2025 Lexus RZ

The Lexus RZ’s all-electric nature suits Lexus’ whisper-quiet cabins and plush accommodations to perfection, making the most of its quiet drivetrain and supple ride. That’s not to say the RZ isn’t also athletic, with both powertrain variants capable of brisk acceleration. Maximum range is 266 miles, which is plenty for most folks, but not as much as some might want for regular road-trip usage, especially if you’re only charging to 80% for battery longevity. Still, the RZ’s range handily exceeds most people’s daily commuting requirements, and it can be fast-charged to 80% in about 30 minutes or charged overnight at home.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of electric luxury SUVs, including the Lexus RZ.

The Lexus RZ was introduced as a single model for 2023, and last year it gained the RZ 300e to complement the range-topping RX 450e. This year, the RZ gains an entry-level trim for both variants, bringing the tally up to three trims each: Standard, Premium, and Luxury.

Tesla’s Model Y, the Genesis GV60, and the Volvo EX40 (previously known as the XC40 Recharge) are the closest natural competitors to the Lexus RZ, offering functions and features at similar prices. The Model Y is on the less expensive end of the price spectrum, but it’s also the least luxurious in terms of accommodations and features, starting around $47,000. The GV60 and EX40 both start around $54,000, while the Lexus RZ undercuts them all by a fair margin, starting around $44,000 in the new-for-2025 base trim on the 300e model. Even stepping up to the midlevel RZ 300e Premium or opting for the base 450e only takes the price up to about $48,000. This makes the Lexus RZ a comparative value in the compact luxury electric SUV class.

Before buying a new Lexus RZ, be sure to check our Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to see what you should be paying. The Lexus RZ isn’t old enough to have great resale value data, but after just a couple of years of sales, it’s showing better resale value than either the luxury compact SUV segment or the EV market as a whole. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

The RZ 300e is the starting model, sporting a single front-mounted electric motor driving the front wheels with 201 horsepower. The RZ 450e adds a second, rear-mounted electric motor and all-wheel drive (AWD), increasing output to 308 hp.

Both models have a composed suspension, with responsive steering and natural brake feel. The RZ 450e’s five-second zero-to-60-mph time is brisk, and its all-wheel drive gives sure-footed traction. The RZ 300e accelerates from a standstill to 60 mph in about 7.4 seconds — still quick enough for most people, and about on par with the combustion-powered Lexus RX.

Range and Charging

The RZ 300e has an EPA rating of up to 266 miles with 18-inch wheels or 224 miles with optional 20-inch wheels. The more powerful RZ 450e achieves 220 miles with the 18-inch wheels or 196 miles with 20-inch wheels.

Onboard charging with the RZ is limited to 240-volt Level 2 charging, refilling the battery in about 9.5 hours. Fortunately, the RZ is also capable of DC fast charging, replenishing the RZ 300e’s battery to 80% in about 35 minutes, or the RZ 450e’s in about 30 minutes. The RZ employs a CCS1 charging connector for DC charging.

The RZ’s 5-seat cabin is a familiar place if you’ve driven other modern Lexus vehicles, and that’s a good thing. The materials are rich and textured as well as visually pleasing, and the controls feel solid and substantial. The front seats are comfortable and spacious, although some of us have noted the seating position feels a bit higher than normal.

This year’s new addition to the RZ range, the base model, makes its cost savings by doing without some of the more opulent elements of the higher trims while retaining the core luxury staples. For instance, the base models of the 300e and 450e don’t offer any form of ambient lighting, while the Premium and Luxury trims offer increasingly complex lighting themes. On the other hand, the base model uses the same NuLuxe-trimmed  (simulated leather) upholstery as the Premium trim, and all three trims have the same 8-way power-adjustable front seats.

The RZ has a good balance between size and space. The second row offers 37.5 inches of legroom, about the same as the GV60 and EX40 but a bit less than the Model Y. The RZ’s cargo area is the largest of the group, however, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row. That’s about five to 10 cubic feet more than most of the competition, and more than double the EX40’s 16 cubic feet.

Bumper to bumper, the RZ is a modern Lexus design with crisp angles, flowing surfaces, and bold details. The company’s distonct spindle grille is inverted into a smooth, aerodynamic form at the nose, while the rear’s muscular fender haunches blend seamlessly into the tail.

The RZ is not especially large, despite all that interior space. It’s a bit shorter than the gas-powered RX, and about the same size as the Model Y. The GV60 and EX40 are a bit shorter overall.

Wireless phone integration
Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are wireless in the RZ, as is phone charging. If you prefer to plug in, there are five USB-C ports. For passengers, there’s also Wi-Fi.

Frequency Reactive Dampers
These computer-controlled dampers absorb and diffuse the worst of the road’s imperfections while also providing great stability. The RZ is the first Lexus to get this advanced technology.

Mark Levinson audio
Even if you don’t identify as an audiophile, you’ll appreciate the crisp highs and deep bass of this optional audio upgrade. With 13 speakers and 1,800 watts of surround-sound power, this one is worth the extra money.

Advanced Park
This self-parking system controls the steering, throttle, and brakes to maneuver into or out of tight or tricky parking spaces.

Panoramic View monitor
This system, standard in the Premium and Luxury trims of the RZ 300e and RZ 450e, uses cameras to provide a 360-degree view of your surroundings. It is perfect for avoiding obstacles or making sure pets and/or kids are clear of the vehicle.

Infotainment system
The 14-inch screen no longer qualifies as “big” in a world of dash-spanning monoliths, but it’s plenty spacious and clear for interacting with Lexus’ easy-to-use infotainment system. If you prefer, you can control many of the vehicle’s functions through voice commands.

Thanks to their different output levels and packaging requirements, the two RZ models deploy slightly different battery packs. The RZ 300e uses a 72.8-kWh unit, while the 450e comes with a slightly smaller 71.4-kWh counterpart. Both variants are extremely efficient, offering up to 125 MPGe in 300e form and 107 MPGe in 450e guise. In both cases, the greatest efficiency is achieved with 18-inch wheels. Those MPGe figures are at the top of the class, tying the Tesla Model Y’s best.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

The basic Lexus new-vehicle warranty lasts four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first, a typical span among luxury vehicles. Powertrains are covered for six years or 70,000 miles, which is better than most European competitors. The battery is covered by an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty.

Safety Ratings

The RZ has previously been awarded the highest accolade of Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and the 2025 RZ earns a 5-Star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A comprehensive array of safety technology is standard in the RZ.