Lexus RZ 450e vs. Tesla Model Y | Did Lexus Build a Better Electric SUV? | Price, Range & More!

The 2023 Lexus RZ 450e is the brand’s first all-electric vehicle and the latest entrant into the Tesla Model Y-dominated midsize luxury electric SUV segment. The RZ 450e oozes luxury in a way the Model Y simply can’t, but is that enough in a segment where range is what matters most? Edmunds’ Clint Simone and Lauren McCay find out in our Lexus RZ 450e vs. Tesla Model Y comparison test!

00:00 Intro
01:02 Overview
03:47 Lexus Interior
05:46 Lexus Driving Impressions
09:29 Model Y Interior
10:48 Model Y Driving Impressions
13:17 Tech
16:52 Edmunds' Take

[edmundscars]

The RZ has a premium interior and Lexus’ excellent reputation for build quality and reliability. Would you choose it over the Tesla Model Y and its vastly superior range, cargo space, and ease of charging? Let us know in the comments.

[alternatereality]

More range on Model Y is a plus. But for my use I chose RZ as it is just more pleasant experience with nice seats and plush ride. And only time will tell us about reliability of new RZ.

[freezersnout]

"I have tall people energy."

First Edmunds review I've watched all the way through in a while. Give these two a car and no script and I'd watch it 10/10 times.

[thatguy]

The range is lower on the Lexus but you can tell the quality is better on the Lexus than the Tesla. I have Sat in both and you can FEEL IT. No way is an American car company going to have better quality. I just can’t see it nor feel it. Can’t say how many times I’ve seen numerous Teslas have glitching LED lights, misaligned bumpers, noticeable panel gaps. You can feel the flimsy plastic on the Tesla. You can make crap look delicious with sprinkles on it, but it does not make it a tasty treat😂

[blu_is]

Honestly, the real thing is Infrastructure Anxiety, not Range Anxiety. If the generic charging network in our country was on-point, 200 vs. 300 miles of range wouldn't be the biggest concern. Great review guys, you should do more together! Love the chemistry.

[willnye]

I'm honestly curious how well Lexus' battery will do since it is a smaller low range battery. It has only about 220 miles of range but the question is how long of a range will both the Lexus and Tesla have after 3 years of use. Not to mention, Lexus is the ONLY manufacturer offering a "Vehicle Loaner Plan" for RZ owners.

[ikelaiho]

I am a Lexus fan. But with less features, let's range, and higher cost from a newer model, the Tesla just has to win. And I think I'm in love with the female presenter.

[jdesigns]

They is a great fun energy and chemistry from both reviewers in the video!

[Wasabi]

Clint!? When did you move to Edmunds? I guess this means you also moved coast too…. It’s been a while since I saw you on a car review video. Good to see you back online.

[parveshpoeran]

Great video.. Is it more quiet than other ev's or just compared to ice cars?.. Keep it up.

[malikkhana]

This is not a fair comparison. Tesla is just an overall advanced next generation vehicle. Here is something not mentioned. Dealing with salesman at a car dealership is a NIGHTMARE. My neighborhood Lexus is charging $10K additional on top of inflated price of $67K. And also not mentioned, the sentry mode, the app to control all the features, the autopilot tech that is so easy to use in Tesla, ordering process, the outdated glitchy software with Lexus. Yes Tesla had issues with the quality, but looking at 22 and 23 models, those issues are gone.

[treborheminway]

The poor efficiency combined with slow charging is not good, but throw in the ultra short range and it's a very poor choice. If it cold gates like the bz4x, it's a major flaw.

I like the yoke steering tech ( not tested) and radiant heaters though.

[ragweedmakesmesneeze]

I enjoyed this duo's review! I do wish Edmunds would dial back the rat-ta-tat scripts a bit more though. And it was weird to hear them laud the ride quality as taking "everything LA can throw at you" while obviously on a smoothly-paved, well-maintained, private test track.

[robertwenrenyeh]

All these vs Tesla Model 3 or Y, should be really retitled to “Can it live up to” instead. Tesla did a fine job setting a standard. Now everyone is trying to make similar vehicle to the model 3 or Y, well maybe with the exception to the ID Buzz, as that one is a Van.

[flashsushi]

Lexus should just up the battery warranty to 90% capacity and show other manufacturers how its battery management prioritizes longevity over driving range.

[clubmogambo]

As a huge Lexus fan and twice owner of the RX350, I have long been anticipating the arrival of their E-model. After watching a number of YT videos, including this one, I can safely say that Lexus has a long way to go. I believe it will get there, but I'm guessing that's at least 5 years away.

[jevgeniardassov]

Charging infrastructure is not a valid point everywhere. There is ZERO Tesla chargers in my country, Estonia, EU. Also You will be charging at home here, since quick-chargers here is 6-10 times more expensive than home charging and will make you pay as you would have with a petrol car… Range, in my experience everyone lies. The best I had with Tesla in the city is 13, 4 kw/100 km and with full spec RZ i got 16, 7 which is not far off, considering AWD, Tesla Model 3 was RWD. Full one pedal driving would be cool but not a dealbreaker for me. What is a dealbreaker is waiting period of 24 months for the Lexus though.

[JasonB]

Still love the Tesla. It's so much better. I can understand the interior critiques, but I like the minimalism. I'm not a fan of the ceo, but I am proud to proclaim that the best EVs are made here in America.

[robertwarren]

Great video and I agree with your observations. The night before I bought my Lexus RZ450e I seriously considered the Tesla model Y. I had test driven it as well as the Lexus. In the end I chose the Lexus because it seemed like the perfect car for me. I love Tesla, but the Lexus was just more luxurous inside compared to the stark Tesla cabin. My wife also has a gas Lexus, which we would take on long trips. once the Lexus Reserve program runs out in three years. I spend 98% of my time driving around town and charge my car about once a week on a home charger. In my opinion, no electric cars are convenient for long trips when compared to a gas or hybrid car. When solid state batteries come out, that should be a "game changer".

[michaeloparah]

Awesome review. Great chemistry between these two...look forward to seeing them on more episodes.