2026 Lexus RZ Review

All-new 2026 Lexus RZ revolutionizes electric luxury with increased range, F Sport capability, and Supercharger availability. Find out why this next-generation Lexus EV might be your ultimate daily luxury vehicle.

The Stealthy Samurai Just Got a Turbo Burst of Adrenaline

There was a day—not that far distant—when purchasing a Lexus was exchanging thrills for calm. The badge assured peacefulness, dependability, and opulence in whispered tones. But 2026 has other ideas. Lexus has finally unleashed its EV onto the world—and it’s arriving sizzling with more range, more technology, and a beast-mode 402-hp F Sport trim that can send your chai latte flying off the center console.

The 2026 Lexus RZ is not only an EV. It’s the coming-of-age tale of a luxury marque that deemed it had done tiptoeing around the electric era. This time, Lexus has brought the pyrotechnics—and it’s ready to go toe-to-toe with Tesla, Audi, and BMW in a full-blown battle.

From Zen Garden to EV Playground: A Quick History

Lexus tested the waters of electrification with hybrids such as the RX 450h, and then entered the full EV waters with the RZ 450e in 2023. Although it have Lexus-grade quality and comfort, it was short of zest and ambition to truly challenge the EV market. It was a proxy—a preview of things to be.

Cut to 2026, and Lexus is no longer we used to know. It’s now screaming (quieter, that is) into the limelight. The RZ has become a precision-tuned electric vehicle that blends old Lexus sophistication with the latest EV capability and dynamism.

Interior Design and Build Quality: You Could Meditate in Here

Step inside the RZ and you’re greeted by an interior that feels equal parts art installation and command center. The design philosophy follows Lexus’s “Tazuna” concept—where every control is intuitively within reach, and the focus is entirely on the driver.

The dashboard is low and broad, improving visibility, and the center console curves like sculpture. Each material is selected with purpose: high-density acoustic glass, microfiber suede, satin metallic trim, and recycled synthetics that don’t feel synthetic in the least. Lexus has upped the game in tactile excellence, making each touchpoint—buttons, switches, handles—firm and pleasing.

The infotainment system is now Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless compatible, and the voice command system boasts enhanced natural language understanding. The optional Mark Levinson surround system is a symphony of precision, making every drive a private concert.

Design: Look Good While Saving the Planet

Exterior, the RZ maintains Lexus’s aggressive, origami-inspired aesthetic but drops unnecessary complexity. The shut front fascia makes the RZ look like it has come from another world, aerodynamically optimized for efficiency. The side panels have been sculpted by Lexus designers to flow air smoothly, and each angle serves a functional intent—less drag, more range.

Wheel sizes are 18 to 21 inches, and the F Sport package includes gloss black trim, sport suspension, and a distinctive front bumper. Rear LED light bars and sequential turn signals that add to the futuristic look are also included.

Performance: This RZ Has Some Fight in It

Ditch the demure behavior of early Lexus EVs. The 2026 RZ is available in three potent permutations:

RZ 350e (FWD): Single motor makes 221 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque. Ideal for efficiency and light urban agility.

RZ 450e (AWD): Has a second motor for 308 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque, adding to more traction and considerably better 0–60 times (~4.9 seconds).

RZ 550e F Sport (AWD): Halo trim pumping 402 hp and 450 lb-ft, reducing the 0–60 time to mere 4 seconds. DIRECT4 torque vectoring and two-motor setup provide stability at high speeds and corner-sticking grip.

Battery thermal management has been enhanced. The liquid-cooled battery pack is resistant to degradation, even under harsh weather conditions. Regenerative braking is variable, and simulated gear changes provide driver involvement for those pining for ICE sensations.

Safety: Bubble Wrap Meets Jedi Reflexes

Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 now features AI additions. RZ learns from driving patterns constantly and adjusts warnings accordingly. Pedestrian detection at night, emergency lane assist, and vehicle-to-vehicle communication are integrated for future-proofing.

It also features:

Lane Change Assist with blind spot monitor

Intersection Turning Assist

Driver monitoring system with facial recognition

Advanced 10-airbag system with front-center and rear side airbags

Post-collision braking to avoid secondary crashes

Features: Daily EV With Road Trip Flair

Range anxiety? No more. The RZ’s battery choices and Lexus’s latest software-controlled energy optimization provide the RZ legs:

RZ 350e: up to 300 miles with 18-inch wheels

RZ 450e: up to 260 miles

RZ 550e: up to 240 miles (thanks to increased output)

Charging options are:

NACS plug (Tesla Supercharger compatible)

CCS adapter for backwards compatibility

11 kW onboard charger for optimal Level 2 home charging

150 kW fast charging, 10–80% in under 30 minutes

It also features a vehicle-to-load (V2L) power outlet, ideal for emergency charging of other EVs or equipment, or tailgating.

Pricing and U.S. Availability

The RZ has a competitive price tag for a luxury EV:

RZ 350e: $55,000 (est.)

RZ 450e: $60,000 (est.)

RZ 550e F Sport: $67,000 to \$70,000 (est.)

Trims will come out incrementally through U.S. dealerships, first in California, Texas, and New York by late 2025, then countrywide by Q1 2026.

Pros and Cons

What We Love:

Revolutionary jump in performance with the 550e

Enhanced range and battery longevity

Tesla Supercharger access as standard

Stunningly crafted and hushed interior

Top-of-class safety features

What We’d Fix:

Range still lags behind Lucid and Tesla long-range

No yoke steering option for U.S. market

F Sport ride may feel too firm for some

Final Verdict: A Lexus EV You’ll Actually Crave

The 2026 Lexus RZ represents a leap in EV performance. It’s not just a better Lexus EV—it’s one of the best-designed, best-equipped, and most emotionally satisfying electric SUVs in its segment. With access to the Tesla Supercharger network, a comfortable and high-tech interior, and genuinely fun performance, the RZ has finally grown into a model you’ll desire—not just admire.

If you desire a serene, strong, and sophisticated respite from the sea of Teslas and German EVs, this is your time.