2026 Lexus RZ Adds More Power and Performance [Photo Gallery]

The enhanced 2026 Lexus RZ made its North American debut today. The battery electric luxury SUV features comprehensive revisions that deliver more power, greater range, and a new driving experience.

Since the launch of the RX 400h in 2005, Lexus has been a pioneer in electrification within the luxury market. Based on its electrification vision “Lexus Electrified”, Lexus aims to promote a multi-pathway approach to the adoption of electric vehicles such as HEVs (hybrid vehicles), PHEVs (plug-in hybrid vehicles) and BEVs (battery electric vehicles) to address the diverse needs of its customers and markets. Additionally, Lexus works to significantly enhance basic performance using electrification technology, offering a driving experience and lifestyle unique to Lexus BEVs.

The RZ launched in 2023 and was Lexus’ first globally available, purpose-built battery-electric vehicle, embodying the unique Lexus driving experience and design brought by electrification technology. Following its debut, the RZ has evolved with customer needs, bringing to market a front-wheel-drive (FWD) option in 2024 to expand the driving range.

The 2026 RZ features a redesigned battery electric system, delivering increased motor output, an extended driving range, and reduced charging times under ideal conditions. In addition, it debuts a new addition to the lineup—the RZ 550e F SPORT AWD, which is equipped with higher-output front and rear motors, achieving a more powerful and exhilarating driving experience. The RZ lineup will have three different power options: 221 total system horsepower (RZ 350e FWD), 308 total system horsepower (RZ 450e AWD), and 402 total system horsepower (RZ 550e F SPORT AWD).

With a diverse lineup, the new RZ is designed to meet the needs of a broad range of drivers, from those who prioritize daily convenience and practicality to those who want a more engaging and dynamic driving experience.

The 2026 RZ is assembled at the Motomachi plant in Japan and is expected to go on sale later this year.

Introduction of the RZ 550e F SPORT AWD
F SPORT arrives to the RZ lineup, giving customers an option for a more exhilarating driving experience and sportier styling.

The RZ 550e F SPORT AWD generates a maximum system output of 402 total system horsepower, making it the most powerful RZ model.

Lexus-first M Mode
Lexus is also introducing M Mode on the 2026 RZ 550e F SPORT AWD, an electronic system that provides virtual manual gear shifting via paddle shifters. This innovation helps to deliver a sportier, more responsive driving feel. M Mode is a system that allows drivers to control power output with paddle shifters, as if using a manual transmission.

Exterior Designed for Performance
The RZ 550e F SPORT AWD has an exterior design that includes distinctive black F SPORT features such as the F SPORT emblem, rear spoiler, front and rear bumper moldings, front grille, and 20-inch wheels with aero covers, which contribute to weight reduction and help to improve energy efficiency by smoothing airflow.

The F SPORT model will be available in an exclusive new color, Wind, a solid light gray with subtle metallic highlight—a bold contrast to the black F SPORT features. In total, seven exterior monotone colors and four exterior bi-tone colors will be offered across the RZ lineup.

Increased Driving Range and Faster Charging
The 2026 RZ adopts the North American Charging System (NACS) charging port (SAE J3400) on the passenger’s side of the vehicle. It will also have Level One and Level Two AC charging with a higher capacity 11-kW on-board AC charger (up from 7-kW capacity on the prior model year). Under ideal conditions when using DC fast charging* it is capable of charging from 10% to 80% battery capacity in around 30 minutes.

The vehicle comes with an improved EPA-estimated driving range of approximately 300 miles for the RZ 350e FWD and approximately 260 miles for the RZ 450e AWD when equipped with 18-inch tires and charged under ideal conditions. The new RZ 550e F SPORT AWD sees an EPA-estimated driving range of approximately 225 miles when equipped with 20-inch tires and charged under ideal conditions.

*Ranges and charging times will vary depending on weather and other factors.

Lexus Driving Signature
Lexus Driving Signature (LDS) is a guiding philosophy behind the development of Lexus vehicles, providing a unified driving experience across the lineup. LDS emphasizes a linear connection between the driver and vehicle and promotes a smoother, more comfortable ride. There is also exceptional quietness unique to Lexus BEVs, achieved through source-level noise and vibration suppression.

The Evolution of the RZ Interior
The 2026 RZ’s cabin remains a minimalist, yet airy and maximally appointed luxury environment. The 2026 RZ will offer an improved Dynamic Sky™ Panorama Glass Roof, enabling greater shading when opaque and a clearer view of the outside when transparent.

The RZ 550e F SPORT AWD interior features a sophisticated combination of Black Ultrasuede^® interior trim with blue stitching accents available only on this grade. The design includes a center console with a micro-geometric pattern design, front F SPORT scuff plates, a steering wheel with the F SPORT emblem, and aluminum pedals and footrests, all designed to create a sporty driving experience.

A Lexus-first, the available Ultrasuede^® door trim features a laser-etched pattern design. Following the introduction of Door Trim Shadow Illumination on the RZ in 2023, Lexus has applied another first, adding a subtle flickering movement on the door trim that results in the available Thematic Illumination with Animated Door Trim Shadow Illumination. Based on Lexus’ design philosophy “Time in Design,” the faintly changing shadow patterns evoke the passage of time, providing a comfortable cabin experience for the vehicle’s occupants.

Full vehicle specs and pricing will be available closer to the on-sale date.