthusiast magazines, newsletters, technical journals, and newspapers.
The opinions expressed in this review are the author’s own, not J.D. Power’s.
No portion of these reviews may be reproduced, distributed, publicly displayed, or used for a derivative work without J.D. Power’s written permission. © 2024 J.D. Power
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