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Russ Heaps has produced automotive content for newspapers, magazines, and websites since 1987. Knight-Ridder recognized his contributions in founding and supplying content for the stand-alone auto section in the Boca Raton News with a Knight-Ridder Excellence award nomination in 1990. He began contributing advice and other automotive-related content to Cox Automotive as a contractor in 2010. Cox Automotive brought Russ on board as Senior Editor, Advice for Kelley Blue Book in 2022. Previously, he contributed financial and automotive content for Bankrate.com. He was also managing editor for Auto World and NOPI Street Performance Compact magazines for four years. His work has appeared in the Washington Times, the Miami Herald, the Palm Beach Post, and a host of other newspapers on a syndicated basis. 
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2026Kia Carnival

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2-Line Blurb

140-Character Blurb

The Kia Carnival is a minivan that looks like an SUV and boasts the best warranty and cargo room in its class.

Cons

<ul>
<li>No AWD option</li>
<li>So-so fuel economy</li>
<li>Some rivals have a bigger third row</li>
</ul>

Power, Ride, and Handling

Driving Impressions

The 2026 Kia Carnival is powered by a 287-horsepower V6 engine matched with an 8-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Even when full of passengers, we’ve found the Carnival offers ample acceleration. Except for the notably slower hybrids in this class (Toyota Sienna and Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid), the Carnival’s merging and passing power is on par with the rest of the minivan segment.
We found the Carnival well suited for family hauling duties. We’ve tested it (full of children) running errands around town and on longer highway trips and came away impressed with no complaints.
The automatic transmission shifts gears sweetly, the steering is easy yet precise, and the brakes feel confident without being too sharp. Meanwhile, the suspension has a just-right balance of comfort and agility for a family hauler.
<h3>Fuel Economy</h3>
The Kia Carnival is rated at 21 combined mpg, one mpg worse than the Honda Odyssey and the front-wheel-drive, non-hybrid version of the Chrysler Pacifica. The hybrid Toyota Sienna is much more efficient at 36 mpg, and the Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid can travel up to 32 miles on electricity alone and gets 30 mpg once the battery has been drained. Meanwhile, the hybrid version of the Carnival returns 33 combined mpg.

SUV-Like Exterior

Exterior

Revamped styling from last year evokes Kia’s futuristic approach with its <a href="https://www.kbb.com/kia/ev9/">EV9</a> all-electric 3-row SUV. Both vehicles get the thumbs-up from us. The Carnival is distinct from other minivans because of its SUV-like look, yet it still has practical minivan aspects, such as sliding side doors. And the kind of ride height that makes strapping a child into their special seat much easier than hoisting them up into a higher SUV. It’s little day-to-day details like these that help to make the Carnival such a great family vehicle.

FAQs

Our Favorite Features and Tech

Favorite Features

Highway Driving Assist 
Keep an attentive hand on the wheel, and the Kia Carnival can do much of the steering, braking, and accelerating in various traffic conditions. No minivan does it better.
Quiet Mode 
From the EX level and up, the audio system has a Quiet Mode, which pipes sound through just the front speakers. This feature is great when little ones (or even big ones) are napping in the back.
Driver &amp; Passenger Talk 
This clever intercom system facilitates communication with your rear-most passengers without raising your voice.
Dual Panoramic Displays 
The upper trims of the Kia Carnival come with a 12.3-inch infotainment system and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with beautiful graphics, an intuitive interface, and connectivity features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Slide-Flex seating 
The 8-seater EX and SX models have this feature. The center seat in the second row can slide forward, making it easier to reach a child sitting there. When not used to accommodate someone, this seat can turn into a table when needed.
VIP lounge seats 
The SX Prestige comes exclusively with a second-row VIP lounge setup, featuring heated/ventilated seats that slide, recline, and activate leg extensions — all at the push of a button or a voice command. Keep in mind these particular seats aren’t removable, though.

Big Interior

Interior

The Kia Carnival’s cabin is roomy and well-appointed. At either end of the lineup, the LX and SX Prestige models accommodate seven. The LSX, EX, and SX trims have seating for eight as standard. The Carnival features sliding/removable second-row and reclining third-row seats that fold into the floor.
The SX Prestige comes exclusively with second-row VIP lounge seats that slide and recline while also having leg extensions — all at the push of a button. These seats are comfy but not removable if you need extra cargo space.
We’ve tested the Carnival with child car seats and can confirm they’re easy to install. It’s also pretty easy for kids to climb into the third row, especially with second-row captain’s chairs. However, we found that the optional rear entertainment system screens — mounted on the backs of the front seats — can create a bit of an obstacle to third-row entry and exit.
The available dual panoramic displays, consisting of two 12.3-inch screens, create a high-tech look and feel from the front seats of the Carnival. As is often the case in Kia models, the infotainment system is straightforward and user-friendly, and we love that Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come standard.
Interior space is important to minivan shoppers, and the Kia Carnival has a lot of it. At 35.6 inches of third-row legroom, it’s about on par with the Chrysler Pacifica, while the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey have more room in the third row. However, the Carnival is the king of cargo space, with 40.2 cubic feet of room behind the third row and 145.1 cubic feet of max cargo room behind the first row. These cargo dimensions are good even by minivan standards, and it’s dramatically more cargo room than any <a href="https://www.kbb.com/comparison/midsize-3-row-suv-comparison/">midsize 3-row SUV</a>.

Is the YMM a Good Vehicle?

Is the YMM Reliable?

KBB Editors' Overview

The Kia Carnival doesn’t carry the same trusted longevity as its more established rivals in the minivan world, but it’s a vehicle that makes plenty of sense for a lot of families. With a boxy shape, a flat nose with a big grille, and the tallest ground clearance in its class, the Kia Carnival is a minivan that kind of looks like an SUV, but retains minivan practicality with sliding doors and a spacious 3-row interior. So spacious that it boasts the most cargo room in its class. Add in the fact that it has the lowest starting price and the longest warranty coverage of any minivan, and the Kia Carnival makes a strong case for practical and value-conscious family transportation.
We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of <a href="https://www.kbb.com/van-minivan/best-minivans/">minivans</a>, including the 2026 Kia Carnival.

Optional Equipment

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The Kia Carnival has the distinction of being America’s most affordable minivan. It’s the only one that still starts at under $40,000, making it appealing to families who need affordable transportation and want the benefits of a new car, like Kia’s class-leading warranty. The <a href="https://www.kbb.com/toyota/sienna/">Toyota Sienna</a> and <a href="https://www.kbb.com/chrysler/voyager/">Chrysler Voyager</a> start at a little over $40,000, while the <a href="https://www.kbb.com/honda/odyssey/">Honda Odyssey</a> and <a href="https://www.kbb.com/chrysler/pacifica/">Chrysler Pacifica</a> start in the mid-$40,000 range.
Before buying a Carnival, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. Kia Carnival resale value is about average for the segment. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

Pros

<ul>
<li>Affordable</li>
<li>Class-leading warranty</li>
<li>Class-leading cargo room</li>
</ul>

Quick New

Safety

Standard Equipment

Trims

Engine and Transmission

Under the Hood

The 2026 Kia Carnival uses a 3.5-liter V6 that generates a muscular 287 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque — figures that nearly mimic those of the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. This V6 drives the front wheels (all-wheel drive is not offered) through an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Kia Carnival is rated to tow a maximum of 3,500 pounds.
The Carnival Hybrid, which was released in 2025, pairs a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor to create 242 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque.
<h3>5-Year/60,000-Mile Warranty</h3>
Kia’s warranties are the best in this class. Bumper-to-bumper coverage is five years or 60,000 miles, whichever happens first, including roadside assistance. Powertrains are covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles.
<h3>Safety Ratings</h3>
Although once named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (<a href="https://www.iihs.org/ratings" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IIHS</a>), updated tests have downgraded the Carnival in its most recent testing. It took top scores of Good in most crash-test categories, except for front overlap and side impact scenarios, which earned Marginal and Poor, respectively. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (<a href="https://www.nhtsa.gov/ratings">NHTSA</a>) awarded it a 4-Star (out of five stars) overall safety score. Standard safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, plus blind-spot monitoring.

What's new for 2026

Following a <a href="https://www.kbb.com/car-news/2025-kia-carnival-arrives-with-freshened-looks-hybrid-power/">thorough refresh in 2025</a> that gave the Kia Carnival more SUV-like styling and a new <a href="https://www.kbb.com/kia/carnival-hybrid/">hybrid option</a>, this minivan carries over into 2026 unchanged.

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2026 Kia Carnival Expert Review - Kelley Blue Book

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2026Kia Carnival Hybrid

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The Kia Carnival Hybrid is an efficient minivan that looks like an SUV and boasts the best warranty and cargo room in its class.

<ul>
<li>No AWD option</li>
<li>Low tow rating</li>
<li>Some rivals have a bigger third row</li>
</ul>

The 2026 Kia Carnival is powered by a 242-horsepower turbo hybrid 4-cylinder engine matched with a 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Compared to the non-hybrid Carnival, there’s a noticeable trade-off in performance for better fuel economy. The hybrid has less hustle, but that’s the price you pay for significantly lower fuel costs via the more efficient hybrid powertrain.
That said, the Carnival Hybrid delivers ample acceleration, even when full of passengers. It possesses no shortage of power for around-town errand running, but some highway passing maneuvers with all seats occupied made us miss the gutsier V6 in the regular Carnival.
As for ride quality, the Carnival Hybrid proved a smooth and comfortable driving companion in our testing. The steering is light but accurate and linear, while the suspension keeps everything on an even keel. Only the worst roads brought out some body jostling and tire noise. Occasionally, wind noise around the side mirrors also became slightly elevated at highway speed. Yet, by and large, the Carnival Hybrid exceeded our expectations for driving refinement and the confidence inspired when behind the wheel.
<h3>Fuel Economy</h3>
The Kia Carnival is rated at 33 combined mpg, significantly better than the non-hybrid Carnival’s 21 mpg rating. The hybrid Toyota Sienna is a little more efficient at 36 mpg, and the plug-in hybrid Chrysler Pacifica can travel up to 32 miles on electricity alone and gets 30 mpg once the battery has been drained. The <a href="https://www.kbb.com/honda/odyssey/">Honda Odyssey</a> and non-hybrid <a href="https://www.kbb.com/chrysler/pacifica/">Chrysler Pacifica</a> and <a href="https://www.kbb.com/chrysler/voyager/">Voyager</a> get 22 mpg.

The Carnival Hybrid is distinct from other minivans because of its SUV-like look, yet it still has practical minivan aspects like sliding side doors. And the kind of ride height that makes strapping a child into their special seat much easier than hoisting them up into a higher SUV. Little day-to-day details like these help make the Carnival Hybrid such a great family vehicle.

33 mpg 
With a combined fuel economy rating of 33 mpg, the Kia Carnival Hybrid is 57% more efficient than its non-hybrid counterpart. That translates into significant fuel cost savings over the van’s lifetime.
Highway Driving Assist 
Keep an attentive hand on the wheel, and the Kia Carnival can do much of the steering, braking, and accelerating in various traffic conditions. No minivan does it better.
Driver &amp; Passenger Talk 
This clever intercom system eases communicating with your rear-most passengers without losing your voice.
Dual Panoramic Displays 
The upper <a href="https://www.kbb.com/compare-cars/results?vehicleIds=475776|475855|475827|475805/">trims</a> of the Kia Carnival come with a 12.3-inch infotainment system and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with beautiful graphics, an intuitive interface, and connectivity features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Slide-Flex seating 
The 8-seater LXS, EX, and SX models have this feature. The center seat in the second row can slide forward, making it easier to reach a child sitting there from the front row. When not used to accommodate someone, this seat can also turn into a table when needed.
VIP lounge seats 
The SX Prestige comes exclusively with a second-row VIP lounge setup, featuring heated/ventilated seats that slide, recline, and activate leg extensions — all at the push of a button or a voice command. Keep in mind these particular seats aren’t removable, though.

The Kia Carnival Hybrid’s cabin is roomy and well-appointed. The LXS, EX, and SX trims have seating for eight as standard. The Carnival features sliding/removable second-row and reclining third-row seats that fold into the floor.
The SX Prestige comes exclusively with second-row VIP lounge seats that slide and recline while also having leg extensions — all at the push of a button. These seats are comfy but not removable if you need extra cargo space.
We’ve tested the Carnival with child car seats and can confirm they’re easy to install. It’s also pretty easy for kids to climb into the third row, especially with second-row captain’s chairs. However, we found that the optional rear entertainment system screens — mounted on the backs of the front seats — can create a bit of an obstacle to third-row entry and exit.
The available dual panoramic displays, consisting of two 12.3-inch screens, create a high-tech look and feel from the front seats of the Carnival. As is often the case in Kia models, the infotainment system is straightforward and user-friendly, and we love that Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come standard.
Interior space is important to minivan shoppers, and the Kia Carnival Hybrid has a lot of it; the same amount as the non-hybrid. At 35.6 inches of third-row legroom, it’s about on par with the Chrysler Pacifica, and the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey have more room in the third row. However, the Carnival is the king of cargo space, with 40.2 cubic feet of room behind the third row and 145.1 cubic feet of max cargo room behind the first row. These cargo dimensions are good even by minivan standards, and it’s dramatically more cargo room than any <a href="https://www.kbb.com/suv/best-mid-size-suvs/">midsize 3-row SUV</a>.

Minivans are all about frugal practicality, so what could be more frugal than a hybrid minivan? Enter the Kia Carnival Hybrid, with a combined fuel economy rating of 33 mpg, as a more fuel-efficient version of Kia’s MPV. It takes everything we love about the Carnival, like tons of cargo space, class-leading warranty coverage, attractive, SUV-like styling, and greater efficiency without compromising its family-friendly versatility. The Kia Carnival Hybrid makes a strong case for practical and value-conscious family transportation in the small but competitive class of minivans.
We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of <a href="https://www.kbb.com/van-minivan/best-minivans/">minivans</a>, including the 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid.

The Carnival Hybrid’s pricing is exactly $2,000 higher than the same trim in the <a href="https://www.kbb.com/kia/carnival/">non-hybrid Carnival</a>. The only other minivan with a conventional hybrid powertrain is the <a href="https://www.kbb.com/toyota/sienna/">Toyota Sienna</a>, which also starts in the low-$40,000 range and has better resale value. Meanwhile, the <a href="https://www.kbb.com/chrysler/pacifica-hybrid/">Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid</a> begins in the mid-$50,000 range.
Before buying a Carnival, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. Kia Carnival resale value is about average for the segment. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

<ul>
<li>Hybrid efficiency</li>
<li>Class-leading warranty</li>
<li>Class-leading cargo room</li>
</ul>

The 2026 Kia Carnival uses a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder paired with an electric motor. It has a net output of 242 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission routes power to the front wheels. That’s a bit less power and more torque than the non-hybrid Carnival, and the performance is about on par with the hybrid Toyota Sienna. The Kia Carnival Hybrid is rated to tow a maximum of 2,500 pounds, 1,000 pounds less than the non-hybrid Carnival and the Sienna.
<h3>5-Year/60,000-Mile Warranty</h3>
Kia’s warranties are the best in this class. Bumper-to-bumper coverage is five years or 60,000 miles, whichever happens first, including roadside assistance. Powertrains are covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles.
<h3>Safety Ratings</h3>
Although once named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (<a href="https://www.iihs.org/ratings">IIHS</a>), updated tests have downgraded the Carnival in its most recent testing. It took top scores of Good in most crash-test categories, except for front overlap and side impact scenarios, which earned Marginal and Poor, respectively. It earned a 4-Star (out of five stars) overall safety score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (<a href="https://www.nhtsa.gov/ratings" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NHTSA</a>). Standard safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, as well as blind-spot monitoring.

What's new for

Following a <a href="https://www.kbb.com/car-news/2025-kia-carnival-arrives-with-freshened-looks-hybrid-power/">thorough refresh in 2025</a> that gave the Kia Carnival more SUV-like styling and introduced the hybrid option, this minivan carries over into 2026 unchanged.

2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid Expert Review - Kelley Blue Book

Michael Strong

Colin Ryan specializes in writing about new cars. He has done this for the Los Angeles Times, Variety, Kelley Blue Book, Autotrader, Popular Mechanics, Mazda and Lexus customer magazines, plus a bunch of enthusiast sites and publications. And he spent several years as a staff writer at BBC Top Gear magazine. During this zig-zag of a career trajectory, he has driven everything from budget Malaysian hatchbacks (yes, they exist) to scarily expensive Italian exotica.

Colin Ryan

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2026Lexus RZ

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The 2026 Lexus RZ is a compact luxury all-electric SUV with style, technology, comfort, and space in a refined and elegant package.

<ul>
<li>Limited range in some trims</li>
</ul>

Power, Ride and Handling

Composed, quiet, serene &#8230; these are common descriptions of Lexus vehicles in general, while the RZ’s electric drivetrain takes such quietude to the next level. For 2026, that tranquility may even occur at a rapid pace, as the new RZ 550e leverages its 402 horsepower to accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds. That’s a decidedly brisk pace for an SUV, let alone one that’s primarily focused on luxury and comfort, although the RZ 550e’s F Sport treatment means it comes with a range of performance-themed visual upgrades as well.
The all-new M Mode, available only in the RZ 550e F Sport, provides virtual gear shifting via paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The intent is to increase driver engagement and feel.
It’s not just the top model that adds fun to the 2026 RZ range. Even the base RZ receives performance upgrades this year. A new battery and charging system mean more output is available, upgrading power from 201 hp to 221 hp, and range is up from 266 miles to a Lexus-estimated 300 miles.
In the middle of the range, the RZ 450e AWD carries forward with the same power figures as last year, while also benefiting from the upgraded battery and charging. With 308 hp and a 4.9-second zero-to-60 mph time, the RZ 450e is anything but slow.
<h3>Range and Charging</h3>
Lexus says the RZ 350e will achieve an EPA range rating of “approximately 300 miles,” while the updated RZ 450e will offer approximately 260 miles. That’s a jump of about 35 miles for the base model and about 60 miles for the RZ 450e compared to last year’s RZ. The top-spec RZ 550e F Sport is expected to offer approximately 225 miles of range.
Using DC fast charging can top up the RZ’s battery from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes. That&#8217;s about 10 minutes off the quickest rivals, but still acceptable.

Expressive Exterior

Seeing fit to leave a good-looking design alone for the most part, the 2026 Lexus RZ’s exterior is mostly unchanged. The new RZ 550e F Sport comes with model-specific details, however, including black F Sport trim for the emblem, a rear spoiler, front/rear bumper moldings, its own grille design, and 20-inch wheels with aero covers. An exclusive new Wind gray color with subtle metallic highlights is also offered with the RZ 550e.

Wireless phone integration 
Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work wirelessly in the RZ, and phone charging is also wireless. If you’d rather plug in, there are five USB-C ports available. Passengers will also appreciate the built-in Wi-Fi.
Mark Levinson audio 
Even if you’re not a hardcore audiophile, you’ll notice the difference with this optional sound system. It packs 13 speakers and 1,800 watts of surround sound, delivering crisp highs and deep, rich bass. Definitely a worthwhile upgrade.
Easy-to-use infotainment 
The 14-inch screen might not be the biggest out there these days, but it’s clear, responsive, and easy to use. You can also control many of the car’s features with voice commands if that’s more your style.
Advanced Park 
Parking in tight spots just got easier. This system takes over the steering, throttle, and brakes to guide the car into or out of tricky spaces — all on its own.
Frequency Reactive Dampers 
This smart suspension system helps smooth out rough roads while keeping the ride stable and composed. The RZ is the first Lexus to offer this high-tech feature.
Panoramic View monitor 
This uses multiple cameras to provide a full 360-degree view around the vehicle. It’s great for spotting obstacles or making sure kids and pets are safely out of the way.

High-Quality Interior

An elegant, comfortable, and modern 5-seat cabin is a hallmark of the 2026 RZ. If you’ve driven or ridden in other modern Lexus vehicles, everything here should be relatively familiar. Rich materials, visually pleasing design, and solid-feeling controls are the baseline. Front seat comfort is nearly matched in the second row, and the high seating position gives a sense of command.
The 2026 model year sees upgrades to the RZ’s cabin, including an improved Dynamic Sky Panorama glass roof, which is more transparent when desired but also offers a deeper shade when enabled. A new laser-etched pattern on the Ultrasuede fabric door trim (the brand’s first use of the technique) now offers a subtle flickering backlight effect intended to evoke the passage of time. The door treatment is available in the Thematic Illumination with Animated Door Trim Shadow Illumination package.
The new RZ 550e F Sport also brings distinct cabin upgrades, including a combination of black Ultrasuede trim with blue stitching accents. Adding to the sporty effect is a special geometric pattern for the center console, aluminum pedals, plus an F Sport steering wheel and scuff plates.

As Lexus’ pure electric vehicle (EV), the RZ is the brand’s standard-bearer for the future. It brings the quiet, effortless thrust of electric motors to the already quiet, refined elegance of a Lexus. The RZ’s cabin is spacious, with similar seating space and more cargo room than the popular Lexus RX SUV. For 2026, the RZ gets increased range and power, putting it on a more competitive footing against the rest of the burgeoning luxury compact electric SUV class. The 2026 Lexus RZ is expected to begin sales later in 2025.
We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of <a href="https://www.kbb.com/electric-car/best-luxury-electric-suvs/">electric luxury SUVs</a>, including the Lexus RZ.

Pricing for the 2026 Lexus RZ won’t be revealed until closer to its on-sale date later this year, but we don’t expect big changes from 2025 for the entry-level RZ 350e (which replaces the prior 300e) and RZ 450e AWD models, which started at roughly $44,000 and $49,000, respectively. The new RZ 550e AWD is likely to start around $60,000.
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="312">2026 Lexus RZ trim</td>
<td width="312">MSRP</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="312">350e</td>
<td width="312">$45,000 (est)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="312">450e AWD</td>
<td width="312">$50,000 (est)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="312">550e F Sport AWD</td>
<td width="312">$60,000 (est)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

The Lexus RZ is priced competitively against its closest rivals, the <a href="https://www.kbb.com/tesla/model-y/2025/">Tesla Model Y</a>, <a href="https://www.kbb.com/genesis/gv60/">Genesis GV60</a>, and <a href="https://www.kbb.com/volvo/ex40/">Volvo EX40.</a> It even undercuts the latter two by about $10,000 in base form. The midlevel RZ 450e is closer in price and performance to those rivals, however, and the new RZ 550e takes things up a notch, offering the same power as the top-end EX40, but accelerating nearly a half-second quicker to 60 mph. The GV60 Performance matches or tops the RZ 550e in performance terms, but it’s also about $10,000 more expensive. All in all, the RZ sits in a strong value position among its class.
Before buying a new Lexus RZ compact luxury electric SUV, be sure to check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to see what you should be paying, based on what others are paying for similar vehicles. The Lexus RZ is still a relatively new vehicle — the first example hit the market for the 2023 model year — so resale data is still sparse, but Lexus resale values are typically above average. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

<ul>
<li>Luxurious cabin</li>
<li>Great tech</li>
<li>Smooth, refined ride</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Updated battery system</li>
<li>New F Sport model</li>
<li>More range</li>
</ul>

Battery and Efficiency

All 2026 RZs receive a North American Charging System (NACS) charging port, meaning they’re compatible with Tesla’s Supercharger network. Level 1 and Level 2 onboard charging is standard at up to 11 kW (up from last year’s 7 kW).
4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty
The basic Lexus new-vehicle warranty lasts four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. That’s typical among luxury vehicles. Powertrains are covered for six years or 70,000 miles, which is better than most competitors. The battery is covered by an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty.
Safety Ratings
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (<a href="https://www.iihs.org/ratings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IIHS</a>) has previously awarded the RZ the highest accolade of Top Safety Pick+, and the RZ earned a 5-Star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (<a href="https://www.nhtsa.gov/ratings" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NHTSA</a>). The RZ comes standard with a comprehensive array of safety technology.

The 2026 Lexus RZ adds a new RZ 550e F Sport variant with standard all-wheel drive (AWD), 402 horsepower, and other performance upgrades. Even the base RZ sees updates, with power rising about 10% compared to last year’s model, and range now around 300 miles. Also new is a first for Lexus — an M mode that lets the RZ behave as if it has a shiftable transmission.

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