2023 Lexus RZ Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$58,500 to $64,000

Original MSRP

9.2
of 10

expert review

5.0

avg user rating

(1 review)

Pros

  • Standard all-wheel drive

  • Cool features

  • Easy EV driving experience

Cons

  • No glove compartment

9.2
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
9/10
Technology
9/10
Performance
10/10
Safety
9/10
Form & function
8/10
Cost-effectiveness
10/10
Photo by Natalie Harrington. 2023 Lexus RZ, front-quarter view.

Lexus and parent company Toyota were early to the electrification game: The Prius beat most of the world to market, and the 2005 Lexus RX 400h was the first luxury hybrid. But the automakers have taken their time on the way to offering a fully electric vehicle. And it was worth the wait.

The Lexus RZ 450e crossover is the brand’s first-ever dedicated battery-electric vehicle (BEV), with several innovative, Lexus-first features as well. The RZ (for “Radiant Zero”) is built in the same Motomachi, Japan facility which also produced the Lexus LC, LFA, and GS F.
9/10

With the all-new RZ electric car, Lexus takes its spindle grille to the next level by introducing the “spindle body.” The available bi-tone paint option emphasizes the SUV’s contours by swathing the front fascia, hood, and roof in black, creating a sharp-looking bowtie shape extending from the car’s chin to its wipers. We especially liked this execution paired with the new Ether colour, a light but certainly not weak blue which Lexus says was inspired by a cloudless sky. Ether is offered at an extra cost of $500, as are Iridium, Cloudburst Gray, and Eminent White Pearl. Only the black Caviar colour is free of charge.

Whether or not you opt to include the Onyx Black as a second shade, every Lexus RZ also comes with black fender flares which visually elide into the tires in some lights and from some angles. The effect makes the wheels look smaller, but we don’t hate it—it also contributes to the RZ’s concept-car-like looks, which is a very good thing.

And the RZ’s wheels are not in fact small at all. The base RZ 450e Signature trim comes with 18-inch aluminum wheels in a five-spoke design; they’re finished in Dark Metallic Gray and highlighted by silver-coloured machined accents. 20-inch wheels are standard on the Luxury and Executive trims.

An illuminated logo is available on the RZ, the first Lexus to get this feature. It mimics the behaviour of the headlights and also functions as a charging indicator if optioned on either trim.

Three interior colour options are available for the RZ: Thunderstorm (a combo of blue-gray and cream), Palomino (a tan), or Dapple Gray (self-explanatory). All are offered in either NuLuxe or Ultra-suede rather than a true leather, which Lexus says was an intentional choice meant to appeal to likely-eco-conscious RZ shoppers. Similarly, rather than decorating the vehicle’s interior with leather or wood, the automaker has chosen “shadow illumination,” which uses a light nestled inside the doors to project patterns on the door panels. In theory, this is a great idea. However, we did not get to appreciate the result: A challenge with launch programs like the one in which we experienced the RZ is that you typically do not get to drive the car in the dark (we reserve comment on headlights and adaptive high beams until we spend a week with the vehicle). On the sunny San Diego day we enjoyed with the RZ, we were unable to observe the projected lighting in action. For now, our take is that it’s a cool concept, the execution needs work, but if Lexus can pull it off, it’s going to be a game-changer.

Natalie Harrington
Published Nov 2, 2023 by Natalie Harrington
Natalie is a Boston-based writer and automotive enthusiast whose bylines have appeared in multiple outlets, including GM-Trucks.com and UpShift. She now works full-time as Lead Staff Writer at CarGurus. Natalie loves car shows, museums, and culture, and she is particularly interested in the unique roles cars play in their owners' lives. As a Trustee of the Larz Anderson Auto Museum, she works to support and advance New England car culture.

User reviews for 2023 Lexus RZ

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User rating:
by S D
Aug 19, 2023
Another excellent vehicle made by the most reliable automaker in the world. Its range of 220 miles may be too low compared to the exaggerated Elon Musks Tesla cars but at least its true and you wont be renting a space next to the service department for weekly visits like a Tesla. Its smooth, quite, has a lot of Hugh tech safety features and the design is amazing. So far, I love this vehicle! Lexus is currently working on a 800mile range solid state battery but wont release it till its deemed 100% reliable...unlike other auto makers who push out their newest tech without proper testing. ;)Aug 19, 2023

2023 Lexus RZ Pricing

Original MSRP
$58,500 to $64,000
Price range
$44,373 to $49,985
Average price on CG
$44,373
YoY price change
$49,985 to $44,373

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · IHeartRadio internet radio · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 10

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: alloy · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: rear · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free · EV battery capacity: 71.4 kWh · EV on-board charger rating: 6.6 kW · Electric Charge Cord: 120 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 308 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 233 · Electric Motor Torque: 320 · Electric motor charger: DC fast charging · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: black · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Hybrid

Electric motor miles per charge: 220

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Amazon Alexa · Infotainment: Enform · Infotainment screen size: 14 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Android Auto

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 7 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Sunroof: panoramic

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: rear · Camera system: surround view · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact absorbing seats: dual front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leatherette

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Kit: inflator kit

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Enform Remote Connect · Smart device app function: send destination to vehicle · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: aluminum with painted accents

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · IHeartRadio internet radio · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 10

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: alloy · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: front · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: vehicle and key memory · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: voice recognition controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free · EV battery capacity: 71.4 kWh · EV on-board charger rating: 6.6 kW · Electric Charge Cord: 120 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 308 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 233 · Electric Motor Torque: 320 · Electric motor charger: DC fast charging · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: black · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: sensor-activated · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Hybrid

Electric motor miles per charge: 220

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Amazon Alexa · Infotainment: Enform · Infotainment screen size: 14 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Android Auto

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 7 in. · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Sunroof: panoramic

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: surround view · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact absorbing seats: dual front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leatherette

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Kit: tire sealant

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Enform Remote Connect · Smart device app function: engine start · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: aluminum with painted accents

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 10

Windows

Front wipers: speed sensitive · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · IHeartRadio internet radio · Premium Brand: Mark Levinson · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 12 · Watts: 1800

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: leather · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Interior accents: faux suede · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Active parking system: fully automated · Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: rear · Autonomous lane guidance: lane changing · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: vehicle and key memory · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: sunglasses holder · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free · EV battery capacity: 71.4 kWh · EV on-board charger rating: 6.6 kW · Electric Charge Cord: 120 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 308 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 233 · Electric Motor Torque: 320 · Electric motor charger: DC fast charging · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772 · Electric motor miles per charge: 196

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: black · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Amazon Alexa · Infotainment: Enform · Infotainment screen size: 14 in. · Smartphone integration: wireless Apple CarPlay

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 7 in. · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: reverse gear tilt

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Sunroof: panoramic

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: rear · Camera system: surround view · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact absorbing seats: dual front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: suede

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Kit: inflator kit

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Enform Remote Connect · Smart device app function: engine start · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: aluminum with painted accents

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 10

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Laminated glass: acoustic · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse