Key Takeaways
1. The 2026 Lexus RZ SUV features a longer driving range, with the 350e trim offering up to 300 miles on a single charge.
2. It introduces a new NACS charging plug, allowing access to Tesla’s Supercharger network and faster charging times.
3. The RZ is available in three trims: 350e, 450e, and the new 550e F Sport, with varying power outputs and performance specs.
4. The 550e F Sport has a stronger motor (402 hp) and a 76.96 kWh battery but has a reduced driving range of 225 miles.
5. The North American version will not include the steer-by-wire system, which is available in the European model, but will feature Toyota’s M Mode for enhanced driving responsiveness.
Lexus North America has announced the details of the 2026 Lexus RZ SUV, which sees several improvements. It boasts a longer driving range, a new NACS plug, a stronger motor, a quicker AC charger, and simulated gear shifts. However, it seems this updated model will not include steer-by-wire, a feature that is available in Europe.
Trim Options and Performance
The RZ will be available in three different trims: the 350e, 450e, and the new 550e F Sport. The 350e offers the best driving range at 300 miles, powered by a 74.69 kWh battery pack. Its FWD drivetrain will deliver 221 hp, which is about 10 percent more than the 2025 model, allowing it to reach 60 mph from a stop in 7.2 seconds.
Power and Range Trade-offs
The 450e shares the same battery but comes with an additional electric motor on the rear wheel. This setup offers 308 hp, enabling a 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 4.9 seconds. However, this increased power means a reduced driving range, as it can only manage 260 miles on a full charge.
Enhanced Features
The new 550e F Sport features a slightly bigger 76.96 kWh battery and two motors that produce a total of 402 hp. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 4.1 seconds. Nonetheless, potential buyers might see the 225-mile driving range as a considerable trade-off.
Lexus is also integrating Tesla’s NACS charging system into the 2026 RZ, enabling it to use widely available Superchargers. The SUV can go from 10 to 80 percent charge in under 30 minutes. All trims will feature 11 kW AC charging, which is an improvement from the previous 7 kW in the older models.
Missing Features
One notable absence in the North American specifications is the steer-by-wire system, which would have allowed the steering wheel or yoke to control the front wheels without a physical connection. This feature has been confirmed for the European variant.
However, buyers of the 550e F Sport trim in North America can look forward to Toyota’s M Mode, a virtual gear shift setting that the manufacturer claims will enhance the sportiness and responsiveness of the electric vehicle.
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