Lexus, Toyota’s luxury brand, has been a trailblazer in the hybrid market, being the first to launch a hybrid version of its popular RX crossover SUV in 2005. However, the automotive landscape has shifted. Simply having a lineup of hybrids doesn’t cut it anymore. With the growing popularity of Tesla among luxury-car buyers and increasingly stringent emissions regulations, Lexus had to evolve. Enter the 2023 Lexus RZ 450e — the brand’s first fully electric vehicle (EV) in North America and the first to be designed as an EV from the ground up globally.
The RZ, based on Toyota’s bZ4X, stands out with its luxurious touches and distinct design, inside and out. Starting at $59,650 for the base Premium model, the price reflects its upscale positioning, with the Luxury model we tested costing $67,245 with options. Built on the Toyota e-TNGA platform, like the bZ4X and Subaru Solterra, the RZ shares a similar crossover SUV profile but is unmistakably a Lexus. Its design creatively incorporates Lexus’ signature “spindle grille” using the headlights and trim, giving it a cohesive family look. Compared to Lexus’ gasoline SUVs, the RZ represents a design improvement.
In terms of size, the RZ is similar to the Lexus NX and Tesla Model Y, offering comparable headroom for both front and rear passengers. However, it falls short in legroom and cargo space, with 23.7 cubic feet with seats up and 47.9 cubic feet with them folded down. Additionally, Lexus opted out of a front trunk (frunk), using that space for mechanical parts instead.
The RZ’s interior is thoughtfully designed, moving away from the bZ4X’s blocky dashboard to a more traditional setup that integrates a touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. Although it doesn’t have a glovebox (the space is used for a radiant heater), the improved storage nook ensures items stay put. Our test vehicle featured upscale materials, including blue suede upholstery and white leatherette trim. One highlight is the roof, which can change from transparent to opaque with the push of a button.
Lexus has greatly improved its infotainment system, moving from the clunky touchpad controller to a more intuitive touchscreen interface. The RZ comes with a 14.0-inch touchscreen, a digital instrument cluster, and an optional 10.0-inch head-up display. The system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Wi-Fi, wireless device charging, five USB-C ports, and a navigation system integrated with Google points of interest. Optional features include digital key functionality and a 13-speaker Mark Levinson audio system.
Adding to the user-friendly features, the climate-control knobs double as part of the touchscreen and the steering-wheel controls bring up a menu on the head-up display, reducing the need to look away from the road. The RZ also comes with a robust suite of standard driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and traffic sign recognition. Optional features like Traffic Jam Assist, front cross-traffic alert, and park assist enhance its safety and convenience.
The RZ is powered by a 71.4-kilowatt-hour battery pack and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, offering 308 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. This enables a 0-60 mph time of 5.0 seconds, though it’s not as quick or efficient as some competitors like the Tesla Model Y.
Range and charging capabilities are where the RZ falls short. With a range of 220 miles on 18-inch wheels (or 196 miles on 20-inch wheels), it lags behind competitors like the Tesla Model Y, Audi Q4 e-tron, and Genesis GV60. Fast charging is also limited to 150 kilowatts, requiring 30 minutes to reach 80% charge under ideal conditions. A full Level 2 AC recharge takes nine hours, but it won’t take you as far on each charge compared to rivals.
Safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) are still pending. Warranty coverage includes a four-year, 50,000-mile basic warranty, six-year, 70,000-mile powertrain warranty, and an eight-year, 100,000-mile battery warranty.
For a full suite of tech and features, upgrading to the RZ 450e Luxury model is necessary. While the base Premium model may seem pricey, the Luxury model’s near-$70,000 price aligns with well-equipped luxury SUVs.
The RZ stands out with its distinctive styling, plush interior, and smooth driving dynamics but falls short as an EV compared to rivals in range and charging performance. It’s not the ideal choice for long road trips but works well for commuting, around-town driving, or as a secondary vehicle.