2026 Lexus RZ

Overview To this point, our biggest gripes with the RZ electric compact SUV have centered around its lack of pep and its limited electric driving range, but Lexus has addressed both of those complaints for 2026. The front-wheel-drive RZ350e variant receives a power bump to 221 horsepower, and a new 402-horsepower RZ550e F Sport joins the lineup as the sprightliest of the crew. With improved battery and charging tech, Lexus says that the base RZ now has a maximum range of 300 miles, which should quell range anxiety a bit. While we previously thought of the RZ as a solid Lexus but a mediocre EV, that could change with these updates. What’s New for 2026?To see the RZ’s 2026 changes, you need to look beneath the sheetmetal at its upgraded battery packs and electric motors. The base model has been renamed from RZ300e to RZ350e and now delivers 221 horsepower (20 hp more than before) and an estimated range of 300 miles (an additional 34 miles compared with last year’s rating). While the mid-tier RZ450e’s 308-hp output carries on unchanged, it now has an estimated range of 260 miles, 40 miles more than it could manage previously. A new top-trim RZ550e F Sport model joins the lineup for 2026, with a whopping 402 horsepower and some aesthetic tweaks including a rear spoiler, a different front grille, 20-inch wheels, and unique interior materials. All new RZs are fitted with an improved 11-kW on-board AC charger and a NACS (North American Charging System) charging port, which allows for quicker AC charging and the ability to DC fast-charge at Tesla Superchargers. Pricing and Which One to BuyThe price of the 2026 Lexus RZ is expected to start around $45,000 and go up to $62,000 depending on the trim and options.RZ350e$45,000 (est)RZ450e$50,000 (est)RZ550e F Sport$62,000 (est)Given that Lexus hasn’t released any pricing information about the new RZ, it is hard to give a definitive recommendation just yet. However, the entry-level RZ350e looks like the most tempting option on paper. With a respectable 221 horsepower and the highest estimated range of all the trim offerings, the RZ350e seems hard to beat from a value perspective. But we’ll reserve final judgment for when we have pricing details. Getting Started with EVsEV Motor, Power, and PerformanceThe RZ350e has a single electric motor on its front axle that’s good for 221 horsepower. The RZ450e is powered by a dual-motor arrangement that spreads 308 horses among all four wheels. The RZ550e F Sport is the performance pick, churning out 402 horsepower from its dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup. Lexus previously stated that a yoke-style steering wheel would be offered as an option, replacing the standard steering wheel, but the carmaker has now said that the yoke and steer-by-wire system isn’t yet ready for the U.S. market. For some additional driver engagement, the RZ550e F Sport has steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and an “M Mode” that simulates gear changes from a traditional transmission in a gas vehicle.0–60-MPH TimesLexus claims that the front-drive RZ350e can work its way to 60 mph in an unspectacular 7.2 seconds. The 308-hp RZ450e does significantly better than that with the help of all-wheel drive, earning a 60-mph estimate of 4.9 seconds. When we previously tested the RZ450e, it got to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The RZ550e is unsurprisingly the quickest model, which Lexus predicts will reach 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. We’ll update this section when we have a chance to test the updated RZ’s acceleration capabilities for ourselves.More on the RZ SUVRange, Charging, and Battery LifeA NACS (North American Charging Standard) port replaces the CCS port found in the previous RZ. This new port enables it to charge at Tesla Superchargers. A higher-capacity 75-kWh battery pack increases driving range in the RZ350e to 300 miles, and to 260 miles in the RZ450e. Those new estimates are 34 miles more than the RZ300e could manage in 2025 and 40 miles further than the RZ450e’s previous rating. The new RZ550e gets an even larger 77-kWh pack, which Lexus estimates will afford 225 miles of range. Lexus says that the RZ can charge from 10 to 80 percent in around 30 minutes on a DC fast charger, and AC charging speed is faster thanks to a higher-capacity 11-kW on-board AC charger.Interior, Comfort, and CargoThe Lexus RZ’s interior is simplicity-focused, with few buttons and switches on the dashboard and doors. Instead, most functions are controlled through a large infotainment display. Similar approaches have been employed in EV models from Tesla and Polestar, with varying results. Either way, the RZ’s cabin is spacious for a small crossover and looks and feels quite upscale, with most surfaces wrapped with faux suede or synthetic leather.The Car and Driver DifferenceInfotainment and ConnectivityA large 14.0-inch infotainment touchscreen dominates the RZ’s dashboard and looks similar to the screen found in the gasoline-powered NX SUV. Lexus says the driver can interact with the system by touching the screen and also by using voice commands. A digital gauge display and a head-up display are also included. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both with wireless connectivity capabilities, are standard.How to Buy and Maintain a CarSafety and Driver-Assistance FeaturesLike many other new Lexus models, the RZ is offered with a full suite of standard driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automated emergency braking. Additional features will be optional, including an automated parking feature. For more information about the RZ’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance CoverageLexus provides a competitive limited warranty and an even better powertrain warranty. The automaker also includes a short period of complimentary scheduled maintenance.