2026 Lexus RZ Expert Review
Reviewed by Alex Leanse
Lexus’ first all-electric vehicle in the United States, the RZ crossover, received a tepid welcome when it arrived for 2023. Although it provided the comfort and quality expected of a Lexus, charging performance and driving range put the RZ at the back of the pack among modern EV SUVs. For 2026, the RZ receives a slate of changes aimed at improving its fundamental EV capabilities, along with making it more enjoyable to drive. Rivals to the 2026 Lexus RZ include the Genesis GV60, Audi Q6 E-Tron, and Volvo EX40.
Euro-spec model pictured
What’s New
●Revised battery architecture for longer range and faster charging with built-in NACS port
●Updated chassis tuning for improved handling and ride comfort
●More powerful motors; new high-performance F Sport variant introduced
●Steer-by-wire system becomes available
●Additional sound deadening measures applied
●Freshened interior finishings
What We Think
Although the RZ has always delivered on Lexus hallmarks, it has also lacked a competitive edge against other EVs. It’s quite a nice vehicle: smooth suspension, a quiet interior, high-quality materials, and refined driving manners make it a lovely way to get around town. Factor in its edgy design and good safety scores, and the RZ presents plenty of appeal.
That is, aside from its range and charging performance, among the worst in the segment. In MotorTrend testing, the RZ struggled to go more than 200 miles on a charge. Nor was it quick to recharge once it plugged in. This made the RZ a good way to get around locally, but not a viable road trip solution; Lexus offers RZ buyers a loaner program to drive a gas-powered Lexus for longer drives.
The RZ’s competitive standing improves for 2026 as it gains a reworked battery system that has more capacity and a higher charge rate. A power bump across the lineup increases the SUV's appeal. During our First Drive review, we determined the RZ is nice to drive and rides quietly, but it still needs a larger driver display with a better user interface. Additionally, Also, Lexus won't be offering the cool steer-by-wire system it promised at launch, nor will our market receive the futuristic steering yoke or Lexus' VCIM ride control technology.
After a few years floundering, the 2026 RZ comes closer to becoming the EV SUV it always should’ve been. However, in a segment packed with ultra-competitive rivals, Lexus needs to continue to up its game if it wants to climb higher in our Ultimate Car Rankings. Offering the cool features available abroad would be a great start.
Range, Charging, and Performance
Based on what we’ve seen from the European-market RZ, the model that arrives in the U.S. is expected to receive comprehensive updates to its battery, charging system, and powertrain choices. All 2026 RZ models have a 77-kWh battery, up from 71.4 or 72.8 kWh previously. Additionally, it switches from a CCS charging port to NACS. An 11-kW onboard AC charger will provide faster charging on Level 2 plugs. Preconditioning capability can now prime the battery for faster charging on a Level 3 charger.
The entry-level RZ 350e will have a FWD motor producing 221 hp, up from 201 hp in the outgoing RZ300e. Accordingly, the 0-60 mph acceleration time could be reduced to about 6.4 seconds, from 6.9 seconds. More important, this model is likely the one which Lexus says will benefit from “up to 100 km” of additional range (on the WLTP cycle) thanks to the revised battery system. As such, driving range for the 2026 RZ350e could come in at around 300 miles when it hits EPA testing.
The RZ 500e arrives to replace the RZ450e, with power rising to 376 hp from 308 thanks to its revised AWD powertrain. The 0-60 mph launch could come in at about 4.2 seconds. Given the RZ450e’s paltry driving range, the RZ500e should aim for about 250 miles of range from its new battery.
New for 2026 is the RZ550e F Sport, a high-performance version packing 402 hp. There’s enough to say about the RZ 550e F Sport that it’s worth devoting a whole section to it—see that below.
Sporty Lexus EV—With Fake Transmission? The 2026 RZ 550e F Sport
Being too slow was never the RZ’s problem; we previously called the RZ 450e’s power delivery “V-8-like" and appreciated its direct, linear powertrain responses. For 2026, however, Lexus is rolling out an even more powerful and exciting version: the RZ 550e F Sport.
With 402 hp from its dual-motor powertrain, the RZ 550e F Sport will be the strongest and quickest model in the RZ range; the 0-60-mph time could be less than 4.0 seconds. However, power isn’t the only thing that’ll make this model fun. It will feature Lexus’ new steer-by-wire system, which integrates novel speed-adaptive steering that can provide relaxed or very quick responses depending on the situation. It’s a bit like what Tesla uses in the Cybertruck. Additionally, the RZ 550e F Sport will have a so-called “Manual Drive” virtual gear shift system, which like in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N creates simulated gearshifts for greater control and engagement.
This model will likely have the least driving range of any 2026 RZ; don’t expect it to have much more than 200 miles of range. But within that distance, the new 2026 RZ 550e F Sport could be plenty of fun.
Safety Ratings and Features
Expect crash safety scores for the 2026 RZ to be similarly strong to the 2025 model, which received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.
All 2026 RZ models will come with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite of driver assist and active safety features. Among these are automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beams.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Depending on the measurement, interior capacity in the 2026 RZ is comparable to or slightly less than some of its EV SUV rivals.
Technology
As before, the updated RZ will have a 14.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. That nice, big screen is contrasted by a small and low-resolution digital gauge cluster display ahead of the driver, although the head-up display found in higher-end models is quite bright and versatile. A wireless device charger joins several USB charge ports. Above the standard audio system, a 13-speaker Mark Levinson arrangement is available.
What Is Lexus Reserve?
The RZ includes a perk called Lexus Reserve, which provides buyers and lessees access to gas-powered Lexus vehicles. The thinking is that Lexus Reserve makes it easier to go on road trips than would be possible in the RZ, given its mediocre range and charging performance. The 2026 RZ improves those factors, but Lexus Reserve is still a nice bonus.
Interior Luxury Features in the 2026 RZ
Upscale cabin materials help distinguish the RZ from the Toyota bZ4X to which it’s related. The steering wheel is wrapped in a lovely soft-touch faux leather material, and faux suede elsewhere adds to the comfortable experience. For 2026, Lexus increases the RZ’s interior luxury with touches like multi-color ambient light projections, and laser-etched faux leather trim. The panoramic glass roof now has increased dimming capability for less sun exposure.
