The All-Electric Lexus RZ 450e Proves The Brand Should Build More EVs

[@robertwarren20]

I bought this car in spite of the fact I was initially "turned off" by the range. The Lexus Reserve program that gives me a free loaner car for three years whenever I decide to go on a road trip, helped my decision. Personally, I would not recommend any electric car to someone who did not have a level 2 charger at their residence and another gas or hybrid car. This will of course change when solid state batteries come out in two or three years. Having said that, I LOVE this car as 98% of my driving is around town. When I first got it, my gauges said I had about 150 miles of range. After driving with the climiate control off, the range went up close to the 196 miles. With the seat warmer, steering wheel heater and radiant heat over my legs, I stayed very warm without the climate control on. It currently gets charged about once a week and I drive all over town.

[@henrybrar]

150-170 miles of range in a $65k car, This should be illegal tbh.

[@jazzfan7491]

Disagree. Lower weight = less range. The range obsession is pushing cars toward 5000 pounds and that causes other problems. 150 miles is plenty for 99% of driving.

[@henrybrar]

@@jazzfan7491 lmao, you smoking same stuff as Lexus is.

[@weirdshibainu]

​@@jazzfan7491 lol. You can't drive 3 hours on a road trip without having to recharge. Lame.

[@jazzfan7491]

@@weirdshibainu As he says in the video, the car purchase includes car rentals from Lexus for road trips. Great idea. The “range” race reminds me of the megapixel race among camera manufacturers. A metric that has you paying a lot more for something you’ll never use.

[@jazzfan7491]

@@henrybrar if Lexus is smoking science as I am, well, good for them

[@islami.i2111]

I returned back after 3 days owning this car I was ok with low range But charging was pain 1hr with dc fast charging

[@bruintoo]

Abysmal charging curve just like Toyota and Subaru siblings.

[@silverstake88]

You didn't have the option of charging at home?

[@daves1646]

Thank you for the excellent even-handed review, Tom! The kicker is that >$60K for a commuter and local drive is right out of there regardless of drivetrain or appointments. Here’s hoping Mr Sato delivers on his promises.

[@LukasLwM]

Good looking EV and very Lexus!! Unfortunately the range is too low for EV with price over $60k 🤦‍♂️

[@cchan9186]

This only works as a 2nd car in your fleet..but at a steep cost of 60k. This should’ve been sold 4 yrs ago and would’ve been eligible for the tax credit, or not at all.

[@YourMajestyTheKing]

they shouldn't have modified the concept. I was tempted by the concept when i was deciding on the Cross Turismo

[@aritruths1452]

People are complaining about this car having low range, so what. Really do you drive close to 200 miles a day? If you live in a home and not even a home as every apartment complex nowadays have charging stations where you can charge, you should be fine. The problem is people don't know how to stay home. All they want to do is run the streets and drive around all day doing nothing but joy riding!

[@mishibird]

A bigger battery is not just for longer trips. Having a bigger battery for your daily driving means fewer full charge cycles compared to a smaller battery, which equates to longer battery life and less depletion over time. So if you intend to keep the car for a while it makes more sense to have a bigger battery, even if you’re not planning on doing any long road trips.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Yes, but Toyota claims it's doing things different by leaving a lot of reserve in the pack and being very conservative with the charge curve. He claims that after 100,000 miles the battery will be 90% usable if not better. Considering what I've seen with a few Chevrolet Bolts, that's very similar to GM longevity.

[@mishibird]

@@DrivenCarReviews I know. I had a Bolt for three years. 😉 But even so, many others have conservative approaches to charging curves but get better range. E.g. my current ID.4 which by default charges to 80% and still gets better range. So that justification sounds a bit weak. It’s also useless to have that “reserve” if you can’t access it when you need it once in a while on a longer trip. Also, DC charging curve is somewhat less relevant if you’re charging at home at 240V.

[@jywn]

a bigger battery would also makes the car heavier and more expensive, this isn't an EV for road trip, but great for daily use

[@robertwarren20]

Lexus claims 90% of it's battery still available after 10 years.

[@mishibird]

@@robertwarren20 that’s the minimum one would expect these days. Nothing special. Toyota is behind the curve on this.

[@shopwithaaron]

Never looking back...Thanks Tom!

[@rightlanehog3151]

Tom, Even the most ardent Toyota fans are disappointed by the new BEVs from Lexus/Toyota. Due to appallingly inefficient heating systems aboard these models, winter driving range will be vexatiously low. 🤨 Toyota's tried and true Hybrid models are a much more rational option for buyers today. On a positive note, there are many, many things Toyota Motor Corporation fans can do to meaningfully reduce their carbon footprint while waiting for Lexus/Toyota to master zero emission vehicles. 😉

[@DrivenCarReviews]

That might be true, but a check with my local Toyota and Lexus dealers finds these cars are all but impossible to get. There's a waiting list. There is room for improvement, but loyalists seem to be embracing them.

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@DrivenCarReviews I won't dispute the waiting lists because Toyota/Lexus have waiting lists for EVERYTHING right now. As a Canadian, it is impossible to overlook cold weather concerns. 🥶

[@quantum_entangled_tardigrade]

Heck with the low driving range, and dealership quantities. I'm still marveling at the word "vexatiously". :) The driving range is awful, though.

[@stephendyson1936]

No wonder Lexus/Toyota don’t want to offer EV’s. Embarrassing.

[@TheBjjones]

@@DrivenCarReviews Toyota & Lexus dealers are known for hyperbole as there are hundreds of unsold Lexus RZ models currently available on dealers lots.

[@jsfbay1]

If only Lexus would let us option smaller wheels. I'd gladly swap with someone who wants the big ones. Plus where I live, the roads are abysmal and years overdue for repaving. Wheels that large could cost me a lot!

[@cmair77]

Congratulations Martin🎉 all the best to your daughter and son in-law

[@davids1816]

Thanks to a few of your reviews I drive a humble EV (a Bolt) but for me the math is always "is this enough cheaper than a Tesla do justify having a haphazard charging network?" I think that's the very serious question we all need to ask ourselves until that fundamentally changes. This is nice looking other than the lights making it seem a bit cross-eyed, but at that price point... just get the Tesla. They're very similar in utility and what not and you can do a road trip in the Tesla. But I'm glad there are more choices.

[@JarmelSingsKaraoke]

LOVE THE SHOW ... HAVE A BEAUTIFUL TUESDAY EVERYONE ✌️

[@garybrownell]

A general suggestion, which I suspect has been made before. We usually get a sense of how comfortable the back seat is for a 5'9" person. I think it would be very useful to get a sense of how the driving position would be for a short person (say, 5'1" or less) and a very tall person (say 6'4" or more). Thanks for your great reviews.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

With my reviews, I will tell you if a petite woman has issues because my wife is 5'0". My tall friends are much less easily accessible. But at the end of the day, small or large people will always need to sit in a vehicle to test it because leg and torso lengths differ wildly. I am conveniently average size in both leg and torso, statistically speaking.

[@garybrownell]

@@DrivenCarReviews Thanks

[@papadougpapadougsadventures]

The range makes this a non starter for me

[@richg9988]

Thanks for the unbiased reviews.

[@draconicargus415]

My favorite feature is the ball warmer

[@GoodCatYouTube]

Cool!

[@rogerlavallee3572]

The YT "Car Care Nut " channel recently reviewed this very Lexus EV & largely was critical of it for various reasons, including poor mileage range.

[@hereigoagain5050]

RZ 450e looks right at home in Tom's neighborhood.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Not my neighborhood to be honest.

[@iamdenislara]

So glad I got my NX plug in before the new rules kicked in and got the rebate!!

[@MarioDallaRiva]

Ron Popeil would definitely have approved of the front fascia. Slice ‘n Dice!

[@jazzjokesjalopies]

The front end appears Shemp-inspired. 😊

[@rusticroads]

This seems like it isn’t the best at anything, but mostly acceptable at many things. While it’s BZ4X underpinnings would make EV enthusiasts pause, maybe the Lexus badge is all that’s necessary to sell to its intended audience, in spite of its lackluster feature set and gigantic nose.

[@rhemy1]

It’s crazy that Toyota allowed Lexus to release such a vehicle. The brand is seriously going down hill if this is the best it can do.

[@leonchen89]

The people in my city who bought this and the BZ4x are senior citizens/former Avalon drivers who don’t know any better.

[@stopthefomo]

Yes, they "should" build more EVs but Toyota-Lexus hate EVs, they've been wasting time on hydrogen fuel cells, and are now FINALLY reluctantly taking this technology seriously - REALLY? Geeze, it will be at least 2 years before we see a decent EV on the new platform from this group. Their battery supply chain is competely broken, with worst in class battery density and power delivery, it's an embarrassment. 160 mile range is TERRIBLE for a premium vehicle plus SLOW speed charging? No heat pump either? This is like the stone age. All of that incompetence for $63,000 and no tax credit is an insult to consumers. The Kia EV9 is a more compelling package for a similar price although I'd pay a little extra for the Volvo EX90 3-row EV with some tax credit as they'll be built in the USA.

[@krrk6337]

My guess is their shorter range means that they're conservative on battery's longevity. People always take it for grant that Toyota/Lexus are built to last.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

And Toyota/Lexus pretty much claims as much. But from what I understand with Chevy Bolt pack longevity (tests done with both L2 and DCFC) the LG packs used in those have excellent longevity. This whole dynamic is going to take years to figure out.

[@avdp9095]

15 years warranty on the battery. Not one EV brand, car offers that. Vw, Tesla, just 2 years. Fast charging is killing for every battery, I never do fast charging, I charge at home and the office.

[@Tokamak3.1415]

@@avdp9095 What are you on about? Tesla's battery warranty is 8 years and unlimited miles with guaranteed 70% function. VW is 4 years 50K miles. Nobody is doing 2 years. In 8 years, supposedly Toyota will have a solid state battery that goes 1000 miles, charges 10 to 80 in 10 minutes and weighs 1/2 as much. Why in world would you want a crippled battery for 15 years when Toyota themselves insist they're on a battery breakthrough. It's nonsensical in terms of utility. If one truly doesn't need range buy a cheaper Leaf or even a Smart.

[@z1az285]

​@@Tokamak3.1415exactly

[@adrianrubi5012]

I like the “yoke” version…as direct as motorcycle handlebars.

[@HOBBYTONY600]

Can you please blink when you turn. Or does the car not have turn signals?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I ask Martin not to. It messes up sequencing when editing. And there are no cars around when we shoot so he would be signaling for no one.

[@tonys9413]

These are pathetic specs for virtually every aspect of this car. Toyota, and it’s subsidiaries, are stumbling badly in the EV space.

[@BryceLovesTech]

Agreed this was a great electric vehicle in 2013.

[@denisdaly1708]

But I bet that it does not fall apart like Teslas.

[@BryceLovesTech]

@@denisdaly1708 My 2013 Tesla Model S P85 has the original battery and 155k miles and drives just fine, very reliable, and fast.

[@TizzleT]

​​​@@BryceLovesTech my airport taxi driver has a 2017 model s with 325k miles. Instead of buying a new one, he plans to just replace the battery. Crazy! I think he said his battery has about 80% of what he had when new which is still more than this 2024.

[@BryceLovesTech]

@@TizzleT same here, a new battery is about $15k, cheap compared to a new Model S

[@haserotmalach7324]

I'm a Japanese car kinda person, we own two here in our household and one is a Lexus ES 350 which I love. However, we need to call this thing what it really is: a low effort, half assed attempt by Toyota to fill a gap in their lineup which comes to life already outdated. Not a big fan of Tesla but those cars are, apparently, way ahead of this thing in terms of tech. A claimed range of 180 miles and a stick to prop the hood open instead of gas struts in a so-called luxury car?! One needs to be in need of serious psychiatric treatment if they decide to spend all that money on this hunk of garbage!

[@trevorsutherland5263]

If you came home with this, then I brought over a 2023 Jaguar iPace EV400 and let you have it for a day, you'd never in a thousand years give me back the Jag.

[@AdamJakowenko]

Thanks!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Hi Adam, don't know how I missed this but thanks!

[@carlosux]

phev is my next vehicle. we road trip and commute and normal weekend up and down the city.

[@Trades46]

It is a nice car and a lot of what an RX EV would be like....if only the battery size is larger and you get more like ~250mi range this would be a better seller.

[@ksorsomeplace]

Well...there are some good discounts now. I've seen up to $14,000 off for the top line trim.

[@farcinue]

Slick, modern design!

[@remoforrenemorales]

I never knew you have the option to have the hatch wait for you to leave so it can close down.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

It uses the key fob information, as soon as it sense you've moved from the vehicle it closes.

[@masoodrazaq]

I would consider this as a suburban runabout in addition to some ICE cars in the garage, but otherwise this is a tough sell. TMC and Lexus are behind the game, and not super compelling EVs at the moment. But they will eventually get there and the EV advantages will match the brand character of Lexus very well. Quiet, durable, well made, smooth - a Lexus EV has a lot of promise. In the meantime, they have to maintain relevance and compete with ascendant or reascendant brands from Tesla to Genesis, Volvo, Polestar and Cadillac to the German 3. Chinese brands are also advancing very quickly. This is a new paradigm and Lexus is a laggard. I hope they get it together soon, as time is not going to be a friend of Japanese brands. Personally, I feel that Genesis is more Lexus than Lexus these days. I would rather buy a G90 than an LS, for example. Hyundai Group brands are also way ahead of the Japanese on EVs.

[@Joe-be3pw]

How’s this better than a rav4 prime?

[@atmamont]

Did you mention 3 hour charging time, sorry?

[@waffles1ca]

I love this car but the range is to low for me, it needs to incorporate the Exro coil driver to extend that range.

[@samy4288]

We are going to have it next year! Sorry folks, we allways behind here 🎉

[@jrmt6]

No tax credit, screen bezels like we're in the mid-2000s, lackluster range, and lackluster DCFC. Oof. Not sure I see any reason to get this other than just to buy it for being a Lexus.

[@silverstake88]

It's not compelling when I can get a model Y dual motor with 300+ miles range, batter software, camp mode, dog mode, keep mode, cleaner interior and FSD for much less money. Plus there's a charging network dedicated to the brand throughout North America.

[@Tracertme]

Hopefully Lexus will drop this just like Toyota.

[@fist003]

even though Toyota do not want to go all in on electric, they should have at least make it competitive and not lagging behind for such a late entry to the market.

[@mike168168]

The front looks like an angry panda (especially with white paint)

[@daudder]

just do not understand a premium EV getting less that 325 miles of range, minimum. Otherwise its a wonderful car

[@avdp9095]

Good specs for a bev with a small battery pack, 15 years warranty and 320 km real world range, what's wrong with that?????? I charge at the office or at home, 300km plus is oke for every business trip. What a nosense about the range of this car. The bz4x and Subaru Solterra have had a software update and now 450km real world range and faster charging, the RZ will follow.

[@tonywong9105]

I really do not like the "panda eyes" of the front end, and the super low range will hurt Lexus's reputation as an automobile industry leader. They should increase the range as soon as possible to say the least.

[@blakesmith5198]

Less than two hundred miles of range? This thing is obsolete when it rolls off the assembly line.

[@MichaelKirven]

It's a shame Toyota nerfed the battery.

[@brianpedersen279]

Yes, the brand should build more EV's. But first they need to learn how to build an EV. 160 miles of range? 6.6kw/150kw charging? Come on, this is BY FAR worst in class. This car is a no-go, as is the BZ4X/Subaru Solterra.

[@rdk3996]

Good start, but range is uncompetitive and regen braking is irrelevant. Don’t think this is what people want.

[@telliesmith9825]

For the Toyota loyalists

[@drive-channel1834]

Less range capacity, less charging speed, frunk-less & glovebox-less while there's the space. Less tidy center console area (cluttered with shifter dial and buttons thingy)... That's a perfect* EV What is it named? Lessus? Sounds like Less-useful? Lessus "ARSE-ZEE" ? 😱 *perfect for the type of people who used to live under the rock, in the bottom of the sea, who don't know and/or never heard of any other EV in the world

[@benwillvv]

Toyota/Lexus could have owned the EV space, instead of playing mediocre catch up.

[@LB-pv7sd]

Excellent video! Disappointing product. Thanks for your honesty. Pay too much for too little!

[@PresidentJackBauer]

No glove box? Way too much money for a half Subaru half Toyota with little range.

[@michaelvella8511]

Lexus should have made this a PHEV

[@DrivenCarReviews]

NX and RX are PHEVS. That's covered.

[@michaelvella8511]

@@DrivenCarReviews Yeah Tom but I still believe Lexus rushed to produce a pure electric vehicle and this shouldn’t have been the one.

[@OldThomMerton]

SAL9000

[@KTPurdy]

short range limits its use

[@chuckwalla2967]

Just because Tesla did it doesn't mean everyone should paint their grilles body color. Looks awful.

[@ram64man]

It’s such a shame Toyota used so many parts to the bz including same size pack, for a luxury model it should offer more range as well as power, and I’m fed up with manufacturers removing the rear wipers , it’s not a saloon it’s a hatch , areo is no good for traffic jams or slow movement

[@DartanyoValentino-gc9kb]

drill baby drill

[@TinLeadHammer]

How many hybrid batteries can be made instead of one EV battery? How much energy and water is consumed to make huge EV batteries? IMHO, hybrids are better for suburbia and long trips, while public transportation is better for big cities. I hope Toyota won't stop making hybrids.

[@rightlanehog3151]

👏👏

[@wally6193]

I wouldn't consider it premium for Lexus considering the cost. They cheaped out in the interior and it has no range. Yes I'm sure it drives nice like a Lexus but not for 60K. I'm a Lexus /Toyota fan for the past 20 years but they need to do better for this one or the BZ4.

[@mrTrekirk65]

220 range 😢

[@markfitzpatrick6692]

That is same as bz4x they probably used same battery as the front wheel drive car that has 150 kw peak If it had 300 it would cost more

[@joemcdonough7509]

more like 90 miles when you factor 20-80% rule and winter driving. Tom got 150 miles in in 50 degree weather highway driving.

[@YourMajestyTheKing]

absolutely right on the no home charging equal no EV. in 5 years. the poor will be poorer having to pay higher gas prices. on a side note. Come on Porsche. Give me my CT allocation!!

[@TJC450]

This car won't be around long I don't think.

[@ktpinnacle]

No range, no Fed kiss and a high price. Great.

[@hardykornfeld1733]

With 196 miles of range drops to 118 if you want to keep the SOC between 80-20%. In winter that would drop further to about 90 miles. Pathetic.

[@marcbungener1877]

probably not faster on long trips than the i-Pace despite the Jag being mostly 2018 tech as they did not change battery tech. The Jag is smaller, has more cargo room and is surely a better driver’s car. And Jag is by far the worst long tripper of all the competitors you mentioned. So an expensive city car😂

[@WestUCoog]

Yay another car with no rear bumper, all the better to have a revenue stream for part, when you get even a minor rear bump.

[@fatbart8551]

Cash that Toyota check yet?

[@mfbikle]

Toyota/ Lexus is Not giving people what they want. RZ/BZ4X has No range, is not affordable, and isn’t practical. No, no, no. I’ll keep my 23’ NX350H

[@jdm1039]

Thumbs up for Tom. Not so much for the vehicle.

[@peterfessier9780]

I wonder if Toyota will be able to catch up once they get serious about making EV’s. Lexus fans will buy this and then most likely look for a different brand for their next EV after they realize how mediocre an EV it is. But my guess is that Lexus won’t make many of these.

[@xxxxxeeeee]

I enjoy your reviews but stop making excuses for subpar products.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

No excuses made. I pointed out the pros and cons without any need to emote like a teenager.

[@barryw9473]

What a technical disappointment. 6.6 kW OBC when most others have 11 kW? Limit on DCFC consecutive sessions? Poor range? 150 kW DCFC is ok but could have been better. Wheels fall off yet? Toyota should have done better.

[@anthonyc8499]

It should have a 7.2kW at a minimum but realistically 11kW OBC is the new standard for the 2020s.

[@laplanetsquad8935]

300ml RW B4 consider

[@jayjudd6518]

😢 At least they got into a money pit. World is going wrong hybrid does it better for long range highway.

[@appleseedmvp]

The mileage range of bZ4X or RZ 450E is a joke for its price.

[@ernestyount3061]

No, until you can give me 500 mile range save me the electric car hype. I'll keep my RX450e.

[@germanr84]

No mention of one-pedal driving? Or did I miss that on the video?

[@cbatiau2528]

He said it doesn’t have it

[@anthonyc8499]

He said it's got strong regen but still needs brakes to stop

[@axion8788]

Slow charging, 156 mile range, low power and $62,000+ pricing meanst This is simply an over priced BZ4X, a candidate for the worst EV yet. A Tesla Model Y, Kia EV6, Genesis GV60, Hyundai Ioniq 5, even the Volkswagen ID4, all are vastly better choices in every possible way. Toyota is in serious trouble as the world is rapidly transitioning to EVs.

[@joemcdonough7509]

I know right? Mazda will be now hollering, we're now #2 worst EV!

[@barryw9473]

Toyota spouts BS about hybrids yet even in CA it sells more ICE than hybrids.

[@anthonyc8499]

Surprising to hear the range is much worse than advertised.

[@Indy_at_the_beach]

While Lexus should be building more EVs, this is not how they should be doing it. Luxury is nice but in EVs range is the foundational metric. This doesn't have it. For $62k you are getting a plusher BZ4x which on its own is a poor value.

[@AdamJakowenko]

Wow by the end of this video I lost track of all the ways this is DOA. But I appreciate your attempts to stay neutral regardless, Tom. Either way, Lexus really nailed it with one demographic...former RX350 owners who want another one, know nothing about what makes a good EV, and get convinced by the sales guy to lease this.

[@Furious_Dihan]

Is it me or this really is a rebadged SUBARU?😁😁😁

[@benjaminsmith2287]

I would say no. It's a Lexus as Lexus are refined Toyotas. The bZ4 is much more Toyota than Subaru. The Subaru is a rebadged bZ4.

[@nellyz.6753]

why wouldnt it be eligible for the federal tax credit?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

It and its battery are made in Japan.

[@denault3985]

A big disappointment from Lexus, last in all categories and is not as beautiful as the Cadillac Lyriq and Genesis GV60. A bit plasticky too...

[@itsm3th3b33]

This is a flopper. DOA. Mark my words: the second gen of the RZ will be based on the Prius, not the BZ.

[@doug5030]

Tom does the title of the review mean Lexus should build more EVs because they desperately need more practice? This models lack of range, slow charge speed and high price is a terrible first try by Lexus.

[@johnschubarth2000]

Not qualifying for rebates...

[@sergest-pierre6160]

Another over price EV. And this one, with small range. Where I live, it is very cold in winter and that range would shrink by at least 40%. Not really usable for me. We are not going anywhere fast with the electric car market.