The Lexus RZ largely flies under the radar as a more expensive version of the related Toyota bz4X and Subaru Solterra small electric crossovers. Rivals include those two vehicles, as well as other small, premium EVs, such as the Volvo EX40 (formerly known as the XC40 Recharge).
2026 Lexus RZ Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2026 Lexus RZ
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2026 Lexus RZ
For 2026, the Lexus RZ crossover EV gets more trim levels—including a high-performance F Sport model—and updated powertrains with more efficient batteries, increased range, and better all-around performance. The RZ also now features a NACS (North American Charging Standard) charging port, which adds Tesla Supercharger compatibility and increases charging flexibility.
Design
The Lexus RZ’s sleek, sporty hatchback design carries over largely unchanged, featuring a sloped roofline that creates a big, airy greenhouse. It comes standard with 18-inch wheels and is available with 20-inch wheels. The new F Sport version is distinguished by its black trim, optional blue brake calipers, and a new exclusive color called Wind.
Powertrain
The Lexus RZ 350e base model with front-wheel drive (FWD) comes with a single motor and a new 74.69-kW battery pack, good for 224 combined horsepower and an anticipated range of 302 miles. Note that Lexus hadn't published torque figures as of this writing. The RZ 450e AWD uses a pair of electric motors and the 74.69kW battery pack, which are good for 313hp and a range of about 261 miles. Finally, the F Sport features a pair of higher-output motors and a 76.69kW battery pack for a total of 408hp and range of about 228 miles. This model also gets a new gear shifter that simulates shifting manually, for a more engaging driving experience.
Interior
The Lexus RZ seats five across its two rows. The design is simple, yet elegant, with available upscale features such as an improved version of the dimmable panoramic glass roof. The new F Sport model gets upgrades such as black synthetic suede upholstery with exclusive blue accent stitching, aluminum pedals, and F Sport logos and badging throughout. Cargo space varies, measuring 34.1 cubic feet with a regular roof and 34.9 cubic feet with the panoramic roof. In either case, these are great numbers for the segment, while a power liftgate comes standard.
Technology
As of this writing, Lexus hasn’t yet confirmed whether the technology features for the 2026 RZ. If equipment carries over from the 2025 model, the RZ will include a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen that incorporates wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, wireless charging, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and a 10-speaker audio system. Options included a premium Mark Levinson audio system with 13 speakers and a smartphone-based digital key.
Safety
The 2026 Lexus RZ comes standard with a rearview camera, frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-centering assist, blind-spot monitors, front and rear parking sensors, traffic-sign recognition, rear cross-traffic alert, and headlights with automatic high beams. The 2026 Lexus RZ hadn't been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) at the time of writing, though older versions of the RZ may have partial evaluations from these groups.
Pricing and Release Date
Lexus expects the 2026 RZ to go on sale in late 2025 and it hadn't published pricing for the 2026 RZ lineup as of this writing. For reference, the 2025 RZ starts at about $42,800, not including destination, for the base RZ 300e model. However, since the trim lineup is both condensed and upgraded for 2026, pricing will unlikely remain consistent. As of this writing, Lexus will offer the 2026 RZ in 350e, 450e AWD, and 550e F Sport AWD trims, whereas the 450e previously topped the lineup.
