The Lexus RZ 450e: Buy Literally Any Other EV Instead

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A nice interior can’t make up for the RZ 450e’s many weaknesses.

In recent years, Toyota’s brands have earned a reputation for developing highly efficient and decently performant hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The recently revamped Prius Prime and the Rav4 Prime have received praise from consumers and automotive journalists alike.

But the group’s all-electric offerings like the bZ4X and Solterra have been extremely compromised, seemingly by design. Unfortunately, the Lexus RZ 450e doesn’t do anything to change this perception.

“It’s nice inside and the one customer I could imagine is people who really like Lexus who want to go electric.” Explains Marques from the YouTube channel AutoFocus. “But unfortunately, you’ll see why you shouldn’t get this one.”

The exterior of the vehicle obviously is reminiscent of the bZ4X and at a quick glance, you might mistake the RZ 450e for its Toyota sibling. “A little more stylish aero features here and there. But y’know the black trim and everything? It looks very similar to bZ4X.” The crossover also has hints of the Nissan Ariya in its panel design and color scheme.

It doesn’t help that both the Toyota and Lexus are named similarly. “I’m gonna go to the inside of the bZ4… RZ 450e. Because that’s way more entertaining and way better than the outside.”

While the exterior styling of these crossovers has been controversial, that is a matter of personal taste. Inside the RZ 450e, passenger and cargo space are objectively good for a vehicle in this category. The high-quality leather seats are comfortable with plenty of room for the driver and all passengers.

On the technology side of the equation, the electric crossover comes equipped with wireless charging, Carplay, Android Auto and multiple USB-C ports. The HUD is one of the best Marques has ever used with clean, crisp graphics. The infotainment screen is also well designed with an easy-to-use touchscreen interface combined with physical buttons and nobs for common functions. However, the lack of a glovebox is an odd omission and the low-resolution driver screen belongs in a car from 10 years ago.

The worst features of the vehicle is of course its EV capabilities. Driving range is far below the current acceptable standards with only 220 miles of EPA estimated range for the Premium trim and 196 for the Luxury trim featured here.

The RZ 450e is also limited at fast charging stations. Outside of the below-average charging speeds, the fine print of RZ 450e brochures states:

DC Fast Charging should be limited to three sessions per day, regardless of the weather. After three 10–80% charge sessions, DC Fast Charging over the next day may take longer and be less effective.

With 308 horsepower and 321 lb-ft of torque, its electric performance also isn't going to impress. However the ride quality is exceptionally soft and smooth as you would expect from a Lexus.

Unfortunately, the RZ 450e simply isn’t an acceptable electric vehicle in 2024. Especially for a crossover with an MSRP starting at $59,650, with this Luxury trim costing $67,965.

If you can live with the short range and slow charging, then it could be a decent electric vehicle for the Lexus faithful. But at that price, the Cadillac Lyriq has a similarly high-end interior, faster charging and more driving range. “The performance was pretty solid and the range was good.” Marques explains. “I ended up feeling like the Cadillac Lyriq was underrated. People should check out that car more.”

A Tesla Model Y Performance or Kia EV6 GT would also be a better value overall. While the Soltera and bZ4X share many of the same limitations, they are far more affordable than this entry from Lexus.

What do you think about the RZ 450e? Has Lexus dropped the ball or are car enthusiasts missing something about the appeal of this vehicle? Be sure to check out the full review and lket us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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