2023 Lexus RZ 450e

The RZ 450e rides on the same e-TNGA platform that underpins the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra, but in true Lexus fashion, it aims to elevate the level of comfort and luxury offered by those two. Unlike the Toyota and Subaru, which have exterior and cabin designs distinct from other vehicles in their respective automakers' lineups, the RZ looks like a typical Lexus SUV — it just happens to be electric. It has an hourglass-shaped grille, squinty headlights and proportions that are quite similar to those of the recently redesigned NX, but it's slightly longer, lower and wider overall.

Lexus is clearly taking on the Tesla Model Y with its new premium EV crossover. But it will also have to face the Genesis GV60, Audi Q4 e-tron, Volvo XC40 Recharge and the upcoming electric Porsche Macan in the battle for small luxury EV supremacy.

When it comes to range, the EPA rates the RZ 450e at 196 miles with the larger 20-inch wheels and 220 miles with the 18-inchers. We performed our in-depth Edmunds real-world range test on a car equipped with the 20s and achieved 204 miles — a slight improvement over the EPA estimate. While that is a small piece of good news, the RZ is effectively at the bottom of the pack for driving distance when compared to its rivals. At least charging speed is decent. Lexus says the RZ can charge at a DC fast-charging station at up to 150 kW, which is good enough to get from zero to 80% capacity in about 30 minutes when using an appropriate DC fast-charging station.

At this time the only configuration available is two motors with all-wheel drive. Lexus reps didn't confirm a single-motor version in the future but said that it's on the table for consideration. Such a model would likely bring the RZ's maximum range potential closer to 250 miles.

While its 4.8-second 0-60 time is actually quite spry, the accelerator tuning leans much toward a luxury car. Unlike a Tesla Model Y, the RZ responds gradually to throttle inputs rather than immediately. For a current Lexus owner, this is likely great; for an EV enthusiast, it will probably drive you nuts. Same can be said of the brakes; the RZ doesn't offer full one-pedal driving, so you have to use the brake pedal to come to a full stop in any scenario. The regeneration level is variable, but it's less aggressive than the regen on other EVs by far.

This electric Lexus is surprisingly nimble in corners, but it's not a car that inspires you to push harder. The RZ has refinement and comfort in spades, best enjoyed from stoplight to stoplight, not around a mountain road.

Important additions like double-paned windows and extra sound deadening keep the cabin extremely quiet. Only at highway speeds do you even begin to hear the outside world creep in. This is one of the best road trip EVs we've ever experienced — it would just be nice if the RZ had more range to be a more viable choice for a road trip.

The front seats have plenty of knee room and headroom to go around. You can also get optional radiant heaters, which is a Lexus first. These are like space heaters you'd use in your home. One panel replaces the glove compartment and the other is under the steering wheel, and they can quickly warm up the driver's and front passenger's legs. Combined with seat and steering wheel heaters, you should have no problem getting toasty quickly. Those in the back seat are not forgotten and benefit from ample legroom and optional heated seats.

The Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 includes all of the staple features that you would expect on a new luxury car, in addition to Traffic Jam Assist. This feature allows for temporary hands-free driving on the highway when the speed of traffic is 25 miles per hour or less. With BMW, Cadillac and others providing hands-free driving at full highway speeds, we'd like to see that from Lexus in the near future.