2026 Lexus RZ Hands On: More Range, Faster Charging, Better Value
The 2026 Lexus RZ gets more range, faster charging, updated tech, and a refined cabin. See how the luxury EV delivers comfort, style, and surprising value.
The RZ is the Next-Generation Lexus EV
As Lexus continues to expand its EV footprint, the luxury automaker’s first foray into electric vehicles, the RZ, gets a makeover. After a debut in 2023, the RZ is updated for 2026 with more driving range – up to 301 miles – faster 150-kW DC fast-charging capability, an upgraded high-torque eAxle, and an NACS charging port. The cabin has been overhauled for a quieter cruise, fancy new detailing spruces that space up, and an F Sport model joins the lineup.
Aside from this racier version, you can opt for a single-motor FWD RZ 350e with 221 horsepower or the 450e with AWD courtesy of front and rear motors, 308 hp, and 260 miles of range. This is the setup I recently spent a week driving, and for a bit less than $60,000 with its extra-cost Ether paint, I have to say, this is a Lexus that blends an impressive amount of value with its as-expected luxury digs.
Sharp Exterior Style
The Lexus RZ cuts a sharp profile with a pronounced snout, crisp bodyside lines, dual roofline corner wings, and an integrated rear spoiler. 450e models come with 20” wheels that fill out the wells nicely, though the gloss black wheel arches would arguably look more elegant with a color-keyed finish. You’ll notice a big space up front where Lexus’ signature spindle grille would normally reside, lending the RZ instant visual recognition without the polarizing design.
The Lexus SUV lineup is stuffed with models, so for reference, the RZ is about 6” longer than the NX, and though it sits on the same wheelbase as the RX, it’s about 3” shorter. An illuminated front badge adds high-tech presence at night, and a hands-free liftgate comes standard on Premium models and up. As does an electrochromic glass roof that Lexus dubs Dynamic Sky. Touch a button on the overhead console and it instantly transitions from opaque to transparent with a blue tint. It’s a very cool party trick and has been reworked for 2026 to offer better shading and more transparency.
Smart, Spacious Interior
If you can, go for the Thunderstorm Ultrasuede cabin treatment on your Lexus RZ; it’s super snazzy. Elegant contrast stitching dresses it up, a new laser-etched technique on the door panels dials up the style, and animated interior light displays that appear at night are the best in the ambient illumination biz. The RZ is a compact, so I wasn’t surprised to find the driver compartment on the snug side for my 6-foot self.
Fortunately, the seats are very comfortable with multiple levels of power adjustment and climate-controlled cushions standard on all trim lines. You’ll need the Luxury version to enjoy radiant leg-warming panels that add a pleasant toastiness to the front passenger’s lower halves. However, it comes at the expense of a glove box, and the center console pass-through bin is not the greatest way to keep track of your stuff.
As with so many EVs, the rear seat feels spacious, which aligns with the on-paper legroom spec of 37”. Enough for two adults to sit comfortably, especially with the heated outboard positions on this Luxury example.
Technology
Lexus fits quite the array of tech into the 2026 RZ. A large 14” central touchscreen dominates the space, but is integrated nicely into the dash along with physical controls for the HVAC system. Other standard fare includes wireless smartphone mirroring and phone charging, and ample USB-C ports.
Stepping up to the 450e Luxury brings a head-up display (HUD), self-parking capability, and a 13-speaker audio system from Mark Levinson. 10 speakers come standard, but Mr. Levinson knows how to build a stereo that cranks.
I didn’t test the self-parking system, and while the HUD does keep key vehicle metrics in an easily read location, I found it to be a bit distracting with the relatively crammed digital gauge cluster and colorful central touchscreen all going at the same time.
Fortunately, you can turn it off. Something that took me a minute to master, but quickly appreciate, were the dual touchpads on the steering wheel. They contain a huge amount of controls packed into a tidy space as opposed to filling it up with buttons and dials. Very clever.
Behind The Wheel
Sub-5-second runs to 60 mph are what Lexus promises in the RZ 450e. Quick enough for any loose goods on the center console to fly off under hard acceleration runs. It’s an addictive sensation as that torque hits all at once. Perhaps more importantly, the Lexus RZ is a four-wheeled cocoon of comfort. For 2026, it’s been upgraded with more sound insulation, including a new rear floor silencer to quiet the motor back there, better adhesives, and increased structural rigidity.
For occupants, that translates to a whisper-quiet cabin, aided by acoustic laminated window glass on Luxury trim lines. The Lexus Direct4 AWD has also been overhauled, and a new high-torque eAxle has been fitted. I haven’t driven earlier versions of the RZ, but the 2026 is calm and composed when pushed, and keeps even the harshest impacts from those 20” wheels quashed.
One area the RZ could improve upon behind the wheel is the barrage of alerts from the various advanced driver aids. It’s easy to toggle these systems off within the central display, but not all of them stay off after the car is turned off, and when navigating tight areas at low speed, the level of beeps, flashes, and vibrations can be a lot.
Final Thoughts
Value may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of a Lexus, but the RZ begs to differ. Fully loaded with optional paint and a digital rearview mirror, you’re looking at $59,645, but that sticker comes with a huge array of technology and amenities.
Perhaps that’s a bit pricey for a compact crossover, in which case you might look at the 350e model with its $47,395 sticker, including destination. These RZs offer the most driving range of the lineup, but no matter the trim, you’ll have a luxurious cabin, Tesla supercharger access, and a stylish EV in the driveway. Given the typical costs of a new car in 2026, that strikes me as a good value for any vehicle, let alone a fresh-faced Lexus that appears poised to help with the auto industry’s continued push into EVs.
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