HomeTechnology2026 Lexus RZ 550e review: Likable, but it needs improvement

2026 Lexus RZ 550e review: Likable, but it needs improvement

TechnologyFebruary 25, 2026
1 min read
2026 Lexus RZ 550e review: Likable, but it needs improvement
It's not very efficient, and the synthetic gearshifts aren't great, but I liked it?
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Sometimes you drive a car you just don't gel with.

The original Lexus RZ was such a case. It was Lexus' first battery EV, and I was less than impressed when I drove it in 2023. In fact, I compared it negatively to the extremely not-good Vinfast VF8. Lexus knew there was room for improvement, too, so it reworked the RZ with new motors, a new battery, and NACS charging for North America, among other tweaks, for model year 2026. A front-wheel drive RZ 350e is now the range's entry point at $47,295, and there's also a $58,295 all-wheel drive RZ 550e F Sport that tops the range. We spent a week with the latter.

Mindful of how little I liked the first RZ I drove, I made sure to approach the 550e F Sport with an open mind. And despite a number of the car's shortcomings, I find I have warm feelings for the electric Lexus.

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Source: Ars Technica

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