If you’re curious about the **2023 Lexus RZ**, you’re probably wondering whether Lexus’s first dedicated electric SUV lives up to the brand’s reputation for comfort and reliability, or if its range numbers are simply too low for today’s EV market. This 2023 Lexus RZ review breaks down real-world range, charging performance, driving feel, interior quality and what to watch for if you’re considering one on the used market.
Quick take
2023 Lexus RZ overview
The **2023 Lexus RZ 450e** is Lexus’s first all-electric model built on Toyota’s e‑TNGA platform, shared with the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra. In the U.S., it launched only as the dual-motor **RZ 450e AWD**, positioned as a compact–midsize luxury SUV that sits roughly alongside the Lexus NX and RX in footprint.
- Two trims: Premium and Luxury, both with dual‑motor AWD
- 71.4 kWh lithium‑ion battery (about 63–64 kWh usable) powering two e‑axles
- Total system output of about 308 hp and ~320 lb‑ft of torque
- EPA estimated range: up to ~220 miles (18" wheels) or about 196 miles (20" wheels)
- DC fast‑charging peak of up to around 150 kW, 0–80% in roughly 30 minutes in ideal conditions
2023 Lexus RZ 450e headline numbers
Context matters
Key specs, battery and trims
2023 Lexus RZ 450e trims and key specs
Core mechanical specs and how the Premium and Luxury trims differ.
| Item | RZ 450e Premium (18" wheels) | RZ 450e Premium (20" wheels) | RZ 450e Luxury (20" wheels) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approx. MSRP when new | ~$59,650 | ~$60,890 | ~$65,150 |
| Drivetrain | Dual‑motor AWD | Dual‑motor AWD | Dual‑motor AWD |
| Power | 308 hp | 308 hp | 308 hp |
| Battery (gross) | 71.4 kWh | 71.4 kWh | 71.4 kWh |
| EPA range (est.) | ~220 miles | ~196 miles | ~196 miles |
| Wheels | 18 in | 20 in | 20 in |
| Onboard AC charger | 6.6 kW | 6.6 kW | 6.6 kW |
Both trims share the same powertrain; wheels, equipment and price separate them.
Both trims use the same battery and motors; the **Premium** emphasizes efficiency and value with 18‑inch wheels (or optional 20s), while the **Luxury** goes all‑in on equipment and style, with 20‑inch wheels and additional comfort and tech features such as upgraded upholstery and more advanced convenience options.
Size and packaging
- Length: about 189 in (similar to a Lexus RX)
- Wheelbase: ~112 in, giving decent rear legroom
- No front trunk (no frunk), battery sits between the axles
- Rear cargo volume comparable to other compact–midsize luxury SUVs, but not class‑leading
Battery and charging hardware
- 71.4 kWh pack engineered for long life, shared with Toyota bZ4X
- Relatively small usable capacity for a luxury EV, which limits range
- Onboard AC charger is just 6.6 kW, so a full home charge can take about 9.5 hours on Level 2
- DC fast‑charge peak around 150 kW; real‑world average speeds can be lower, especially in cold weather
Driving impressions: Calm, quick and quiet
Behind the wheel, the 2023 Lexus RZ feels very much like a Lexus, quiet, composed and oriented toward comfort first. With 308 horsepower from its dual motors and instant electric torque, it’s noticeably quicker than the Toyota bZ4X it’s related to, and instrumented testing from major outlets has shown 0–60 mph times as quick as the mid‑4‑second range in ideal conditions.
How the RZ drives day to day
Strengths lean toward comfort and refinement rather than outright performance.
Smooth acceleration
Quiet, cushy ride
Relaxed handling
EV driving modes to know
Range and charging: The RZ’s biggest compromise
Range is where many reviewers ding the 2023 Lexus RZ. In an era where mainstream competitors routinely top **275–300+ miles** of EPA range, the RZ’s **roughly 196–220‑mile window** looks conservative. That might be fine for shorter daily use, but it shrinks quickly at highway speeds or in cold weather.
- EPA‑estimated range up to about 220 miles (Premium, 18" wheels)
- EPA‑estimated range around 196 miles (20" wheels on Premium or Luxury)
- Independent 75‑mph tests have seen ~120 miles before needing a charge in cold conditions
- Climate control and higher speeds can noticeably cut into projected range
Highway range reality check
Home charging
- Onboard AC charger: 6.6 kW, slower than many competitors that now offer 9.6–11 kW
- On a 240‑volt Level 2 charger (around 32 amps), expect about 9.5 hours from 0–100%
- On a standard 120‑volt outlet, a full charge can take multiple days, Level 2 is strongly recommended
- If you buy used, budget for a home charger if you don’t already have one. Recharged can help you understand Level 2 options and what they mean for real‑world charging time.
Public DC fast charging
- Peak charging power up to 150 kW under ideal conditions
- Lexus quotes around 30 minutes from 0–80% on a capable DC fast charger
- In independent tests, average speeds can be lower and times longer, especially from 10–90%
- The charge curve isn’t as aggressive as newer competitors, so long road trips can involve more (and longer) stops than you might expect from the numbers alone.
Lexus Reserve workaround
Interior, comfort and tech
Inside, the 2023 Lexus RZ is where the vehicle feels most on‑brand. The cabin is airy and minimalist, with a low cowl, available panoramic glass roof and high‑quality materials. The dash centers around a large touchscreen and a familiar Lexus infotainment interface, with physical controls for key functions that still matter, like volume and temperature.
Interior highlights of the 2023 RZ
The good news for used buyers is that the cabin feels every bit like a modern Lexus.
Comfortable seating
Panoramic roof
Modern infotainment
Space and practicality
- Five seats with decent rear legroom thanks to the long wheelbase
- Cargo area is useful but not massive; if you’re cross‑shopping three‑row SUVs, the RZ will feel smaller
- No front trunk, pack your charging cables in the rear instead
- Rear seatbacks fold for larger items, but the load floor isn’t class‑leading
What could be better?
- Some physical controls have been replaced with touch‑sensitive buttons, which not everyone loves
- The panoramic roof doesn’t have a traditional shade; coatings try to manage heat, but in very sunny climates you may still wish for more sun blockage
- Some reviewers note that material quality is excellent up front but more ordinary in the back half of the cabin
Safety, driver assistance and reliability
Like most modern Lexus models, the 2023 RZ comes loaded with active safety tech. Expect **automatic emergency braking, lane‑keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, blind‑spot monitoring** and more, often bundled under the Lexus Safety System umbrella. Many used RZs will have additional options like a surround‑view camera system and parking assist, especially on the Luxury trim.
Reliability outlook
While the platform’s modest battery size hurts range, it can actually be a positive for long‑term durability, because it’s less stressed than some high‑output performance packs. As always, how the previous owner charged and drove the vehicle matters; that’s why a verified **battery health diagnostic** is so important when you’re studying individual used examples.
2023 Lexus RZ vs Tesla Model Y, Ioniq 5 and others
In 2023, the RZ entered a fiercely competitive segment. Shoppers considering a used RZ today are likely also eyeing a **Tesla Model Y**, **Hyundai Ioniq 5**, **Kia EV6**, **Genesis GV60**, **Mercedes‑Benz EQB** or **Audi Q4 e‑tron**. Most of those rivals either offer more range, faster home charging, or both.
How the 2023 Lexus RZ stacks up
High‑level comparison versus popular alternatives (approximate 2023 figures).
| Model | Drivetrain (base) | Max EPA range (approx.) | Onboard AC charger | Key strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lexus RZ 450e | Dual‑motor AWD | ~220 / 196 mi | 6.6 kW | Quiet, upscale cabin; Lexus brand and dealer network |
| Tesla Model Y Long Range | Dual‑motor AWD | ~330 mi | 11.5 kW | Class‑leading range, Supercharger network, strong performance |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 RWD | Single‑motor RWD | ~303 mi | 10.9 kW | Excellent fast‑charging speeds, roomy cabin |
| Kia EV6 RWD | Single‑motor RWD | ~310 mi | 10.9 kW | Sporty feel, very fast DC charging |
| Genesis GV60 AWD | Dual‑motor AWD | ~248–258 mi | 10.9 kW | High‑end interior, strong performance |
| Audi Q4 e‑tron | Single‑ or dual‑motor | ~265 mi | 11 kW | Refined ride, traditional luxury feel |
Exact numbers vary by trim, wheels, and later model‑year updates. Always check the specific vehicle you’re considering.
Value comparison
Should you buy a used 2023 Lexus RZ?
The 2023 Lexus RZ can make a lot of sense as a **used EV**, provided your driving pattern fits its strengths. If your life is mostly in a metro area, you have (or can install) Level 2 home charging, and you’re attracted to Lexus comfort and dealer support, the RZ can be a satisfying choice despite its range limitations.
Who the RZ is ideal for
- Suburban commuters driving 20–60 miles a day with reliable home charging
- Drivers who prioritize quietness, build quality and an easygoing ride over maximum acceleration
- Lexus loyalists who want a familiar brand experience in an EV format
- Households with a second gasoline or higher‑range EV for long trips
Who should probably look elsewhere
- Drivers who regularly cover highway trips of 150+ miles one way without easy fast‑charging stops
- Apartment dwellers without reliable overnight Level 2 charging
- Shoppers who put a premium on fast home charging or 250–300+ miles of range
- Performance seekers who want sport‑SUV handling and acceleration
How Recharged fits in
Used Lexus RZ inspection checklist
What to check before you buy a used 2023 Lexus RZ
1. Verify battery health and DC fast‑charge history
Ask for a recent battery‑health report and any available charging logs. Frequent 100% DC fast charges aren’t necessarily a deal‑breaker, but a consistent pattern of hard use can affect long‑term capacity. A Recharged Score battery diagnostic gives you objective data instead of guesswork.
2. Confirm remaining factory warranty
Check the in‑service date and mileage. Lexus typically covers the battery and electric drivetrain for many years, but exact terms and transferability can vary. Have a dealer or EV specialist decode the VIN and confirm coverage in writing.
3. Inspect wheels and tires carefully
The RZ’s 20‑inch wheels look sharp but are more vulnerable to curb rash and can be more expensive to re‑tire. Uneven wear can hint at alignment issues or prior suspension damage.
4. Test range in your real‑world conditions
If possible, take an extended test drive at your normal speeds and climate settings. Watch how quickly projected range drops. This is more important for the RZ than for many higher‑range EVs.
5. Check charging behavior on Level 2
Plug into a Level 2 charger and confirm that the car starts charging promptly, reports expected kW, and doesn’t unexpectedly stop. With a 6.6 kW onboard charger, you want to be sure you’re getting all of that limited speed.
6. Scan for software updates and recalls
Ask whether all Lexus software updates and recalls have been completed, especially any that relate to charging, infotainment stability or driver‑assistance features.
Frequently asked questions about the 2023 Lexus RZ
FAQ: 2023 Lexus RZ 450e
Bottom line: Who the 2023 Lexus RZ is right for
The **2023 Lexus RZ 450e** is a classic Lexus in many ways: quiet, comfortable, well‑built and easy to live with. As an EV, though, its relatively short range and modest charging hardware put it at a disadvantage against newer, more capable rivals. If your daily driving fits comfortably within its real‑world range envelope and you value Lexus refinement over numbers on a spec sheet, a competitively priced used RZ can still be a compelling choice.
If you’re shopping the used‑EV market, the key is to evaluate individual vehicles, not just model‑year specs. That’s where tools like a **Recharged Score Report**, expert EV guidance, and transparent battery‑health data can turn a 2023 Lexus RZ from a question mark into a confident purchase. For the right driver, it’s a calm, upscale electric SUV, just one that’s happiest when it stays relatively close to home.
