#8

in Super Luxury Sports Cars

Based on analysis of 45 SC reviews and test drives.

MSRP: $67,505 - $67,505
Invoice: $60,079 - $60,079
MPG: 16 City / 23 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores

Overall:7.9
Performance:6.8
Exterior:7.2
Interior:6.8
Safety:NA
Reliability:10.0

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Interior - What the Auto Press Says

Critics find that the SC's cabin features high-quality materials and an impressive array of convenience features, but the SC only seats two, albeit in relative comfort, and it lacks adequate cargo room.

  • "Inspired by classy yachts, designers modeled the interior of this big GT with abundant wood, leather and creature comforts galore." -- Road and Track
  • "As with any Lexus, the SC 430's interior features top-notch materials and an attractive design. Occupants are enveloped in supple leather and rich wood trim." -- Edmunds

Seating

Reviewers report that the SC's front seats are comfortable, but set low and lack support. Also, like most super luxury sports cars, its backseats are too cramped to fit average size adults. If you need more passenger room, consider shopping in the class of super luxury cars. While the choices available to you might not be sporty, vehicles like the Lexus LS and BMW 7-Series are comfortable and accommodating for both front and rear passengers.

  • "Comfortable 10-way power seats are set low, hampering entry and exit and, for some drivers, visibility. They're also too flat for good lateral support in fast cornering. Legroom is ample, but six-footers will be squeezed for headroom." -- Consumer Guide
  • "Considered a 2+2 coupe, the SC 430 has a tiny backseat that's intended mainly for luggage, which is helpful considering its sliver-shaped trunk. Rear legroom is nearly nonexistent." -- Cars.com
  • "Unfortunately, the SC 430 can really be enjoyed only from the front seats, since the minuscule rear accommodations could easily make a child contortionist wince." -- Edmunds
  • "Alas, vertical seatbacks and micro-munchkin legroom make the SC 430's rear 'buckettes' suitable only for stowing small briefcases and preventing the dreaded two-seater insurance-premium bump." -- Kelley Blue Book

Interior Features

Auto writers are impressed with the SC's long list of standard convenience features, especially its Mark Levinson sound system. For 2010, the SC receives some gadget upgrades.

  • "The 2010 SC 430 receives a hard drive for its navigation system and enhanced Bluetooth with phonebook download. It also adds USB and iPod connectivity, Bluetooth streaming music capability and integrated XM Satellite Radio to its Mark Levinson audio system." -- Cars.com
  • "Due the very impressive list of standard features, it comes in a singular trim that is loaded for luxury." -- Carseek
  • "With the power and clarity to please the most demanding audiophile, the SC 430's standard 240-watt nine-speaker Mark Levinson sound system performs superbly, with the top up or down." -- Kelley Blue Book
  • "SC 430's standard navigation screen can be tilted to suit ambient light conditions, but it can wash out in direct sun regardless of positioning. Steering wheel audio-volume buttons are a bit obscured. Otherwise, most controls are simple enough to use." -- Consumer Guide

Cargo

The SC doesn't provide much cargo room. However, in the class of super luxury sports cars that's normal. Depending on whether or not drivers opt for run-flat tires and the position of its hard-top convertible roof, the SC's cargo hold can range from 8.8 to 9.4 cubic feet. Shoppers in need of more trunk space should consider the BMW 6-Series Convertible. It provides 12.4 cubic feet of room, but still lacks adequate storage space in the cabin.

  • "A weekend's worth of soft luggage for two demands careful packing with the top up. Run-flat option omits the spare tire to add 0.6 cu ft, a poor trade considering how severely they impact ride quality." -- Consumer Guide
  • "[W]ith the hardtop stowed, you have just about enough space for a box of Tic Tac mints." -- Edmunds
Review Last Updated: 10/5/09