What sort of automobile is the 2023 Lexus RZ? What does it examine to?

The RZ is the model’s first devoted electrical automobile with no gas-powered counterpart. Sharing a platform with the Toyota BZ4X, the electrical compact crossover will compete in a rising premium phase, from the Volvo C40 and associated Polestar 2 to the Tesla Mannequin Y and forthcoming Cadillac Lyriq. 

Is the 2023 Lexus RZ a superb SUV?

Assessment continues under

We received’t know till we drive it later this 12 months, however the dual-motor all-wheel-drive RZ shall be bought with just one variant to begin, a 450e mannequin. (Learn extra about how we price automobiles.)

What’s new for the 2023 Lexus RZ?

The Lexus RZ is new for 2023, nevertheless it shares expertise with the redesigned 2022 Lexus NX and a 71.4-kwh battery pack from the BZ4X and Subaru Solterra. 

The styling units it other than the Toyota-Subaru twins, and adheres to a extra futuristic tackle up to date Lexus design parts. The strong spindle grille eschews air intakes in a busy mishmash of panels beneath the LED headlights. The spindle cinches like a corset between Lexus’ checkmark operating lights, then the higher spindle rises into and turns into the hood. In profile, spherical wheel arches housing 18- or 20-inch wheels have noticeably and tastefully much less cladding than within the BZ4X, and cladding on the rockers kicks up into the rear wheel. The cost port sits within the driver’s facet entrance fender. The roofline resolves into an built-in rear roof spoiler and raked rear windshield feathered with a ducktail spoiler. Blacked-out rear pillars undertake the floating roof look common right now.

Inside, the RZ seems extra just like the Lexus NX than the BZ4X, and that’s a superb factor. A 14.0-inch touchscreen dominates the sprint however cants towards the driving force to really feel extra built-in with the instrument cluster. Vents run above and away from the mind middle, and the seats might be upholstered in a kind of suede made partially from sustainable supplies. Lexus confirmed photographs of a yoke steering wheel although U.S. fashions will get a standard round wheel at launch. Except for that potential possibility, there’s nothing too daring or deviant from the Lexus lineup. That ought to enchantment to Lexus followers contemplating electrical however hesitant to leap into something too far off from the layouts of present gasoline fashions.    

Fuel and its emissions shall be far off within the RZ 450e. Lexus estimates a below-average vary of 225 miles on its normal dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. A 71.4-kwh battery provides the juice, however Lexus didn’t verify the whole output from the 150-kw motor up entrance and the 80-kw motor in again. The entrance motor is sort of double the scale of the BZ4X that makes 214 hp and 248 lb-ft, so count on it to be extra highly effective and faster. 

Lexus says its all-wheel-drive system robotically adjusts the torque going to every axle based mostly on a number of inputs, and it will possibly shut off energy to an axle when cruising to enhance effectivity. At flip in, torque shifts as much as a 60/40 cut up towards the entrance wheels for higher steering response, and on exit the torque shifts by the identical ratio to the rear wheels for higher traction. Lexus didn’t disclose if its regenerative braking system may have a one-pedal braking possibility. MacPherson struts up entrance and double wishbones in again ought to present acquainted Lexus dealing with, and Lexus mentioned acoustic glass and different noise-canceling options ought to get rid of a lot highway and wind noise. 

The Lexus RZ is bigger than the Lexus NX in most metrics besides peak, suggesting higher aero and maybe a sportier journey. At 189 inches, it’s 5.5 inches longer than the NX, an inch wider, and has a wheelbase that’s 6.3 inches longer, promising a roomier cabin for as much as 5 passengers. An accessible panoramic sunroof might eat into some head room, however Lexus received’t disclose actual specs similar to leg room and cargo quantity till later within the 12 months when it goes on sale. 

It’ll come loaded with normal driver-assist options, together with computerized emergency braking, energetic lane management, and adaptive cruise management.  

How a lot does the 2023 Lexus RZ value?

We received’t know the trim ranges or value till late this 12 months when the RZ goes on sale. 

The place is the 2023 Lexus RZ made?

In Japan.