The 2024 Lexus RZ Is Solidly "OK" But Is That A Reason To Buy It? 

The Lexus logo doesn’t mean anything now. Only people who have zero physical sense will find meaning L stands for lackluster or loser now

Yay!

Climate controls beep sounds like Squid Games is starting up 😱

Thanks for reuploading, Alex. I do think the RZ looks better than its BMW and Merc competitors but that is its only saving grace. I still prefer the Lexus' interior (despite the woeful lack of a glovebox) over Merc's all-screen mess but the Genesis GV60/GV70 electrified are much more desirable.

I recently dumped my leased 2021 Tesla Model Y “long range” for the Lexus RZ450e, after driving 10 other EVs. Don’t listen to the skeptics or critics who tested pre-production or prototype versions. My RZ4503 has the latest Lexus software update and I am getting 275-400 miles of range at 4.2-5.5 miles/kWh efficiency - far better efficiency than my Model Y. But first let me explain why I dumped the Tesla. Over 30,000 miles, the AC on the Tesla failed, then the 12V battery failed without warning, stranding me for 2 weeks (and $1700 in car rental bills) while Tesla dithered around with replacing the battery. The powered frunk where the battery is located failed to open because the Tesla factory had failed to wire it properly, so they had to rig it to open it. Then the trunk strut failed which was traced to a faulty wiring harness. If I had bought it, instead of leasing it, and had these failures happened after 50,000 miles, I would have been out thousands of dollars, erasing any fuel savings. BTW, the Tesla odometer was also way off, which seemed like a gimmick/scam to inflate range. Speaking of range, the Model Y’s efficiency was awful in city driving; with 20 inch wheels, I rarely cracked 160 miles on a full charge in stop and go traffic due to aggressive regen which meant keeping the throttle pressed to keep the heavy beast moving. In DC winters, 110 miles was the best it could do, despite having a heat pump 😝 So ​I switched to the Lexus RZ450e after test-driving the Cadillac Lyriq, Hyundai Ionia 5, Kia EV6, Ford Mach-e, Nissan Ariya, VW ID4, Chevrolet Blazer, Genesis GV60, and Toyota BZ4X and Subaru Solterra. Lexus discounted this heavily so it ended up being a $43,000 car. I sincerely believe it’s the best EV you can buy today. I chose the RZ450e with 18 inch wheels, which with latest software update unlocks more range and efficiency, and it was the best decision ever. As I noted above, disregard the skeptics / critics who tested pre-production or early production vehicles with old software. With latest software updates, the range and efficiency of the RZ450e is amazing. 95% of my driving is in the city (Washington DC) at speeds below 35 MPH and I average well over 4.5 miles/kWh - vs 3.0 miles/kWh for my Model Y “long range” in similar conditions. On a recent drive, I got 7.2 miles/kWh. 18 inch wheels (NOT the optional 21 inch wheels) and using regen at lowest setting is key to getting maximum efficiency because Lexus designed an adaptive automatic regen braking system that recognizes when the car needs to slow down (for curves or stopped traffic) and blends in appropriate regen and friction braking as needed to simulate a true one pedal driving experience. The RZ hits 0-60 in 4.5 seconds. Its ride quality, powertrain refinement, quietness and sound system all blow the Tesla Model Y away. It glides over bumps and potholes like a Mercedes S Class /EQE/EQS or a Rolls Royce, while my Model Y crashed over them like it had no shock absorbers. The RZ has a light steering which makes navigating around potholes a breeze (steering tightens up when switched into Sport mode). The latest Lexus infotainment is snappy - having a large screen in front of you to display vital info as well as a heads up display are HUGE pluses over the Model Y. There’s another large screen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so that’s another huge plus alongside beautiful physical controls for temperature setting. Lexus nailed the perfect balance of physical and onscreen controls - not having to go though the screen for controlling mirrors, lights and wipers definitely enhances safety. The two tone soft touch surfaces elevate the driving experience - you truly feel like you are in a luxury EV, unlike the somber interior of the Tesla. The Lexus lets you fine tune your efficiency to your driving style via Normal/Eco/Range settings, which once you sign in, it remembers your preferred settings. The radiant heat feature is genius - feels like a warm blanket on your legs. Safety features like Safe Exit Assist prevent doors from opening if a car or cyclist is approaching (can be overridden). There are so many thoughtful touches and safety features that make Tesla looks pretty crude and ancient - almost Iike an unfinished product. What about road trips? I took one from Washington, DC to NYC - something I’ve done in my Model Y previously - the RZ450e averaged 4.2 miles/kWh at highway speeds with AC on in 90 degree temps. Fast charged at Tesla Superchargers to 100% (since Lexus says that’s fine to do) in under 40 minutes and arrived in NYC super refreshed due to cooled seats, excellent auto steer, superior ride comfort and overall refinement vs the Model Y. In NYC’s stop and go traffic, the RZ450e is averaging 5+ miles/kWh - Lexus has applied its experience optimizing for city driving efficiency to the RZ450e. I even camped two nights in the RZ450e, just like I did in the Model Y, and it makes an excellent camping vehicle. The folding memory foam mattress that I had ordered for the Model Y fits perfectly in the RZ450e! If you have a family, they would appreciate the massive rear passenger area, with flat floor, easy ingress/egress, and heated rear seats with controls in the back (unlike Tesla Model Y). Lexus also offers 30 days of a Lexus ICE or hybrid loaner for longer road trips, but if you live on the coasts, or in a region with a high density of public fast chargers , you will likely never need to opt for the loaner. As for lack of a frunk, I don’t miss it. The RZ has plenty of space in the sub trunk for cables, plus features like digital rear view mirror, homelink garage door opener, blind spot alert lights and beeps, 360 panoramic camera views, auto park and ventilated / cooled seats more than make up for lack of frunk! Unlike Tesla, the controls for the hood and charge port are manual which is a better design should the 12V battery fail. The 12V battery is easily accessible in the RZ450e and Lexus offers free scheduled maintenance at regular intervals to ensure you are not stranded with a failing 12V battery. Oh, and unlike Tesla, legendary Lexus service is just a phone call away - there’s always someone who answers the phone should you have a question. Lexus even delivered the vehicle to my home and the sales rep followed up multiple times in subsequent weeks to check in on my experience. With Tesla, it took them nearly 2 years and multiple email reminders to send me the correct paperwork to get my car registered in DC. Yep, I drove around with expired temp tags for almost two years. No wonder Tesla sales growth has slumped! Lexus has now released a RZ300e with even more range, so definitely recommend checking that out. The Toyota BZ4X is another good option - a little shorter than the RZ, it sits higher than a Tesla Model 3, but rides much better, has more room in the back, and I think it also looks more interesting and sharper. Similar driving dynamics as the RZ, the BZ4X leases for under $200/month and is hands down a much better buy than the Model 3 or Y.

I recently dumped my leased 2021 Tesla Model Y “long range” for the Lexus RZ450e, after driving 10 other EVs. Don’t listen to the skeptics or critics who tested pre-production or prototype versions. My RZ4503 has the latest Lexus software update and I am getting 275-400 miles of range at 4.2-5.5 miles/kWh efficiency - far better efficiency than my Model Y. But first let me explain why I dumped the Tesla. Over 30,000 miles, the AC on the Tesla failed, then the 12V battery failed without warning, stranding me for 2 weeks (and $1700 in car rental bills) while Tesla dithered around with replacing the battery. The powered frunk where the battery is located failed to open because the Tesla factory had failed to wire it properly, so they had to rig it to open it. Then the trunk strut failed which was traced to a faulty wiring harness. If I had bought it, instead of leasing it, and had these failures happened after 50,000 miles, I would have been out thousands of dollars, erasing any fuel savings. BTW, the Tesla odometer was also way off, which seemed like a gimmick/scam to inflate range. Speaking of range, the Model Y’s efficiency was awful in city driving; with 20 inch wheels, I rarely cracked 160 miles on a full charge in stop and go traffic due to aggressive regen which meant keeping the throttle pressed to keep the heavy beast moving. In DC winters, 110 miles was the best it could do, despite having a heat pump 😝 So ​I switched to the Lexus RZ450e after test-driving the Cadillac Lyriq, Hyundai Ionia 5, Kia EV6, Ford Mach-e, Nissan Ariya, VW ID4, Chevrolet Blazer, Genesis GV60, and Toyota BZ4X and Subaru Solterra. Lexus discounted this heavily so it ended up being a $43,000 car. I sincerely believe it’s the best EV you can buy today. I chose the RZ450e with 18 inch wheels, which with latest software update unlocks more range and efficiency, and it was the best decision ever. As I noted above, disregard the skeptics / critics who tested pre-production or early production vehicles with old software. With latest software updates, the range and efficiency of the RZ450e is amazing. 95% of my driving is in the city (Washington DC) at speeds below 35 MPH and I average well over 4.5 miles/kWh - vs 3.0 miles/kWh for my Model Y “long range” in similar conditions. On a recent drive, I got 7.2 miles/kWh. 18 inch wheels (NOT the optional 21 inch wheels) and using regen at lowest setting is key to getting maximum efficiency because Lexus designed an adaptive automatic regen braking system that recognizes when the car needs to slow down (for curves or stopped traffic) and blends in appropriate regen and friction braking as needed to simulate a true one pedal driving experience. The RZ hits 0-60 in 4.5 seconds. Its ride quality, powertrain refinement, quietness and sound system all blow the Tesla Model Y away. It glides over bumps and potholes like a Mercedes S Class /EQE/EQS or a Rolls Royce, while my Model Y crashed over them like it had no shock absorbers. The RZ has a light steering which makes navigating around potholes a breeze (steering tightens up when switched into Sport mode). The latest Lexus infotainment is snappy - having a large screen in front of you to display vital info as well as a heads up display are HUGE pluses over the Model Y. There’s another large screen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so that’s another huge plus alongside beautiful physical controls for temperature setting. Lexus nailed the perfect balance of physical and onscreen controls - not having to go though the screen for controlling mirrors, lights and wipers definitely enhances safety. The two tone soft touch surfaces elevate the driving experience - you truly feel like you are in a luxury EV, unlike the somber interior of the Tesla. The Lexus lets you fine tune your efficiency to your driving style via Normal/Eco/Range settings, which once you sign in, it remembers your preferred settings. The radiant heat feature is genius - feels like a warm blanket on your legs. Safety features like Safe Exit Assist prevent doors from opening if a car or cyclist is approaching (can be overridden). There are so many thoughtful touches and safety features that make Tesla looks pretty crude and ancient - almost Iike an unfinished product. What about road trips? I took one from Washington, DC to NYC - something I’ve done in my Model Y previously - the RZ450e averaged 4.2 miles/kWh at highway speeds with AC on in 90 degree temps. Fast charged at Tesla Superchargers to 100% (since Lexus says that’s fine to do) in under 40 minutes and arrived in NYC super refreshed due to cooled seats, excellent auto steer, superior ride comfort and overall refinement vs the Model Y. In NYC’s stop and go traffic, the RZ450e is averaging 5+ miles/kWh - Lexus has applied its experience optimizing for city driving efficiency to the RZ450e. I even camped two nights in the RZ450e, just like I did in the Model Y, and it makes an excellent camping vehicle. The folding memory foam mattress that I had ordered for the Model Y fits perfectly in the RZ450e! If you have a family, they would appreciate the massive rear passenger area, with flat floor, easy ingress/egress, and heated rear seats with controls in the back (unlike Tesla Model Y). Lexus also offers 30 days of a Lexus ICE or hybrid loaner for longer road trips, but if you live on the coasts, or in a region with a high density of public fast chargers , you will likely never need to opt for the loaner. As for lack of a frunk, I don’t miss it. The RZ has plenty of space in the sub trunk for cables, plus features like digital rear view mirror, homelink garage door opener, blind spot alert lights and beeps, 360 panoramic camera views, auto park and ventilated / cooled seats more than make up for lack of frunk! Unlike Tesla, the controls for the hood and charge port are manual which is a better design should the 12V battery fail. The 12V battery is easily accessible in the RZ450e and Lexus offers free scheduled maintenance at regular intervals to ensure you are not stranded with a failing 12V battery. Oh, and unlike Tesla, legendary Lexus service is just a phone call away - there’s always someone who answers the phone should you have a question. Lexus even delivered the vehicle to my home and the sales rep followed up multiple times in subsequent weeks to check in on my experience. With Tesla, it took them nearly 2 years and multiple email reminders to send me the correct paperwork to get my car registered in DC. Yep, I drove around with expired temp tags for almost two years. No wonder Tesla sales growth has slumped! Lexus has now released a RZ300e with even more range, so definitely recommend checking that out. The Toyota BZ4X is another good option - a little shorter than the RZ, it sits higher than a Tesla Model 3, but rides much better, has more room in the back, and I think it also looks more interesting and sharper. Similar driving dynamics as the RZ, the BZ4X leases for under $200/month and is hands down a much better buy than the Model 3 or Y.

It’s fine for charging overnight at home.

I’d give up the dealer experience to get a superior car These days it’s not about the brand. It’s about the car itself

​@naveenthemachine all fine and dandy u til the vehicle freezes up for no reason. There's so many computers running in these. Look at TFL and their Hummer. A 3 ton vehicle just freezing on them in the middle of the road.

@@naveenthemachine I recently dumped my leased 2021 Tesla Model Y “long range” for the Lexus RZ450e, after driving 10 other EVs. Don’t listen to the skeptics or critics who tested pre-production or prototype versions. My RZ4503 has the latest Lexus software update and I am getting 275-400 miles of range at 4.2-5.5 miles/kWh efficiency - far better efficiency than my Model Y. But first let me explain why I dumped the Tesla. Over 30,000 miles, the AC on the Tesla failed, then the 12V battery failed without warning, stranding me for 2 weeks (and $1700 in car rental bills) while Tesla dithered around with replacing the battery. The powered frunk where the battery is located failed to open because the Tesla factory had failed to wire it properly, so they had to rig it to open it. Then the trunk strut failed which was traced to a faulty wiring harness. If I had bought it, instead of leasing it, and had these failures happened after 50,000 miles, I would have been out thousands of dollars, erasing any fuel savings. BTW, the Tesla odometer was also way off, which seemed like a gimmick/scam to inflate range. Speaking of range, the Model Y’s efficiency was awful in city driving; with 20 inch wheels, I rarely cracked 160 miles on a full charge in stop and go traffic due to aggressive regen which meant keeping the throttle pressed to keep the heavy beast moving. In DC winters, 110 miles was the best it could do, despite having a heat pump 😝 So ​I switched to the Lexus RZ450e after test-driving the Cadillac Lyriq, Hyundai Ionia 5, Kia EV6, Ford Mach-e, Nissan Ariya, VW ID4, Chevrolet Blazer, Genesis GV60, and Toyota BZ4X and Subaru Solterra. Lexus discounted this heavily so it ended up being a $43,000 car. I sincerely believe it’s the best EV you can buy today. I chose the RZ450e with 18 inch wheels, which with latest software update unlocks more range and efficiency, and it was the best decision ever. As I noted above, disregard the skeptics / critics who tested pre-production or early production vehicles with old software. With latest software updates, the range and efficiency of the RZ450e is amazing. 95% of my driving is in the city (Washington DC) at speeds below 35 MPH and I average well over 4.5 miles/kWh - vs 3.0 miles/kWh for my Model Y “long range” in similar conditions. On a recent drive, I got 7.2 miles/kWh. 18 inch wheels (NOT the optional 21 inch wheels) and using regen at lowest setting is key to getting maximum efficiency because Lexus designed an adaptive automatic regen braking system that recognizes when the car needs to slow down (for curves or stopped traffic) and blends in appropriate regen and friction braking as needed to simulate a true one pedal driving experience. The RZ hits 0-60 in 4.5 seconds. Its ride quality, powertrain refinement, quietness and sound system all blow the Tesla Model Y away. It glides over bumps and potholes like a Mercedes S Class /EQE/EQS or a Rolls Royce, while my Model Y crashed over them like it had no shock absorbers. The RZ has a light steering which makes navigating around potholes a breeze (steering tightens up when switched into Sport mode). The latest Lexus infotainment is snappy - having a large screen in front of you to display vital info as well as a heads up display are HUGE pluses over the Model Y. There’s another large screen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so that’s another huge plus alongside beautiful physical controls for temperature setting. Lexus nailed the perfect balance of physical and onscreen controls - not having to go though the screen for controlling mirrors, lights and wipers definitely enhances safety. The two tone soft touch surfaces elevate the driving experience - you truly feel like you are in a luxury EV, unlike the somber interior of the Tesla. The Lexus lets you fine tune your efficiency to your driving style via Normal/Eco/Range settings, which once you sign in, it remembers your preferred settings. The radiant heat feature is genius - feels like a warm blanket on your legs. Safety features like Safe Exit Assist prevent doors from opening if a car or cyclist is approaching (can be overridden). There are so many thoughtful touches and safety features that make Tesla looks pretty crude and ancient - almost Iike an unfinished product. What about road trips? I took one from Washington, DC to NYC - something I’ve done in my Model Y previously - the RZ450e averaged 4.2 miles/kWh at highway speeds with AC on in 90 degree temps. Fast charged at Tesla Superchargers to 100% (since Lexus says that’s fine to do) in under 40 minutes and arrived in NYC super refreshed due to cooled seats, excellent auto steer, superior ride comfort and overall refinement vs the Model Y. In NYC’s stop and go traffic, the RZ450e is averaging 5+ miles/kWh - Lexus has applied its experience optimizing for city driving efficiency to the RZ450e. I even camped two nights in the RZ450e, just like I did in the Model Y, and it makes an excellent camping vehicle. The folding memory foam mattress that I had ordered for the Model Y fits perfectly in the RZ450e! If you have a family, they would appreciate the massive rear passenger area, with flat floor, easy ingress/egress, and heated rear seats with controls in the back (unlike Tesla Model Y). Lexus also offers 30 days of a Lexus ICE or hybrid loaner for longer road trips, but if you live on the coasts, or in a region with a high density of public fast chargers , you will likely never need to opt for the loaner. As for lack of a frunk, I don’t miss it. The RZ has plenty of space in the sub trunk for cables, plus features like digital rear view mirror, homelink garage door opener, blind spot alert lights and beeps, 360 panoramic camera views, auto park and ventilated / cooled seats more than make up for lack of frunk! Unlike Tesla, the controls for the hood and charge port are manual which is a better design should the 12V battery fail. The 12V battery is easily accessible in the RZ450e and Lexus offers free scheduled maintenance at regular intervals to ensure you are not stranded with a failing 12V battery. Oh, and unlike Tesla, legendary Lexus service is just a phone call away - there’s always someone who answers the phone should you have a question. Lexus even delivered the vehicle to my home and the sales rep followed up multiple times in subsequent weeks to check in on my experience. With Tesla, it took them nearly 2 years and multiple email reminders to send me the correct paperwork to get my car registered in DC. Yep, I drove around with expired temp tags for almost two years. No wonder Tesla sales growth has slumped! Lexus has now released a RZ300e with even more range, so definitely recommend checking that out. The Toyota BZ4X is another good option - a little shorter than the RZ, it sits higher than a Tesla Model 3, but rides much better, has more room in the back, and I think it also looks more interesting and sharper. Similar driving dynamics as the RZ, the BZ4X leases for under $200/month and is hands down a much better buy than the Model 3 or Y.

Same

I think anyone would choose the Ariya or in fact literally any other ev on sale over the Lexus.

I have an Ariya and I’m very happy with it. I’d 100% take it over the RZ.

Oh I hope so

I recently dumped my leased 2021 Tesla Model Y “long range” for the Lexus RZ450e, after driving 10 other EVs. Don’t listen to the skeptics or critics who tested pre-production or prototype versions. My RZ4503 has the latest Lexus software update and I am getting 275-400 miles of range at 4.2-5.5 miles/kWh efficiency - far better efficiency than my Model Y. But first let me explain why I dumped the Tesla. Over 30,000 miles, the AC on the Tesla failed, then the 12V battery failed without warning, stranding me for 2 weeks (and $1700 in car rental bills) while Tesla dithered around with replacing the battery. The powered frunk where the battery is located failed to open because the Tesla factory had failed to wire it properly, so they had to rig it to open it. Then the trunk strut failed which was traced to a faulty wiring harness. If I had bought it, instead of leasing it, and had these failures happened after 50,000 miles, I would have been out thousands of dollars, erasing any fuel savings. BTW, the Tesla odometer was also way off, which seemed like a gimmick/scam to inflate range. Speaking of range, the Model Y’s efficiency was awful in city driving; with 20 inch wheels, I rarely cracked 160 miles on a full charge in stop and go traffic due to aggressive regen which meant keeping the throttle pressed to keep the heavy beast moving. In DC winters, 110 miles was the best it could do, despite having a heat pump 😝 So ​I switched to the Lexus RZ450e after test-driving the Cadillac Lyriq, Hyundai Ionia 5, Kia EV6, Ford Mach-e, Nissan Ariya, VW ID4, Chevrolet Blazer, Genesis GV60, and Toyota BZ4X and Subaru Solterra. Lexus discounted this heavily so it ended up being a $43,000 car. I sincerely believe it’s the best EV you can buy today. I chose the RZ450e with 18 inch wheels, which with latest software update unlocks more range and efficiency, and it was the best decision ever. As I noted above, disregard the skeptics / critics who tested pre-production or early production vehicles with old software. With latest software updates, the range and efficiency of the RZ450e is amazing. 95% of my driving is in the city (Washington DC) at speeds below 35 MPH and I average well over 4.5 miles/kWh - vs 3.0 miles/kWh for my Model Y “long range” in similar conditions. On a recent drive, I got 7.2 miles/kWh. 18 inch wheels (NOT the optional 21 inch wheels) and using regen at lowest setting is key to getting maximum efficiency because Lexus designed an adaptive automatic regen braking system that recognizes when the car needs to slow down (for curves or stopped traffic) and blends in appropriate regen and friction braking as needed to simulate a true one pedal driving experience. The RZ hits 0-60 in 4.5 seconds. Its ride quality, powertrain refinement, quietness and sound system all blow the Tesla Model Y away. It glides over bumps and potholes like a Mercedes S Class /EQE/EQS or a Rolls Royce, while my Model Y crashed over them like it had no shock absorbers. The RZ has a light steering which makes navigating around potholes a breeze (steering tightens up when switched into Sport mode). The latest Lexus infotainment is snappy - having a large screen in front of you to display vital info as well as a heads up display are HUGE pluses over the Model Y. There’s another large screen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so that’s another huge plus alongside beautiful physical controls for temperature setting. Lexus nailed the perfect balance of physical and onscreen controls - not having to go though the screen for controlling mirrors, lights and wipers definitely enhances safety. The two tone soft touch surfaces elevate the driving experience - you truly feel like you are in a luxury EV, unlike the somber interior of the Tesla. The Lexus lets you fine tune your efficiency to your driving style via Normal/Eco/Range settings, which once you sign in, it remembers your preferred settings. The radiant heat feature is genius - feels like a warm blanket on your legs. Safety features like Safe Exit Assist prevent doors from opening if a car or cyclist is approaching (can be overridden). There are so many thoughtful touches and safety features that make Tesla looks pretty crude and ancient - almost Iike an unfinished product. What about road trips? I took one from Washington, DC to NYC - something I’ve done in my Model Y previously - the RZ450e averaged 4.2 miles/kWh at highway speeds with AC on in 90 degree temps. Fast charged at Tesla Superchargers to 100% (since Lexus says that’s fine to do) in under 40 minutes and arrived in NYC super refreshed due to cooled seats, excellent auto steer, superior ride comfort and overall refinement vs the Model Y. In NYC’s stop and go traffic, the RZ450e is averaging 5+ miles/kWh - Lexus has applied its experience optimizing for city driving efficiency to the RZ450e. I even camped two nights in the RZ450e, just like I did in the Model Y, and it makes an excellent camping vehicle. The folding memory foam mattress that I had ordered for the Model Y fits perfectly in the RZ450e! If you have a family, they would appreciate the massive rear passenger area, with flat floor, easy ingress/egress, and heated rear seats with controls in the back (unlike Tesla Model Y). Lexus also offers 30 days of a Lexus ICE or hybrid loaner for longer road trips, but if you live on the coasts, or in a region with a high density of public fast chargers , you will likely never need to opt for the loaner. As for lack of a frunk, I don’t miss it. The RZ has plenty of space in the sub trunk for cables, plus features like digital rear view mirror, homelink garage door opener, blind spot alert lights and beeps, 360 panoramic camera views, auto park and ventilated / cooled seats more than make up for lack of frunk! Unlike Tesla, the controls for the hood and charge port are manual which is a better design should the 12V battery fail. The 12V battery is easily accessible in the RZ450e and Lexus offers free scheduled maintenance at regular intervals to ensure you are not stranded with a failing 12V battery. Oh, and unlike Tesla, legendary Lexus service is just a phone call away - there’s always someone who answers the phone should you have a question. Lexus even delivered the vehicle to my home and the sales rep followed up multiple times in subsequent weeks to check in on my experience. With Tesla, it took them nearly 2 years and multiple email reminders to send me the correct paperwork to get my car registered in DC. Yep, I drove around with expired temp tags for almost two years. No wonder Tesla sales growth has slumped! Lexus has now released a RZ300e with even more range, so definitely recommend checking that out. The Toyota BZ4X is another good option - a little shorter than the RZ, it sits higher than a Tesla Model 3, but rides much better, has more room in the back, and I think it also looks more interesting and sharper. Similar driving dynamics as the RZ, the BZ4X leases for under $200/month and is hands down a much better buy than the Model 3 or Y.

I’m much harder on Toyotas now 😂 Or as everyone would call me the biggest Toyota hater out there 😂

funny, i thought most english speaking auto channels are too soft on toyota

Grand Highlander won our SUV of the year, for the record...

@@AAutoBuyersGuide yeah a brand new model just this year wow such amaze 🙄

@@naveenthemachine I know who you are I have you blocked on Facebook because I find your comments annoying on ALL brands

Sure this is probably a great car for some people, but for the price you can get nice car with more range, better charging speed and more range. Maybe people shouldn't worry about such things so much, but they do. I think the fact that Toyota didn't bother to make a competitive car says something. Either they can't or they don't care to.

@@peterfessier9780 sure, in most market segments you can get more car for your money at the Hyundai dealer than at the Lexus dealer. That people are comparing these on specs just speaks to the immaturity of the EV market. It’s appropriate for the Toyobaru EVs, but I think Lexus will find a market that isn’t comparing that way.

~ 90 - 100 miles.

No, the hot weather also drinks the battery crazy.

It's hard to say. I would honesty say that for now, if you live in an area that gets to -20F and you want over 100 miles of range, an EV may not be for you. If you get to an area that gets to 30F, that's not much of an issue for most EVs although you'll see a solid range loss. Most of America lives in an area that doesn't get that cold, but not every vehicle is right for everyone.

About 160-180 miles indicated. we own one in chicago

Battery capacity drops quickly in the first year or two and then plateaus for the next hundred thousand plus miles. I believe 10% is typical so 15% is a bit excessive.

I recently dumped my leased 2021 Tesla Model Y “long range” for the Lexus RZ450e, after driving 10 other EVs. Don’t listen to the skeptics or critics who tested pre-production or prototype versions. My RZ4503 has the latest Lexus software update and I am getting 275-400 miles of range at 4.2-5.5 miles/kWh efficiency - far better efficiency than my Model Y. But first let me explain why I dumped the Tesla. Over 30,000 miles, the AC on the Tesla failed, then the 12V battery failed without warning, stranding me for 2 weeks (and $1700 in car rental bills) while Tesla dithered around with replacing the battery. The powered frunk where the battery is located failed to open because the Tesla factory had failed to wire it properly, so they had to rig it to open it. Then the trunk strut failed which was traced to a faulty wiring harness. If I had bought it, instead of leasing it, and had these failures happened after 50,000 miles, I would have been out thousands of dollars, erasing any fuel savings. BTW, the Tesla odometer was also way off, which seemed like a gimmick/scam to inflate range. Speaking of range, the Model Y’s efficiency was awful in city driving; with 20 inch wheels, I rarely cracked 160 miles on a full charge in stop and go traffic due to aggressive regen which meant keeping the throttle pressed to keep the heavy beast moving. In DC winters, 110 miles was the best it could do, despite having a heat pump 😝 So ​I switched to the Lexus RZ450e after test-driving the Cadillac Lyriq, Hyundai Ionia 5, Kia EV6, Ford Mach-e, Nissan Ariya, VW ID4, Chevrolet Blazer, Genesis GV60, and Toyota BZ4X and Subaru Solterra. Lexus discounted this heavily so it ended up being a $43,000 car. I sincerely believe it’s the best EV you can buy today. I chose the RZ450e with 18 inch wheels, which with latest software update unlocks more range and efficiency, and it was the best decision ever. As I noted above, disregard the skeptics / critics who tested pre-production or early production vehicles with old software. With latest software updates, the range and efficiency of the RZ450e is amazing. 95% of my driving is in the city (Washington DC) at speeds below 35 MPH and I average well over 4.5 miles/kWh - vs 3.0 miles/kWh for my Model Y “long range” in similar conditions. On a recent drive, I got 7.2 miles/kWh. 18 inch wheels (NOT the optional 21 inch wheels) and using regen at lowest setting is key to getting maximum efficiency because Lexus designed an adaptive automatic regen braking system that recognizes when the car needs to slow down (for curves or stopped traffic) and blends in appropriate regen and friction braking as needed to simulate a true one pedal driving experience. The RZ hits 0-60 in 4.5 seconds. Its ride quality, powertrain refinement, quietness and sound system all blow the Tesla Model Y away. It glides over bumps and potholes like a Mercedes S Class /EQE/EQS or a Rolls Royce, while my Model Y crashed over them like it had no shock absorbers. The RZ has a light steering which makes navigating around potholes a breeze (steering tightens up when switched into Sport mode). The latest Lexus infotainment is snappy - having a large screen in front of you to display vital info as well as a heads up display are HUGE pluses over the Model Y. There’s another large screen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so that’s another huge plus alongside beautiful physical controls for temperature setting. Lexus nailed the perfect balance of physical and onscreen controls - not having to go though the screen for controlling mirrors, lights and wipers definitely enhances safety. The two tone soft touch surfaces elevate the driving experience - you truly feel like you are in a luxury EV, unlike the somber interior of the Tesla. The Lexus lets you fine tune your efficiency to your driving style via Normal/Eco/Range settings, which once you sign in, it remembers your preferred settings. The radiant heat feature is genius - feels like a warm blanket on your legs. Safety features like Safe Exit Assist prevent doors from opening if a car or cyclist is approaching (can be overridden). There are so many thoughtful touches and safety features that make Tesla looks pretty crude and ancient - almost Iike an unfinished product. What about road trips? I took one from Washington, DC to NYC - something I’ve done in my Model Y previously - the RZ450e averaged 4.2 miles/kWh at highway speeds with AC on in 90 degree temps. Fast charged at Tesla Superchargers to 100% (since Lexus says that’s fine to do) in under 40 minutes and arrived in NYC super refreshed due to cooled seats, excellent auto steer, superior ride comfort and overall refinement vs the Model Y. In NYC’s stop and go traffic, the RZ450e is averaging 5+ miles/kWh - Lexus has applied its experience optimizing for city driving efficiency to the RZ450e. I even camped two nights in the RZ450e, just like I did in the Model Y, and it makes an excellent camping vehicle. The folding memory foam mattress that I had ordered for the Model Y fits perfectly in the RZ450e! If you have a family, they would appreciate the massive rear passenger area, with flat floor, easy ingress/egress, and heated rear seats with controls in the back (unlike Tesla Model Y). Lexus also offers 30 days of a Lexus ICE or hybrid loaner for longer road trips, but if you live on the coasts, or in a region with a high density of public fast chargers , you will likely never need to opt for the loaner. As for lack of a frunk, I don’t miss it. The RZ has plenty of space in the sub trunk for cables, plus features like digital rear view mirror, homelink garage door opener, blind spot alert lights and beeps, 360 panoramic camera views, auto park and ventilated / cooled seats more than make up for lack of frunk! Unlike Tesla, the controls for the hood and charge port are manual which is a better design should the 12V battery fail. The 12V battery is easily accessible in the RZ450e and Lexus offers free scheduled maintenance at regular intervals to ensure you are not stranded with a failing 12V battery. Oh, and unlike Tesla, legendary Lexus service is just a phone call away - there’s always someone who answers the phone should you have a question. Lexus even delivered the vehicle to my home and the sales rep followed up multiple times in subsequent weeks to check in on my experience. With Tesla, it took them nearly 2 years and multiple email reminders to send me the correct paperwork to get my car registered in DC. Yep, I drove around with expired temp tags for almost two years. No wonder Tesla sales growth has slumped! Lexus has now released a RZ300e with even more range, so definitely recommend checking that out. The Toyota BZ4X is another good option - a little shorter than the RZ, it sits higher than a Tesla Model 3, but rides much better, has more room in the back, and I think it also looks more interesting and sharper. Similar driving dynamics as the RZ, the BZ4X leases for under $200/month and is hands down a much better buy than the Model 3 or Y.

Your fanboyism towards Lexus is really showing here isn’t it. I can see you’re doing what I used to do and overlook all the negatives. But unfortunately when I did that, reality bit me in the rear end. And I can say the same thing is happening to you: it’s not working in your favor🤣 Other EVs offer more range and faster charging speeds. And they also offer much higher levels of performance. That’s a fact. You’re also forgetting there are faster and bette evs for less than the RZ. Ioniq5, ev6 especially are superior in every way

⁠​⁠@@naveenthemachineWhat? I just stated facts. Hard to believe you actually were a Lexus person because now you criticize Lexus cars when they’re better, like the LS vs G90, which the LS out specs it in everything. I’ll worry about myself. Sales, satisfaction, and reliability stats are in my favor versus other brand fanboys only have their opinions to fight with. The RZ450e is one of the cheaper options out of LUXURY brands. EV6 and Ioniq are budget brands so it’s no use to bring them up. I remember when Daewoo added luxury features to their cars, and they now don’t exist; so that shows the “luxury brand perception” that you always criticize Lexus doesn’t have. I also have to disclaim when you say “any other brand” luxury car drives better than Lexys, because this thing has one of the lowest levels of cabin noise in the industry. It’s also smooth to drive. The “higher level of performance” you get on competitors come at a higher cost. The RZ450e is a good car when you dispose of the stereotypes and pointless criticisms (for example; crapping on Lexus for not having as much range when it’s impractical to travel far with an EV to begin with). Anyway, mountain out of a molehill for you Lexus haters. I’d understand if you crapped on the BZ4X because that thing is too expensive for what it is; but you are complaining of literally the cheapest luxury EV crossover in the North American market for not meeting your personal expectations. As an EV, it’s perfectly fine.

@@mrgurulittle7000 just about any reviewer would disagree LS is better than g90. Like seriously no reviewer would agree with that statement😂

@@naveenthemachine But why, though. Literally, there’s nothing that the G90 does better than the LS, and in most cases, the LS is better. Mechanics all say LS is better, so it isn’t “all” reviewers who prefer that G90 junk anyway.

@@mrgurulittle7000 Reliability is not why you buy a luxury car. If you want the ultimate luxury of reliability, you buy a Camry or Corolla. The g90 is what Lexus could have and should have done with the LS. If reliability matters so much every other brand would have gone out of business by now

I love my Bolt but I really don't think anyone is cross-shopping a Bolt and an RZ

@@michael.sierra Love my Bolt too. Never worried about the fire risk, it was a good starter EV, but it is very bare bones and far from premium feeling. I'm looking to replace the Bolt in a couple years with something a bit nicer now that I've gotten through the EV learning curve. RZ 450, EV6 GT, Ioniq 5 AWD and i4 are all on my list, although, I'm leaning more toward the the i4 and Lexus if their used values fall enough. Kia and Hyundai are a hard sell when the same money (or nearly) will get you a good used BMW or Lexus with similar miles.

Nissan dealers already have charging infrastructure from the Leaf. Infiniti dealers would have to start building that out at a time when the brand doesn’t really merit any investment.

Luxury shoppers fall into many categories, just look at all the low low low mileage full sized luxury sedans on the used market.

@@AAutoBuyersGuide Thanks for the reply, been a fan of your content since the TTAC days. To the point: Those cars could almost certainly do a longer road trip in inclement weather if they needed to, and probably did a few times. Why would you spend luxury car money for a glorified city car, when you can spend the same money for something more versatile and then use THAT as glorified city car? My point is: This car does not really have a niche in the market, at least not one that makes any sense.

What does that even mean? "Anti-EV"?

Well Lexus is a truly mediocre brand compared to any other brand

I recently dumped my leased 2021 Tesla Model Y “long range” for the Lexus RZ450e, after driving 10 other EVs. Don’t listen to the skeptics or critics who tested pre-production or prototype versions. My RZ4503 has the latest Lexus software update and I am getting 275-400 miles of range at 4.2-5.5 miles/kWh efficiency - far better efficiency than my Model Y. But first let me explain why I dumped the Tesla. Over 30,000 miles, the AC on the Tesla failed, then the 12V battery failed without warning, stranding me for 2 weeks (and $1700 in car rental bills) while Tesla dithered around with replacing the battery. The powered frunk where the battery is located failed to open because the Tesla factory had failed to wire it properly, so they had to rig it to open it. Then the trunk strut failed which was traced to a faulty wiring harness. If I had bought it, instead of leasing it, and had these failures happened after 50,000 miles, I would have been out thousands of dollars, erasing any fuel savings. BTW, the Tesla odometer was also way off, which seemed like a gimmick/scam to inflate range. Speaking of range, the Model Y’s efficiency was awful in city driving; with 20 inch wheels, I rarely cracked 160 miles on a full charge in stop and go traffic due to aggressive regen which meant keeping the throttle pressed to keep the heavy beast moving. In DC winters, 110 miles was the best it could do, despite having a heat pump 😝 So ​I switched to the Lexus RZ450e after test-driving the Cadillac Lyriq, Hyundai Ionia 5, Kia EV6, Ford Mach-e, Nissan Ariya, VW ID4, Chevrolet Blazer, Genesis GV60, and Toyota BZ4X and Subaru Solterra. Lexus discounted this heavily so it ended up being a $43,000 car. I sincerely believe it’s the best EV you can buy today. I chose the RZ450e with 18 inch wheels, which with latest software update unlocks more range and efficiency, and it was the best decision ever. As I noted above, disregard the skeptics / critics who tested pre-production or early production vehicles with old software. With latest software updates, the range and efficiency of the RZ450e is amazing. 95% of my driving is in the city (Washington DC) at speeds below 35 MPH and I average well over 4.5 miles/kWh - vs 3.0 miles/kWh for my Model Y “long range” in similar conditions. On a recent drive, I got 7.2 miles/kWh. 18 inch wheels (NOT the optional 21 inch wheels) and using regen at lowest setting is key to getting maximum efficiency because Lexus designed an adaptive automatic regen braking system that recognizes when the car needs to slow down (for curves or stopped traffic) and blends in appropriate regen and friction braking as needed to simulate a true one pedal driving experience. The RZ hits 0-60 in 4.5 seconds. Its ride quality, powertrain refinement, quietness and sound system all blow the Tesla Model Y away. It glides over bumps and potholes like a Mercedes S Class /EQE/EQS or a Rolls Royce, while my Model Y crashed over them like it had no shock absorbers. The RZ has a light steering which makes navigating around potholes a breeze (steering tightens up when switched into Sport mode). The latest Lexus infotainment is snappy - having a large screen in front of you to display vital info as well as a heads up display are HUGE pluses over the Model Y. There’s another large screen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so that’s another huge plus alongside beautiful physical controls for temperature setting. Lexus nailed the perfect balance of physical and onscreen controls - not having to go though the screen for controlling mirrors, lights and wipers definitely enhances safety. The two tone soft touch surfaces elevate the driving experience - you truly feel like you are in a luxury EV, unlike the somber interior of the Tesla. The Lexus lets you fine tune your efficiency to your driving style via Normal/Eco/Range settings, which once you sign in, it remembers your preferred settings. The radiant heat feature is genius - feels like a warm blanket on your legs. Safety features like Safe Exit Assist prevent doors from opening if a car or cyclist is approaching (can be overridden). There are so many thoughtful touches and safety features that make Tesla looks pretty crude and ancient - almost Iike an unfinished product. What about road trips? I took one from Washington, DC to NYC - something I’ve done in my Model Y previously - the RZ450e averaged 4.2 miles/kWh at highway speeds with AC on in 90 degree temps. Fast charged at Tesla Superchargers to 100% (since Lexus says that’s fine to do) in under 40 minutes and arrived in NYC super refreshed due to cooled seats, excellent auto steer, superior ride comfort and overall refinement vs the Model Y. In NYC’s stop and go traffic, the RZ450e is averaging 5+ miles/kWh - Lexus has applied its experience optimizing for city driving efficiency to the RZ450e. I even camped two nights in the RZ450e, just like I did in the Model Y, and it makes an excellent camping vehicle. The folding memory foam mattress that I had ordered for the Model Y fits perfectly in the RZ450e! If you have a family, they would appreciate the massive rear passenger area, with flat floor, easy ingress/egress, and heated rear seats with controls in the back (unlike Tesla Model Y). Lexus also offers 30 days of a Lexus ICE or hybrid loaner for longer road trips, but if you live on the coasts, or in a region with a high density of public fast chargers , you will likely never need to opt for the loaner. As for lack of a frunk, I don’t miss it. The RZ has plenty of space in the sub trunk for cables, plus features like digital rear view mirror, homelink garage door opener, blind spot alert lights and beeps, 360 panoramic camera views, auto park and ventilated / cooled seats more than make up for lack of frunk! Unlike Tesla, the controls for the hood and charge port are manual which is a better design should the 12V battery fail. The 12V battery is easily accessible in the RZ450e and Lexus offers free scheduled maintenance at regular intervals to ensure you are not stranded with a failing 12V battery. Oh, and unlike Tesla, legendary Lexus service is just a phone call away - there’s always someone who answers the phone should you have a question. Lexus even delivered the vehicle to my home and the sales rep followed up multiple times in subsequent weeks to check in on my experience. With Tesla, it took them nearly 2 years and multiple email reminders to send me the correct paperwork to get my car registered in DC. Yep, I drove around with expired temp tags for almost two years. No wonder Tesla sales growth has slumped! Lexus has now released a RZ300e with even more range, so definitely recommend checking that out. The Toyota BZ4X is another good option - a little shorter than the RZ, it sits higher than a Tesla Model 3, but rides much better, has more room in the back, and I think it also looks more interesting and sharper. Similar driving dynamics as the RZ, the BZ4X leases for under $200/month and is hands down a much better buy than the Model 3 or Y.

But let’s be realistic here: The ceo is wrong. Just flat out wrong and it’s obvious with sales of Tesla lucid Rivian Hyundai Kia all climbing up. The model y has outsold the corolla as the world’s best selling car.

@@naveenthemachine​​⁠”Buddy let me tell you sales doesn’t mean squat.” That quote is from you… yesterday…

@@ALMX5DPI know. But that argument was to prove that sales don’t make a brand or car better than the other In this case Tesla has far outsold Toyota but at the same time they’re better. If a car outsells another and they’re superior in every category then it’s a good thing.

@@naveenthemachine weird since you’d literally just said “it’s obvious with sales of..” to try and make your above point. Do you understand what you write half the time before you hit the submit button?

​@@ALMX5DPhe's just a serial Toyota/Lexus hater.