I Drive The Electric Lexus RZ 450e For The First Time! Is This A Joke?

[@PhilipKnopp]

I am 81 years old and rarely drive more than three times a week, and even then...less than 25 miles. I have owned Lexus hybrids since 2013--sedan, RX, and HX. I bought the RZ 450e, because it drives like a limo/sports car in the driving arena I inhabit. I know that it would not have been suitable back in the day when commuting or driving long distances was the norm. But...I LOVE this vehicle, warts and limits notwithstanding! The comfort and luxury of the driving experience suits me--for you guys who like sports and distance, enjoy your choice...but I would not consider your choice...ever!

[@PhilKulak]

Remember when Lexus made those ads mocking EV drivers for waiting forever at fast chargers while the folks who drove hybrids were living fancy free? Seems like Lexus got annoyed that no other auto makers were making EVs that crappy, and had to take things into their own hands.

[@NF-rl9xh]

It was the board of directors that literally ousted the CEO who said no we’re not pivoting to EVs it’s too soon and new management rushed this stuff out now here we are

[@Josh-179]

Those ads that said their hybrids were "self charging EVs". So stupid.

[@hawkwind769]

That hurts man😢

[@Ficon]

Engineers who don’t care designed a car for drivers who don’t care. They deserve each other.

[@lsauve]

This kind of problem doesn't come from engineers, it comes from management.

[@RainbowTy]

Toyota in a nutshell.

[@dennisu11]

Whoever said Toyota has engineers working for them. Not from the stuff that I have had to put up with trying to use/work with them.

[@azera55555]

Toyota drivers imo are the slowest and most unaware on the road, Nissans are the most reckless lol

[@Dive-Bar-Casanova]

Close the gap until a serious contender is ready for prime time.

[@drpamchambers1881]

Kyle, this was on my short list because I am one of the millions of people who don’t need lots of range. IMHO I think the service and depreciation element of Lexus is a huge draw over Tesla. So, there really is more to buying EVs than range. Just like, why would anyone buy a Hummer, or Cayenne? The fuel economy sucks. But distance potential isn’t the be-all and end-all for everyone.

[@RSwrightMD]

I agree with Dr Pam. I also think comfort of ride being better than the model Y is a real selling feature.

[@LearningFast]

Great job filming Alyssa. That job goes overlooked a lot of times. It isn’t easy to do well.

[@RP-16]

Are they related?

[@jasonfournier]

@@RP-16 No she works for them. They did used to date.

[@mujjuman]

@@jasonfournier aw man that sucks i thought they were married

[@lopakavolmer6723]

casting shadows on the rz isn't easy to do well

[@sparkysho-ze7nm]

Tytyty so much ma’am for doin what u do

[@victorspann8841]

We got one, 48Kist for 64K MSRP, 16Kist discount - already started on these vehicles. Great around town. Review on point, we're old Lexus folks, so it works for us.

[@RangerMan2002]

"It's at least livable" is not a description that should be applied to an almost $70k vehicle. If you're talking about a $28,000 Bolt, that's a different story.

[@Josh-179]

It's crazy that a Bolt has better range.

[@i6power30]

@@Josh-179 also more reiable.

[@sparkysho-ze7nm]

Ain’t it

[@ABlueDahlia]

Once you said it was over 60k and less than 300 miles I'm like... yikes, hard pass.

[@JakeShirley]

Not just under 300 miles. Basically at 200 miles. YIKES

[@tom_hoots]

That's basically "on average" for the current generation of battery electric vehicles. Oh, yes, some do better on range than their EPA estimates, while others can't begin to meet them. But they're all within a range that's around half of what most ICE or hybrid equivalents can do, for half the price. Meanwhile, folks like Kyle and the commenters here completely, entirely ignore around half of the humans inhabiting this country, who do not live in housing that would allow them to charge at home. These are expensive toys for wealthy people, and nothing even remotely resembling an "electric revolution."

[@JakeShirley]

@@tom_hoots Hope your day gets better because it's clearly been a rough one so far :) Electricity is everywhere as a utility. If HOAs and apartment complexes don't having chargers then we need legislation to change that (or vote with your wallet and don't rent/buy there). For street parking we can easily install L2 chargers but see above, we'd absolutely need to change legislation and mindsets. And after all of that if you can't charge at home or work (which is a huge boon for EVs IMO) you can fast charge once a week just like an ICE. I've owned an EV for six years and the US is definitely lacking. After an EV road trip through Norway we can definitely improve things. But we are getting there and I can never go back to owning an ICE for all of the maintenance, price gouging at dealerships, going to gas stations, etc.

[@Charlesbjtown]

​@@JakeShirleyThe thing did 172 miles, and that was on a full charge......in 80 degree weather. God forbid you only charge to 80%......i. the winter. This thing is basically a LEAF, that cost 60 grand+. Im surprised they didn't build the thing with chademo.

[@mamadouaziza2536]

​@@tom_hoots Thats your opinion... Electric cars aren't toys, they are real cars for real people. If you can't charge at home because you live in an apartment complex that doesn't have chargers, you blame the car manufacturers? Public charging centers are popping up everywhere and many communities and neighborhoods have public chargers everywhere. There are chargers at Whole Foods, Amazon Fresh, the public library, Circle K, 7 Eleven, Target, McDonalds, Burger King, City Hall, next to parking meters, literally everywhere. Also, a lot of apartment complexes have 240v wall outlets in the parking garage (one can charge their electric car there)... Seems like you are looking for excuses to hate and not support electric cars.. Expensive? There are electric cars costing $19k after tax incentives. If one can't afford $19k, one shouldn't even be buying any car.. Anyway, people lease more and more because they want the lastest technology and tech changes rapidly..

[@BrickyardPowerMan]

You got a thumbs up as soon as you showed the missing route planning capability. You guys do an awesome job with your reviews. Been following for about a year. Thank you!

[@CondoreComputing]

As much as the range sucks, the lack of route planning is what makes it clear Toyota has no idea what they are doing in the EV space. Getting real tired of the "We have solid state batteries with 700 miles of range that can charge in 10 minutes" stories coming out of Toyota when their in car GPS can't even get you to a charger. Was originally holding out for Toyota to do an EV because I assumed them waiting so long meant by the time they did it would be done right at a good price, but here I am looking at getting a model 3 when I said id never even consider Tesla. Not sure how they managed to be king of making the best hybrid and PHEV vehicles for so many years but are dropping the ball so hard for full BEV's.

[@samuell.siskind]

This car is 68k-as of yesterday, the Model Y Long Range (330 miles of range instead of 196) is 48k… not to mention the new LFP model. Over 20k less for a Model Y-this car is a joke! Great review as always!

[@ChuckvdL]

It didn’t come close to that number in the real life 70mph range test. (But then most teslas don’t meet their EPA numbers when Kyle tests them)

[@samuell.siskind]

@@ChuckvdL true.. but both numbers I mentioned are EPA, so fare comparison.

[@ChuckvdL]

@@samuell.siskind I prefer real world testing, especially when one maker has a reputation for falling short of their EPA values. A reason I watch so much content from @OutOfSpecStudios

[@kenwk2283]

Who will buy it? Suckers will buy it.

[@ColinFox]

@@ChuckvdLThe range given is accurate for a baseline energy usage per km. In my model S, it's 200 Wh/km. As long as I stay at or below that, I get the indicated range. The energy you use while driving is affected by a lot of things - wind (headwind vs tailwind), road surface quality (rough vs smooth), how big your wheels are and how heavy they are, how much you accelerate during your trip (acceleration takes a lot of power). All of these are true for ICE as well, but you don't get the precise numbers with ICE vehicles that you do with EVs. You get a crude gas gauge that goes from "FULL" through 3/4, 1/2, 1/4 then empty, so you are unaware of your own inefficient driving habits. Also with an ICE vehicle, you have a tremendously larger energy reserve in the form of gasoline than we do with batteries. One gallon of gas is worth about 35 kWh. Which means my Model S has the equivalent energy reserve of a 2.5 gallon tank of gas. The only reason such a small amount of energy works is because the motors are so incredibly efficient. Once we get 2x-3x battery energy density improvements (they're already in the labs), range will no longer be an issue. EVs will regularly have 1000 or more kms range.

[@andrewt9204]

This car would be fine for a daily commuter or short road trip with 1 or 2 charges along the way (provided they update their route planner). 32 amps is fine for AC overnight charging. Even in winter, I don't charge at more than 24 amps for my normal 120 mile commutes. But this car's MSRP should be 25k lower. As Kyle pointed out, the current pricing is a non-starter. IMO, it doesn't have that traditional Lexus premium feel that warrants a higher sticker over the toyota variant.

[@EVbeginner]

My favorite part of the video: when Kyle talks about option of turning off battery cooling and turns and looks at the camera. 😂

[@stevenichols4639]

I like the use of Alyssa’s hair as a G meter for both cornering and braking

[@BroncoPH]

Okay it’s settled. We need a Race To Vegas using the worst EVs possible. That would be great fun.

[@Sawyerxl17]

This!!!!!

[@AnonymousFreakYT]

This, a Mazda MX-30, Kyle’s Leaf, and the Coda.

[@davidmenasco5743]

Another tip for the channel: KZbin Short clip of that dramatic moment: Kyle: Turns to the camera. "Why would you ever want to do that?"

[@roberts.wilson1848]

@@AnonymousFreakYT honda e whatever golf clone

[@AnonymousFreakYT]

@@roberts.wilson1848 Sadly the Honda e isn’t available in North America.

[@paulgilliland2992]

I have a 2003 SC430 since new with 75000 miles and as far as the wonky TPMS glitches maintenance and tires it has not any mechanical issues. The paint is so good but the leather is buttery and incredibly comfortable.

[@ackthbbft]

I really don't understand how a company that lead the way in electrification is having such trouble with full-EVs. I'll take their hybrids and plug-in hybrids all day long, but no way would I touch this first generation of Toyota/Lexus EVs.

[@Coyote.five.0]

finally someone with common sense: the thing for me is that toyota did a statement public that they will dump tons of billions into hybrid technology and literally dump ev R&D , i think they did that statement about 2 or 3 years ago , fast forward to todays day and now they are trying to come up with a competitive ev model , when the model y is dominating every segment of a electric suv, is funny how now they are trying to catch a spot into the ev market when they were the one's not wanting to join the great way of electrification

[@ianrob4760]

well they also went with Hydrogen ... the betamax of alternative fuel supplies

[@jubayarahmed342]

Surprisingly, i see them often on the road here in Boston. People probably dont really care about the huge range. For city driving, it's more than adequate, and also, i believe no one is paying msrp for these.

[@mike168168]

The 110V plug w/o the ground pin is very common in Japan.

[@barryw9473]

Lexus engineering C team is very proud of its work.

[@MalamIbnMalam]

More like D/F team

[@galactictomato1434]

They just scrounged together some unpaid interns.

[@drive-channel1834]

Yeah, the F-team, and the actual production was outsourced to some shady cheap manufacturer/supplier, horrible inside out

[@brhntrmd]

So when I checked out the bz4x I wasn’t impressed, it seemed so cheaply made not a usual Toyota. I just don’t get it. I’m on my second Prius in 10 yrs. Great cars.

[@Carfan678]

Toyota, reliable sure... high quality not sure they have always felt cheap and flimsy

[@Iceeeen]

Realiable sure? But high quality and nicley made 🤣 I toyota has one of the most crappy interriors on the market

[@why6212]

Isn't that the one the wheels fall off of?

[@benjaminsmith2287]

@@why6212 No wheels fell off of any Toyota BEV. Early in the production there was a recall due to wheels being loose with the *potential* to fall off. But no wheels feel off any customers' cars. A recall was issued and in a few months, a fix was in. It's an absolute non-issue now.

[@why6212]

@@benjaminsmith2287 wheel nuts loose or other stuff?

[@avdp9095]

Bz4x 2nd bestselling car in Norway, bev market nr 1 of Europe, good range, excellent warranty. This Rz maybe short on range, but who drives more than 200mls a day???? 15 years warranty on batteries and 1mln km......unprecedented. to much focus on range. You can charge at work, home etc. We have a Ford Mustang EV. Drove this Rz recently, wow, what a difference......compared with our Ford. Faster, far, far better build, ultra silent, more comfortable. Would choose this Rz above the Ford anytime....

[@lopakavolmer6723]

I can charge at work after a 100 mile drive there?? [looks out window, shakes head no].

[@JakeShirley]

Big miss on the random current limits. I really enjoy how tesla lets you pick to the single amp. When charging on vacations I will often hop between NEMA 5-15 and 5-20 outlets which are 12A and 16A charging. Why even limit to 8A at all?

[@ChuckvdL]

It’s not uncommon to see multiple 15a receptacles on a 20a circuit. Max sustained load for a circuit is 80% of max, or 16a in that case. The use case for 8a is 2 cars drawing 8a each off separate 15a receptacles backed by a 20a breaker.

[@JakeShirley]

@@ChuckvdL good call on the two cars on one circuit! I still think a 12a option would be good.

[@ChuckvdL]

@@JakeShirley nearly all level1 capable travel ‘chargers’ support a 12Amp mode because that’s 80% of 15A, which is the rating on a standard 110v outlet, and for constant loads you should limit to 80% of rated capacity.

[@JakeShirley]

@@ChuckvdL I know! I just thought it'd be nice if this car did do. But instead it only supports 8A and 16A limits :(

[@ChuckvdL]

@@JakeShirleywhat? I’d complain but most L/1 EVSE supports its own 12A setting, so 🤷‍♂️ maybe they thought it was redundant?

[@TylerPoppe]

It’s such a tragedy. That said, I read somewhere that Lexus sees this as a second vehicle for a current Lexus owner that they strictly use this for their daily commute and grocery store run, then take your LX or LS for your road trips. Why you’d do that I have no idea. The LX and LS are far too wonderful to be wasting time on this. Why not just get a RX450+ then.

[@MalamIbnMalam]

Well said

[@drpamchambers1881]

I totally agree.

[@scott8919]

It's absolutely a PR answer. They did the car, knew full well it wouldn't look good on paper, and spun it every way they could like it was intentional. Like you said, why not buy a plug in Lexus?

[@sparkysho-ze7nm]

Awful expensive grocery getter

[@TylerPoppe]

@@sparkysho-ze7nm not for a lot of Lexus owners. A lot of lx and LS model owners will be old money.

[@GregV8]

The sheer JOY on Alyssa’s face when it is revealed that it is a CAPACITIVE STEERING WHEEL! 😅

[@stuartdrummond]

I thought it was rather enlightening when I went to the Toyota museum in Japan and they had the Mirai as the most recent evolution rather than the BZ4X (and its sisters). I really hope the new CEO can spruce up their EV lineup because I still think they make great cars.

[@LionheartLivin]

I hope ur right 🎉🎉🎉

[@bitcoinman9202]

There is nothing special about Toyota anymore your living in the 2005

[@jcl3j]

@@bitcoinman9202 I waited forever for the Tundra hybrid after my 4runner died and was so sad that the battery was smaller than the prius prime. The mileage still sucks when traveling on the interstate. Wife convinced me to test drive an R1T and that was the end to my search. I tow around 7k lbs 1400 miles 2-3 times a year and wanted something fuel efficient for the times I was not towing. We already have a 2017 prius and the new prius is smaller and less fuel efficient than the previous model. We had a 2005 sienna that I loved, so we looked at that for my wife and the materials are now mostly cardboard with some carpeting. We are officially done with Toyota until they get back to where they were in the mid 2000's.

[@i6power30]

toyota will only go downhill from here.

[@evrythingis1]

@@bitcoinman9202 Tell that to the vast majority of people who lease German cars because they are significantly too unreliable to be worth owning.

[@jaselee117]

The nema plug with no grounding plug is how almost electrical outlets are in Japan

[@khaavi]

This would be a great around town car for maybe $40k, but lacks too many basics for more, sadly. I hope their prices come down once production ramps up.

[@esprit1st75]

I can see the articles popping up already: "I drove Toyotas EV for the first time and I hated it", "I test drove Toyotas brand new EV and it sucked" and "I went on an EV roadtrip and got stranded because I couldn't find any chargers" ... oh well ... Toyota at it's best!

[@joed6850]

True 1 pedal driving should be available on all new EVs. I just got a Bolt EUV and 1PD is great, once you get used to it.

[@i0x_x0i]

Wtf is that 😂😂😂 just get a Tesla

[@quickpstuts412]

I thought I'd hate it, but wouldn't have one without it now!

[@seanplace8192]

12:35 - Having a fast onboard charger is great when you come home from a road trip with very little range left, but need to leave an hour later to go drive somewhere else in town. That extra 2-4kWh could mean the difference being able to make the drive or not.

[@iamnid]

hopefully you're getting more than 2-4kwh in an hour. Even at 32A you'd be getting about 7kwh.

[@iamnid]

hopefully you're getting more than 2-4kwh in an hour. Even at 32A you'd be getting about 7kwh.

[@seanplace8192]

@@iamnid That's why I said "Extra". As in the extra energy you would get by being able to charge at 40A or 48A.

[@ChuckvdL]

@@seanplace8192most EV’s with less than 80KWh packs can’t AC charge above 40amps. But then I don’t see a lot of people installing the 60amp circuit and hardwired EVSE needed to support a 48a continuous load.

[@jontanneguy4960]

Toyota quality is still number one overall.

[@joewilder]

It's actually a hatchback. I believe the costs for producing a hatchback are much greater than for a trunk, and that's why Tesla doesn't make the Model 3 a hatchback.

[@lopakavolmer6723]

On the Model 3, using a trunklid is to create more rear headroom and improve structural rigidity, reduce weight. Cost to produce a hatch is not 'much' greater.

[@marker220]

Confused when you said you didnt understand the rear lock/unlock buttons. It’s just an electronic lock for that door…🤷🏽‍♂️

[@MegaRetr]

Awesome video)

[@elektrischverhaal5166]

Toyota’s current e-TNGA platform does support EVs, it is also used by combustion and hybrid models, all of which are built together on the same line, so e-TNGA isn't actually a bespoke EV platform with important packaging constraints that prevents it from optimizing the EV drivetrain and battery. That why Toyota within the next five years wants to make way for a new, bespoke EV platform

[@francisgallozzi2595]

BZ4X batteries are supplied by Panasonic and CATL

[@weho_brian]

lexus and joke in the same sentence, what a time to be alive

[@stevenichols4639]

I can no longer attribute Toyota’s incompetence inelectric cars to antipathy. This Hass to be intentional at some level. They decided they weren’t going to make an electric car that was competitive probably in support of their bill considered hydrogen car or because somebody in upper management didn’t like it. it would be impossible a car this bad by accident.

[@spazzman90]

Absolutely intentional. Compliance car only. People seem to overlook that they just very recently spent billions converting everything to hybrid. They need to make some of that money back. And it's Toyota. Toyota customers demand nothing but the brand name as you can easily tell from their very outdated interiors across the lines.

[@mamadouaziza2536]

​@@spazzman90 Oh please... There is nothing wrong with this car. Kyle as a reviewer is very nit picky. Not all electric cars will suit everyone's needs and it doesn't mean the car is inferior. Your expectations for Toyota and Lexus might be unrealistic to think that they would be the great innovators in electric cars? Well, that ship already sailed by in 2012 with the introduction on the Model S and in 2013 with the i3. Its now a fact that any manufacture introducing electric cars now will only be maintaining and not really introducing any new technologies to take the industry to a new level.. Besides battery improvements, even more faster charging speeds, what else is there to improve without the cost of the cars becoming higher?? Self driving is already standard on many new cars.. Efficiency will automatically come with each new car.. So what else is there??? Do you want the car to fly? Sounds like every one who is complaining want a luxury super sporty electric Lexus capable of a 300 mile range, 250kw charging speeds, 600hp, all wheel drive, 2 motors, 0 to 60 under 3.3 seconds and for the car to wipe their asses after they take a dump.. Sure you can get all that but its gonna cost $150k.. Are you willing to spend $150k?

[@khaavi]

@@mamadouaziza2536 You can get all that (minus the wiping your a$$) in a Model 3 performance for 50K now. No reason to spend $150k anymore. Spazz is right that Toyota has put their money into hybrids, which is fine. People want those too.

[@khaavi]

@@mamadouaziza2536 Also, when we bought our Honda in 2013, it was partly b/c Toyota said they would NEVER adopt CarPlay/android auto, which does not sound very tech forward. Eh.

[@ChuckvdL]

@@mamadouaziza2536if you want more luxury then look at a GV-60. Same price range as this Lexus, 230 mile range in the same range test, just under 500 HP, 2 motor all wheel drive, 3.6s 0-60, 240KW 18m 10%-80% DC charging, massaging seat, HUD, CarPlay&android-auto, Vehicle2Load, and more. Not exactly what you asked for, but very close for under $70K.. if you want luxury BEV for under $70k why would you pick the Lexus over the Genesis? ( or a number of other very good BEV’s under $70K)

[@reeftank706]

limit DC charging for per minute with EA can be useful 90kw and under is 19 cents a minute vs 37 cents a minute for over max speed 90kw so if you can't charge must faster than that it's a good idea to have the car advertise max 90kw

[@ChuckvdL]

That’s a use case many of us with more fixed rate charging would not have considered. Thanks for bringing that up.

[@SrinivasRamineni]

Add route planning via software update. Add some sound deadening & double pane glass all around. 32Amp level 2 is livable. Remove the battery limitations for better charging performance, also software. Probably get rid of the under trunk space and add another 20kwh battery for a useful 250 mile range? The battery might not last as long but at least their buying new customers won't be miserable and range degradation only matters years down the line

[@Martinm210]

I've owned many Toyotas, always loved their ICE and Hybrid reliability well into 300k miles but I would not touch a Toyota or Lexus BEV. It looks nice and appears to have decent interior luxury comforts but it's a good 8 years behind current BEVs on charging and driving performance. Even my 2019 model 3 SR with a teeny tiny 46kwh usable has more range and can charge at 175kw peak. Road tripping this would be so bad it's essentially a City only car to compliment a second ICE or you'll never want to travel. It's clear they didn't try very hard but hopefully they will learn and correct themselves. It's basically a fancy Bolt (which may win in the 10% challenge) with far less efficiency and less range..:) Come on Toyota..I have confidence they can still do it right but oh boy.

[@mamadouaziza2536]

8 years behind? C'mon now. I would say 3 years behind. However, not all electric cars are created to be equal and there will always be electric cars that have more range and faster charging speeds than the next regardless of price.. At some point one will have to decide what is more important to them and what fits their lifestyle and budget.. You want a comfy ride and luxury and are willing to sacrifice range and charging speed? Or do you want long range, faster charging speeds and don't care about luxury and comfort? Some electric cars you can feel every bump in the road and the drive is harsh but yet you get great performance and medium range and so-so charging speeds.. There will never be a perfect electric car because there will always be complaints from someone about something they feel can be improved.

[@davidmenasco5743]

​@@mamadouaziza2536They've just announced their 2025 EVs will have NMCA pouch cells from LG. That's state of the art as of 2018. So, 7 years behind?

[@mamadouaziza2536]

@@davidmenasco5743 Can you think of better cells that won't raise the price of the car? Also, how many other car brands continue to use these LG cells that were state of the art in 2018???

[@mamadouaziza2536]

@@davidmenasco5743 Didn't BMW use LG as well? There are still i3' from 2014 with the original battery still getting nearly the same amount of range out of the car in 2023 that it got in 2014. Hell, I got an old LG G4 mobile phone with the original battery and its holding 93% of its original capacity.

[@mamadouaziza2536]

@@davidmenasco5743 There will always be new and newer technologies.. If you purchase a 2024 electric car now, its already old tech because these cars started engineering years ago before actual production for the public. Those Nissan Leafs that were introduced in 2011 were conceived in 2003, so they were 8 years old in 2011.

[@wgemini4422]

I guess with car play, you can use a better route planner instead? I think this is an acceptable car at $35K USD.

[@rickdiego5]

I leased a 1992 LS400 for 5 years and it was a great car. I leased a 1997 LS400 for 5 years and you couldn't even tell when the motor was running. In 2002 I purchased an LS430 and I still have it and it's still a great car. I hate their new big clotsy looking front grill and because of that would not buy another one. In 2020 I purchased a Tesla model x performance. I love it. I would never purchase another gas car although I realize, today, electric is not for everyone. But, electric is superior in almost every way to gasoline. My Tesla is not perfect but is the most fun to drive and I don't need to go out of my way to go to a gas station except for twice a year to put gas in my Lexus LS 430.

[@scottheppel8847]

I had ordered a Rivian R1S in September, but I have yet to have one become available that met the features of the one I ordered. The Gen 2 R1S with the standard battery pack and the other features I wanted was going to cost about $90,000 plus 7.5% sales tax 39:40 . Out of frustration, I started looking around at other options. I have been driving a 2006 Lexus RX 400h. It has been a great vehicle. Our Lexus dealer had an RZ 450E Luxury version in stock. I drove it and liked it a lot. I rarely drive more than 30 miles in a day and almost never more than 100 miles, so the 192 mile charge range was not a concern. I ended up leasing the Lexus, 36 months, up to 10,000 miles a year. Lexus provided a $17,000 rebate on the lease. I paid nothing down. The total lease payments plus the buyout cost at the end, including 7.5% Tennessee sales tax were well under $62,000. NET present Value would be significantly less. I paid $67,000 plus tax for my 2006 RX 400h and drove it for over 18 years. So I am very content with the cost of the RZ 450E compared to the cost of the Rivian. The Rivian fronk, the multitude of cameras and the longer range were just not worth a $30,000 difference in price for me. Maybe I will try for a Rivian R2S when my Lexus lease runs out. Also got a ChargePoint Level 2 charger on a 50mp 220 volt circuit. Probably will not need to charge more than 1 or 2 nights a week. Content so far.

[@doxinator3560]

That would have been a very competitive offering in 2012.

[@godofdun]

They must be marking this thing down like crazy in any state where Genesis also sells the GV60 and 70 evs. There's no good reason to get this over either of those.

[@ChuckvdL]

As someone who owns a GV-60 I completely agree.

[@brad_wilson]

A 120V outlet without ground is a NEMA 1-15.

[@faradaycool4058]

I've been with Lexus for 20+ years, and have gone electric. And it's no longer a Lexus.

[@janhenriksson3106]

Lexus RZ 450e stands out with its striking design, comfort, quality, drivability etc and has enough battery for 99,9% of customers. Lexus knows what they are doing and will always have high secondhand value.

[@garycumming8093]

Omg Jim I am going to go out and look for all the wires you mentioned. Thanks for all the information.

[@Skylancer727]

The hotel room I was just in had normal wall outlets without grounds. You see them a lot at hotels. Especially on the lamps with power passthrough.

[@larzlarz1140]

Don’t condescend to Alyssa. Either leave her out of your questioning, or be nice to her. She is not an EV nerd like your are. She is your free film crew. Be respectful to her.

[@DanielWells-j6u]

I'd hardly consider this guy an EV geek. He uses terms that don't exist. What is an "active, passive, non powered dampening"? No thing exists. I've rebuilt my fair share of suspension systems on high end mountain bikes. That technology trickles down from motorcross. Pretty technical high-end stuff. A single shock can easily set you back several hundred, to over a thousand dollars. I've rambled enough.

[@doomsday9973]

@@DanielWells-j6uhe likes to spew a bunch of technobabble to make him sound smarter and more knowledgeable then he is

[@spiroxenos7347]

Yes Karen

[@scott8919]

If you're talking about the screen with the wheel power and her thinking it was supension height, I don't think he intended to sound that way. He knows other automakers show their suspension height with a similar graphic and she's used to having cars with it.

[@scott8919]

​@user-eh8ic9wl8g there is such a thing as active vs. passive dampening. Passive meaning normal shocks, active meaning electronically controlled and constantly measuring the road surface to adjust in real time. I think you're not understanding the terms because no one says what you put in quotes, unless they corrected themselves mid-sentence.

[@petesig93]

13:33 - Google tells me that the cd is 0.28. Pretty typical but in *no way* top spec! Re the calculation and role of the drag coefficient in total drag resistance, it is actually the coefficient of drag times the FRONTAL area (not surface area) that gives the total drag force (with some added factors that are pretty constant for vehicle comparisons - density of air & velocity). Fd = cd 1/2 ρ v2 A where Fd = drag force (N) cd = drag coefficient ρ = density of fluid (1.2 kg/m3 for air at NTP) v = flow velocity (m/s) A = characteristic frontal area of the body (m2) In summary - cd DOES matter, along with the frontal profile of the car.

[@voltspc9394]

Some DC chargers make you pay higher rates for higher speeds so limiting your charging speed could save you money if you know you'll be there for a while

[@lanceareadbhar]

It's clearly a rushed stop gap. I'm still looking forward to what Toyota does with EVs when they put more of a focus on them which seems to be getting closer every day.

[@bartwaggoner2000]

Why? Just get a Tesla - Toyota will not be able to figure out software.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

@@bartwaggoner2000 No thank you.

[@TheMrHueyFreeman]

@@bartwaggoner2000 yea i don't think anyone really wants to buy Musk's bizarre spin on car controls just becaue he wants to maximize profits

[@bluesplit2887]

Even Toyota says they won't have a new generation of EVs for 3 years minimum (2026)

[@Scoopta]

That's a NEMA 1-15 which was the un-grounded predecessor to the 5-15. You see it mostly in old homes and I've seen it in a few other cars like the honda pilot.

[@edgallagher8675]

Like Sandy Munroe said about the BZ4X. "It was engineered by the B team."

[@drive-channel1834]

This Lessus aRse-Z was by the F-team I guess

[@dario5437]

Just leased one. I didn’t see this review before I got it. Over all so far very comfortable but still hate the charger it comes with. For such an expensive car they should have come with level 2. At least in three years I can see where the battery tech is and pick something with better range.

[@Martin-Techno-Gadget-Guy]

Loved your review. I learned a lot. As for turning off the battery all I can think is for people who live in winter climates (Like a lot of the US) where the temps are under 30 degree every day for 5 months then you turn off battery cooling because cooling the battery actually drains the battery fast. Does that make sense maybe?

[@devinjones9614]

i had an LS400 as my first car!! grew up in that thing. what a car.

[@mingouczjcz3800]

Currently both BZ4 and RZ are using Byd electric technologies, including batteries.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

Wrong. The bZ3 in China does, NOT the bZ4 or RZ.

[@TheDrivenDave]

Hell yeah brother! Great to see the Old Man looking regal at the beginning. Excited for your comparison video too!

[@george40nelson4]

What is the range in a Maine winter with the heater going ? They may not be able to give these cars away in the N.E.

[@kinsonl9015]

thanks for your honesty, best review in youtuber!

[@RJZvids]

They have acoustic glass as an option, if you want it more quiet

[@quickpstuts412]

Many people criticizing these cars are comparing to Tesla and other cars in that price range. Understandable, but this car is not for you. This car is for the Lexus fanboy or girl who wants an EV but doesn't want Tesla or other brands. They are more loyal to brand. I know because it's why my friend bought one. She doesn't care about all the specs. She's a city driver only and a huge Lexus fan. The range is plenty for her.

[@mikefucito6030]

I own one of these, and love it. Had a Tesla Model Y before this. I disagree with a lot of the feedback in this video. It is exceptionally well constructed, quiet, great performance, looks great, and rides great. I think it is a good value for the money. I would like a little more range, but it is no problem for me.

[@JohnSnowNW]

No idea how you can say it's a good value for the money, at nearly $70k...especially when comparing to a Model Y. I don't doubt that it can be an enjoyable vehicle to drive, but there isn't good value there.

[@randomcheese1719]

@@JohnSnowNW the model y and this are not a competitor. The model y doesn't have the luxury this does. People that like this Lexus want it for the looks, build quality, Lexus brand, and the luxury features.

[@dwightmanne]

Good value when ot costs more and does less? Just say you want a lexus

[@lisamarshall6001]

Agree with everything Kyle says. Toyota/Lexus needs to get their ev’s like an ev and not based off their gas cars. We have a bz and model s (won’t buy another Tesla because they took away mobile services from us) but love our bz for the ride and taking it on crappy forestry roads, love the tesla for everything else.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

They're doing that. They've announced in more detail than usual for Toyota their revised and very different approach to their new platfrom of BEVs they say will be done by 2026.

[@evrythingis1]

The only difference between the two is that one uses a combustion engine with gas and one uses an electric engine with battery. Why would there ever be any noticeable difference between designs or functionality!? Cars are designed around safety regulations, they are all essentially the exact same....

[@miraphycs7377]

If you are talking about efficiency, combined hgwy+city in SUV category. Only Tesla Model Y(AWD, Long Range AWD, RWD) gets more Le/km. If you are looking at whole bev category then only Lucid air touring and pure, Ioniq 6, Model Y and 3 are the only ones more efficient than this/bz4x. They match Model S, EV6, Bolt EV and EUV. It still more efficient than ID4, Ioniq 5, Model X, Mach E and everything from BMW and Audi.

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

Toyota has been trying to catch up with everyone else for years now after spending WAY too much time (and billions of dollars) on hydrogen fuel cell technology (that amounted to nothing). This kind of result, with less than 200 miles of range, is not going to win them any awards.

[@alexnutcasio936]

"Is this a joke?" Emphatically, YES!!!

[@bcuzican_gaming]

I was literally at the same charging station 3 days ago! Welcome to CO!

[@ShawnGBR]

It's like that scene for Duff Beer in The Simpsons. "And here you see where we build the LEXUS RZ450e, the Toyota bZ4x, and the Subaru Solterra." Camera pans up to see it's all the same pipe.

[@cbotten106]

Car and Driver called the Toyota version of this vehicle a "compliance car". The interior of the RZ was singled out as an "upgrade to 1st class" vis-a-vis the the bZ4X. The range is totally out of whack with the current market though. It's almost as if Toyota has had this design sitting in a drawer somewhere for a couple of years. It's pretty fast, Motorweek got 4.5s 0-60 mph. That will sell a few of 'em. I was kind of shocked that it was that fast, tbh. That's right up there with i7 xdrive60 and others.

[@realvalue626]

As far as I can tell. Everyone is about 5 years behind Tesla in software and hardware.

[@robertwarren20]

An EV is not for everyone. It depends on how you use the car. First, with current battery technology, a gas or hybrid car is still the most convenient way to go if you are using your vehicle for long road trips. That should change when solid state battery technology arrives. Second, I would not own an EV if I didn't have a level 2 charger at my residence. About four years ago I traded my Corvette for a Lexus RX350. I wanted a realiable, comfortable, luxurious car with lots of "bells and whistles". That Lexus turned out to be the best car I ever owned. Not long after that, a friend and I test drove the Tesla Model 3 and Y. When we accelerated, it was so quick we both started laughing. I was sold on EVs. When the Lexus RZ became available I was very interested, until I learned of the dismal range. I dismissed it until a friend (same friend) decided to go test drive the RZ. Naturally I went along with him out of curiousity. We both loved the car. The sales person told us about the Lexus Reserve program where we could get a "free" rental for up to three years for any road trips we took. This, along with the fact that I would be giving my RX350 to my wife, made me consider purchasig the vehicle. The night before I bought it, I strongly considered the Tesla Model Y. In the end, I went with the RZ because of the same reasons I loved my RX350. I have been driving the car all over town and usually charge it once or twice a week. I LOVE this car. But then again, it is not for everyone.

[@quickpstuts412]

Exactly. Depends on WHY you buy the EV. A friend of mine has one and she doesn't drive anywhere but the city. So it's perfect for her. She's not a road tripper. She's on a plane most of the time. LOL

[@jonip43086]

I want to see Kyle take this car on a road trip! 😂

[@0NeedHelp]

YES!!!

[@kevinweber5129]

They should do a competition with latest Leaf and the Bolt

[@davidbaker9943]

Lol

[@davidbaker9943]

Didn’t know we were into torture until now lol

[@SkaBob]

@@kevinweber5129 Think the Bolt and Leaf both a longer range they might beat this thing. Sounds like it was built with leftover parts from 2017.

[@yayinternets]

There's a whole long history about how Honda and Toyota basically pushed the Japanese government to invest in hydrogen cars rather than EVs. It explains a lot about why they are so far behind in EVs and why what they are currently selling for EVs all suck so much. I do think Toyota will eventually build on what Tesla has been doing and get it together. But that will be many years from now.

[@LionheartLivin]

I home your right, we need WAY more mass production of EVs!!!;)

[@arnegerhardsen3755]

I'm sorry, but have you never thought of that you are making fools of everybody that don't want a car with a bigger battery than they need in their regulear weekly driving, both because of the weight and to be a bit more invironmentally friendly until solid state batteries might solve that matter. And in most countries there this ev's are sold they don't have the long road trips you use in the US. I'm also pleased with better road comfort with 18" wheels because of a neckinjury, and I couldn't be a passenger by my daughter while she had the model Y. The driving comfort of the Lexus also with 20" wheels is of course on a much higher level than model Y. As younger people you may not notice the shaking and are more sport oriented like I was back in the time. I also like better the driving range and less tire cost with 18" wheels. I'm grown up with such wheels, but of course I understand that some people love the look of the 20" wheels, but I don't love the disadvanteges. I don't know if you haven't got the upgraded Lexus/Toyota models in the US yet, and hope It's not like that you have the manners where you criticize things you have not studied. Because the upgraded models we have got in Norway have faster fastcharging, and we have 11 Kw home chargers, if we will use it. We have to remember that Toyota/Lexus have some battery experience that other automakers don't have, and I have to admit that I in the start was a bit disapointed then I studied their to be extra sure policy for the battery life, but they know a lot about batterylife. Now they have also upgraded the showed consumption to be more real both by driving and in use of the aircondition. I'm pleased of the upgraded less than 30 minutes from 10 to 80 % fastcharging. And after studying a lot of tests I think we should get a regulation there used ev's have to document how much the batterycapacity is degraded of fastcharging, because we now have got so many tests that shows the degrade of batteries with much high fastcharging. And well a known Norwegian ev tester also showed the degrade % on his Tesla after just a few months. A front wheel drive Lexus RZ is coming to Norway i april/mai 2024. Thanks for your review.

[@DanielWells-j6u]

Those aren't "active non powered dampers" lol...That's a reinforcement/stabilizer bar. Damping is handled using valves that control the oil flow within the shock absorber. Bolting a stabilizer bar on the head of the shock islands doesn't qualify as dampening.

[@Martin-Techno-Gadget-Guy]

LOVE your review. I'm a long time solid Lexus fan. I'm so disappointed in the shortcomings. If it had a range closer to 300 miles WITH the 20" wheels I would be a buyer. It would still work for me because I don't drive that much each day. Also, the more recent release of RZ300e makes a difference in making me a buyer since it gets 266 mile range but still on the 18" wheels. AND i'm, finding them in Souther California for around $49k..... I need to think about this some more.

[@EVevals]

I'm betting Lexus are saving the rear axle for another 150 HP or higher motor in F spec. But it sounds like not enough will sell to get to that point. Great review. Thanks!

[@wayne0220]

I gotta chime in, I use Apple Music, we also have a a family plan so that’s a total of 5 of us. No complaints

[@Paul-g2b]

2013 Ram 1500 Laramie 5.7L 6 speed Auto / My Auto 4 wheel drive stopped working. I only use it when the roads are wet or icy. Is that usually related to the Trans shift motor. Your help will be greatly appreciated.

[@r5LgxTbQ]

that outlet is really typical in Japan. Maybe that press car is Japanese spec?

[@bluesplit2887]

Japan drives on the left side of the road.

[@Mark-de4hj]

I drove other EVs including this RZ and this handled great and was the most comfortable. The fit and finish here was much better than the Tesla. Additionally this will most likely be more reliable in the long term and will lose less of its battery capability. Electric cars only account for less than 8% of the US market so it would make sense that Toyota/Lexus did gauge the market and did not see a real demand. Their future offerings promises to be way better but, if I had to purchase an electric car today, this is the only one I I'd spend my money on.

[@RandenMontalvo]

Good video i agree with your summation. The issue with this car in my view is charge speed and range. Im waiting to see how they address that. The interior is gorgeous. The rest is top notch just the efficiency with range and charge speed is a huge area of opportunity. Lexus can do alot, especially seeing the new GX OT i think this has to be an entry just to get to market and will be followed up by a proper battery pack is my theory. The RZ if they can fix that battery pack can be a contender they need to get that charge speed cut in half on L2 speeds and range that pack to 250+ range.

[@_shreyash_anand]

Why did it do so badly compared to the BZ4X in terms of range on the highway? Quite a bit less efficient

[@phillipvelednitskiy6881]

Weight

[@iamnid]

battery size? Unless I misunderstood, he mentioned that the AWD BZ4X came with a bigger battery.

[@webcomment8895]

20” rims cut range quite a bit. The range with the base model 18” rims is better, but not great.

[@ChuckvdL]

Yep, bigger rims will kill more range than most realize. Also it could have worse aerodynamics, be heavier, have more powered accessories (although those shouldn’t be engaged in this test),

[@webcomment8895]

@@ChuckvdL The rims are going to be the biggest difference. Comparing range to a vehicle with different sized rims is not valid. If there is a huge weight difference, that will also change the range a lot. If the weight is anywhere close to the same and there is a significant difference in the range, then it’s all about those big 20” wheels.

[@Salanan]

Looking forward to you showcasing the Ram Rev 1500 at some point.

[@netito619]

just traded my Tesla X for this, Down side is the mile range but a good thing is the $15,000 rebate that Lexus is offering right now, quality of this Lexus is by far better than Tesla, Im actually very disappointed about Tesla cars now!!!!

[@ianpolo5673]

No trunk gas struts for such a car at a premium price? 😮 But the full suede seats is a very touch. Always cool and grippy to sit on. Glad that the dashboard design is a breath of freshness from the usual EV slapping with screens and over clean but plain approach.

[@yumingzhao5577]

have a chance to review BYD U8? Heard it has some most advanced and interesting features.

[@MrCg006]

Its amazing Toyota being on top of the Hybrid car game is so late in the Full EV space.

[@bluesplit2887]

If you see the info-ad articles, Toyota is poised to maintain their position on top of hydrogen cars forever! 😁

[@carlandjennifersilva]

I think other than low range it’s actually perfect.

[@snoopy178]

Hi Kyle and Alyssa, does the RZ450e rapidgate after multiple charging (i.e. much slower charging speed after the 3rd or 4th charge)? Thanks

[@sterlingj85]

DCFC with the RZ will do 3 10-80% cycles, then need approximately 6 hours before going full rate again with DCFC. It will charge slower with DC, but AC is not affected during this battery break time. That’s still about 600-700 miles of range in a day if you leave on a full battery. AC charge overnight and repeat. That’s not awful IMO.

[@michaelserres3604]

Loved seeing the acceleration meter in the car… that is Mellissa’s hair flying around. :)

[@keithmcdonnell4485]

The wheel opening have huge fender gap in real life, and the black cladding around the arches makes the fender gapes look even bigger! Who designed this thing?

[@lopakavolmer6723]

a design team at Toyota.

[@supra800]

Is it comfortable as the Mercedes EQE SUV? Im thinking to buy one , owner EQE SUV 500 .

[@rp9674]

Compare to Bolt EUV, trade some features & nameplate for range, worth about $37K ?

[@ChuckvdL]

Am I the only one that thinks the front looks like a reworked Cylon Centurion face? I want to mount a side-to side red light in the lower segment… Does the voice recognition say “by your command?”