Lexus RZ test drive 2025

Make and model: Lexus RZ
Description: Medium SUV
Price range: from £49,995

Lexus says: “The RZ is Lexus’s first model to be developed as an electric vehicle from the outset. The intention is not simply to deliver the benefits of all-electric driving, but to capture the potential of EVs to reinvent the driving experience.”

We say: Although it shares a common platform with Toyota and Subaru models, the RZ feels a cut above thanks to its upmarket interior.

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Introduction

While the Lexus RZ is the brand’s second electric vehicle (EV), it’s the first built on a dedicated EV platform. It shares its underpinnings with the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra, but gets unique styling and a more luxurious interior. 

The RZ was launched in 2023 with the 450e all-wheel drive version before the 300e front-wheel drive configuration was introduced in autumn 2024. The Lexus RZ has earned a New Car Expert Rating of A with a score of 75%. Since the model is fewer than two years old, it doesn’t yet have an Expert Rating as a used car.  

Whether you’re looking for an electric SUV, saloon, or hatchback our Expert Rating Index shows the best electric vehicles based on media reviews, safety, economy, reliability and running costs.  

What is the Lexus RZ?

Aside from the hybrid saloons Lexus ES and Lexus LS, the Lexus lineup is dominated by various sizes of SUVs. RZ fits into the range just below the largest Lexus RX model which comes with hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrains. The only other all-electric SUV on offer from the brand is the Lexus UX which starts from £40K with ranges up to 281 miles. 

Depending on your criteria, the Lexus RZ has a number of competitors. The likes of the Volkswagen ID.4, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Nissan Ariya will offer cheaper entry points to an all-electric SUV. If luxury is a priority, alternatives include the Audi Q4 e-tron, BMW iX3 and Genesis GV60. 

First impressions

Lexus has done a good job of setting the RZ apart from its Toyota bZ4X sibling. The bZ4X’s chunky black wheel arches have been reduced and, on top-spec versions, they’re replaced with glossy black trim instead. Cleverly disguised aerodynamic styling means the RZ could blend in as a standard hybrid or petrol SUV. 

Inside, the RZ benefits from Lexus’s premium feel with soft-touch materials throughout. The infotainment screen is smartly positioned so you don’t have to reach over to search through the menus. Lexus has replaced its traditional door handles with electric latches that you press with your thumb to release. It streamlines the door panel design but takes a little while to get used to the different action. 

We like: Luxury feeling interior space
We don’t like: Electric latch handles

What do you get for your money?

Both RZ 300e and RZ 450e models can be had with a choice of four different trim levels: Urban, Premium, Premium Plus and Takumi. 

Entry-level Urban comes with a 14-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. Other tech includes a wireless charger, four USB-C charging ports, keyless entry and heated seats and steering wheel. A reversing camera comes as standard and blind spot monitoring is also included. For the RZ 300e version, pricing starts at £50K or the RZ 450e commands a price tag of £56K. 

The next level is Premium, with prices of £52K and £58K for the RZ 300e and RZ 450e versions. The heated front seats become eight-way adjustable and add lumbar support on the driver’s seat. As well as a powered tailgate with a kick sensor, Premium adds a panoramic roof. 

The Premium Plus includes ventilated front seats, a head-up display and 20-inch wheels with the option to keep them at 18 inches. Prices start from £55K and £60K and two-tone paintwork is also available as an option from this level. 

Takumi is Lexus’s top specification and starts from £60K for the RZ 300e or £66K for the RZ 450e. The interior is upgraded with ultrasuede upholstery, ambient lighting with a choice of 64 different colours, a 13-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, heated outer rear seats and a dimmable panoramic roof. External flourishes include gloss black wheel arches, adaptive high beam headlights and LED cornering lights. 

The initial warranty period is three years, during which time the car can be serviced at any garage. After this time, services at authorised Lexus workshops will extend the warranty period by 12 months or 10,000 miles. Owners can benefit from a warranty of up to ten years or 100,000 miles with eligible services. The RZ also has a battery warranty of ten years or 620,000 miles. 

We like: Well equipped from Urban entry-level trim upwards
We don’t like: Top spec is pricey 

What’s the Lexus RZ like inside?

Every surface you come into contact with feels smooth and high quality. The front seats are very comfortable and, with eight-way adjustability, it’s easy enough to find a good driving position. For electric vehicles, energy efficiency is a key priority so the RZ makes the most of energy-saving solutions to keep you warm.

From Premium Plus trim upwards, the front seats benefit from infra-red knee heaters. Compared to using the climate control system, this is said to be a much more efficient and direct way to keep occupants toasty. 

In the back, there’s a flat floor and heaps of knee and headroom. The seat bases are positioned parallel to the floor, so there’s not much thigh support. On longer journeys, rear passengers might get a bit uncomfortable unless their feet don’t reach the floor. The seat backs can be adjusted for a more reclined experience, which does help somewhat.

The boot is a great shape and size for squeezing lots of luggage into. Under the floor, there’s room for cable storage, but the RZ doesn’t get any additional space under the bonnet. 

Climate controls combine dials and touchscreen functions, which is a good compromise for usability and a minimalist look. The driver’s display feels small in comparison to the central screen but, with the head-up display specified, the display is rarely needed. Like other Lexus models, RZ also has a central cubby under the armrest, which can be accessed from both sides thanks to a clever hinge system. 

We like: Efficient warming methods in the front
We don’t like: Position of rear seat bases 

What’s under the bonnet?

The RZ range has just one battery option, a 71kWh unit. Under the battery warranty, Lexus guarantees it will have at least 70% of its capacity after ten years but the manufacturer expects this to be closer to 90% of its original capacity after a decade. 

Since there’s a sole battery choice, driving range largely depends on wheel sizes. With 18-inch wheels, the RZ 300e’s official range is 296 miles – dropping to 267 miles with 20-inch rims fitted. Similarly, the RZ 450e has official figures up to 271 miles with the smaller wheels or 252 miles on the larger set. 

Official range figures are typically greater than real-world driving ranges. In this department, the Lexus RZ falls short of competitors like the Nissan Ariya and Tesla Model Y. Maximum range can be achieved by doing short journeys around town, minimal use of climate controls and smooth driving. 

What’s the Lexus RZ like to drive?

Many electric SUVs deliver an unnerving amount of acceleration in a split second but the RZ is more measured. It’s plenty powerful with 201bhp in the RZ 300e or 309bhp in the RZ 450e, but since it doesn’t unleash everything it’s got all in one go, it’s much easier to live with and get used to. 

Its electric powertrain means it has four regenerative braking levels which are controlled using paddles behind the steering wheel. It doesn’t quite achieve a one-pedal driving experience but offers some additional slowing power before you need to reach for the brake. 

Despite its spacious interior, the RZ doesn’t feel large on the road. Since the bonnet slopes down at the front it can be a little tricky to see where it ends, so front sensors are a useful parking aid. Similarly, rear visibility is a bit limited through the narrow back window which means the reversing camera comes in handy. 

Looking at the performance of both models, the RZ 300e will get up to 62mph from a standstill in 8.0 seconds. The RZ 450e cuts this to 5.3 seconds and both are limited to a top speed of 99mph. At high speeds, the RZ remains quiet and comfortable. It navigates windy roads fairly well since its battery is positioned low down to give it a better centre of gravity.

We like: Comfortable driving experience
We don’t like: Not quite one-pedal driving

Verdict

Lexus’s second electric model is another well-executed example of its luxury lineup. The model feels distinct from its Toyota sibling and offers plenty of desirable equipment from the entry-level trim. When compared to rivals on price and range, the RZ falls short of delivering a 300+ mile range for under £60K, something all three versions of the Tesla Model Y offer. 

If you’re looking for an alternative to brands like Audi and BMW, at £54K the Genesis GV60 offers a luxury electric experience with a range of more than 300 miles. The RZ would be best suited to frequent shorter journeys or a commute of around 50 miles unless there’s access to charging at work. 

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Lexus RZ, you might also be interested in these alternatives.

Audi Q4 e-tron | Audi Q8 e-tron | BMW iX3 | Ford Mustang Mach-E | Hyundai Ioniq 5 | Kia EV6 | Mercedes-Benz EQC | Nissan Ariya | Polestar 2 | Skoda Enyaq iV | Subaru Solterra | Tesla Model Y | Toyota bZ4X | Volkswagen ID.4 | Volvo XC40 Recharge

Key specifications

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