THE ELECTRIC RX ISN'T QUITE THE EV OF YOUR DREAMS | 2023 LEXUS RZ 450E FIRST DRIVE REVIEW

EV Channels Review

The 2023 Lexus RZ 450e marks Lexus's dedicated entry into the electric luxury crossover segment, sharing its platform with the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra. While it boasts a refined interior, comfortable seating, and a respectable 308 horsepower AWD powertrain offering brisk acceleration (0-60 in about 5 seconds), its real-world range is a significant drawback. The longest range variant achieves only 220 miles, dropping to 196 miles with the 20-inch wheels. Charging is also mid-pack, with a 6.6 kW onboard charger and a 150 kW peak DC fast charging rate. The reviewer highlights generous ground clearance and a spacious cabin, but notes the lack of a frunk and the unusual integration of radiant heating panels with heated seats. Despite its luxury appointments and smooth ride, the RZ 450e struggles to compete with rivals offering superior range and faster charging, particularly the Tesla Model Y and Genesis GV70 Electrified, which also benefit from potential tax credits unavailable to the Japan-built RZ.