Members of the UK motoring press were recently invited to test-drive the extended, all-electric 2026 Lexus RZ line-up. What did the road testers think about our flagship e-SUV’s improved power, efficiency and dynamic performance? Scroll down to see excerpts of their 2026 Lexus RZ reviews articles. To read the full online reports, simply click on the hyperlinks in the emboldened titles.
2026 Lexus RZ reviews:
Autocar: 4/5
“Many mid-life updates take the form of minor design changes or some additional equipment, [but] the revised RZ actually brings a host of firsts. It’s the first electric Lexus with a performance F Sport trim level and the first car in the UK available with a steer-by-wire system, complete with a yoke for a steering wheel and simulated manual gearshifts. They do combine to make this car a more compelling package. Addressing the model’s… range has brought it more in line with premium rivals, [though] its practicality and interior quality are still the main reasons you would be drawn to it. The RZ heralds in some interesting new technology and is all the better for it on the road.”
Auto Express: 4/5
“Given the facelifted Lexus RZ retains the same sharp lines and pointy details of its predecessor, you’d be forgiven for thinking that little has changed. However, lots of changes have been brought in underneath, namely by increasing its power, extending its range and cutting its charging times. The principal talking points here are that the battery capacity has increased to 77kWh (previously 71.4kWh), while changes to its cell make-up and the adoption of a higher peak AC charging speed of 22kW has reduced the amount of time owners should have to wait with the vehicle plugged in.”
Autotrader: 4/5
“Lexus is synonymous with Japanese sophistication and refinement, so the introduction of the smooth all-electric RZ to its line-up felt like a completely natural progression with all the hallmarks of a true Lexus. The field of large electric SUVs has only increased since the RZ first arrived, however thanks to a round of updates it now has the substance to match its sleek looks. With a larger battery, increased power, better efficiency and the introduction of novel ‘steer-by-wire’ tech the RZ distinguishes itself with its unique mix of style, comfort and effortless driving experience.”
Business Car: 8/10
“The highlights of this facelift are the introduction of the Lexus steer-by-wire system, and the addition of the range-topping RZ 550e F Sport, which also debuts Lexus’s… simulated eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The RZ’s battery electric powertrain has been revised, with the focus on enhancing performance, practicality and driving pleasure. Key to this is the introduction of a new high-capacity lithium-ion battery and revised e-axles with improved motor output and inverter efficiency, and a significant reduction in internal losses. There is also a new 22kW onboard charger as standard, equalling a 10-80% charge in just 30 minutes.”
2026 Lexus RZ reviews:
CAR: 3/5
“A lot of the RZ’s improvements aren’t all that visible. The battery pack and electric motors have seen improvements in efficiency, with new battery cooling and a slightly denser pack, as well as ‘eAxle’ motors that have been designed to reduce energy losses as much as possible. Lexus has also included some new soundproofing. [It now feels] like a much more competitive car. It’s reasonably efficient, smooth to drive, has loads of room and feels impressively well built. Lexus’ engineers seem to have cracked steer-by-wire, too, with a fluid system that is easy to master after a few miles.”
EV Powered
“The RZ already felt like a great expression of what an electric Lexus should be and these updates enhance that. This upgraded model retains all the qualities of the early car, from its rock-solid quality and refinement to its space and easygoing driving nature. To that it adds better performance, better range and better charging. Buyers will most likely go for the more affordable and more efficient 350e, even if the extra poke of the two-motor versions is welcome.”
Stuff: 4/5
“While there’s no shortage of options when it comes to plush electric mid-size SUVs, Lexus is coming in strong with the updated RZ. As well as adding more range and improved handling, a mid-life facelift has injected a bit more performance. It also does steering a little differently, with a yoke-style wheel and steer-by-wire setup. If I was looking for thrills and had my heart set on a Lexus, I’d definitely head in the direction of the RZ 550e F Sport. For everyday use and more sensible driving, though, the lowlier RZ 350e feels perfectly adequate for average needs and gets the benefit of more range – up to 352 miles – which is decent. Brand devotees will love the mid-life improvements on offer here.”
Times Driving: 4/5
“Steering yokes have been a disaster in the past, but… Lexus has managed to engineer it rather well. I… was amazed at how effective it is in every scenario. In some ways, though, all of the steer-by-wire and yoke stuff is a distraction from the meat of the RZ. What you need to know is that the updated RZ is better in every regard to the version it replaces: it goes further, is quicker, plusher, quieter inside and has a better infotainment system. With the new RZ it appears that Lexus has… got an electric SUV that is a genuine contender in performance, dynamics, quality, range and charging capability.”
Learn more: What’s changed in the 2026 Lexus RZ?
