2024 Lexus RZ 300e Luxury

Lexus introduced its first EV, the RZ 450e compact SUV, in 2023. For 2024, the automaker debuted the RZ 300e, the same vehicle with a single motor and FWD instead of a dual-motor, AWD setup. We tested the top-tier Luxury trim. Based on the Toyota bZ4X/Subaru Solterra platform, the RZ 300e’s stylish sheet metal features aggressive headlamps, a floating roof motif, and a subtle spoiler. The minimalist interior has a digital instrument cluster, a 14.0-inch infotainment touch screen (with good resolution), synthetic leather/suede upholstery, and a huge panoramic sunroof (no built-in shade, alas). Lexus’s complete suite of advanced safety features is standard. All-wheel drive is unavailable. The RZ 300e is swift off the line, and its brakes haul it to a stop quickly. But its forte is its quiet, comfortable cabin—replete with plush, supportive seats and plenty of headroom and legroom for all passengers—and luxurious ride. The 300e has several weak points, the most significant of which is its limited range—224 miles in the case of our test vehicle. (True, the range with 18-inch wheels is 266 miles, but still. . . .) Other drawbacks include confusing steering-wheel controls; a nonintuitive infotainment system; a lack of knobs and buttons for HVAC and infotainment controls; light, disconnected steering; and a blind spot at the rear roof pillars.