Photo: Dinkun Chen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: Tokumeigakarinoaoshima, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Verdict
Premium electric SUV, 5 stars at Euro NCAP in 2023, which has been subject to two software safety recalls: windscreen demisting (2023-2025) and the battery control unit (RZ 2026, recall announced in North America). Check with the VIN that the updates have been carried out before buying.
- Reliability
- not rated
- Indicative prices
- €51,900 – €57,500
- Monthly cost
- €721
- Euro NCAP
- 5/5
Which version to choose
Versions to favour: RZ 450e.
RZ 450e
✓ RecommendedElectric · Automatic · 313 hp · 17.0 kWh/100 km · Crit'Air green
All-wheel drive, 435 Nm, 71.4 kWh gross battery (about 64 kWh usable). WLTP range of 404 to 435 km according to the Lexus France brochure (435 km with 18-inch wheels). Fast charging up to 147 kW according to EVKX.
RZ 300e
Electric · Automatic · 204 hp · Crit'Air green
Front-wheel drive, 2023-2024, 150 kW. WLTP range of 429 to 478 km according to the Lexus France brochure of July 2024 (478 km with 18-inch wheels according to EVKX), 64 kWh net battery.
Market prices
€51,900 – €57,500
Indicative range: 2023 to 2026, all mileages, middle half of online listings from private sellers and dealers.
Collected on 13 October 2026 from the sources below. Our own survey of listings, by year and mileage, will refine it.
Known faults
Windscreen demisting recall (air-conditioning software)
Manufacturer recallJoint recall with the Toyota bZ4X, Lexus RZ 300e/450e and Subaru Solterra: a software fault in a control unit can prevent the windscreen from being demisted or defrosted and, in some cases, put the air conditioning into degraded mode, reducing visibility. Dealerships reprogram the control unit and check the compressor, free of charge. The recall was announced in the United States, Canada and South Africa; the exact scope for France is not confirmed by the sources: check with the VIN at Lexus.
Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).
- Versions
- RZ 450e, RZ 300e
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Battery control unit recall: loss of drive power
Manufacturer recallRecall of June 2026 (20,991 vehicles in North America, including 4,739 Lexus RZ 2026): a software fault in the battery control unit can cut electric drive while driving; power steering and power brakes remain available. Free correction by reprogramming at a dealership. A separate recall exists in New Zealand (7 RZ 2025-2026). European scope not confirmed by the sources.
Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).
- Versions
- RZ 450e
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Manufacturer recalls
See the official list on RappelConso (new tab) (French government recall site: category “Automobiles et moyens de déplacement”, search “Lexus RZ”). A dealer for the brand can also check, using the vehicle identification number (VIN), that recalls have been carried out.
Real monthly cost
Fuel, insurance, maintenance and depreciation, excluding finance. Move the slider to match your mileage. How it is calculated
| Electricity | €38 |
|---|---|
| Insurance | €96 |
| Maintenance | €29 |
| Depreciation | €558 |
| Total per month | €721 |
⚠ Estimates to treat with caution
- Insurance: brand average, as no average is published for this model.
- Maintenance: published servicing price plus an estimated allowance for tyres and brakes.
- Maintenance: budget of a closely related model.
- Depreciation estimated at 12% of the median price a year, as no year-by-year valuation is usable.
Calculation details (12,000 km a year)
- Electricity€38
RZ 450e version: combined consumption of 17 kWh/100 km, increased by 15% for real-world driving, at 0.194 €/kWh, for 1,000 km a month.
17 × 1.15 × 0.194 € × 10 = €38
Electricity price: EDF regulated Base tariff, home charging (as of 7 October 2026).
- Insurance€96
Average monthly premium published for this model by insurance comparison sites (comprehensive cover when stated). Your premium depends on your profile.
- Maintenance€29
Servicing and wear parts (tyres, brakes) for 12,000 km a year, per month.
- Depreciation€558
Value lost in a year by a typical example, from the valuation gap between two years, per month.
Inspection checklist
Lexus RZ I — inspection checklist
Things to check
- Have the recalls (windscreen demisting, battery control unit) checked with the VIN at Lexus to confirm they have been carried out.
- Test the windscreen demisting and the heating in cold or damp weather.
- Ask for the condition of the traction battery and check the manufacturer warranty coverage.
- Check the fast-charging power and the AC charging (11 kW) with the supplied cable.
- Compare the announced range with the real range on a test route that includes motorway driving.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have the software recalls been carried out at Lexus? Do you have the repair orders?
- Which version is it (RZ 300e or RZ 450e) and what wheel size? The wheel size changes the range.
- How was the car charged (at home or at fast chargers)?
Test-drive tip: read the fault codes
A warning light that is off proves nothing: a fault may have been cleared just before the viewing. A Bluetooth OBD2 scanner, plugged in under the steering wheel and read on your phone, shows stored codes and whether all emissions readiness tests have run since the last reset.
Electric or hybrid equivalent
No direct electric or hybrid equivalent in our guides. Simulate combustion vs electric cost
Alternatives
Photo: Ethan Llamas, CC BY-SA 4.0
Tesla Model Y
I · since 2021
- Price
- €32,000 – €38,500
- Reliability
- 4/5
- Fuel types
- Electric
Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Škoda Enyaq
I · since 2020
- Price
- €24,400 – €46,000
- Reliability
- 3.5/5
- Fuel types
- Electric
Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Volkswagen ID.4
I · since 2021
- Price
- €25,980 – €49,630
- Reliability
- 5/5
- Fuel types
- Electric
Photo: Ethan Llamas, CC BY-SA 4.0
Lexus NX
II · since 2021
- Price
- €30,000 – €60,000
- Reliability
- 5/5
- Fuel types
- Hybrid
Before you buy: check and equip
Check the history
Before paying, check the administrative status (lien, objection, declared claims) and the mileage recorded at the roadworthiness test.
Read fault codes
An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.
Parts and maintenance
Compare prices of parts for the Lexus RZ I (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.
Insure the car
Insurance prices vary widely from one model to another: get a quote before signing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the range of a Lexus RZ 450e?
The Lexus France brochure of July 2024 announces 404 to 435 km WLTP, with 435 km for the 18-inch wheels. An ev-market buying guide estimates the real-world range at 280-320 km on motorway driving at 130 km/h.
Has the Lexus RZ been recalled?
Yes: a recall of the air-conditioning software (windscreen demisting) on 2023-2025 RZs, and a recall of the battery control unit on 2026 RZs in North America. Have the VIN checked with Lexus.
What is the boot capacity of the Lexus RZ?
522 litres, up to 1,451 litres with the rear bench folded according to La Tribune Auto and Automobile Propre.
Found a listing?
Soon, we will analyse your Lexus RZ listing: price, mileage, watch points.
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