Redesigned Lexus RZ gets more power, range and virtual shifting

The automaker announced the North American specs of the electric SUV, which in Canada will be available as the RZ 350e, RZ 450e and RZ 550e.

2026 Lexus RZ exterior front and side — *The 2026 Lexus RZ is expected to be available in Canada later this year. – Lexus Canda Inc. photo*

Lexus has announced the North American details of the updated RZ electric SUV, which will become available with the 2026 model year.

It’s expected to become available in Canada later this year as the RZ 350e FWD, RZ 450e AWD and the new RZ 550e F Sport AWD.

The new RZ gets more power and efficiency, increased driving range, shortened charge times and is said to offer more dynamic performance.

2026 Lexus RZ 350e exterior rear and side view — *The Lexus RZ, seen here as the RZ 350e, is available with several powertrains. – Lexus Canada Inc. photo*

Powertrain options

The RZ 350e FWD has 221 hp powering the front wheels. This version has a manufacturer-estimated 480 kilometres of range when equipped with 18-inch wheels. Zero to 100 km/h acceleration is a reported 7.5 seconds.

The RZ 450e AWD has 308 hp, all-wheel drive and an estimated driving range of 418 kilometres when equipped with 18-inch wheels. Zero to 100 km/h is a reported 5.2 seconds.

The RZ 550e F Sport AWD model has 402 hp, all-wheel drive and an estimated driving range of 360 kilometres when equipped with 20-inch wheels. Zero to 100 km/h is said to arrive in 4.3 seconds.

The 350e and 450e have optional 20-inch wheels.

Improved charge times

The 2026 RZ now comes standard with a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, available on the passenger side of the vehicle, which, under ideal DC fast-charging condition is said to be able to recharge the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in half an hour.

The on-board AC charger is now 11 kW, up from 7 kW, for improved Level 2 charging times at home.

Battery capacity is 77 kWh across the entire model range.

2026 Lexus RZ interior view of front seats — *The 2026 Lexus RZ 550e F Sport has aluminum paddle shifters. – Lexus Canada Inc. photo*

New RZ 550e

The RZ 550e F Sport AWD gets unique exterior design elements, such as black trim, an F Sport emblem, 20-inch wheels with aero covers that improve efficiency and more.

This model is also available with an exclusive colour called Wind.

Besides some styling updates and more power, the F Sport model has M Mode, which is a Lexus first. This gives the RZ virtual manual gear shifting via paddle shifters. The purpose of it is to give the SUV a sportier driving feel.

The interior of the F Sport gets black Ultrasuede with blue stitching accents and various F Sport elements, including on the scuff plates, steering wheel, aluminum pedals, footrests and elsewhere.

The Ultrasuede door trim has a laser-etched pattern.

Interior

The interior of the RZ lineup remains minimalist and airy, Lexus said.

The updated Dynamic Sky panorama glass roof now has greater shading when opaque and a clearer view when transparent.

The RZ is 4,805 mm long and the vehicle weighs between 2,040 and 2,268 kilograms, depending on trim.

The RZ is assembled in Japan.

Canadian pricing will be announced closer to the vehicle’s on-sale date.

Updates are available on the Lexus Canada website.