A Lesson in Missed Opportunities // 2024 Lexus RZ 450e QUICK REVIEW

The 2024 Lexus RZ 450e is a strange EV crossover because it has many of the virtues you would expect in a Lexus but some significant drawbacks when it comes to being an EV. Range is obviously the main one, but recharge speed is also severely compromised. The Lexus RZ 450e has plenty of space for people and things, but where exactly are they going? It's a confounding mix of features that would make for a solid EV given 250 miles of reliable range and fast charge speeds. With so many electric vehicles in the space, and even some that have been "converted" for EV duty like the truly excellent Genesis GV70, the Lexus RZ 450e (and the Toyota bZ4x and Subaru Soltera that it's based on) feel uncompetitive right out the gate. Is there anything that could sway you towards this Lexus EV? Let us know in the comments! In the meantime, check out our review of the Lexus RX450h, which is a MUCH better vehicle in quite literally every single way.
2024 Lexus RX 450h+ REVIEW
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[@YepYep74]

Great video. Thank you. I have committed to a 2 year lease at a monthly payment that was so good. It was a great decision and my only chance to be able to get into such a premium brand. And the drive , the quality was amazing . I’m not sure though in General if I have made a mistake. We don’t do a lot miles only the ocassional long trip but never 100s and 100s of miles Will be getting home charger too. And in general scared of going electric , I’ve committed now and not even sure if can cancel,

[@jax1079]

I don't think that's a bad plan, especially to see if it fits in your life.

[@MBergyman]

Enjoy the ride. Get home charging. You'll be fine. The reviewers are all taking a massive dump on Toyota/Lexus/Subaru EV, but they are fine for the vast majority of normal drivers not worried about a spec sheet battle. The Lexus is a much more premium vehicle than 99% of EVs out right now. Enjoy it!

[@JoinTheBlocks]

I've also committed recently, gets delivered next week. Committed on. 3 year lease, very cheap in comparison to some of its competitors. We never do any trips longer than 100 miles roundtrip, mostly just small town runs. We also got a home charger being fitted. I think we will be fine and will have a great time, good luck!

[@YepYep74]

I seriously had doubts . I got really confused and scared about this car and in general going electric . The range , the winter times etc etc. So I have cancelled the order and now I’m Looking to change over to a normal petrol/hybrid car . Don’t know what to go for. I know I’m now not going to find that premium car I wanted as the RZ lease deal was fantastic. But I did not anticipate that my insurance would be going up by £80 per month also to get the home charger was going to cost me £35 a month as could not Afford to pay in lump sum for one. But then again I would have saved £120 in petrol . I don’t know what Im doing . The Lexus is still there the if I still want it they said.

[@jax1079]

@@YepYep74 The RX 450h PHEV is pretty great, or the NX if you want something a bit smaller and more affordable

[@MBergyman]

1. Prop rod on hood - not a big deal. Most people buying a Lexus will not likely venture under the hood. 2. Range - it is not everything. As a Bolt EV driver, I use about 50 miles per day on my commute - national average is even less. Here in California, there are DCFCs everywhere. I, and most people, will not need more than this Lexus supplies. They should've been less conservative with the charge curve though. I imagine that is an easy BMS firmware update at the dealer if Lexus is willing to update it. 3. Front trunk - I do not miss a front trunk in my Bolt. As someone with a back problem, I'd likely never use a frunk anyway as bending over the hood of any car is not ergonomically great. I've used the ones in Polestars and Teslas - they are not really that useful, esp if the trunk is plenty big. 4. Dude - you charged above 80% at a DCFC. WHY?!? If you are doing that, you either are in a tight spot with long distance between DCFC, you planned your trip poorly, or you are new to this EV thing. 5. Cold weather (actual cold weather) - EVs are not for you yet if you need long winter range, you should know this. 6. Charge door - I will concede you this one. It doesn't look quality. 7. Public charging - stop thinking like a gas vehicle. Most people with EVs have home charging. It is not smart to own an EV without home charging options. 8. Genesis. Maybe you put Genesis on the same level as Lexus. Most people don’t. Personal preference, but my opinion, Genesis is a glorified Hyundai, not a paragon of reliability, and frankly, they are not much less expensive than Lexus, so I'd not really consider them unless they are on fire sale (like this RZ right now) 9. Tesla are not in the same league as Lexus with regard to vehicle comfort and luxury. I know there are people who cross shop them, but most Lexus owners will not step down to Tesla interior feel. 10. Range. Again, not nearly the issue you make it out to be. I've made several 400-500mile one-day drives in my Bolt without issue. This Lexus is way better than that, and I didn't have any real issues with my Bolt. The Bolt charges way slower, too. It is not a big deal. Take a breath and smell the roses. Please keep poo-pooing this car. The depreciation hit it will take (and is) will make it a great upgrade for me next year, and I'll happily drive it for 20 years. Thanks!

[@jax1079]

I can appreciate these points for sure, but I also think you're being incredibly generous when it comes to criticism. Can the RZ work for people if you charge at home and primarily drive around town? Absolutely! But to excuse some of the practical limitations because of the perceived Lexus-ness of the RZ is place that on a pedestal WAY above daily usability. (And the dig at Tesla build quality is warranted but Genesis makes MUCH more stylish interiors with decadent materials). Ultimately, people should choose the EV that's right for them, and with current incentives the Lexus RZ behind much more attractive as a lease option.

[@JoinTheBlocks]

@@jax1079 this is the key point... All of the reviews are primarily based on purchase price. There is no way I would have gone for this car if I was purchasing it. However from a lease perspective via salary sacrifice for me its considerably cheaper than a Model Y, Ioniq 5, Genesis, IX, etc etc and so it made it a no brainer.

[@jax1079]

@@JoinTheBlocks Very true. And I expect those offers to continue to get more generous as the EV market cools. Hope you enjoy yours! 👍🏻

[@alternatereality7713]

It is a car I've been waiting for - quality build, comfy ride and plenty of space and thanks to the peoples anxiety over range is plentiful on used market. 67K? No, but would you buy one fully decked out for sub 40k with 3000 miles on an odometer? Price changes everything.

[@jax1079]

This is a great point. At a lower and more reasonable price, the RZ's deficiency is more tolerable and the luxury features and style become a larger selling point.

[@user-id3qx9xf7z]

Looked at one on Friday , I questioned the range and the dealer told me that Lexus has a 30 day loaner program at no charge for owners of this car for road trip vacations. I'm buying an electric car and you will loan me a ICE car for trips what the Hell!

[@jax1079]

Yeah, it's weird and not great timing with the cooling EV market. There's a ton of things to like about it, but the price, range, and recharge speed make the Lexus RZ 450e a non starter

[@zahf6484]

Fast charging to 100% is not ideal to do in any EV because of the charging curve. You charge to 80% bc that’s the quickest and get going. You should learn about charging curves on EVs

[@jax1079]

Thank you, charging sensei. I'm so glad we have you in the world to explain these things.

[@naveenthemachine]

That’s the case for just about every Lexus and Toyota on the market 😂 Overrated with too many compromises and too steep of a price tag for poor quality and poor value

[@jax1079]

Man, you REALLY don't like Toyota and Lexus 😂

[@naveenthemachine]

@@jax1079 REALLY don’t?😂 ahem. The 8th gen Camry and Lc500 would love to talk to you…

[@jax1079]

@@naveenthemachine Fair

[@naveenthemachine]

@@jax1079 everything else Toyota or Lexus make are nowhere near as competitive as the better executed competition

[@PhilipKnopp]

I am over 80 years old and been driving Toyota since 1986, Lexus since 2013...what you claim is just poppycock...no offense intended!

[@jprusso224]

yeah.... this is why I abandoned Lexus (for now) after 15 years. Wanted to go electric but clearly, Toyota didn't. Until next time (let's hope!)!

[@naveenthemachine]

There won’t be a next time. Toyota is done as a brand. They’re the new blackberry and soon fisker

[@jax1079]

Totally fair. And in some ways they've been proven right as the EV market has cooled, but... To release something that feels non competitive right out the gate seems like a mistake that can only work against brand.