Text by Tom Appel
2024 Lexus RZ 450e Luxury AWD
Specs
Class: Premium Compact Crossover
Country of Manufacture: Japan
Color: Copper Crest
Miles driven: 171
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Comfort | A |
| Power and Performance | A- |
| Fit and Finish | A |
| Fuel Economy | A |
| Value | B+ |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide’s impressions of the entire model lineup. | |
| Big & Tall Comfort | |
| Big Guy | A |
| Tall Guy | A |
| Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. “Big” rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, “Tall” rating based on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 308 horsepower |
| Engine Type | 2 electric motors |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Battery capacity: 72.8 kWh
EPA-estimate MPGe: 95 city/102 hwy/87 combined
EPA-estimated driving range: 196 miles
Consumer Guide range estimate (ideal conditions): 225 miles
Charge Port Location: Front driver-side fender
Snow Performance: N/A
Base price: $64,430 (not including $1150 destination charge)
Options on test vehicle: Cold Area Package ($200), 20-inch dark-finish wheels ($200), illuminate grille badge ($550), panoramic glass room ($1295), puddle lamps ($325), illuminated cargo sills ($360), mats (140)
Price as tested: $68,650
Pros and Cons
The great: Modern look, classy cabin
The good: Excellent ride, sporty character, quiet
The not so good: Limited range, stiff prices (2024)
Review
If you’ve seen a RZ on the road, and wondered what the rakish Lexus compact crossover was like to drive, we have good news, and we also have a lot of lot of future news.
First, the good news: The RZ is a thoroughly modern compact crossover boasting exciting exterior design, an open and luxuriously finished cabin, and Lexus-typical driving dynamics.
Now, the future news: The 2025 RZ enjoys two new entry trim levels, effectively lowering the cost of entry—plus, existing trim levels have come down in price. And for 2026, the RZ is treated to a power bump, and a much-needed boost in battery range. A high-performance Sport trim level is also part of the 2026 update. More 2026 news to follow soon.
Though Consumer Guide recently spent time in a 2024 RZ—the electric Lexus is unchanged mechanically for 2025–so we are including prices and trim-level information for the later model year. Note that specs and prices reported above are for our actual test car.
For 2025, the RZ is offered in six trim levels:
- Base RZ 300e: $43,975 (new for 2025)
- RZ 300e Premium: $48,175 (down $12,730)
- RZ 300e Luxury: $53,095 (down $11,700)
- Base RZ 450e $48,675 (new for 2025)
- RZ 450e Premium $52,875 (down $7000)
- RZ 450e Luxury $58,605 (down $7000)
Note that RZ 300e models feature a single 201-horsepower motor, front-wheel drive, and between 224 and 266 miles of range. RZ 450e models come with two electric motors which combine for 308 horsepower, AWD, and between 196 and 220 miles of driving range.
Though the RZ retains its luxury credentials, the newly adjusted prices make the RZ cost competitive with such like-size popular mainstream EV offerings as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6.
Consumer Guide recently spent time with a 2024 edition of the RZ, in this case the AWD, RZ 450e in top-trim Luxury trim. All told, our Copper Crest crossover came to $68,650, including destination charge. A like-equipped 2025 RZ, thanks to the Lexus price adjustments, would cost just over $60,000.
You can read out full review of the RZ 450e here. Today we’re sharing five cool things about the 2024 and 2025 RZ. Have a look:
Vegan Cabin (Almost)
In other markets, including Australia, the Lexus RZ enjoys the tag, “vegan.” This mean that the cabin is free of animal hides of any kind. Oddly, though finished with classy Ultrasuede upholstery, the U.S.-market RZ is equipped with a standard heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel. And, if you’re asking, swapping steering wheels isn’t as easy as it used to be.
Better than Tesla
No, the RZ isn’t quicker or longer-range than, say, a Tesla Model Y, but it is much, much better screwed together, and with much nicer stuff. Lexus is famous for its build quality, and the RZ does not disappoint. The cabin is luxurious, refined, and seemingly assembled by seriously dedicated craftsmen.
Almost Sporty
There’s just enough jauntiness built into the RZ chassis to keep the commute interesting. Handling is quick and sure enough, and there is actually a bit of steering feel—all of which contributes to a drive experience that is just engaging enough.
It’s Efficient
While Tesla gets credit for building energy-efficient vehicles, the RZ is actually no less stingy with a kilowatt. The front-drive RZ 300e returns an EPA-estimated 125 MPGe, beating every example of the Tesla model Y, while the AWD RZ 450e is good for 107 MPGe on the standard 18-inch wheels—which is roughly the same as AWD examples of the model Y. Moving up to 20-inch wheels, on either the RZ or Model Y, will lower the vehicle’s MPGe rating.
It’s Modern
From the available Copper Crest color (seen here) to the clean and open cabin, the RZ looks and feels cutting edge. And, luckily, the RZ’s infotainment-system controls are very much like those found in gas-powered Lexus models, which is a good thing. We’ve found some EV’s—and especially their digital interfaces—are just a bit too modern.
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2024 Lexus RZ 450e Luxury Pictures
Click below for enlarged images