2023 Lexus RZ450e Review
The all-new Lexus RZ should bring you the very best of Lexus – unmatched luxury and sophistication. But at the same time, it is supposed to be an efficient compact crossover that produces zero emissions.
So, it should provide you a premium ownership experience, without having to worry about fuel costs or the environment. Lexus is a brand that can make this happen as it is the pioneer of the luxury crossover segment.
To put it to the test, the following is a review of the 2023 RZ450e:
Features
The Lexus RZ is still in infancy as it was launched for the 2023 model year. Lexus offers two trim levels along with a single electric powertrain. Both the trims are jam-packed with the latest features, which includes a whole suite of safety tech. The RZ450e is the first-ever Lexus EV.
Powertrain and Numbers
The Lexus RZ450e 2023 offers two electric motors (one for the front and rear axle each) and a 63.4 kWh battery pack, with the system accounting for 308 hp and 320 lb-ft. There is a direct-drive system that sends power to all four wheels.
As a result, the Lexus RZ 2023 can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.5 seconds. Meanwhile its fuel economy is rated for 220 miles of range with a full charge. This translates to 115 MPGe city and 98 MPGe highway according to the EPA.
Remember that these figures are achievable with the 18-inch alloys offered as standard. But how does it charge though? Well the best results are offered by DC fast charging – it takes just about 30 minutes to charge it to 80 percent from 0.
If you’re looking for a compact luxury car that runs on gasoline, check out the 2023 Lexus NX.


Interior and Technology
The new RZ 2023 comes with a spectacular and futuristic interior that’s full of the finest materials on the planet. Yes, it is very refined and oozes sophistication, but it is also very user-friendly and ergonomic. It can seat up to five people with ease.
The trunk is very spacious and puts the RZ amongst the very best in the class. You can make it even bigger by folding down the second row of seats. The load floor is low and this, along with the width of the trunk makes loading a lot easier.
The following are the 2023 RZ450e’s trim levels along with their standard offerings:
2023 RZ450e Premium
You get NuLuxe interior trimmings, and lots of technology such as dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, single-colored ambient lighting, and a heated steering wheel. You also get 8-way power-adjustable and heated and ventilated front seats, with memory settings for the driver.
You also get rain-sensing windshield wipers and a panoramic glass roof. The steering wheel and the mirrors also have memory options. Then there’s a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen, 10 speakers, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and wireless charging for your smartphone.
For safety, there’s automated emergency braking (w/pedestrian detection), lane-departure warning (w/lane-keeping assist), adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring (w/rear cross-traffic alerts), a panoramic view monitor, and parking assists (w/automatic braking)
2023 RZ450e Luxury
The top trim level gets you all of the technology above, plus add-ons like ultrasuede and Tsuyasumi interior trims. You now also get multi-color ambient lighting, a radiant front knee heater, heated outboard rear seats, and acoustic glass.
Also included in the list of standard features is a high-end 13-speaker stereo tuned by Mark Levinson, and a 10-inch head-up display. The safety department is also upgraded here as it now gets traffic jam assist, and front cross-traffic alerts as well.
Exterior and Driving
The 2023 RZ450e certainly looks like the crossover of the future, today. This is due to its aggressive stylings that are based on aestheticism and aerodynamics. Niceties include bi-LED headlamps, and auto-dimming side mirrors.
You get machined 18-inch dark gray metallic wheels on the entry-level model while the top trim features 20-inch black alloys. While they look great, remember that both sets of wheels offer different fuel economy figures and hence they can affect your range.
The exterior colors on the 2023 RZ450 are the following and they differ based on your trim level:
- Ether
- Iridium
- Cloudburst Gray
- Eminent White
- Caviar
- Black Onyx
In terms of driveability, the 2023 RZ is a calm and composed vehicle like all Lexus vehicles, aimed to provide a soothing ride. Testers say that the driving dynamics are very refined. But it is also very fun to drive, especially when you put your foot down thanks to its quickness.


Reliability and Warranty
We haven’t gotten the reliability ratings from top organizations such as JD Power and Consumer Reports since the 2023 RZ450e is very new. You can rely on what the current owners are saying though, as they’re calling it a dependable purchase.
But in case things do go south, there are plenty of warranties to make things easier. You get a limited warranty for 4 years/50k miles, and a powertrain warranty for 6 years/70k miles. There’s also an electric components warranty of 8 years/100k miles.
On top of that, this is one of the few luxury crossovers that also comes with complimentary maintenance for a year/10k miles.
Verdict
The 2023 Lexus RZ is in its first year of production but it is building up a fan following. It ticks all the boxes which include high performance, a great electric range, and a smooth powertrain. On the inside, you get an attractive cabin which offers a serene environment.
The comfort levels and storage capabilities are class-leading. But perhaps what’s more important for some is that it is loaded with high quality materials and state-of-the-art technology, no matter which trim level you pick. It should prove reliable and you also get free maintenance.
To get the 2023 Lexus Lexus RZ450e in Fort Thomas, Fort Michel, and Highland Heights, check out Performance Lexus Rivercenter here.
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