All-New 2023 Lexus RZ 450e Is a Disappointing First EV Effort
Lexus’ first all-electric model drives well, but meager range and EV tech are already behind the times
The 2023 Lexus RZ 450e is the first all-electric vehicle from Toyota’s upscale luxury brand. It shares the e-TNGA platform with the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra twins, and its powertrain draws from the same parts bin, albeit with quite a bit more power. Although it resembles the Lexus RX, the RZ is sized more like the smaller Toyota Venza hybrid SUV.
The RZ has a 71.4-kilowatt-hour battery, and thanks to ample 308 horsepower from its front and rear electric motors—which gives it all-wheel drive—it delivers zippy acceleration. But the RZ’s estimated driving range of 196 to 220 miles is disappointingly short for an all-new model, putting it notably behind some key competitors, such as the Audi Q4 E-Tron, Genesis GV60, and Tesla Model Y.
