Lexus launches the TZ, a luxury three-row EV

The 2027 Lexus TZ is essentially an upscale Toyota Highlander EV and it’s available with two battery size options.

Lexus has revealed the TZ three-row electric SUV.

The newly launched model is essentially an upscale version of the recently launched Toyota Highlander EV.

Like the Highlander, it will be available with two battery size options, one with a capacity of 77 kWh and the other with 95.8 kWh.

The Lexus TZ is launching for the 2027 model year and should be available in Canada later in 2026. Canadian pricing will be announced later.

The automaker anticipates the three-row EV will have a range of up to 480 kilometres on select trims.

Unlike with the Highlander, the TZ will not have a front-wheel-drive configuration available, skipping straight to all-wheel drive.

2027 Lexus TZ three rows of seats — *Lexus calls the TZ its quietest SUV. – Lexus Canada photo*

Comfort

Lexus said the TZ was designed to have lounge-like comfort and driving enjoyment.

The cabin is spacious and said to be quiet and the vehicle is said to offer a smooth ride. The automaker said the TZ has the quietest cabin among Lexus SUVs.

Even the HVAC fans were engineered for quietness. All seats also have heaters.

The TZ also has a low floor and a long wheelbase (3,050 mm).

Front and second-row seats have ventilation and power ottomans, while Lexus said the third-row seats have sofa-like cushioning.

Lexus made entry into the third row easier by including flush seat rails and a walk-in button on the second-row seats.

The panoramic roof features a power sunshade that is said to preserve cabin height to maximize headroom.

2027 Lexus TZ cabin front — *The 2027 Lexus TZ gets the company’s latest multimedia system. – Lexus Canada photo*

Tech

The Lexus Interface multimedia system features customizable widgets and a “Hey Lexus” voice assistant that’s said to be improved over past versions.

A Mark Levinson sound system with 21 speakers is available.

2027 Lexus TZ cargo area — *The cargo area behind the third-row seats has 390 litres of space. – Lexus Canada photo*

Active sound control

The TZ has Active Sound Control, which the automaker said produces acceleration and deceleration sounds linked to the pedal input.

2027 Lexus TZ side — *The 2027 Lexus TZ is 5,100 mm long, 1,990 mm wide and 1,705 mm tall. – Lexus Canada photo*

Charging

Lexus fitted the TZ with a 2-in-1 charging port that includes AC and DC connectors side by side and a small motorized sliding cover to make it easier to charge in tight spaces. A North American Charging Standard port is standard in Canada.

The TZ includes battery preconditioning to improve charging in cold temperature and driving preconditioning, which adjusts battery temperature on the way to a charging station. It also has departure time preconditioning, so owners can precondition the battery prior to departure.

The system also learns driver habits to suggest charging schedules.

2027 Lexus TZ second row seats — *Front and second-row seats offer ventilation. – Lexus Canada photo*

Sustainable materials

Lexus said the vehicle has various sustainable materials and is made using sustainable manufacturing practices.

The interior has forged bamboo on decorative cabin surfaces. The bamboo was sourced from Shikoku Island, and is said to support a circular economy and preserve traditional craftsmanship.

Several cabin elements contain bio-based UltraSuede, which is made of plant-derived materials.

The roof rails and tonneau cover frames used recycled aluminum, and the seat assembly structures are adhesive-free.

2027 Lexus TZ front — *The 2027 Lexus TZ is loaded with safety features. – Lexus Canada photo*

Safety

The TZ gets the Lexus Safety System + 4.0, a comprehensive suite of safety features.

Safety features include:

Front Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection
Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist
Intersection Turn Assist
Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) with Eco-Run Mode
Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA)
Road Sign Assist (RSA)
Automatic High Beams
Proactive Driving Assist (PDA)
Traffic Jam Assist (subscription or trial required)
Lane Change Assist (LCA)
Rear Pedestrian Detection
Front Cross-Traffic Alert (FCTA)

2027 Lexus TZ rear — *The rear has L-shaped taillights. – Lexus Canada photo*

Canadian information

Full Canadian specs and grade information has not been provided. Look for updates in the future.

Up-to-date information is available on the Lexus Canada website.