Lexus RZ vs RX: Every Major Difference & Similarity
RZ vs RX: while the two crossovers share a wheelbase and some design elements, the RZ isn’t just an electrified version of the Lexus RX.
Today marks the official debut of the RZ 450e, the first all-electric Lexus battery-electric-vehicle, or BEV. You can read our full detailed TOUR of its features, trim levels, and pricing right HERE. And our first-drive impressions are over HERE. In this post, we wanted to do an RZ vs RX comparison for two reasons. First, for anyone who might be cross-shopping the two crossovers. And to make clear that the RZ isn’t just an electrified version of an RX.
It’s been fascinating to watch legacy auto manufacturers jump into the BEV space. Some vehicles, like the F-150 Lightning, look almost identical to their gas-power siblings. While others, say the Jaguar iPace or Mustang Mach-E, take their respective companies in a new direction. The 2023 Lexus RZ 450e sits somewhere in the middle.
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It is equally recognizable as a Lexus crossover and shares its wheelbase dimensions and infotainment system with the RX. But in terms of proportions, the RZ’s exterior dimensions are closer to the smaller NX thanks to a hood line that tapers downward and a shorter overall stance. And we thought it might be helpful to show you some key differences, in this case, between the RZ 450e and an RX 350 that we photographed while attending the RZ’s press launch event.
RZ vs RX Front
RZ vs RX
When the RX debuted last year, it earned the nickname dolphin nose for the way its hood line juts out over the grille forming a hump. Also, as a vehicle with lots of hybrid offerings, the RX appears to modernize the Lexus spindle grille by filling in some of it, and opening up the bottom portions.
The RZ goes one step further, only hinting at the spindly elements on the side of its smooth, aerodynamic chin. The results don’t appear to always photograph well (which could also be my fault as the photographer), but once that in person feels a little sleeker and more purposeful compared to the RX.
Also, while the daytime running light Lexus swoop is similar, the RZ and RX have slightly different lighting configurations.
Side
RZ 450e vs RX 350 nose profiles
Some angles make the RZ and RX look pretty similar in person, especially with the optional 20″ luxury wheels. But step to the side and you can see how — without a traditional internal combustion engine up front — the RZ’s hood line swoops toward the front nose, lacking the RX’s aforementioned hump. In my opinion, it makes for a more pleasing side profile, especially when you get a look at that fender line that swings off the front wheel arch.
These design elements are pretty striking when comparing the RZ to the RX and NX, although we’d like to see the wheel arches become available in a matching body color.
Rear
RZ 450e vs RX 350 rear
Around back, the RZ looks dramatically different from the RX. The RZ features a much narrower and linear rear lighting configuration and trades its traditional spoiler (and hidden wiper blade) for vortex generators that provide enough downforce to stabilize the vehicle and keep the rear window clean at speed. (But not, obviously, when parked outside on a rainy or snowy morning.) Here it’s also easy to see how much shorter the RZ is compared to the RX and how Lexus designers gave the rear hatch a coupe-like swooping angle.
For those wondering, yes, this eats into cargo space, with Lexus saying the RZ offers 23.74 cubic feet of cargo space vs the RX’s 29.59 with all the seats up. With all the seats down, the RZ improves things with 47.97 cubic feet of cargo space vs the RX’s 46.19.
Interior & Amenities
RZ 450e vs RX 350 interior
There are several key differences between the RZ and RX interiors, although at first glance they are more subtle. The RX is available with an entry-level infotainment screen, while every RZ features the larger 14″ screen seen in these photos. Overall, the RZ’s interior appearance is more open and less cluttered than a similarly equipped RX. The RZ offers better over-the-hood sightlines and additional legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers.
RZ 450e vs RX 350 interior
The RZ also lacks a passenger glovebox, instead offering extra (and open) storage directly underneath the center console. Along those lines, the RZ is the first Lexus to feature a dial shifter versus the familiar shifter we’ve seen pop up in dozens of Lexus and Toyota vehicles. The RZ and RX share identical digital gauge clusters, although they are placed in different locations and the RZ (naturally) lacks engine temp and fuel gauges that surround the RX’s center cluster.
RX 500h interior
Lastly, the RZ lacks some of the RX’s finer interior materials. Where full leather is available on some RX models and the 500h blends leather and Ultrasuede, the RX is only available in NuLuxe faux leather (Premium) or all Ultrasuede (Luxury), which are both pretty good, but not quite as nice as real leather. The RZ also lacks physical door-panel decorations, instead opting for projected light that one can only see at night (or in darkened interior parking spaces).
Photographs by Michael S. Palmer
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