The 2023 Lexus RZ, which shares a base with the Toyota bZ4X and the Subaru Solterra, is Lexus’ entry into the EV market. Being a Lexus, it has an interior that is significantly more upscale to match its more upscale exterior style. Although the Lexus and the bZ4X share the same 63.4 kWh battery pack, the Lexus’s powertrain is a more potent dual-motor arrangement with a higher output of 308 horsepower. The luxury brand’s Direct4 all-wheel-drive system is included as standard. With a floating roof, a ducktail spoiler, and aggressive headlamps, the 2023 Lexus RZ has a slick exterior design. The inside design is more modest, and the majority of the controls are situated on a large 14.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display.
EV Motor, Power, and Performance
The 2023 Lexus RZ is propelled by an all-electric drivetrain known as Direct4 by Lexus. This dual-motor setup has a 308 horsepower rating and has all-wheel drive as standard. Despite the fairly quick acceleration, we discovered during our first test drive that it isn’t as shocking as that of rivals like the Jaguar I-Pace and the Volvo C40 Recharge. The 2023 Lexus RZ reached 60 mph at our test track in 4.6 seconds. If you’re not ready for a yoke, you can choose to use the regular circular steering wheel instead, which will be offered as an alternative. A yoke-style steering wheel will be offered as an option, and Lexus has confirmed that steer-by-wire technology is the standard. The steer-by-wire system takes some getting used to, but once we did, it was helpful for handling.
2023 Lexus RZ Pricing
Starting at $59,650 is the 2023 2023 Lexus RZ. The best range is 220 miles, which is possible with the Premium trim and 18-inch wheels. The 20-inch wheels add an additional $1,240 to the price. These bigger wheels come standard on the highest Luxury model, which starts at $65,150.
The 2023 Lexus RZ might be eligible for a federal tax credit. For comparison, the larger and more expensive Audi Q8 e-tron (range: 285 miles) starts at $74.4K. A starting price of $55K is offered for the 330-mile range Tesla Model Y. The starting price of the Genesis GV60 (248 miles) is about $59.3K, whereas the Cadillac Lyriq is priced similarly but has a range of up to 308 miles. Check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price before purchasing a new 2023 Lexus RZ premium electric SUV to determine what you should be spending. Although it is premature to discuss resale values, Lexus cars consistently rank at the top of the list.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The 63.4-kWh battery pack that powers the bZ4X and Solterra will also power the RZ450. The larger 20-inch wheels reduce that estimate to 196 miles, while the base 18-inch wheels are estimated to give up to 220 miles of driving range. In our testing, the bigger wheels had a range of only 120 miles. With 6.6 kW of onboard capacity, the RZ’s onboard charger is less potent than many rivals, and its 150 kW connections are the maximum for DC fast charging.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
The RZ450e gets EPA ratings of 115 MPGe city and 98 MPGe highway with the standard 18-inch wheels, proving that it is more efficient. With the optional 20s, these estimates drop to 102 MPGe city and 87 MPGe highway. On our 75 mph highway fuel efficiency test route, we recorded 68 MPGe.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Many of the dashboard’s and doors’ switches and buttons have been transferred to the RZ’s spacious infotainment display as part of the interior’s simplicity-focused design. In EV models from Tesla and Polestar, similar tactics have been employed, with varying degrees of success. Regardless, the RZ’s interior seems spacious for a small crossover and is surprisingly costly, with most of its surfaces covered in faux suede or synthetic leather.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The RZ’s dashboard is dominated by a big 14.0-inch infotainment touchscreen that resembles the one in the NX SUV with a gasoline engine. Lexus claims that in addition to touching the screen, the driver can also give vocal orders to the device. A digital gauge display and a head-up display are also present. It has wireless connectivity for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The RZ will be available with a full complement of standard driver-assistance functions, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automated emergency braking, just like many other new Lexus cars. The automated parking feature is one of the optional extra features.
- pedestrian identification in automatic emergency braking standards
- Lane-keeping assistance and the standard lane-departure warning
- conventional adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
A competitive limited warranty and an even better powertrain warranty are offered by Lexus. Additionally, the company offers a brief period of free planned maintenance.
- The limited warranty is valid for 50,000 miles or four years.
- Six years or 70,000 miles are covered by the powertrain warranty.
- The warranty period for hybrid parts is eight years or 100,000 miles.
- Free maintenance is provided for a period of one year or 10,000 kilometers.
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