Review: 2025 RZ450e Nails The Lexus Part, But This EV Needs Work

Ever since Toyota released its first-ever mass-produced electric vehicle (EV), the bZ4X, the carmaker has been accused of not being competitive in the EV race. As I said in my review, when pitted against rivals sold at similar price points, the bZ4X feels like a half-baked job, as if Toyota doesn’t actually really care about selling electric vehicles. And although the Japanese giant has attempted to improve it through a series of updates, its range, charging abilities, cold-weather performance, and efficiency are simply not competitive enough to make it matter.

So, since its Lexus twin, the RZ, essentially rides on the same hardware, I assumed it would be the same rinse-and-repeat affair: a lukewarm EV that underperforms in its respective premium segment. Turns out I was right. After spending a brief moment with the all-wheel-drive RZ450e, I come to the conclusion that this may be a fantastic Lexus, but as an EV, you can clearly get better elsewhere for similar money.

2025 Lexus RZ450 First Impressions: It Looks Sort Of Cool, Like Some Kind Of Futuristic Cyborg

I like the way the RZ looks. It’s better looking than its siblings, the Toyota bZ4X and the Subaru Solterra, that’s for sure. There’s a neat futuristic, almost dystopian allure to its front fascia that has me constantly reminded of the Jack drone in the movie Oblivion. The RZ also has a decent size and shape, and sits on rather good-looking wheels. It’s also oozing with the typical sense of quality that all Lexus products are known for.

Except for perhaps a rear spoiler that I don’t agree with and the consistent abuse of horizontal LED taillights that the entire industry seems obsessed with, I’m totally at peace with the way the Lexus RZ450e looks.

2025 Lexus RZ450e Exterior Dimensions

2025 Lexus RZ: Differences Between The U.S. And Canadian Market

In the U.S., the RZ450e is one of two available versions for this model, essentially designating the dual-motor all-wheel-drive configuration. The front-wheel-drive model is called the RZ300e. Within these two designations, Lexus USA will sell you three different trim levels each, totaling six in all. In Canada, however, the only available version is the RZ450e, offering three trim levels as well, but with different names. Apart from that distinction, both markets sell essentially the same car, with the same choice of eight paint colors.

U.S. Versus Canada Lineup Breakdown And Starting MSRP (model tested in bold)

Driving Impressions And Performance: If You Don’t Know Much About EVs, Then You Might Like This

So, if the Toyota bZ4X and the Lexus RZ are so bad at being EVs, then why are people buying them? Although not breaking any sales records, these twins are driving around on our roads. They must be doing something well, right? I’ll get back to why the RZ under-delivers as an EV in a bit, but effectively, for consumers who don’t really understand the EV market, energy efficiency, and charging as us EV geeks, there’s actually a lot to like about the Lexus RZ450e.

The first is how quiet, smooth, and refined it feels. Actually, it’s very hard to spot the bZ4X hiding underneath this redesigned body as the RZ exhibits the sort of calm and serene driving experience you expect from the Lexus nameplate. There are no unwanted cabin rattles, very little tire and wind noise and, although its gear selector is a little weird, I can see why some folks might want to own one of these things.

General performance and acceleration are actually not bad. Powered by a 63.4-kWh battery, the all-wheel-drive RZ450e puts down a healthy 308 combined horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. This translates into a 0-60 MPH time of just under five seconds. By comparison, a Genesis GV60 Standard AWD achieves the same stint in under 4.5 seconds for similar money. ​​​​​​

But the RZ450e doesn’t put the power down in the same organized and sorted-out fashion as its main rival. It’s a little chaotic, actually, pulling and tugging from left to right, as if its performance is only a byproduct of its electric motors, rather than having been carefully tuned by people who actually like the performance. It’s just, quick. Handling is also uninspiring. This crossover simply doesn’t like being pushed around, and doesn’t offer the same playfulness as the South-Korean opposition. The RZ450e is therefore best served when you let it casually do its thing in an urban setting. In other words, as a luxury item, the RZ is rather great. There’s also some value here, as you’ll get a fully loaded RZ at the same price as a mid-pack GV60.

2025 Lexus RZ450e Technical Specifications

2025 Lexus RZ450e Energy Consumption, Range, And Charging

And this is where things start falling apart. Although I personally didn’t have the chance to

myself due to the short and controlled nature of this test drive, Lexus claims that its DC fast-charging rate is set at 150 kW in optimal conditions. That’s a low number when compared to the GV60’s 250-kW rating, or any Tesla for that matter. The onboard charger, for level 2 home charging, is set at 6.6 kW, again, a rather low number in today’s EV market.

Finally, range. In a world where a much more affordable Chevrolet Equinox EV will get you at least 280 miles of range, the EPA rates the AWD RZ450e at a mediocre 220 miles, in optimal conditions.

EPA And As Tested Energy Consumption And Range

Interior Design And Comfort: Well Put Together, Comfortable And Quiet

When I say the RZ feels every bit like a Lexus, this sensation is amplified the moment you set foot inside. Every surface seems to have been massaged and re-upholstered in either leather or soft materials to convey a sense of luxury and quality. It all feels expensive, and it’s beautifully put together, as if the RZ was built to last forever. I mentioned the weird gear selector earlier. Look, it’s just dumb, asking you to push down on it to select a gear each time. But apart from that, the seating position is great in the RZ, and those seats feel nice and thick, very comfortable and supportive. It’s also all rather straightforward in there, with everything being where it should be.

But, while the rear seating area remains more spacious than in a Genesis GV60, with a generous amount of leg and headroom, the level of quality suddenly drops back there, as if it’s an afterthought. Weird. There’s just not as much of a wow factor back there as in the front, which is odd considering Lexus’ track record for consistently delivering on quality.

2025 Lexus RZ450e Interior Dimensions

Technology And Ease Of Use: Generally Non-Dramatic, Easy To Use And Effective

Toyota and Lexus have been pretty consistent lately in their delivery of user experiences, and the Lexus RZ continues in that same direction. The large, 14-inch screen operates very much like a setup screen, or a docking station for Google Android or Apple CarPlay. While not everyone is a fan of this, I personally find it to be one of the most brilliant approaches in the industry. Look, what people want in a car is a projection of their phone, and Toyota/Lexus gets it. This system essentially lets you set everything up ahead of time, and then focuses on its projection abilities.

The digital instrumentation is also in tune with all other recent Lexus products, allowing you to cycle between important driving information rather easily using the steering-mounted controls. Overall, the RZ’s onboard technology is well executed.

Cargo And Storage Space: Competitive Versus Its Main Rival

Since the RZ450e is a direct competitor to the

, I’ll use it as a benchmark to evaluate its cargo space. Versus its South Korean rival (24 cu-ft/54.7 cu-ft), the Lexus is doing quite well, offering a tad more cargo space both when its rear seats are in place, and when they are folded flat.

2025 Lexus RZ450e Cargo Space

Will The 2026 Facelift Give It A Second Chance?

The upside of an upcoming, improved version of the Lexus RZ scheduled for next year is that Lexus dealers will undoubtedly try to liquidate the remaining 2025 models they’ll have in stock. I hear they’re already offering solid lease and financing deals on these things, so it’s an opportunity for you, if you’re interested in one of these things, to get your hands on what is still a great premium crossover at a decent price point.

But as an EV, it’s obvious that

is simply non-competitive compared to rivals who offer more range, better-charging performance, and acceleration. The new mark of quality in the EV world is how quickly you can leave that charging station. As I write this, Kias costing almost half the price of this RZ complete their fast-charging sessions faster, which is unacceptable for a carmaker hyper-focused on the relentless pursuit of perfection. The Lexus RZ deserves better. The entire Lexus brand deserves better. Hopefully, the updated model will deliver.