The 2024 Lexus RZ Is Solidly 'OK' But Is That A Reason To Buy It?

Despite the hate it seems to get online, the RZ is a perfectly OK EV with a luxury logo, comfy seats, some cool gadgets and average specs for a base model. But the real problem is that the RZ doesn't actually do anything better than the competition. It's not faster charging, or longer range, or roomier, or quicker to 60, nor does it handle better, have a bigger trunk, or more LCD real estate than the rest. So why get the RZ? Well, I think it really just comes down to wanting a Lexus EV and that's OK, but you should know there are better options out there...

0:00 - Introduction
0:17 - Styling
2:29 - How big is it
4:03 - Drivetrain
4:24 - Charging
4:57 - Range
6:30 - Front Seats
7:39 - Big back seat
9:01 - Cargo capacity
10:16 - Interior design
16:07 - How does it drive?
20:45 - The RZ isn't overly competitive...
28:39 - Conclusion

#RZ350e #LexusRZ #Lexus

[AAutoBuyersGuide]

Sooo, YouTube somehow deleted the audio from our first upload, and the second. This one has audio I swear! Yikes! Here it is again! In a nutshell, the RZ is fine. Its range isn't actually that far off most of the competition, but it doesn't have any real way that it beats the competition. Tesla has the charging network and aggressive prices, Mercedes has a world class interior, Genesis has more luxury and super super fast charging, etc etc. Lexus? They have a Lexus logo...

[Trades]

I sold Lexus for 3 years and definitely like the brand. When I was EV shopping I wanted to test the RZ 450e but then realized in Canada you can't even get one unless you lived in BC or QC.

The range is really poor and that is deal breaking for many EV buyers. The rest of the car is actually quite nice, and definitely harks back to an EV RX.

[MBergyman]

This car is now selling sub 40k in California for 2023 models with sub 10k on the odometer. RZ forums members are reports mi/kWh figures in the low to mid 3's. That is perfectly acceptable efficiency, especially in temperate climates. Toyota has (IMHO) conservatively, and unnecessarily restricted the DC fast charge curve and is going to turn buyers away, but my guess is that these restrictions mean that any and all of these cars will see little to no degradation of the battery, making it an extremely safe buy as a used vehicle, which is the only way that I'll ever buy cars. I predict this vehicle will outlast most other brands in terms of its reliability and longevity, just like every other Lexus.

[RSwrightMD]

The criticism of this car are largely unfounded. I drove a Tesla Model 3 one week as a rental, then went and looked at the RZ at the local Lexus dealer. What an upgrade to get the RZ! I know the range is a negative but it is offset by the more comfortable front and back seats, the enhanced controls for driving (ergonomics) and the Lexus safety features. This is The EV to buy in my opinion!

[davidkeller]

Alex- this was an accurate review but I could add a couple of pointers; I have owned an Rz450e Premium with the 18’ wheels in Ohio since January and have put on 2500 miles, avg. 3.9 miles/kwh overall. The regen paddles are critical because the lowest setting is coasting and then the 3 variable settings allow a significant recapture if used to maximum effect. Setting on any of those 3 regen levels as a set point is significantly less efficient. I can get 255 mile range with decent low end buffer below 0. The radiant heaters are very effective and efficient as you described but do not reach the drivers feet so leather shoes and decent socks make a big difference below 40 F if you want the big energy savings. The pop-in shades for the sunroof are expensive but an absolute must on the Premium trim with no photovoltaic glass option. Of course the 18” wheels improve the ride and range. Last point is that the discounts and incentives brought the lease cost basis down to $45k and you get 30 days free Lexus loaners over the 3 year lease term. Would I recommend this vehicle to a friend? It depends- if you want to consciously engage with the car and everything the engineers included for peak efficiency, absolutely. If you want to “set it and forget it” on climate controls and regen settings so it’s just like driving an ICE Lexus, then no, you will be dissatisfied. The other wild card is Lexus engineering and programming this for sustained performance over 10-15 years which is true to their values and culture but questionable in a technology space progressing like the BEV space. A more aggressive charging curve coupled with a shorter warranty period would benefit the original purchaser without a doubt and Lexus could easily make that a selectable option. Safe travels to all.

[mikefucito]

This is my favorite EV reviewer. I own an RZ 450e and I love it.

[BubbaBearsFriend]

The 6.6kW max AC charging is crazy low considering even the inexpensive Bolt includes 11kW AC charging.

[billyjean]

Tech is a generation behind
Toyota should make more hev because their ev is almost useless

[MistSoalar]

That comparison to Ariya is spot on. I love the style of that Nissan over Lexus.

[EasyBee]

Outstanding Review. Test drove one today as a Lexus owner and fan. Wanted additional info and you brought it home. Thanks !!!!

[Galvezerick]

Luxury brands should only be compared to other luxury brand. Most shoppers would never buy a Nissan over a Lexus no matter how much better it is what they offer.

[Zhenocnra]

The GV70 would be the easiest pick if it wasn't for the fact that Genesis is still taking their time in building a standalone dealership network. I would rather Genesis just go towards direct sales and build service centers/inventory lots. I don't want to buy from a dealership but I want even less of having to go to a Hyundai dealership for luxury-priced service bills.

[rightlanehog]

Alex, Third time's the charm! 😉🤞🤞🤞

[jayhiggins]

@alex, could the Ariya be better (compelling and better selling) as an Infinity if proper elevated.

[Nonyabuisness]

Normally I think you are a bit tougher on Lexus/toyota products but this time I actually agree

[DGDanConsumerGuru]

great coverage of key points - I agree with all and learned a lot of new info. However, two key factors you could say more about are service and reliability. I was so disappointed with the Hyundai-Genesis dealerships that, although I prefer their EVs, I cannot justify the years of expected hassle and low-quality care/service. That may be my favorite part of my 10 mostly satisfied years with Lexus cars.

[ToshiClark]

Alex, when you did your review was Lexus doing this Lexus Reserve program yet with RZ leases and purchases? 30 days complimentary reservations of any Lexus vehicle from any US Lexus dealer! That changes the road trip (and travel elsewhere in country) dynamic quite a bit…

[Anhedonis]

I wish you were able to test the steering yoke.

[darmokt]

Considering whether this vehicle is competitive on range or charging speed misses the point. For the family that already has one gas vehicle, something that gets about 200mi of real world range and charges overnight covers anything short of a road trip. Plug-in hybrids can handle a commute, but shuffling the kids around to various extracurriculars, sports meets that might be 40-50mi away, sleepovers, etc. can quickly exhaust the battery range. For that kind of family, having a car that's always ready in the morning and doesn't ever need a trip to the gas station is one less thing to think about. All that vehicle needs to do on top of that is to be large enough for those needs, be relaxing to drive, and be reliable. I'm already starting to see these around and like the proliferation of the RX into high school drop-off lines everywhere, the more of them that are on the road, the more they'll sell.

As for comparisons to Genesis and Nissan products, in the real world the dealers those are sold from have "Bad credit? No credit?" banners on the side of their buildings. Until that changes, any comparison to a Lexus product is irrelevant to their target demographic. Tesla? No dealers, not relaxing to drive, and good luck figuring out how to adjust the windshield wipers when Timmy and Bobby are hitting each other in the back seat. Against the rest of the luxury-branded competition the RZ acquits itself fairly well and if I didn't care about driving dynamics I could absolutely see having one for kid-shuttling duty.

[msmith]

Great review as always. No doubt the Lexus will be reliable. But, there are a lot of cost cutting decisions that confuse me for this price point.