The 2026 Lexus RZ makes a step forward from the earlier versions of the brand’s all-electric crossover. The RZ gets a reworked battery system, more powerful motors, and a new high performance trim. But while the 2026 model is better, it still lags behind some luxury EV competitors when it comes to handling, charging times and some tech.
Base Price: $57,000
As Tested: $62,034
Horsepower: 402
Mileage: 102 MPGe city/88 MPGe highway/95 MPGe combined
The RZ is Lexus’ first and only fully-electric vehicle that’s available around the world. Lexus has produced the UX 300e EV before in specific markets including China, Japan and Europe, but the RZ became the brand’s first dedicated, globally available battery-electric vehicle when it was introduced in 2023.
For 2026, the RZ gets several upgrades, including larger battery capacities and enhanced motor systems, which extend driving range. Charging, however, remains a mixed bag. Lexus has adopted the NACS Tesla-style charging point, which makes the RZ compatible with the Supercharger network. However, the peak 150-kW DC fast-charging speed is unchanged from prior years. This means that other EVs made by Hyundai, Kia and Tesla have faster charging times.
The 2026 RZ comes in six trims: 350e, 350e Premium, 450e, 450e Premium, 450e Luxury and 550e F Sport. Starting prices range from $46,000 to $57,000. These prices are competitive for a luxury EV.
There’s room for five passengers in two rows of seating.
The RZ350e features a single front motor configuration with 221 horsepower. The range is 301 to 302 miles, depending on wheel size. This is significantly more than the 2025 model’s range of 266 miles. The RZ 350e can go from zero to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds.
The RZ450e has two motors and all-wheel drive, with a total output of 308 horses. Its larger 74.7 kWh battery makes for a range of about 266 miles. The RZ450e can go from zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.
The RZ550e F Sport is the first high performance version of the RZ. It cranks out 402 horses and has the largest battery at 77kWh. It can jet from zero to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. However, due to its weight and 20-inch wheels, the range falls to 229 miles, according to Lexus, which is less than competitors.
The switch to the NACS charging port is a plus, as it allows access to Tesla Superchargers and improves the ability to charge when traveling long distances. But the peak DC fast charging rate hasn’t changed from the 2025 model year and lags behind faster-charging rivals.
Driving a Lexus means you expect comfort and refinement, and the 2026 RZ delivers. The ride is super smooth and quiet. The suspension soaks up bumps from rough roads. Acceleration is brisk, as you’d expect in an EV, and there’s plenty of oomph for easily merging and passing on the highway. Steering feels light but precise, and there’s little body roll even when taking corners at some speed. The RZ does not have one-pedal driving; rather, there are three levels of regenerative braking or you can disable regenerative braking entirely. You can also choose from several drive modes: Eco, normal, sport, range and custom.
The RZ is not as athletic as some rivals, even with the high-performance RZ 500e F Sport trim. There’s a new M Mode in the F Sport, which is a simulated gear-shift system similar to the one in the Hyundai Ioniq 5N. It makes for more driver engagement but doesn’t significantly increase the RZ’s athleticism. The system uses paddles on the steering wheel to provide the control and feel of shifting manually through eight gears. There are even fake noises to go with the gear shifts. While it’s fun, it honestly doesn’t enhance the driving experience much.
The cabin is one of the RZ’s best features. Lexus is known for premium interiors, and the RZ delivers. Materials are high-quality, fit and finish are excellent, and there’s a long list of standard amenities. Seats are comfortable and supportive, and even taller adults will be comfortable in both rows. A modern 14-inch touchscreen sits on the dash and has standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. In contrast, the driver’s small digital gauge cluster looks dated with its low-resolution display.
Standard features include dual zone climate control, 10-way power-adjustable driver seats with lumbar support, eight-way power-adjustable passenger seat, heated NuLuxe-trimmed front seats, ventilated front seats, memory system for driver’s seat and steering wheel, power-adjustable tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, heated steering wheel, Lexus infotainment system with 14-inch touchscreen, Lexus 10-speaker premium audio system, satellite radio, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, five USB ports, wireless device charging, Wi-Fi hotspot, dual-voltage charging cable for 120V (Level 1) or 240V (Level 2) outlets, NACS charging port with CCS1 and J1772 adapters, headlights with automatic high beams, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a backup camera washer.
Available features include a digital key, surround-view camera system, digital rearview mirror, 10-inch head-up display, heated Ultrasuede-trimmed front seats, front radiant heater, heated rear outboard seats, Mark Levinson 13-speaker surround sound audio system, headlamp washers, windshield wiper de-icer, and the Dynamic Sky panorama glass roof.
The Dynamic Sky panorama glass roof is fun and functional – it changes from opaque to transparent at the touch of a button so you can have as much shading as you want in the cabin.
Standard driver assistance technologies include the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, and proactive driving assist, which provides braking and/or steering to help control distance between the vehicle and another vehicle, pedestrian or bicyclist ahead of you. Other standard technologies include a blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert and Safe Exit Assist.
Available driver assistance technologies include lane change assist, front cross-traffic alert, traffic jam assist, parking assist with auto braking, and advanced park with remote park.
The infotainment system has a 14-inch touchscreen with Lexus interface. It looks great with sharp graphics. But there’s a learning curve as there are many menus and sub-menus. At least there’s a volume knob and manual controls for some climate settings.
Cargo space is about average for a luxury EV SUV. There are 34.9 cubic feet with both rows of seating in place and 48 cubes with the second row folded. A power rear door is standard, and a power rear door with kick sensor is available. Unlike many EVs, the RZ does not have a frunk (front trunk).
The good:
Smooth, comfortable ride
NACS compatibility with Tesla Superchargers
Premium, spacious cabin
Many standard and available features and tech
Standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Relatively low starting price for a luxury EV
The not-so-good:
Handling less athletic than rivals
Range is less than competitors
Slower charging times than rivals
No one-pedal driving
Driver gauge cluster looks dated
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $57,000. Blue brake calipers are $500. The Cold Area Package is $200 and includes headlamp washers and windshield wiper de-icer. The Luxury Package is $2,600 and includes a digital key, Traffic Jam Assist, advanced park with remote park, digital rearview mirror, and Mark Levinson Premium Audio System. The carpet cargo mat is $140. The panoramic roof sun shade is $200. Wheel locks are $99. The delivery fee is $1,295, bringing the grand total to $62,034.
Bottom line:
The 2026 Lexus RZ has many improvements over older models with more power, better range, and expanded charging access. It’s now a decent luxury EV. But the RZ still falls short compared to the leaders in the segment when it comes to athletic performance, range, charging times and digital displays.
