2024 Lexus RZ 300e Luxury

The RZ is the one all-electric vehicle made by Lexus. This compact SUV is basically the EV version of the gas-powered RX and a cousin to the mainstream all-electric Toyota BZ4X and Subaru Solterra. The RZ is comfortable with many luxury touches, as you expect in a Lexus. However, the range of 196 to 266 miles, depending on the trim, is less than some other EVs.

Base Price: $59,730
As Tested: $64,305
Horsepower: 201
Mileage: 114 MPGe city/96 MPGe highway/105 MPGe combined

The RZ was introduced for the 2023 model year. For 2024, Lexus adds a new front-wheel drive base model, and a dual-voltage charging cable for 120-volt and 240-volt plugs is now standard equipment.

The RZ comes in four trims: 300e Premium, 450e Premium, 300e Luxury and 450e Luxury. Starting prices range from $54,000 to $$64,430. The Premium trims get 18-inch wheels, and the Luxury trims have 20-inch wheels.

The 300e models are powered by an electric motor and a 72.8kWh lithium-ion battery. Total output is 201 horsepower and 196 pound-feet of torque. The range is 266 miles with 18-inch wheels, and 2224 miles with 20-inch wheels. The 300e models are only available with front-wheel drive.

The 450e models get two electric motors and a 71.4 kWh battery. Total output is 308 hp and 320 pound-feet of torque. The range is 220 miles with 18-inch wheels and 196 miles with 20-inch wheels. The 450e models come standard with all-wheel drive.

The transmission on all models is a single-speed automatic.

The RZ handles much like a gas-powered Lexus in that it’s more about comfort than sheer performance. Acceleration is snappy, as you expect in an EV. The 300e models can go from zero to 60 in 7.4 seconds. The 450e models trim that to 5.0 seconds. With either powertrain, there’s enough smooth power for merging and passing on the highway. The suspension does a good job in soaking up bumps. The RZ is also easy to drive in city traffic. Visibility is good to the front and sides but limited to the rear due to the sloping roofline. While the RZ is not sporty, it feels competent in everyday driving scenarios.

It’s worth noting that unlike many other EVs, the RZ does not have a setting for one-pedal driving.

MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) estimates are decent. EPA ratings for the models with 18-inch wheels are 115 MPGe city, 98 MPGe highway and 107 MPGe combined.

Lexus says the RZ can charge from low battery light to full charge in about 9.5 hours with a Level 2 charger and from low battery light to 80% charge in about 30 to 35 minutes with a DC fast charger. 

The cabin is upscale with many luxury touches befitting a Lexus. The interior is quite roomy for a small crossover. Materials are top notch, including faux leather, and every stitch is in place. A ginormous 14-inch screen dominates the dash. Seats are supportive and comfortable, and both rows have good leg- and headroom for adults.

Standard features include proximity keyless entry, rearview camera, surround-view camera system, dual-zone automatic climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, power tilt-and-telescoping and heated steering wheel, memory settings for the driver’s seat and steering wheel, eight-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, 10-speaker audio system, satellite radio, infotainment system with 14-inch touchscreen, cloud-based navigation, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, five USB ports, wireless device charging, Wi-Fi hot spot, interior ambient lighting, automatic high-beam headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a panoramic sunroof.

Available features include a smartphone Digital Key, head-up display, rear-camera mirror, synthetic suede upholstery, heated rear seats, 13-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound audio system, multicolor ambient interior lighting, and a dimmable panoramic glass roof.

Standard driver assistance technologies include forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, pedestrian detection, traffic-sign recognition, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and vehicle exit warning.

Available driver assistance technologies include traffic-jam assist (this system manages braking, acceleration and steering at slow speeds), and park assist.

The infotainment system has a bit of a learning curve, as there are many menus and submenus, but it becomes easy to use with practice. Graphics are sharp and bright, and the screen is easy to see and reach. There’s a good mix of touch and physical controls (for volume and climate) and the system responds quickly to commands. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard.

Cargo space is great for the class. There are 34.1 cubic feet with both rows of seating in place and 55.6 cubes with the second row folded. The opening is nice and wide, and the load floor is low, making it easy to load and unload things. The second row split-folds 60/40, providing flexibility in hauling passengers and gear. There’s a handy storage space below the cargo floor that can stow smaller items, including the provided dual voltage charging cable. A hands-free power liftgate is standard. Unlike many EVs, the RZ does not have a frunk (front trunk).

The good:

Handles like a Lexus

Snappy acceleration

Smooth, comfortable ride

Spacious, upscale interior

Many standard features and tech

Standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

Lots of cargo space

The not-so-good:

No one-pedal driving

Less range than some other EVs

Pricing info:

My tester starts at $59,730. The illuminated front badge is $200. The dynamic sky panorama glass roof is $550. Bi-tone paint is $1,295. Illuminated door and cargo sills are $820. Wheel locks are $95. Carpet cargo mat is $140. Side and rear puddle lamps are $325. The delivery fee is $1,150 bringing the grand total to $64,305.

Bottom line:

For those who want a Lexus EV, the RZ is the only game in town for now. It’s luxurious, refined and comes well-equipped. It even drives much like a gas-powered Lexus with a comfortable and compliant ride. The downside is a smaller range than other EVs.  

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