2023 Lexus RZ 450e Has Clever Features, Embarrassing Range

The 2023 RZ 450e is ‘ first EV. Built on the e-TNGA structure that’s shared with the and , this angry-looking utility vehicle offers the usual luxury trappings and some innovative features, including a Steer-By-Wire yoke. But the RZ 450e’s range — arguably any EV’s most critical aspect — is embarrassingly low.

Less is, in fact, less

In a world where the Air sedan from startup automaker Lucid can go more than 500 miles between charges, the RZ 450e’s range is well behind the times. According to Lexus, internal estimates using the Environmental Protection Agency test cycle suggest this SUV will go up to 225 miles when fitted with modest 18-inch wheels… and only 200 when rolling on larger 20s. (The current WLTP range guesstimate is more than 400 kilometers, about 249 miles, though this test is more forgiving than the EPA’s.) Those ratings are with standard all-wheel drive, though the automaker will also offer front-wheel drive in other countries (something it’s still considering for the US). 

Those range estimates could change before the vehicle goes on sale, with each likely increasing. But this Lexus’ performance is an obvious weakness even when compared to nonluxury rivals like the , and  — all of which can go more than 300 miles between charges.

Another potential downside to the RZ 450e is its lack of a front trunk. Engineers packaged the powertrain’s various modules and mega.dm control hardware under the hood, leaving no room for a storage cubby. They did this to keep the high-voltage wires as short as possible to save weight and cost. Fortunately, the rear luggage space is plenty large and the load height is low, around 29 inches.