2023 Lexus RZ

Lexus, Toyota’s upscale sub-brand, is among the few luxury automakers that successfully merges technologically-advanced designs with consistently great reliability. Interiors are quiet and finished with finely-crafted materials. The engines are generally smooth and powerful. Many of its cars and SUVs are available with more fuel-efficient hybrid powertrains. Lexus continues to sell sedans, with its ES, IS, and top-shelf LS models. Most of its SUVs have done well in our testing, including the NX, RX, and TX. The brand’s first all-electric vehicle, the RZ, is a luxury version of the Toyota bZ4X EV. Lexus also sells two-door coupes and convertibles, the RC and LC. Multiple Lexus models have earned Consumer Reports’ recommendation for used cars.

The RZ 450e is the first Lexus battery-electric vehicle. It shares its platform and components with the Toyota bZ4X, but has more horsepower and typical Lexus interior touches. Sized almost like the Lexus RX, it comes only with all-wheel drive. The 71.4 kWh battery can deliver up to 220 miles, if equipped with the standard 18-inch tires, and 196 miles with the optional 20-inch tires. Either way, that's notably shorter than many rivals--even less expensive ones. A 6.6 kW on-board charger is also skimpy and results in home charging that's on the slower side. At least a 150 kW maximum acceptance rate at public DC-fast charging places is competitive. Ride and handling are pleasant, and the cabin is roomy, but the lack of a glovebox is a glaring omission. The Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite is standard, packing the latest active safety features including driver attention monitoring.