- The 2026 RZ offers more power and range but skips steer-by-wire for U.S. models.
- All trims now come equipped with a NACS plug for Tesla Supercharger compatibility.
- The flagship RZ550e delivers 402 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of 4.1 seconds.
A few months ago, Lexus unveiled the 2026 RZ in its European-spec form, featuring steer-by-wire technology and simulated gears. Now, the updated RZ is headed to the North American market, and it comes with several upgrades including a new and improved battery, more power, and increased driving range.
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Three versions of the 2026 RZ will be available in the US. Leading the charge at the base of the lineup is the new RZ 350e. It comes with a 74.69 kWh battery pack and a front-mounted electric motor producing 221 horsepower, 20 more than the outgoing RZ 300e. Lexus claims this version can reach 60 mph (96 km/h) in 7.2 seconds and offers an estimated range of around 300 miles (482 km) on a single charge.
Read: 2026 Lexus RZ Gets Yoked Steer-By-Wire And Simulated Gears
Next up is the RZ 450e AWD, which retains the same 74.69 kWh battery but adds an additional electric motor at the rear wheels, boosting the total output to 308 horsepower. This reduction in 0-60 mph time to 4.9 seconds is matched by a range of 260 miles (418 km).
Finally, there’s the new flagship RZ 550e F Sport AWD with a dual-motor setup. It swaps in a slightly larger 76.96 kWh battery, bumps the horsepower to 402, and cuts the 0-60 time to a much quicker 4.1 seconds. However, with an estimated driving range of 225 miles (362 km), it’s safe to say the RZ 550e isn’t exactly setting the standard for range in the EV market.
All 2026 RZ models heading to North America will come equipped with an NACS plug, and Lexus claims the battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in under 30 minutes. Additionally, every model now comes standard with an 11 kW on-board AC charger, a noticeable upgrade from the 7 kW unit found in the previous generation.
Curiously, it does not appear as though new RZ models to be sold in North America will have the same steer-by-wire as those sold internationally, including in Europe. Lexus has made no mention of the system in its local press release, and images released of the locally-specced model show it with a normal steering wheel, rather than the yoke that accompanies the steer-by-wire setup.
Virtual Shifts and a Spiffed-Up Interior
What we do know is that the RZ 550e F Sport AWD is the only version to offer Toyota’s M Mode virtual gear shift, which uses paddle shifters and is supposedly designed to provide “a sportier, more responsive driving feel.” Whether or not that’s true remains to be seen, but it certainly sounds like something designed to make driving an electric vehicle feel just a little more interesting.
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Inside, the 2026 RZ gets a few upgrades as well. A panoramic glass roof is now available, and it can switch from clear to opaque with the push of a button. The RZ 550e also gets some stylish black Ultrasuede trim with blue contrast stitching.
Lexus hasn’t revealed official pricing for the refreshed model yet, but it has confirmed that sales will begin later this year. Based on the pricing of the 2025 model year, the base models are expected to start around $45,000, with the new flagship RZ 550e likely pushing beyond $60,000.
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