2023 Lexus RZ Evaluate, Pricing, and Specs

Overview

Lexus is moving into the EV sport with the RZ450e, which shares a platform with the Toyota bZ4X and the Subaru Solterra. This being a Lexus, it is sporting a a lot posher cabin to associate with its extra upscale exterior styling. Though it shares its 65.6-kWh battery pack with the bZ4X, the Lexus’s powertrain is a extra highly effective dual-motor setup that is good for 308 horsepower. The posh model calls this powertrain Direct4, which provides normal all-wheel drive. The RZ’s exterior is sharply styled with a floating roof, a ducktail spoiler, and aggressive headlamps. The cabin takes a extra minimalist method in its design, with most controls being operated by way of a big 14.0-inch touchscreen infotainment show.

What’s New for 2023?

The RZ is an all-new entrant within the Lexus lineup for 2023 and the model’s first all-electric providing.

Pricing and Which One to Purchase

The entry-level Premium trim comes right away with fascinating options equivalent to a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise management, all-wheel drive, a power-adjustable steering column, and extra. Upgrading to the Luxurious trim provides a Mark Levinson stereo system and multi-colored ambient inside lighting, however its bigger wheels lower the RZ’s driving vary, so we would stick to the marginally cheaper Premium mannequin as an alternative.

EV Motor, Energy, and Efficiency

The RZ450e is powered by an all-electric powertrain that Lexus calls Direct4. This dual-motor association is nice for 308 horsepower and comes normal with all-wheel drive. Acceleration is pretty brisk, however we famous in our preliminary check drive that it isn’t as hair-raising as rivals such because the Jaguar I-Tempo and the Volvo C40 Recharge. At our check monitor, the RZ450e made it to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. A steer-by-wire system is normal, and Lexus has confirmed {that a} yoke-style steering wheel will likely be supplied as an choice; an everyday round wheel will likely be normal, so when you’re not prepared for a yoke you can opt-out. The steer-by-wire system takes getting used to however as soon as we obtained the cling of it, it proved to be useful for dealing with.

Vary, Charging, and Battery Life

The RZ450 will use the identical 65.6-kWh battery pack because the bZ4X and Solterra. It is stated to ship as much as 220 miles of driving vary with the bottom 18-inch wheels, whereas the bigger 20-inch wheels drop that estimate to 196 miles. In our testing we recorded a variety of solely 120 miles with the bigger wheels. A 6.6-kW onboard charger is weaker than many rivals, and the RZ’s DC fast-charging capabilities are restricted to 150-kW connections.

Gas Financial system and Actual-World MPGe

Official fuel-economy estimates for the RZ450e present that it is extra environment friendly with the usual 18-inch wheels, which earn EPA rankings of 115 MPGe metropolis and 98 MPGe freeway. With the elective 20s, these estimates drop to 102 MPGe metropolis and 87 MPGe freeway. On our 75-mph freeway gas economic system check route, we recorded 68 MPGe. For extra details about the RZ’s gas economic system, go to the EPA’s web site.

Inside, Consolation, and Cargo

A simplicity-focused inside design within the RZ’s inside has eliminated many buttons and switches from the dashboard and doorways and relocated these issues to the massive infotainment show. Related approaches have been employed in EV fashions from Tesla and Polestar, with various outcomes. Both means, the RZ’s cabin appears to be like spacious for a small crossover and fairly upscale, with most surfaces wrapped with fake suede or artificial leather-based.

Infotainment and Connectivity

A big 14.0-inch infotainment touchscreen dominates the RZ’s dashboard and appears just like the display screen discovered within the gasoline-powered NX SUV. Lexus says the driving force can work together with the system by touching the display screen and likewise by utilizing voice instructions. A digital gauge show and a head-up show are additionally included. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, each with wi-fi connectivity capabilities, are normal.

Security and Driver-Help Options

Like many different new Lexus fashions, the RZ will likely be supplied with a full suite of normal driver-assistance options, together with adaptive cruise management, lane-keeping help, and automatic emergency braking. Further options will likely be elective, together with an automatic parking characteristic. For extra details about the RZ’s crash check outcomes, go to the Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) web sites. Key security options embrace:

Commonplace automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection Commonplace lane-departure warning with lane-keeping help Commonplace adaptive cruise management

Guarantee and Upkeep Protection

Lexus offers a aggressive restricted guarantee and a good higher powertrain guarantee. The automaker additionally features a quick interval of complimentary scheduled upkeep.

Restricted guarantee covers 4 years or 50,000 miles Powertrain guarantee covers six years or 70,000 miles Hybrid parts are coated for eight years or 100,000 miles Complimentary upkeep is roofed for one yr or 10,000 miles

Extra Options and Specs