Lexus will offer its first all-electric model in the United States with the 2023 Lexus RZ 450e crossover SUV EV. The 2023 RZ, which made its debut earlier in 2022, shares a platform with the Toyota bZ4X crossover EV, but delivers more power and is more luxurious. Find out what we know so far about the release date, price, and specs of the new 2023 Lexus RZ.

When will the 2023 Lexus RZ be available?

The new 2023 Lexus RZ 450e will hit roads in late 2022. The 2022 RZ will be available at Lexus dealerships throughout the United States, as well as in select international markets.

How much does the 2023 Lexus RZ cost?

Lexus didn’t yet release the price information of the all-electric 2023 Lexus RZ 450e crossover SUV. However, Car and Driver believes Lexus will offer the RZ 450e in standard and F Sport trims. It estimates a starting cost of $50,000 for the RZ 450e trim and $55,000 for the RZ 450e F Sport trim.

2023 Lexus RZ specs: Electric motor output, driving range, battery, and charging

Like the Toyota bZ4X, the 2023 Lexus RZ 450e features the e-TNGA platform. Toyota co-developed this platform with Subaru, which offers the similar Solterra crossover EV. In the Lexus RZ, the platform is called Direct4. 

All RZ models are all-wheel drive, with one electric motor at the front and another at the rear. The front electric motor generates 201 hp, and the rear motor produces 107 hp — for a combined system output of around 300 hp. This output is much higher than the 214-hp for the bZ4X.

The RZ also shares a battery pack with the bZ4X. It has a capacity of around 65.0-kWh, which enables the RZ to get an estimated driving range of 225 miles per change. Lexus didn’t yet release details about the onboard charger and estimated charging time of the RZ. However, the RZ will likely have fast charging capabilities and a similar 6.6-kW onboard charger that’s in the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra. Also, Lexus didn’t yet provide the estimated MPGe fuel economy of the RZ.

On the safety front, the LZ has many safety-enhancing driving assistance features. This includes a pre-collision system, an emergency driving stop system, lane departure alert, dynamic radar cruise control, and advanced park with a remote function.

2023 Lexus RZ: Exterior and interior design and features

For the design, the 2023 Lexus RZ 450e is more luxurious than the Toyota bZ4X. One thing that stands out about the design of the RZ is its “sharply creased sheet metal,” especially for the angular front of the electric crossover. Also, in place of the spindle grille in gas-powered Lexus models, the RZ has a “spindle body.” For the lightning elements, the RZ is similar to other Lexus models.

For exterior color options, the RZ will offer five different hues, including “Ether.” The crossover EV will also offer an available bi-tone color scheme.

Inside the RZ, the cabin has a minimalist design. Similar to the interior of Tesla and Polestar models, many of the buttons and switches are relocated to a large infotainment touchscreen (14.0 inches). Also, the RZ has a digital gauge display and a head-up display. The electric crossover will come standard with a regular circular steering wheel, with the option for a yoke-style wheel. Interior color options for the RZ include Orage, Palomino, and Dapple Gray/Black.

As covered earlier, the release date of the new 2023 Lexus RZ 450e will be in late 2022. The estimated starting base price of the electric crossover SUV is $50,000.

This article was updated on 8/2/2022.