2023 Lexus RZ Review: Lovely But Lacking/The RZ has a handsome cabin, but with only 220 miles of range, it falls behind Audi and Volvo.


Lexus was one of the first luxury automakers to introduce hybridization with the RX400h in 2005. But the company has been slower than others to reach full electrification, with the 2023 RZ being its first EV. It rides on the Toyota bZ4X platform and sits snugly between the gas NX and RX models in terms of sizing.

On the one hand, the RZ does many Lexus things exceptionally well: It’s comfortable, it has great ride quality, and the technology is among the best in the business. But on the other hand, it sort of flops as an EV with just 220 miles of range in the most capable model and just 196 miles on the fancier trim. That puts the RZ well behind some of its chief competitors already – and it’s brand new.

A vehicle's ratings are relative only to its own segment and not the new-vehicle market as a whole. For more on how InsideEVs rates cars,

Quick Stats2023 Lexus RZ450e Premium
Motors Dual Permanent-Magnet Synchronous
Output308 Horsepower / 320 Pound-Feet
Battery71.4-Kilowatt-Hour Lithium-Ion
EV Range220 Miles
Base Price$58,500 + $1,150 Destination
On-Sale DateNow



  • Exterior Color: Iridium Silver
  • Interior Color: Thunderstorm / Macadamia
  • Wheel Size: 20 Inches

From certain angles the RZ looks great, the back end especially. The stylish full-width taillight bar tucks underneath the subtle lip spoiler while two notches on top of the roof extend out rearward for some added dramatics. The front is less attractive with the inverted spindle grille, and the 18-inch wheels on this base Premium model don't exactly give this car a prominent stance. The optional 20-inch wheels look much better. 

The interior is simple but elegant and comes packed with premium-feeling NuLuxe faux leather. And the color combo is wonderful: Thunderstorm grey/blue with Macadamia tan. Soft plastic and faux leather touchpoints are all right within reach, with only a few hard plastics around, most notably the housing near the shifter.

Comfort

          10/10
  • Seating Capacity: 5
  • Seating Configuration: 2 / 3
  • Cargo Capacity: 23.7 / 55.6 Cubic Feet

Here’s where the RZ does the Lexus thing exceptionally well. The ride quality is sublime; the RZ wafts smoothly over the pavement and barely allows any exterior noise inside the cabin, a tough task for some EVs. The NuLuxe seats are cushy and comfortable, and front-row occupants have access to a unique feature you won’t find on many cars, a radiant knee heater that improves range compared to typical forced-air heat. The back seat is plenty roomy too, with tons of headroom and a nice flat floor thanks courtesy of the battery underneath


HeadroomLegroomCargo Space
Lexus RZ 450e39.9 / 39.7 Inches42.1 / 37.5 Inches23.7 / 55.6 Cubic Feet
Audi Q4 E-Tron38.5 / 38.3 Inches41.2 / 38.3 Inches33.5 / 53.1 Cubic Feet
Genesis GV6039.0 / 38.1 Inches42.3 / 37.6 Inches24.0 / 54.7 Cubic Feet
Mercedes-Benz EQB40.7 / 38.5 Inches41.4 / 38.1 Inches23.7 / N/A Cubic Feet
Volvo XC40 Recharge37.6 / 38.3 Inches40.9 / 36.1 Inches20.4 / 57.5 Cubic Feet

Technology and Connectivity★★★★
  • Center Display: 14.3-Inch Touchscreen
  • Instrument Cluster Display: 12.3 Inches
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto: Yes/Yes

The lovely 14.3-inch touchscreen is the centerpiece of the RZ. It runs the latest and greatest Lexus Interface infotainment system, which is nearly as clearly laid out and easy to use as Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. And by the way, both of those are standard without wires. Opting for the $1,425 Technology package, as equipped here, adds a crystal-clear head-up display and a digital key, which are both nice features to have. 







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