Used 2023 Lexus RZ

For all those luxury buyers who want to go electric but would prefer to choose a trusted marque, the Lexus RZ 450e could be the ticket. The build quality is impressive, the cabin is quiet, and the materials are suitably plush. There are faster-charging rivals with better ranges, though—the Genesis GV60, for instance. However, it’s high time that Lexus came out with an electric vehicle (EV). Size-wise, the new RZ 450e slots between the compact NX and the midsize RX. It’s not coincidental that Toyota’s new bZ4X all-electric SUV also launched for 2023. These two vehicles are based on the same platform and share more than a few mechanical parts. This Lexus naturally has its own interior and exterior designs while catering to the luxury end of the market.

What’s New for 2023

The 2023 Lexus RZ 450e is a completely new model based on a dedicated electric vehicle (EV) platform. It’s a little smaller than the ever-popular Lexus RX SUV.

Like most of today’s electric vehicles, the RZ 450e is exceptionally and effortlessly quick. With its standard dual-motor setup delivering 308 horsepower through the added traction of all-wheel drive, it’ll do 0-60 mph in a scant 5.0 seconds without breaking a sweat or waking the neighbors, even. And while it succeeds in delivering the same levels of comfort we’ve come to expect from a Lexus SUV, we found the RZ 450e surprisingly responsive, composed and even fun to drive around town, too. Steering and brake feel are both very good. We do wish the RZ offered a one-pedal driving mode, perhaps further demonstrating how our driving preferences are evolving as more and more of our seat time is spent in electric cars.

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

The interior of the RZ resembles the passenger cabin of just about every other modern Lexus. We suspect many will prefer the familiarity compared to some of the more futuristic and austere interiors in the electric vehicle space. Although most SUV buyers cherish the raised driving position, the RZ 450e’s front seats seem set higher than usual. Yet there’s little space under them for rear passengers to tuck their feet. Not that this is much of an issue, as occupants in both rows will find plenty of space in which to move around. Behind the rear seats is a luggage area big enough to take three sets of golf clubs. We really like the feel of the steering wheel covered in NuLuxe faux leather.

The new RZ 450e doesn’t need a radiator grille up front because there’s no combustion engine to cool, but Lexus has placed a typically huge spindle shape there anyway. The rear end has the Lexus name spelled out in upper-case letters, which looks arguably cooler than the regular company logo, while a ducktail spoiler completes the picture. A 2-tone paint job is available, featuring solid black at the front end, running up to the hood and the roof.

At 189.2 inches long, the 2023 RZ 450e is 3.3 inches shorter than the midsize RX, 5.7 inches longer than the compact NX, and features a lower roof than both.

Infotainment touchscreen
A big, 14-inch touchscreen enables Lexus to keep the rest of the RZ 450e’s cabin nice and tidy by migrating many functions that would have required physical buttons in the past.

Traffic Jam Assist
The RZ 450e can pretty much drive itself through stop-and-go traffic, although we’ve found it demands a more deliberate grip on the steering wheel than some other systems. A First World problem of the highest order, to be sure.

Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
The so-called entry-level Premium model comes with standard cable-free phone integration, along with wireless charging, Wi-Fi, and five USB-C ports.

Panoramic View Monitor
Quite often an option in other vehicles, this is standard in the new RZ 450e electric SUV, providing a 360-degree view of the surroundings.

Dynamic Sky Roof
Every RZ 450e has a panoramic glass roof, but the optional Dynamic Sky functionality is the real party trick. With the press of a button, the electrochromic glass changes from transparent to opaque. Choose more stars or less sun on demand, or just impress your friends.

Advanced Park
This optional feature takes care of steering, acceleration, and braking when maneuvering into and out of tricky parking spaces.

Frequency Reactive Dampers
Deployed for the first time in a Lexus, these are a sophisticated form of shock absorber that provides great handling stability without having to make the typical trade-off where ride quality suffers.

Two electric motors, one for each axle, provide an electric form of all-wheel drive (which Lexus calls Direct4) as standard. Together, they generate a total of 308 horsepower. The front motor is capable of 196 lb-ft of torque, and the rear develops 124 lb-ft, making 320 lb-ft in total.

Power can be distributed between the front and rear wheels according to the conditions and demands. For example, at the exit of a corner, it’s the rears that gain 80 percent for maximum traction and efficient acceleration. Other times, most of the work is done by the front wheels for optimum efficiency. The driver doesn’t really feel all this going on. Transitions are seamless.

Dual electric motors
308 combined horsepower
320 lb-ft of combined torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 115/98 MPGe (18-inch wheels), 102/87 MPGe (20-inch wheels)
EPA-estimated range: 220 miles (18-inch wheels), 196 miles (20-inch wheels)

More range and efficiency information is available on the EPA’s website.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

The basic Lexus new-vehicle warranty lasts for four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first — a typical arrangement among luxury vehicles. Powertrains are covered for six years or 70,000 miles, which is better than many European luxury brands. An 8-year/100,000-mile warranty applies to the RZ 450e’s battery.