Lexus RX Hybrid vs Toyota bZ

The 2026 Toyota bZ was available in XLE and Limited trims, offering both single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) and dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, with two battery size options. The larger battery, which was standard on the Limited trim, provided enhanced power, performance, and range, albeit at a higher cost. Prices ranged from $36,495 to $46,895, including the destination charge. The XLE test vehicle featured FWD and the optional larger battery, transforming it into the XLE Plus for an additional $3,000. The vehicle's exterior was improved with body-color trim, enhancing its appeal compared to previous models. Inside, the dashboard and center console were redesigned for a cleaner look, and the fabric seats featured an upscale pattern. The 14-inch center touchscreen integrated climate controls, although the digital driver display's placement and size were less than ideal.

The 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h F Sport Performance, aimed for high style, though some found its design overly flamboyant. The front featured a large, black trapezoidal grille, slim headlights, and air intakes, creating a bold, if not polarizing, appearance. The profile was stylish yet more restrained, with flat wheel flares and a character line suggesting motion. The interior offered Dark Graphite or Rioja Red leather, with sporty elements like a perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel and aluminum pedals. The RX 500h's design was complemented by 21-inch wheels and a rear spoiler, while the interior boasted soft-touch materials and digital screens for a modern feel.

The 2026 Toyota bZ offered a range of power and efficiency options. The XLE FWD model with a 57.7-kWh battery delivered 165 horsepower and 198 pound-feet of torque, achieving an EPA-estimated range of 236 miles with an efficiency rating of 26 kWh/100 miles. Upgrading to the 74.7-kWh battery increased power to 224 hp and extended the range to 314 miles, maintaining the same efficiency. Dual-motor models with the larger battery produced 338 hp, with a range of 288 miles for the XLE AWD and 278 miles for the Limited. The bZ could recharge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes using a DC fast charger, and the larger battery required seven hours for a full charge with a Level 2 home charger. The bZ's performance was agreeable for city driving, though it struggled on winding roads due to its tires and steering.

The 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid, specifically the RX 500h, delivered 366 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque through a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a hybrid system. The engine produced 271 hp, with two electric motors contributing the remaining 95 hp. The RX 500h's AWD system and six-speed automatic transmission provided a seamless transition between electric and gas propulsion. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds, though it was slower than some competitors. The RX 500h featured adaptive dampers, rear-axle steering, and a firmer suspension, but its ride was firm and less sporty than expected. The steering lacked feel, and the all-season tires offered limited grip, though the rear-axle steering helped maintain stability in corners.

The 2026 Toyota bZ, built on a skateboard-style EV platform, offered 8.1 inches of ground clearance, making entry and exit easy. Both front seats featured standard height adjustment, with eight-way power adjustment for added comfort. The bZ lacked a traditional glove compartment but compensated with ample storage options, including a large bin under the center armrest and a tray beneath the console. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed generous legroom, though foot space was limited. The bZ provided 27.7 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 56.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid's interior prioritized comfort, with eight-way power-adjustable sport seats offering heating and cooling. The rear seats provided good legroom, though accommodating three adults was tight. The RX 500h offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 46.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, which was smaller than some competitors. The interior featured a panoramic sunroof and a heated steering wheel, enhancing the overall comfort and luxury feel.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came equipped with a 7-inch digital driver display and a new 14-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The infotainment system, running Toyota Audio Multimedia, was generally user-friendly but lacked a home screen for simultaneous data display. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with SiriusXM satellite radio and various connected service plans. The Drive Connect subscription powered the native navigation system and voice assistant, which performed well in tests.

The 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch touchscreen, and a standard head-up display. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Lexus Intelligent Assist for voice commands. The touchscreen was responsive and driver-oriented, though the steering wheel's touch-sensitive pads were frustrating to use. Lexus offered a three-year Drive Connect subscription with real-time traffic information.

The 2026 Toyota bZ was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which included features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist added subtle braking and steering inputs for extra safety. The Limited trim offered additional features like Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park Assist. The bZ received mixed safety ratings, with Good ratings for front-crash avoidance but Poor ratings for headlights and Acceptable ratings for frontal-impact crash tests.

The 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering features like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and emergency steering assist. Optional features included automatic parking and a surround-view camera system. The RX received a five-star rating from the NHTSA but a Poor rating in the updated moderate front overlap test from the IIHS, preventing it from earning a Top Safety Pick award.