2023 LEXUS RZ 450E LUXURY AWD: IS IT BETTER THAN THE GENESIS ELECTRIFIED GV70?

EV Channels Review

The 2023 Lexus RZ 450e Luxury AWD is presented as Lexus's first all-electric offering, built on a shared platform with the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra. The reviewer praises its distinctive Lexus styling, cohesive design, and luxurious interior, particularly highlighting the Ultrasuede seating and the electrochromic panoramic glass roof. However, the vehicle faces significant criticism regarding its electric capabilities. The estimated 196-mile range is deemed a major drawback, especially in hot weather where real-world figures drop into the 170s, limiting its practicality for longer trips. The charging speed is also noted as slow compared to competitors like the Genesis Electrified GV70, and the continued use of J1772 and CCS plugs instead of the NACS standard is seen as a miss. While the RZ 450e offers a serene and comfortable driving experience with instantaneous EV acceleration, its performance metrics (308 hp, 5.0s 0-60) are significantly outmatched by the GV70. Despite these shortcomings, the reviewer concludes that for city driving, commuting, or as a first EV, the RZ 450e is a strong contender, especially given its lower price point than the GV70 and its superior interior and exterior design, making it a solid, albeit range-limited, luxury electric crossover.