Is the 2023 Lexus RZ 450e a BETTER luxury SUV to buy than a NX 450h?

[@RaitisRides]

Good morning everyone! Lori & I appreciate you starting your day off with us! Let us know how you feel about this RZ 450e. We drive both the standard traditional wheel setup & the new steer-by-wire setup with the yoke! Don’t forget @ 9AM ET we have the all new Subaru Crosstrek. I hope everyone has a great day!😊

[@InterstateRaziTV]

Can't wait! 2 reviews in 1 day.

[@DarkJediChrisG-1425]

Good morning Joe! I'm liking this RZ450e. But for me I like the more traditional steering wheel setup. I mean, in your opinion does it make it a little difficult to make U turns? I usually hand over hand technique. But with some of the wheel missing, it seems a little challenging. Can't wait for the Crosstrek by the way!

[@ddavid26]

How does it compare to the lyriq? Ride, noise , nvh

[@ToddRileyRealEstate]

I just leased the RZ300e Premium last week - the lease deals are AMAZING. I got the $15,000 Lease Cash from Lexus and another $4000 off from the dealership. Payment on a 36 month lease 7500 miles is $385 plus tax and a $22,000 buyout after 36 months. Love the car. Absolutely amazing. I have had 7 Lexus hybrids over the last 15 years. If you love Lexus you will LOVE LOVE LOVE this electric car.

[@sconartist]

I really like how Lexus didn’t go over the top with the design trying to let you know it’s electric like most other EVs

[@ppen62]

Exactly!!! Especially on the rims

[@garry2744]

Thank you Laurie. I've been part of this community since 2021 and I've got to say she doesn't get enough credit for the work she puts in holding the camera and giving us great shots in the videos. Thank you!

[@omendarklight1526]

I really like this vehicle, plus the reliability is a major thing for me. On the list of dream cars. Great review again Raitis Rides!! 👏

[@Jen-eb5dy]

Another great video thanks to Lori's camera work. She knows exactly when to zoom in/out. Smooth!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Jen! Lori really appreciates that so much!

[@davidwolf226]

I'm really liking the look of this new RZ450e! Being a long-time Lexus owner, I already enjoy a bias toward the brand, overall. Encinitas is a beautiful San Diego suburban city. This is a fun review, Joe & Lori. Thanks!

[@benjaminsmith2287]

Me too. Inside, it's kind of like an understated executive jet.

[@DayTheKing]

I’m digging this one man. The door panels are immaculate with that suede touch and hidden door handle. 67k isn’t too bad when you compare it to its competition.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing your honest opinion on this RZ!

[@midgethobbit5243]

of course it is bad compared to the competition. 67k + MARKUP for limited range and speed

[@baohoaily]

I love it, but it can’t possibly have less range than the Hyundai. But oh it does. WTF.

[@Mark-de4hj]

Great review! You are just way too funny man. You got me cracking up this morning when you said' "Where you gonna put your gloves?" lol I consider myself more of a hybrid guy but this is great, I love it. Lexus is the only car company on the planet that I would even consider buying an EV from but am waiting to see the upcoming RX plug-in hybrid.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Mark for letting me share the laughs and the cars with you!

[@darrellmoore2717]

I test drove rz yesterday it was the premium excellent car and go price point. What blew my mind was how it can self park going in or backing in parking spaces but it was self and you can pick a parking spot it has to be horizontal or vertical but not slanted

[@jameslatief1]

It's hard to sell this car in the US since traveling distances tend to be further than other parts of the world. 200 miles per charge works if you only plan to use this SUV strictly as a city vehicle and short work commutes.

[@jamisonz3365]

Yes exactly, most people buy electric cars as a city vehicle and short work commutes. There're no reasons to buy an electric car as your only vehicle in the first place.

[@superdude5118]

well, 200 is a bit short, but where else do you want an EV to travel? Seattle to Boston?

[@Mark-de4hj]

If you have to travel more than 200 miles for work that's a bummer! And if you do have to occasionally travel more than 200 miles you'd just stop n charge like every other EV.

[@lauraoglesby7950]

The fabric where the glove box normally is, as well as under the steering wheel, is radient heating. Its so you dont have to run the heating system that drains the battery. It warms ypur legs and feet. :-)

[@ddavid26]

How does this compare to the Lyriq for ride quality, noise, nvh, which one would u buy

[@benjaminsmith2287]

Finally, someone asking about the guts of the car rather than going on about range. The cars probably compare well but the Lexus has the better, tighter body structure.

[@fsk5053]

Hopefully the next gen of this comes with more range and more features

[@pedroborrero7203]

It creates a nice contrast between colors and the lines

[@kennethsmith6899]

I was digging this until the range…..220/190 wow! Other than that beautiful car

[@ZE4MC]

Great review as usual, I have a 2022 NX350h love it- looking for a full EV and I know this is and will be EXCELLENT- but many 50 more miles of range (with the 20" wheels) would make it a no brainer.- I will still probably be a customer but 250 would be perfect. Everything else is Lexus quality no brainer and I think it looks WAYYY cool and will look better in person.

[@Arcynite]

In the market for a new car and decided to go with an EV this time. Have a Lyriq preordered since May 2022 and depending on how much more it's delayed (hearing Q4 2023 or early 2025 delivery now), might just go with the RZ instead...assuming it isn't similarly delayed. The range and lack of EV tax credit qualification hurts and definitely brings it to a trailing 2nd place compared to the Lyriq, but overall do dig basically everything else of the vehicle.

[@thegoodman3810]

loving it with it has slightly more range other than that amazing. Great impression Joe!!

[@lostlothbrok7156]

Let's see if lexus can carry its reputation of reliability into the electric car market, I love the interior, lexus always delivers works of art 😍

[@RaitisRides]

I am sure they will succeed one way or another.

[@cameronburrell5651]

That car is stunning and it looks like the future

[@dominickirkwood]

I love it Joe and Lori and Steve and keep up the great work real talk true and I love the video lot everyday real true 👍 💯💯💯💯

[@RaitisRides]

You are the man Dominic.

[@stephenwinter8892]

Greetings from southern Ontario Canada I really enjoyed the video

[@RaitisRides]

Hi Stephen! Thanks for letting me share my car passion.

[@stephenwinter8892]

@@RaitisRides actually my family owns an original 1960 Studebaker lark with a V8 engine manual gearbox on the steering column and built in Hamilton Ontario it was fully restored after left in a shed for some reason and it costs more what it would have been when sold, priceless, I drive it every day except now we are approaching spring and I always take it to the grocery store thanks

[@ganmudan]

i want to see that blue material in person bc i dig it

[@robertoN2024]

Awesome .. living in Japan watching the test driving and feel how amazing experience, not on sale here .. yet; but I believe future generations models might even improve it, just the 1st generation of Lexus EVs, not bad, Not Bad at all ... 😭😍

[@Cobra_460]

Awesome job Raiti’s rides. My setup would be black. Something simple, nothing too crazy. 😊

[@RaitisRides]

That means the world!

[@Cobra_460]

@@RaitisRides no problem Joe!

[@Supergutter]

Love the Lexus design,and the quality is better than Mercedes and BMW.

[@tomdrummy4984]

I agree……don’t like the black over the wheel wells. Love interior color !

[@susanjspaulding]

🇺🇸 *LOVE this new RZ 450e* !! *Surprised by the quick response/handling on throttle* !! *Intrigued by the drive by wire system* !! *Fantastic video Joe and Lori* !! #RaitisRides 🇺🇸

[@RaitisRides]

Lori and I are so glad that we could bring it to you!

[@TheBreakfastLover]

Lexus really should've come out swinging with an RZ-F or at least an RZ-FSP option.

[@RaitisRides]

That would have been nice.

[@mrsalviboy94]

I love the concept but 200 miles… I agree with those who believe the infrastructure and the technology needs to improve in order to jump in the electric wagon, I’d buy something like this for a 500+ mile range in the mean time, I’d go Hybrid, great mileage and Lexus reliability.

[@berniekitts1786]

The shifter paddles allow you to adjust the regenerative braking to your liking.

[@RemyBonnici]

My grandfather actually went for the glossy piano black bowling balls. Needless to say I had to give him a ZONK!

[@Kim-jj9fq]

😂😂😂

[@leeedens9497]

Ok, I know Lexus buyers that switch to Tesla, anyway, if the RZ 450e offered better range, I think Lexus would be shocked how well it could do, but with its range, can Lexus really justify its starting price and one wonders, how it would do with a lower starting price, overall, I would rank it, behind the Tesla Model Y (better EV in every way, note I said EV), next, the Cadillac Lyriq (one of Cads best model to date and feel worth its price), following the BMW iX (a problem, you have to look at it and dark colors look better) and next the Mercedes EQE SUV (I would wait for it), this may be a stretch, but I have the RZ 450e tied with the Audi e-tron (or upcoming 2024 Q8 e-tron, the name change), crazy but both of these EVs suffer the same problem, range, as for the Genesis GV60 (it's too small, enough said), I know Audi has the Q4 e-tron (it's fine, but wasn't a fan of the VW ID.4, so), I kind of always pull for Lexus or Cadillac vs the Germans, one would ask why didn't Lexus offer quicker charging and a larger battery pack, overall, it's what I expected from the first Lexus EV, given the fact Toyoyta's not a big EV fans

[@Mark-de4hj]

Except for the possibility of a bit longer range the Tesla Y is a lower quality EV than this Lexus.

[@LESTER7L1]

JOLTING JOE .and ELECTRIC LORI!( YYOUR MAjesty, YOUR LORINESS thanks are all the contributions you make To these wonderful productions!)Thanks for sharing this TREMENDOUS ELECTRAFYING VEHICLE with us!. All Ii can say is , NICE!! WOW! LEXUS, MMMMMMMM!!LOL, I LOVE everything about htis vehicle! COOL mysterious sound also. I will enjoys sharing this as usual.See you guys on another ride!!

[@benjaminsmith2287]

This is one of my favorite cars. I don't even like crossovers but I specifically like this car for a few reasons. One, the dashboard. I'm tired of looking at dashboards that look like they either are shelves to place screens on or have a screen somehow placed on it that interrupts the flow of the dash. I think of the dashboard as mimicking a jet and with the yoke, it even creates more of that effect. Next is that it is understated. There isn't a lot of bling or any that I can find. it uses sustainable materials but has none of the strips of disco lights that a lot of cars seem to go for and call "ambient" light. Next, it has the right amount of power. I'm just a bit tired of ever larger wheels, insane amounts of horsepower are necessary for BEVs to match competition and other such nonsense going on with BEVs. BEVs are best not accelerated hard and going fairly moderate speeds on the highway. There is no need for supercar acceleration and I've noticed most people don't even use it. It's overkill. I think anything over a 19 inch tire on a crossover this size is overkill. So, Lexus is only a bi overkill at 20 inch. But 18 inch yields bigger range so it goes against range to put larger and larger tires on BEVs. Then I like that Lexus puts in thoughtful and functional things in the car like the window shade, the radiant heating (there are complaints from some BEV drivers that their feet are cold) and the variable steer by wire is forward looking,. The only slightly gimmicky thing is the enhanced motor noise in sport mode. If you want a car that feels like an executive jet and don't feel a need to go road tripping in it, pretty much use it as a daily driver 30 or 40 miles a day and can conveniently charge it, then saving battery resources and going for lower range is actually a better idea that having a bigger battery with a bunch of range you rarely use. I know this goes against the camp that says the more range the better but think of finite resources and what Lexus/Toyota is doing makes sense. I think this is a truly excellent vehicle.

[@epoxy1710]

Used for day to day. Get a V8 for longtrips.

[@Mark-de4hj]

@@epoxy1710 Many V8s do not have over 300 horses, fyi.

[@omarcortes5754]

Loved it but I would go for the 450h.

[@mystictk4149]

A good start to the morning.

[@arnegerhardsen3755]

Thanks for your great review. Because Lexus has a smooth regen braking on the brake pedal I prefer to use that pedal instead of one pedal driving. And we have bought the 18" wheels with even smoother driving than 20" and a lot more real life range. We don't need any more range for our normal driving and would not like a heavy battery for range we don't use, and if we a few times a year should go for a longer drive we need a stop anyway. We bought the RZ for the smooth and comfortable ride, and after I got disabled with a neckinjury I'm getting exhausted of the noice and vibrations we can find in a lot of cars. Thanks for a good review.

[@RaitisRides]

You are so very welcome!

[@zklucsc]

It looks like the back truck space is bigger than NX. How does it compare with the RX?

[@RaitisRides]

Not as big.

[@zklucsc]

@@RaitisRides That is good to know! Thanks

[@sonalmalhotra07]

lOVELY Video Joe- keep it up!

[@iglapsu88]

Nice Joe! When it comes with steer-by-wire it will be even better!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting me share it with you!

[@360MIX]

22:54 The IP Instrument Panel is HUGE!!. Look like an old truck from 1970's Why to Large and TALL. I'm talking about behind the steering wheel. Those vents are huge! just looks bulky to me.. and those folds above the speedometer making the dash even bigger for no reason. . They need to make things more compact and nicer flowing...

[@Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan2219]

This is the only vehicle I wanna buy it Joe.

[@RaitisRides]

I’m so glad that I could bring it to you Jeremiah!

[@MisterMikeTexas]

The steering yoke on the Luxury trim is quite a thing, I see. Could use more battery range. Overall seems to be a decent ride. Comedian Vic Dibitetto might like the Lexus hybrid you recently reviewed. I can see him trading his current Lexus for that, and then continuing his Ticked-Off Vic videos from behind the wheel. Technology can be a torture though, with more of it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q57Sh2aXm9J5e7s

[@gethecar]

Those two things coming off the back of the roof looks stupid. It looks like they forgot to put the spoiler on.

[@RaitisRides]

I can understand where you are coming from

[@vhowardrn]

Why do the little red lights flash in front of the steering wheel?

[@360MIX]

Front of the car 2:50 (Bug Collector/Masher, paint chip magnet)

[@InvestBetter.]

High price and low range. For this money, you can get a performance model from many companies, so not a strong value. This model isn't worth over $60k, and the range is deal breaker.

[@mowcowbell]

Tesla Model Y Performance would be a much better EV choice in this price range with much better range, superior public charging network, and over-the-air updates.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

Why is range so important? If you drive 30-40 miles a day then who cares? The car is refined and quiet and isn't that what you pay for? When has having a lot of range been the reason why someone buys a premium vehicle? Plus, when you need to go on longer trips Lexus has a deal where you can rent any car free. The car is worth $60K because it is a refined car with excellent build quality and quietness and smoothness. That's why it's worth its money.

[@hedgehogthesonic3181]

@@mowcowbell And the Tesla ensures that you will always have to do repairs on it, non ending trash.

[@JoeGX460]

What is your appreciation with this Lexus compared to other EV you have tried?

[@RaitisRides]

I think it is done well but needs more mileage out of each charge.

[@W8945RVMRookSeer]

Does one have to get the luxury trim to get the hole steering wheel?

[@alengreen589]

Puh good question but it´s not easy because they are to close to each other

[@RaitisRides]

This is so very true!

[@yaboymo93]

Looks nice but low range plus no cargo area under the front hood is questionable. Having basically an "engine" in the front wouldve been fine if it would get 350 miles range.

[@christopherklein8434]

That grill looks like a cleaning nightmare. Basically the only thing I hate about the car. But I hate that a lot...

[@lloydlee8512]

This show me so much same size 2015 Toyota Venza I’m looking forward and same cargo size too also I’m looking forward to trade in for 3 or 4years

[@jj5515]

Never clicked so fast 💨 when I saw raiti new video

[@waynerice4918]

Where the glove box was there is a heater all along that area and heats up and that might be why that why they used that material

[@RaitisRides]

You are correct!

[@football_history.]

What a car

[@RaitisRides]

I’m glad that you are digging this one!

[@Soccerplr87]

Kinda surprised you can’t get triple beam headlights with this.

[@RaitisRides]

That is a big surprise.

[@Kim-jj9fq]

There should be waaaay more comments about the “pair of your grandfathers bowling balls.” 😂 This might be my first EV. I like it.

[@yuoba2001]

Hi john great review...I would like to see the nissan Arya with another competitor....

[@angelestrada7592]

This is wayyy better than the MACH-E or the tesla. I’m trading my IS-350 for this

[@LeonYuL]

It's cool and I've tried a few EVs, but I still love combustion and manual, minimum hybrid accepted

[@RaitisRides]

I agree with you!

[@weirdshibainu]

Someone needs to build a modern steam car along the lines of the Doble.

[@RaitisRides]

That would be really wierd.

[@kennethkim5219]

You completely overlooked the new storage area under the center console.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for pointing that out.

[@ejohnson3131]

Toyota has been so liberal with that two-tone on its hybrids/EVs like it’s gonna give you more range! 🤔

[@amyvong4406]

I like this SUV. The reason i don't buy it yet is the battery range only 220 miles. After, turn on heat or air condition only have 180 miles. I will wait 300 miles range battery.

[@Mark-de4hj]

This car has radiant heating which does not draw a lot from the batteries. This will make it more efficient than a lot of other EVs.

[@tagajolo]

If only they could increase the range on a single charge

[@MichaelCohen23]

Good morning☺️

[@RaitisRides]

Hi Michael!

[@TheDukens90]

If I want to take this car from Fort Myers to Orlando That would be a bad idea

[@AntonioDiaz]

Hey!! Love the review! Can you review the Genesis Gv70?!❤

[@kotek77simpa]

Ну и чем он лучше Китайского авто ?

[@sutikno917]

not usually Raiti It after video at this time success always friend...

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for having my back!

[@bandrae6620]

I was excited to see this because I love Lexus, but this thing is DOA with that kind of horrendous range.

[@RaitisRides]

That is so wonderful.

[@cuongong1649]

This ev won’t sell - 240 miles ev range with mid 50k to $60k price ?

[@Th3OneWhoWaits]

9:42-9:45 lol that classic "ICE" droning that I've heard on so many brands' EVs recently 🤦

[@henrybrar]

$67k for 200 mile range. So this is a city crawler. I can't think of one reason to choose this over a Model Y.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

Start with higher quality and refinement to start with.

[@michaelc7014]

@@benjaminsmith2287 Start with...to start with?

[@TacoRob72]

Imagine what the front of this will look like driving in love bug season in Alabama yuck. Ya better get front end paint protection.

[@shawnmanh7707]

$67k for a 190 miles range EV. Lexus is joking with us right?

[@mova_2020]

Although a good vehicle, but it falls really short compared to cars like Tesla. The RZ range is laughable. No AutoDrive like Tesla. Doesn't even come close to what Tesla does. Forget about charging the car in a road trip. It is just a city car. Acceleration? For an electric car is below average at best. Quality? Yeah sure great on that side but that is it. I wanted to get this car but once O figured how bad it is, I changed my mind. Will do Tesla Model Y Performance model with full auto drive.

[@kpmmsupervision1297]

I’d cover the full front with ppf!!

[@markschoenhals7344]

Those ranges are low, no frunk. Hmm, IDK. 0-60 is okay for an electric. I would expect faster.

[@mickeybrumfield764]

Looks like if your going with an electric vehicle theres no getting around having a heavier car.

[@georgedoolittle7574]

I'm sorry but compared to *ALL* of the German name plates Japanese Das Auto *REALLY REALLY REALLY* need to find their mojo like they used to have back in the day starting with the now *LEGENDARY* Toyota 4Runner.

[@RaitisRides]

I guess we will see how it goes.

[@abhisheknauduri7013]

Beautiful vehicle

[@jimmydeneus7109]

Not my favorite its a freaking hybrid version💯🙏

[@brianjanes4700]

I am digging your outfit

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Brian!

[@rjcolombe]

Are we talking about cars or Hooked on Phonics? Those names are ridiculous.

[@ARentz07]

4820 pounds, not 5820, right? 😮

[@tonyn3227]

Nice car, but overpriced, for the low range you get, if it had 280 miles, would have been great, but at 197 milles, I don't think so.

[@Ariel51_artist]

Doesn’t matter how great it looks or drives. 190miles of range is completely unacceptable

[@RaitisRides]

I totally agree with you Ariel!

[@parveshpoeran8036]

Maybe a boring digital display is better because it's less buggy than a German sexy gauge cluster....keep it up. Love your content.

[@Mark-de4hj]

And subsequently the historically broken parts of the Germans. If that's "sexy" to you good luck! lol

[@eligestetner9627]

I'm curious how well the Alcantara will hold up after a little use. 200 miles is not cutting edge at all there are cars that can do more than double that. The 2nd row seems like it's missing some headroom as well as ventilated seats. As with most lexuses this one is ok but not wow.

[@Mark-de4hj]

Alcantara will age much better than leather. There are no other EVs in this price category that "doubles" the range in this EV.

[@eligestetner9627]

Leather is actually far more durable and longer lasting than Alcantara

[@Mark-de4hj]

@eligestetner9627 True, but Alcantara is more resistant to fluctuations in temperatures and has a better grip than leather.

[@321calm80]

It’s a nice car but the range isn’t good.

[@ThoLe-pt7bh]

2023../225 miles be 4 chagrin!!? Luxury car???! I'm order it..but behind schedule!! And so lowest mileage!! So I'm canceling my order!!

[@carlososorniomartinez5289]

Mmmm, yo creo que Toyota tiene mucho que hacer con respecto a vehículos eléctricos, están muy desactualizados, y Telsa los están destruyendo... ojalá puedan mejorar todo

[@RaitisRides]

Thank you for watching!

[@MrYamaha413]

in 2023 this range is not enough maybe ok for city driving only

[@mattmekhaeil]

It's fine for what it is. Who cares the range isnt enough. Who needs over 250 miles its not like you are traveling cross country. People will use it to get to work or run errands. That's pretty much what every ev owner does. Nobody will buy these to take this out of state. Same will be said for other electric cars

[@chieflingco]

Id take this over a model y. Lexus blows tesla out of the water with reliability.

[@aymanlockhartable]

I believe they partner with China company BYD with this EV.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

Absolutely not. The BYD collaboration was for the China only bZ3 Toyota sedan, not any Lexus.

[@shannonthomass]

Feels like a teddy ruxben 😂