The Lexus RZ is the first electric vehicle (EV) from Toyota’s upscale luxury brand. Although it slightly resembles the popular Lexus RX, the RZ is smaller, about the same size as the Lexus NX and the Toyota RAV4. Being a Lexus, it doesn't disappoint when it comes to luxury and upscale features. Let's look at the 2025 Lexus RZ.
The RZ is a thoroughly modern compact crossover boasting an exciting exterior design with flowing lines and chiseled edges. The spindle nose up front glides back to the rest of the body, providing the RZ with its distinct yet modern look. While the RZ nicely fits in the Lexus lineup, it probably boasts the most daring design in the group.
Lexus offers the RZ in two models - the RZ300e and the RZ450e. The RZ300e comes with a single electric motor that drives the front wheels. This setup makes 201 horsepower and 196 lb-ft of torque and has a range of 266 miles. The RZ450e adds a second motor, making it all-wheel drive with a combined output of 308 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. It has a range of 220 miles. Both RZ models are offered in Standard, Premium and Luxury trim levels.
The RZ300e starts at a reasonable $42,800 while the RX450e starts at $48,795. The Standard trim level comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, synthetic leather, heated front seats and steering wheel and a 14-inch infotainment screen. Step up to the Premium and the RZ adds in a hands-free power liftgate, panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera and vented front seats. The Luxury builds on that by getting 20-inch wheels, suede seating, a heads-up display and a 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.
Out since 2023, the RZ goes unchanged for 2025. The tester is a RZ300e Standard with an MSRP of $45,439.
Inside the RZ is a great place for passengers, big and small. The front seats are comfortable, offering plenty of adjustability. Opting for the Luxury trim package gets you radiant heating panels for front passengers (mainly for your knees and legs), to provide extra warmth in those colder climates. The shifter takes a moment to figure out at first, but after that, it becomes easy. Under the wide center console is an open storage area, ideal for a small purse. Oddly enough, though, there is no glovebox. There's also no frunk (front trunk), so like your typical small crossover vehicle, all cargo is kept at the rear, which can hold about 34.9 cubic feet worth of stuff. The rear seats can split in a 40/60 configuration and the sections fold flat.
Those into high-tech will appreciate the large 14-inch Lexus Interface touchscreen system that dominates the dash. It includes a nav system along with controlling most of the car's features and settings. Smartphone users will be happy to know that the RZ is wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible, and to keep things charged, there are plenty of USB-C ports, as well as a wireless charging pad.
Driving the RZ300e feels much like driving a typical gas-powered Lexus SUV such as an RX rather than an electric vehicle. Brake and pedal feel are more traditional than what you would expect in an EV. In fact, unlike most EVs, the RZ does not have one-pedal driving that allows you to come to complete stop while just lifting off the accelerator. Acceleration is brisk, with the RZ300e able to hit 60 mph in about 7 seconds while the RZ450 should shave off a couple of seconds from that time.
When it comes to safety, Lexus equips every RZ with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite. This includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane centering and keeping, and a traffic sign monitor. Blind-spot and rear cross-traffic monitoring are also standard.
The RZ isn't your typical electric vehicle. It focuses on luxury features and comfort, even making the RZ drive more like a typical Lexus SUV than an EV. This should be appealing for Lexus buyers looking to transition from a gas vehicle to an electric vehicle, all while staying within the Lexus family.