The 2025 Lexus RZ is Lexus’s first purpose‑built electric SUV, and it feels exactly like you’d expect: quiet, beautifully finished, relentlessly polite. It’s also late to the party, bringing a modest battery, modest range and modest excitement to a segment now defined by overachievers like the Model Y and Cadillac Lyriq. The question is whether that classic Lexus refinement is enough to offset the RZ’s spec‑sheet shortcomings, especially if you’re shopping the used market.
The short version
2025 Lexus RZ at a glance
Key 2025 Lexus RZ numbers (U.S. models)
2025 Lexus RZ: highlights and headaches
The reality of living with Lexus’s electric SUV
What it does well
- Superb ride comfort and cabin quiet, classic Lexus isolation.
- Handsome, well‑finished interior with intuitive physical controls where you want them.
- Smooth, predictable power delivery that suits relaxed commuting.
- Lexus reliability reputation and an 8‑year/100,000‑mile battery warranty.
- Competitive pricing versus some German rivals when optioned sensibly.
Where it falls short
- Range that tops out at 266 miles while rivals push well past 300.
- Only 150 kW DC fast‑charging; feels last‑generation next to 800‑V competitors.
- RZ 450e’s real‑world range can dip below 200 miles with 20" wheels.
- Flat‑out acceleration is adequate, not memorable, in a class obsessed with 0–60 times.
- No three‑row option; this is strictly a two‑row compact/midsize SUV.
What’s new for the 2025 Lexus RZ?
Lexus launched the RZ for 2023 as its first dedicated battery‑electric model. By the time the 2025 Lexus RZ rolls around, the brand has started to right‑size the lineup and pricing. Lexus adds a more affordable entry grade for both the RZ 300e and 450e, nudging the starting price down to roughly $43,975 including destination, and keeps its minimalist‑but‑premium cabin largely intact.
- RZ 300e becomes the single‑motor, front‑wheel‑drive efficiency play with the best range in the lineup.
- RZ 450e continues as the dual‑motor, all‑wheel‑drive model with more power and standard DIRECT4 torque‑vectoring.
- Feature content is reshuffled so you can get the ‘right‑sized’ RZ, think wheels, pano roof, and premium audio, without going straight to the top trim.
- Lexus continues to bundle app‑based remote climate control and charging management, useful if you’re scheduling overnight charging at home.
A quick note about upcoming changes
Powertrain, range and how the RZ really drives
RZ 300e: the efficient one
The RZ 300e is the front‑wheel‑drive version with a single motor and about 201 hp. It uses a roughly 72.8 kWh battery pack and, in its most efficient spec on 18‑inch wheels, carries an EPA range rating of about 266 miles. Step up to 20‑inch wheels and you’re looking at roughly 224 miles. Think of this as the Lexus RX you plug in: quiet, measured, happy to lope along in traffic rather than drag‑race a Tesla.
RZ 450e: the all‑weather one
The RZ 450e keeps the same basic battery but adds a motor at the rear axle for 308 hp and Lexus’s DIRECT4 all‑wheel‑drive system. On paper, 0–60 mph in around five seconds feels brisk enough, but the RZ 450e’s range drops to about 220 miles on 18s and as low as roughly 196 miles on 20‑inch wheels. You’re trading reach for traction and thrust.
On the road, the RZ is pure Lexus: the throttle is calibrated for smoothness, not drama. The steering is light but accurate, and the suspension quietly erases small impacts without the floatiness you find in some older Lexus SUVs. Body motions are well controlled; the RZ prefers to be guided, not hustled. Push it hard on a back road and it responds with tidy composure, but you can feel the weight and the conservative tires reminding you that this isn’t an Ioniq 5 N cosplay project.
Performance expectations check
Charging: home, public, and road-trip usability
The RZ’s charging story is where the spec sheet starts to look a bit 2021. All 2025 models use AC charging up to around 6.6 kW and DC fast‑charging up to roughly 150 kW. That’s fine for suburban life, but merely average for long‑haul travel in 2025.
What charging an RZ actually looks like
1. Home Level 2 is non‑negotiable
At about 6.6 kW on AC, you’re looking at roughly 10–11 hours for a full 0–100% overnight charge. A 240‑V Level 2 charger in your garage or driveway turns the RZ into a ‘full tank every morning’ experience.
2. Public DC fast charging is okay, not stellar
With a peak of about 150 kW, a 10–80% fast‑charge stop typically takes around 25–30 minutes in good conditions. That’s competitive with some rivals but well behind newer 800‑V architectures that can do similar top‑ups in closer to 18 minutes.
3. Plan winter road‑trips carefully
In cold weather, usable range shrinks and battery preconditioning is limited compared with the best in class. Give yourself generous buffers between DC fast‑charge stops, and don’t assume the EPA number is real on a 20°F day.
4. Use the app for scheduled charging
The Lexus app lets you schedule charging during off‑peak hours and pre‑condition the cabin while plugged in. That’s gentler on the battery and your electric bill.
Thinking about home charging?
Interior, comfort and tech: peak Lexus, mixed UX
Inside, the RZ feels like a Lexus that happens to be electric, rather than a tech demo on wheels. That’s a compliment. Materials are consistently high‑grade, from the soft‑touch dash to the neat fabric‑wrapped door panels. The seats are comfortably shaped and supportive on long drives, and the driving position is more car‑like than some taller SUVs. Noise isolation is excellent: at 70 mph, you mostly hear tire noise and distant airflow.
Cabin experience in the 2025 Lexus RZ
What you’ll notice after a week, not just a test drive
Seating & comfort
- Supportive front seats with available heating and ventilation.
- Plenty of headroom and legroom for four adults; a fifth can squeeze in the rear for shorter trips.
- Ride quality is supple, even on 20‑inch wheels, though the 18s are the comfort pick.
Infotainment & controls
- Large central touchscreen with Lexus Interface software and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Physical knobs for volume and key climate functions, thank you, Lexus.
- Menus are logical but deep; it takes a few days to memorize where key settings live.
Driver assistance
- Standard Lexus Safety System+ with adaptive cruise, lane‑keeping assist, blind‑spot monitoring, and more.
- Assists are tuned conservatively, less ping‑ponging in the lane than some rivals.
- Occasional chimes and warnings, but not the constant nagging you’ll find in some EVs.
Luxury that actually feels durable
Space, practicality and day-to-day costs
Dimensionally, the RZ slots between the Lexus NX and RX, but its dedicated EV platform means a more efficient use of space. There’s good rear legroom, an almost flat floor, and a cargo hold that will comfortably swallow a family grocery run or luggage for a weekend away.
2025 Lexus RZ practicality snapshot
How the RZ fits into real life
| Metric | RZ 300e / 450e | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Seating capacity | 5 | Two adults up front, two in back in real comfort; middle rear seat is best for kids. |
| Cargo space (behind 2nd row) | ~35 cu ft | On par with many compact luxury SUVs; enough for strollers, golf bags, or a big Costco run. |
| Cargo space (max) | ~55 cu ft | Seats folded, you can handle flat‑pack furniture or bikes with front wheels off. |
| Towing | Light, if equipped | RZs aren’t serious tow rigs; think small utility trailers or bike carriers. |
| Battery warranty | 8 yrs / 100k mi | Adds peace of mind if you’re buying new, or a used RZ still under factory coverage. |
Numbers are approximate and will vary by trim and wheel size.
Cost of ownership vs a gas Lexus
2025 Lexus RZ vs. Model Y, GV60, Lyriq and others
Lexus isn’t chasing spec‑sheet supremacy with the RZ, but you deserve to know exactly where it stands. In a segment dominated by heavy hitters, the RZ plays a different game: comfort and refinement first, efficiency and speed second.
How the 2025 Lexus RZ stacks up
2025 RZ versus key electric SUV rivals (rough comparisons).
| Model | Max power | EPA range (approx) | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lexus RZ 300e/450e | 201–308 hp | 196–266 mi | Supremely calm, beautifully built, conservative specs. |
| Tesla Model Y Long Range | 384 hp | ~330 mi | Fast, efficient, huge charging network, but a noisier, sparer cabin. |
| Genesis GV60 | 225–429 hp | 248–294 mi | Style, speed and an 800‑V platform with very quick fast‑charging. |
| Volvo C40/EX40 | 248–402 hp | 257–297 mi | Scandi design, good range, slightly smaller inside. |
| Cadillac Lyriq | 340–500 hp | 307–314 mi | Bigger, bolder, more range, but also larger to park and more flamboyant in character. |
Always check exact specs for the model year and trim you’re shopping, numbers evolve quickly in the EV world.
Where the RZ really loses ground
Is the 2025 Lexus RZ a good used EV to buy?
Viewed as a new‑car proposition, the 2025 RZ is a refined but conservative entry. Viewed as a used EV a few years down the line, it becomes more interesting. Luxury EVs with modest range often take sharper early depreciation hits, and Lexus’s reputation for build quality makes that particularly attractive if you’re shopping pre‑owned.
What to look for in a used Lexus RZ
Battery health, not just mileage
Ask for a <strong>battery health report</strong>, not just an odometer reading. At Recharged, every RZ gets a Recharged Score Report with verified pack health so you know how much real‑world range you’re actually buying.
Wheel size and original range
An RZ 450e on 20‑inch wheels started life with less range than a 300e on 18s. If you have a long commute, prioritize the trims and wheel packages with the best EPA numbers.
Charging history and habits
Frequent DC fast‑charging at very high states of charge can stress any EV battery over the long term. A car mostly charged at home on Level 2 is usually the safer bet.
Software and recalls
Make sure all software updates and any recalls have been performed. Ask the seller for service records from a Lexus dealer.
Warranty timeline
Check how much of the 8‑year/100,000‑mile battery warranty remains and factor that into price negotiations.
Where Recharged fits in
Who the 2025 Lexus RZ is (and isn’t) for
The RZ is a great fit if…
- You want a quiet, comfortable, no‑drama EV that feels like a Lexus first and an experiment second.
- Your daily driving is mostly city and suburban miles with occasional highway trips within the region.
- You value build quality, dealer network support, and long‑term reliability over bleeding‑edge specs.
- You’re eyeing a used luxury EV deal and are willing to trade some range for a nicer cabin.
You should probably look elsewhere if…
- You regularly do 250–300‑mile highway stints in one shot and hate stopping to charge.
- You need three rows of seats or serious towing capability.
- You want the quickest charging tech and 300+ miles of range today.
- You’re chasing maximum performance and engagement, think sport‑tuned EV crossovers and track‑day toys.
2025 Lexus RZ FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the 2025 Lexus RZ
Bottom line: should you buy a Lexus RZ?
The 2025 Lexus RZ isn’t the spec‑sheet hero of the EV world. It doesn’t dominate on range, charging speed, or outright performance, and it arrives just as a wave of next‑generation electric SUVs is cresting. But numbers aren’t the whole story. As an object, the RZ is deeply likable: serene, beautifully screwed together, and utterly disinterested in impressing your drag‑racing neighbor.
If you’re a high‑mileage road‑tripper or someone who wants the absolute latest charging tech, you should keep shopping. If, on the other hand, your life looks like school runs, commutes, and weekend visits to the farmer’s market, and you value a calm cabin and Lexus reliability over 0–60 sprints, the RZ starts to make a lot of sense, especially as a carefully vetted used EV at the right price.
When you’re ready to explore used Lexus RZ options, Recharged can help you compare battery health, ownership costs, and alternatives like the Model Y, GV60 or Lyriq, all on a single, transparent platform. That way you’re not just buying an electric Lexus, you’re buying the right EV for how you actually live.
