What’s the Deal with the 2025 Lexus RZ?
If you’ve been hunting for a luxury electric SUV that’s polished yet practical, here comes the 2025 Lexus RZ. Lexus is making its bold move with this all-electric ride, aiming to combine their signature refinement with EV tech. It’s stop-you-in-your-tracks sleek on the outside, comfortable and plush inside, with some tech tricks that feel right at home in 2025. But don’t expect it to blow your socks off with amazing range—it’s more about smooth luxury than breaking EV records.
Lexus RZ Styling: Modern Looks With Lexus Flair
The 2025 Lexus RZ nails that futuristic yet classic Lexus vibe. Picture a crossover with smooth lines, that recognizable spindle grille now reimagined for an electric model, and LED lighting that adds a high-tech glow. The design is a nice blend of practical crossover proportions and coupe-like athleticism, thanks to its sloping roofline and clean profile. It’s the kind of design that makes other EVs feel a bit plain.
Inside, you get premium touches everywhere—from softly cushioned seats available with heating, ventilation, and even infrared knee warmers in some trims, to ambient lighting that crafts a chill atmosphere. The cabin feels spacious with great materials that remind you why Lexus is all about comfort and quality craftsmanship
Powertrain and Performance: Enough Power, Maybe Not Enough Range
Underneath the hood, or should we say floor, the 2025 Lexus RZ offers two main flavors. The base RZ 300e is a front-wheel drive with a single electric motor pushing out 201 horsepower—a decent number for everyday driving. The RZ 450e kicks it up with all-wheel drive and 308 horsepower, which makes for quicker sprints and more confident traction whether you’re on wet roads or just pushing the throttle.
The big news? The new RZ 550e F SPORT, delivering a healthy 408 horsepower, plus Lexus’s latest driving tech including an interactive manual drive system that simulates gear shifts for more driver engagement. It’s a neat feature for those who want a little extra control without sacrificing the smoothness of electric power.
However, the catch is that the RZ’s range isn’t the most generous in the electric SUV club. Estimates range from 196 to 266 miles depending on the model and driving conditions, and in real-world tests, expect those numbers to shrink a bit. Charging times have improved with a more powerful 22 kW onboard charger and battery pre-conditioning to speed things up in colder weather, but it still can’t match some rivals. So, if you’re all about maximum electric mileage, this might not be your top pick—but if smooth, luxurious driving is your vibe, it’s worth a look.
Tech and Safety: Lexus Keeps It User-Friendly and Secure
One of the standout tech features on the 2025 Lexus RZ is the steer-by-wire system, a first for Lexus. This replaces the traditional mechanical steering with electronic controls, aiming for smoother handling and quicker response on twisty roads—kind of like a joystick but with more precision and Lexus’s signature feel. It’s new and definitely a talking point.
The infotainment is tackled with familiar, easy-to-use Lexus interfaces combining touchscreen and physical controls—a good combo that doesn’t frustrate like some overly complex EV systems. Safety is Lexus-level solid, offering all the usual driver aids like lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and emergency braking to keep you safe and confident behind the wheel.[5][3][6]
How’s the Lexus RZ To Drive?
Driving the RZ feels like riding in a luxury bubble that knows how to take corners without drama. The suspension strikes a nice balance between comfort and agility, and the low battery placement helps with a low center of gravity so it doesn’t roll excessively in turns. It’s no firecracker off the line—0 to 60 mph takes about 5.3 seconds in the RZ 450e and 8 seconds in the base 300e—but it’s smooth and composed, perfect for those who want a refined driving experience without the outright thrill of certain competitors.
One neat thing: the RZ’s regenerative braking system can be adjusted with paddles behind the wheel offering four levels (think of it like controlling how much the car slows down when you lift off the accelerator), which adds a bit more control but isn’t exactly full one-pedal driving.[3][1]
Is the 2025 Lexus RZ the Luxury EV for You?
Ideal for buyers who want a plush, quiet, and technologically advanced electric SUV that prioritizes comfort and Lexus-level craftsmanship over insane range or acceleration. Pricing starts around the high $50,000s, which slots it against competitors like the Audi Q4 e-tron and the Genesis Electrified GV70. It’s got that Lexus cool-factor in build quality and design, but be prepared for range limitations if you often tackle longer trips without fast chargers.
If your daily grind fits comfortably within its electric range and you value reliability, craftsmanship, and a smooth ride with a touch of futuristic steering tech, the 2025 Lexus RZ is your new shiny friend on four wheels.