"Soon" Is Now: The 2026 Lexus RZ 550e F SPORT

When Lexus introduced the electric RZ three years ago, I wrote about it for the Los Altos Town Crier and losaltosonline. I was underwhelmed.

"Hard pass from me. There are better upscale small crossover EVs out there, and Lexus itself will build better ones soon."

And, unsurprisingly given Lexus' track record, it has.

This is a mid-cycle refresh year for the RZ (Lexus' press release calls it "enhanced"), with a redesigned battery electric system, more power, more range and quicker charging under ideal conditions.

It's also the year that Lexus has chosen to extend the RZ lineup with its venerable sporty trim---F SPORT.

The RZ 550e F SPORT has 402 total system horsepower, Lexus' DIRECT4 all-wheel-drive system, Lexus' new M Mode manual paddle-shifters and an estimated range per charge of 229 miles. That's still on the skimpy side by contemporary standards, but a significant improvement over the 2024 RZ 450e I reviewed, which had 308 horsepower and only 196 miles of range.

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Across the RZ line, Lexus has switched to NACS charging, giving owners access to the Tesla Supercharger system (an adaptor for non-Tesla charging stations is included as standard equipment). Lexus also claims a stiffer body structure and suspension refinements, which are noticeable. The RZ is much nicer to drive than it was three years ago.

Most encouraging, Lexus has cut pricing. The 2023 RZ 450e Luxury I drove had a starting price of $64,000 ($65,150 including destination). That same trim level now starts at $58,395 ($59,790 including destination).

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The 2026 Lexus RZ 550e F SPORT is now the most expensive RZ and its base price is $57,000 ($58,395 including destination)---seven grand less than the less powerful, lower range version I drove two and a half years ago. That money buys a solid list of standard features (see the window sticker at the end of this review).

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Our test vehicle did have some extra-cost options---the Luxury Package (digital key, traffic jam asist, advanced parking assist with remote park, a digital rearview mirror and a Mark Levinson premium audio system) for $2,600, blue brake calipers for $500, the cold area package (headlamp washers and a windshield wiper de-icer) for $200, a panoramic roof sunshade for $200, a carpeted cargo mat for $140, and wheel locks for $99.

That brings the bottom line on the window sticker to $63,034.

Is the RZ now perfect? No. There are competitors that can go faster and go farther. But what Lexus has shown is that the RZ has its attention, that improvements can be expected. They don't use the ad slogan anymore, but this is the brand that was all about "the relentless pursuit of perfection." Never count them out.

2026 Lexus RZ 550e F SPORT at a glance

Price: $57,000 base/$63,034 as tested

Battery: 76.96 kW

Horsepower: 402

Torque: 396 lb-ft

Transmission: Single-speed with eight-speed simulation and paddle shifters

Curb Weight: 4,663 lbs.

0-60 Acceleration (manufacturer data): 4.1 seconds

EPA Fuel Economy Estimate: 95 MPGe

EPA Range Estimate: 229 miles

Class competitors: Rivian R2, BMW iX, Genesis GV60, Cadillac Lyriq, Tesla Model Y

Click on the arrows in the upper right corner to expand to full screen.

NOTE: Destination charge has increased to $1,395 since this was printed by Lexus. Click arrows in the upper right corner to expand to full screen.