2024 Lexus RZ

How does the RZ drive? Most noteworthy about the RZ is how much it feels like any other gas-powered Lexus product. Presumably, Lexus intentionally crafted this characteristic to better target its current customer base. Some EVs offer immediate shove when you hit the accelerator pedal, but the RZ has some built-in lag to feel more relaxed. The same can be said of the brakes, which feel more traditional and provide very little slowdown from regeneration. As a result, there's no one-pedal driving setting to allow you to fully come to a stop while just lifting off the accelerator. 

The RZ does have decent power when you need it. We tested both a dual-motor RZ 450e and single-motor RZ 300e. At the Edmunds test track, the 450e accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, which is properly quick, tying the Tesla Model Y Long Range. The 300e took 7.4 seconds, which is quite a bit slower than other comparable single-motor SUVs like the Audi Q4 e-tron. Around turns, the RZ's softly tuned suspension means it bobs and moves around more than most luxury EVs. The RZ is best enjoyed as a city commuter.

How comfortable is the RZ? With cushy ride quality and exceptional sound insulation, the RZ is one of the most comfortable options for an electric SUV. Sure, it sacrifices some handling ability but we think the trade is worth it. The front seats are decently comfortable and have powerful heating and ventilation functions. The climate system's heating, however, takes way longer than it should to reach temp — cold mornings will necessitate preheating the cabin or donning a large fluffy sweater until the system wakes up. The available radiant heating panels in the front row are a neat idea but don't provide as much warmth as we'd like.

How’s the interior? This is a gorgeous cabin from a company that is sometimes reluctant to take chances with its interior design. Even with a modern look to everything, all of the main functions in the car are easy to find and operate. There are real knobs for the volume and the climate controls, located high so you don't need to take your eyes off the road to make changes. The shift controller is a bit complicated for no obvious benefit, though once you learn it the first time it's easy to remember. A few of our staff members found the steering wheel controls a bit confounding, though, and the learning curve will likely be steep for most people.

Overall space in both rows doesn't quite match what the Tesla Model Y offers, but it's still great for passengers big and small. Getting in and out of the RZ is easy, with good seat height and door clearance for heads. From the driver's seat, the visibility in all directions is stellar and the seat offers enough adjustability to get comfortable quickly.

How’s the storage? Most of the RZ's interior space is for passengers. The cargo area can hold a Lexus-cited 34.9 cubic feet worth of your things, and the rear seats can split in a 40/60 configuration and the sections fold relatively flat. The space is adequate but nowhere near what a Tesla Model Y can provide, and without a frunk to help out, the RZ's space limitations become evident pretty quickly.

Small-item storage in the cabin is also an issue. The door pockets are too small and the RZ does not have a typical glovebox. Instead, there's an opening beneath the center console that is barely large enough to hold a small purse. Got small children? Installing a child safety seat should be hassle-free, though the seat anchors are marginally less easy to access than those in rivals like the Audi Q4 e-tron.

Is the RZ a good value? Despite a very pleasantly luxurious cabin, it's an uphill battle to justify buying a RZ. Its price is similar to rivals such as the Genesis GV60 and Volvo XC40 Recharge but you're generally getting less range or performance. The RZ has a standard warranty of four years/50,000 miles for basic coverage and six years/70,000 miles for the powertrain. The battery warranty is generous, with coverage for 10 years/150,000 miles. Lexus offers the first year of free maintenance and four years of roadside assistance. You also get the Lexus Reserve program that allows the use of a gas-powered Lexus for 30 days over three years, which is a helpful solution for those concerned about the limited range of an electric vehicle.