8 WORST And 7 BEST Things About The 2023 Lexus RZ

Lexus RZ or Tesla Model Y?
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0:00 - Intro

BAD:

0:41 - Range

Unacceptable is the word that springs to mind
Dual motor
71 kWh battery
150 Kw fast charge (slow)
10-80% in 30 min
Range 196 miles - unacceptable

1:37 - Power

Not competitive
313 hp 320 lbft (low)
0-60 in 4.6 curb weight 4600 lbs

2:03 - no frunk

This is a dedicated BEV, even the Ioniq5 and EV6 have a little something
Also it’s got a prop rod…wtf is this Lexus

3:01 - no tow rating

Not that anyone was gunna tow with this thing anyway
Same with bz4x

3:21 - weird name

RZ= radient zero…whatever that means

3:42 - no rear wiper

Not on the BZ4X either…
This is a crossover…not a sportback or wagon even

4:22 - interior things that look nice, but aren’t

Wood center console is plastic
Gauge cluster is full digital…kinda..only changes from red to blue

5:11 - no glove box
Like the BZ4X

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GOOD:

5:56 - Looks

It’s not amazing but i think it looks fine
I like the two tone ($1200)
Looks very NX from the front
Spindle shaped grille
Classic running lights
Front logo lights up ($200)
Black wheel arches
Charger on front driver fender
2 inches shorter than RX, 6 in longer than NX
Digi door handles like NX
18 in wheel (220 mi) 20 in wheels (196 mi)
Pano roof
electro shading $500
still a bar across the middle
Dual roof wings
Sharp tapered trunk
Lexus script
Full width tailbar

8:30 - DIRECT4 AWD

8:49 - Trunk

Trunk is good sized
deep underfloor

9:09 - tech stuff

Touch sensitive steering wheel controls
can get the yoke steer by wire later
14 in infotainment
wireless
OTA
dual bluetooth
Climate on screen at all times
HUD
360 camera w/ egg view
Digi rear view mirror

10:11 - comforts

Heated and cooled seats
Heated steering wheel

6 - Rear seats
Rear seats are good size (bigger than NX and RX)
pretty flat floor
rear climate
rear heated seats
chargers
dual map pockets
recline

10:34 - The Ride

It’s not exciting or interesting, but it is very Lexus
It’s smooth and easy
4 levels of regeneration w/ paddles
no real 1 pedal drive - I don’t mind
Dial shifter like a nicer version of the BZ4X
Does have drive sound
No wheel spin or drama, it’s just smooth
Adaptive dampers
Ride is nice

13:19 - Outro

[BonanzaPilot]

we have one of these and a performance model 3. For driving around town, the 450e will go futher on a charge than the model 3. I know that sounds ridiculous, but it doesn't phantom drain like the model 3. The model 3 we charge to 90% so we are starting at "250 miles", if you don't the car preheats itself the first 10%. Then it phantom drains all over the place. The Lexus basically blocks off that top 10%, so you charge it to 100%. We can drive it to work and still have 98% and it will stay there all day until its time to go. Now roadtripping is a whole different story. With the Tesla I will very comfortably travel any amount of distance. The Lexus, we don't fast charge at all. I certainly wouldn't plan on taking it anywhere that needed more than 80 miles of extra charge. The Tesla app and connectivity is WAY better than the Lexus but Lexus comfort is WAY better than the Tesla.

[RF-ituv]

​I switched from the Tesla Model Y to the Lexus RZ450e (18 inch wheels) with latest software update that unlocks more range and efficiency, and it was the best decision ever. Do not listen to the skeptics / critics who tested pre-production or early production vehicles with the old software. With latest software updates, the range and efficiency is amazing. 95% of my driving is in the city (Washington DC) at speeds below 35 MPH and I average well over 4.5 miles/kWh — vs 3.0 miles/kWh for my Model Y “long range”. On a recent drive, I got 7.2 miles/kWh. 18 inch wheels (NOT 21 inch wheels) and using regen at lowest setting is key to getting maximum efficiency because Lexus designed an adaptive automatic regen braking system that recognizes when the car needs to slow down (for curves or stopped traffic) and blends in appropriate regen and friction braking as needed to simulate a true one pedal driving experience.

The RZ hits 0-60 in 4.5 seconds. Its ride quality, powertrain refinement, quietness and sound system all blow the Tesla Model Y away. Lexus discounted this heavily so it ended up being a $43, 000 car. I sincerely believe it’s the best EV you can buy today.

The infotainment is snappy — having a screen in front of you to display vital info as well as a heads up display are HUGE pluses over the Model Y. As for the Normal/Eco/Range settings, once you sign in, it remembers your preferred settings. The radiant heat feature is genius BTW — feels like a warm blanket on your legs. Safety features like Safe Exit Assist prevent doors from opening if a car or cyclist is approaching (can be overridden). There are so many thoughtful touches and safety features that make Tesla looks pretty crude and ancient — almost Iike an unfinished product.

What about road trips? I took one from Washington, DC to NYC — something I’ve done in my Model Y previously — the RZ450e averaged 4.2 miles/kWh at highway speeds with AC on in 90 degree temps. Fast charged at Tesla Superchargers to 100% (since Lexus says that’s fine to do) and arrived in NYC super refreshed due to cooled seats, excellent auto steer, superior ride comfort and overall refinement vs the Model Y which was much noisier, rode much more harshly over bumps. In NYC’s stop and go traffic, the RZ450e is averaging 5+ miles/kWh — Lexus has applied its experience managing city driving efficiency to the RZ450e.

I even camped two nights in the RZ450e, just like I did in the Model Y, and it makes an excellent camping vehicle. The folding memory foam mattress that I had ordered for the Model Y fits perfectly in the RZ450e!

As for lack of frunk, I don’t miss it. The RZ has plenty of space in the sub trunk for cables, plus features like digital rear view mirror, homelink garage door opener, blind spot alert lights and beeps, 360 panoramic camera views, auto park and ventilated / cooled seats more than make up for lack of frunk! Oh, and unlike Tesla, help and service is just a phone call away — there’s always someone who answers the phone should you have a question.

[ALS]

Range - mine is an in-town car and I get over 250 miles range since there is no prolonged high speed range-sucking driving. Power - where in town traffic do I need zero to sixty in under 4.8 seconds? Frunk - Dude, look under the trunk panel, there is a big storage area under there. Did you not wonder why the floor of the trunk has a handle? Hood prop - no frunk so who is going to be opening the hood other than the service tech? Rear wiper - the rear view mirror view is from a rear camera, so you don't look through the rear glass anyway. No glove box - the radiant heat is great. And there is also a large lidded console box to store your valuable papers. Did you miss seeing it? I'll give you a C-minus for your effort at preparation.

[robertwarren]

First, thanks for doing this video. I have owned the Luxury version of this car since Dec’23 and absolutely love it. Sure it doesn’t have the range as most other EVs, but for the way I use the car, it is perfect. I have a level 2 charger at home and use it maybe once a week. We have gone on three road trips, but used the free loaner car from Lexus as part of the Lexus Reserve program. You get up to 30 days over three years as an additional incentive to buy this car. We also own the RX350, as a backup. After owning three Corvettes, I must say this car has plenty of power for me. It is not as fast as the Tesla Model 3, but still much quicker than most gas cars out there. I put important documents (registration, etc.) in the center counsel. My owner’s manual is in the back under the sub floor.

[toms_garage]

rear wiper doesnt the x4 & x6 also not have rear wipers ?

[avdp]

Will het software update like bz4x and Solterra, far better range and charging. 425km for the RZ adter update. Good, still 15 years warranty.

[TheTomvideo]

Thanks for sharing this wonderful video. I mostly agree with you on the good and the bad about the Lexus EV. Granted, this vehicle will sell because it’s a Lexus. If it wasn’t for the range and dc rapid charge time, I would’ve considered this vehicle in a heartbeat. Lexus and Toyota are way out in left field when it comes to range. Rapid charge time is a little acceptable. I travel back and forth between Baltimore and New York often. It will take forever get there. I purchased a Hyundai Ioniq 5 last November and traveled to New York twice. Range is over 300 miles and rapid charge time is less than 20 minutes. Made it from bay to New York with about 80 miles to spare without stopping for a recharge. I did recharge In Elizabeth New Jersey prior to crossing into New York. I had 96 miles remaining. Unfortunately, I’m a little disappointed with the Lexus RZ450e. They entered he the EV market a little late and not fully prepared to compete.

[toms_garage]

Great video but not to be that guy online, however it is the 2nd fully electric Lexus :)

[rondavid]

As a long time Lexus owner Look to base purchase perspective only on specs means you don't have a clue why someone chooses Lexus

Lexus is reliable & durable reputation
Lexus is prestigious identity reputation
Lexus is established luxury surpassing the elite & any wanna be newcomers like Tesla

Any cheaper lower established brand has to do more in terms of specs & range to get noticed to win people over
But the established brand speaks for itself
I'm getting this Lexus RZ a pre-driven '23 for $39k dark metallic Grey chrome 20" wheels
& I'm sure I'll be complimented more than if I chose a bland new Model Y for $50k+

[misaelramos]

2:30 Americans will use anything but the metric system 😂

[marekkurwa]

Blah Blah Blah Im still buying To-yo-ta. I have owned Genesis, Mitsu, Chrysler, GM and few others. ALL turned out to be GIANT POS, from experience not just conjecture. Do not waste your money on anything else.

[James-dyzh]

This just makes the model 3 a more budget friendly option and ten times more appealing

[rbrown]

Let’s be honest if you own a tesla you know that the listed range by the manufacture is total BS! I have taken road trips on all of the Tesla models and never got close to their listed range. Hint its were this Lexus is listed at!

[Tendertroll]

I am l only getting this if they give me a huge discount

[bamxl]

No way I’m buying a EV with less than 200 miles (with 20”). Once u set it at the recommended 80 percent battery that’s like real world 165 miles

[naveenthemachine]

Everything about the RZ is just bad. Not a single good thing to say about it no matter how hard you try