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The range of Lexus SUVs is starting to get a little complicated, but there’s an easy way to remember the Lexus RZ among its siblings: unlike the smaller UX, which has hybrid and EV variants, the RZ is the only one designed as an EV from the outset.
Underneath it’s effectively a Toyota bZ4X (like the Subaru Solterra), but the Lexus is differentiated by offering extra power and of course, the extra luxury that Lexus buyers expect. It’s just as striking to behold as its Toyota and Subaru cousins too, but is the most different looking of the trio.
The Lexus RZ arrived in 2023 and dropped into a market that also contains cars like the BMW iX3, Audi Q4 e-Tron, Jaguar I-Pace, and Genesis GV60. The Tesla Model Y is also a hugely popular option in this segment, even if it lacks the badge prestige of some of the others.
Perhaps the simplest way of summarising the Lexus RZ is by saying it has all the usual Lexus qualities, but with the benefits - and occasional drawbacks - of electric power. It’s a beautifully built and trimmed SUV with excellent refinement and plenty of equipment, but is compromised slightly by real-world range figures that struggle to live up to what look like perfectly decent on-paper estimates.
So if you’re looking at an RZ, you’ll need to think carefully about how far you regularly travel, and whether the car’s range - which can drop to as little as 150 miles in cold weather, a bigger drop than that of some competitors - will be a hindrance.
If it isn’t, then we come back to those usual Lexus qualities. The RZ has the same build integrity as the Toyota bZ4X but a much more luxurious feel thanks to the brand’s choice of interior materials. The touchscreen is easier to use than the trackpad in older Lexus, and range-topping Takumi models get an excellent Mark Levinson stereo.
The RZ is surprisingly enjoyable to drive too, despite not being set up to be particularly sporty. All variants ride well (though those on 18-inch wheels are definitely smoother than the larger 20-inch wheels), electric power means it’s even more refined than usual Lexus models, and the RZ is unlikely to tarnish the brand’s reputation for reliability either.
For a sportier drive you might consider a BMW iX3 or Jaguar I-Pace, while the Genesis GV60 offers a different kind of premium EV experience. The Tesla Model Y, meanwhile, can’t match the Lexus RZ’s quality but it fares better on range and the brand’s Supercharger network makes recharging on the go a doddle.
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It’s a case of choosing between trim levels here since the only powertrain available is the one badged RZ 450e, with the same battery and electric motor setup. We’d stick to the regular Premium Pack trim that kicks off the range if you want to keep the purchase price down, since it doesn’t lack any significant equipment, but it really depends what you can find - Takumi trim seems to dominate the market for delivery miles and nearly-new RZs.
Befitting both the Lexus badge and the usual kit-fest that is being an all-electric vehicle, all three trim levels of the Lexus RZ are well-equipped. Like other models in the range, Takumi trim sits at the top as the most luxurious variant.
The Lexus RZ’s dimensions are:
The Lexus RZ’s boot size is:
The Lexus RZ is only offered as an electric vehicle, and that means there’s only one VED or ‘road tax’ rating here - and it’s free. Essentially, you’ll still be asked to tax your car each year, but it won’t (currently) cost any money to do so, much like older combustion cars that dipped under the 100g/km CO2 rating.
The RZ’s insurance group ratings suggest that insurance might be quite expensive, with all models in either group 44 or 45. For comparison, the similar Toyota bZ4X starts in group 35 and tops out at group 40, though the Lexus does have more power than its Toyota sibling and simply costs more to buy in the first place. It’s still cheaper than the group 50 attached to all variants of the Jaguar I-Pace, too.
Read our full Lexus RZ review