By: Uday Mohan
April 25, 2026
The Lexus RZ has always lived in the shadow of its platform mates, the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra. However, this new generation finally feels like Lexus has stepped out from behind the family resemblance and carved out something with its own identity. Yes, the bones are shared, but the moment you walk up to the RZ, you don’t get the sense that this is the same character in a different suit. Lexus has injected enough of its own DNA into the exterior that the RZ stands apart, especially in this 550e F SPORT trim.
The rear end, in particular, is surprisingly muscular, almost boxy in a deliberate way, with those twin roof-mounted winglets and the stepped deck spoiler giving it a stance that feels more performance-intentional than the typical “quiet luxury EV” vibe. Even Lexus calls out the F SPORT’s aerodynamic add-ons, such as the front lower bumper molding, brake ducts, rear spoiler, and 20-inch aero wheels, as functional elements designed to enhance stability and efficiency.
Where the RZ really breaks away from its siblings is inside. The cabin doesn’t feel like a lightly re-skinned Toyota; it feels like Lexus actually sat down and designed something for Lexus customers. The materials are soft, the layout is clean, and the whole space feels airy thanks to the expansive panoramic roof. Lexus even refined the dimming function so that when activated, the glass becomes clearer and more open, and when deactivated, it blocks more heat and UV. It’s a clever bit of engineering that genuinely improves comfort.
The infotainment system is large, responsive, and refreshingly easy to navigate, with quick-access menus instead of burying everything three layers deep. It’s one of the more intuitive Lexus systems in recent memory.
But the real standout is the silence. Lexus went all-in on noise suppression for this generation, adding a rear floor silencer, high-performance soundproofing in the doors, seat garnishes, and even a sound-absorbing tonneau cover to keep road and wind noise at bay. The result is uncanny; the RZ might be one of the quietest EVs on the road. Pair that with the Mark Levinson system and you basically have a rolling deprivation chamber, in the best possible way.
Of course, not everything hits the mark. The gauge cluster feels like an afterthought, if it can even be called that. It’s a small, square digital display with minimal customization or animation. In a brand-new BEV, especially one that’s supposed to showcase Lexus’ next-gen tech, the cluster should feel futuristic, not like a placeholder.
The lack of a glovebox and limited front storage also raises eyebrows. Lexus may argue that the open space contributes to a clean, airy cabin, but in practice, you’re left hunting for places to stash the everyday odds and ends that normally disappear into the glovebox abyss. The lack of one-pedal driving is another questionable choice. In my opinion, having a dedicated one-pedal mode would be appreciated, as regeneration currently tapers off below 20 km/h, requiring you to apply the brakes manually.
The absence of a frunk on a ground-up BEV is puzzling. Whether packaging constraints or motor placement are to blame, it still feels like a missed opportunity, as extra storage has almost become a hallmark of EVs.
Driving the RZ 550e is an interesting experience because it’s the most powerful version, with an impressive 300 kilowatts of system output from high-output motors front and rear, but also the one with the least range. Lexus quotes around 450 km for this trim, compared to up to 575 km for the FWD model. It’s the classic give-and-take: more power, less distance.
While the RZ has plenty of shove once you’re rolling, it doesn’t deliver the neck-snapping EV launch some might expect. Even in its “manual” mode, Lexus’ new Interactive Manual Drive, which simulates an eight-speed gearbox with paddle shifters and even adds engine-like sound for drama, prioritizes smoothness and control over outright aggression. It’s fun, but it’s not pretending to be a track weapon.
The suspension tuning, though, is beautifully judged. Lexus refined both the front and rear damping characteristics for this generation, aiming for a flatter, more stable ride without sacrificing comfort. On the road, the RZ absorbs imperfections with ease while still giving you enough feedback to feel connected. Push it hard through corners and you’re reminded that this is still a tall, heavy EV, but within its intended envelope, it’s composed and confidence-inspiring.
The seats follow the same philosophy: sporty enough to hold you in place, but not so aggressive that you feel squeezed. They’re designed for daily driving first, spirited driving second, which is exactly where an F SPORT crossover should land. And the Lexus Dynamic Shadowy Illumination, with its shifting multi-color ambient lighting inspired by the brand’s “Time in Design” philosophy, adds a subtle sense of occasion without drifting into gimmick territory.
So where does that leave the new RZ? It’s a genuinely impressive step forward for Lexus’ BEV efforts. The design is distinctive, the cabin is serene, the tech is forward-thinking, and the driving experience is polished in that unmistakable Lexus way.
But it’s also held back by a few decisions that keep it from being truly great: the underwhelming gauge cluster, the lack of storage, the missing frunk, and the range trade-off in the 550e. None of these are deal-breakers, but they do stand out in a segment where competitors are pushing hard on both innovation and practicality.
Still, the RZ feels like Lexus finally embracing what an electric Lexus should be, not just what an electric Toyota could become with nicer materials. And that alone makes it a compelling entry in the luxury EV space.
Vehicle Specs:
Segment: Mid-Size Luxury SUV
Engine: 2 Electric Motors on each axle
Horsepower: 408 Horsepower
Torque: 396 lb-ft.
Gearbox: eAxle Transmission, ‘M’ Mode, Dial Type Shift by Wire
Fuel Economy (City/Hwy/Combined): 20.5kwH/100km, 21.8kwH/100km, 23.6kWH/100km
Observed Fuel Economy: 19.6kWH/100km (mostly city)
Base Price: $77,990
Price As Tested: $80,335