2026 Lexus RZ Gets More (or Less) Power, Longer Range, NACS Port
As we told you following the world premiere in Brussels in mid-March, the Lexus RZ is getting several key changes for 2026, its fourth year on the market. The upgraded electric luxury crossover will launch in Canada later this year.
Similar to the revised and improved Toyota bZ (formerly known as bZ4X), the 2026 RZ offers increased power, range and charging speeds, thus addressing some its biggest shortcomings. A new FWD-only RZ 350e producing 221 hp will be the gateway to the lineup (and likely not very popular among Canadians despite longer range and a cheaper price), the AWD-equipped RZ 450e returns with 308 hp, and a top-line RZ 550e F SPORT model will complete the trio with 402 hp.
- Also: Major Upgrades Coming to 2026 Lexus RZ Should Get Drivers Excited
- Also: Future Toyota, Lexus EVs to Add Tesla’s NACS Connector
The latter introduces what Lexus calls “M Mode,” an electronic system that provides virtual manual gear shifting via paddle shifters, allowing drivers to control output as if using a manual transmission and enjoy a sportier feel. That’ll be on our checklist when we do our first test drive.
Aesthetically, the RZ 550e F SPORT stands out with black F SPORT features such as the F SPORT emblem, rear spoiler, front and rear bumper moldings, front grille, and 20-inch wheels with aero covers. It will be available in an exclusive new body colour called Wind, a solid light grey with subtle metallic highlights. In total, seven monotone colours and three two-tone combinations will be offered across the RZ lineup.
Less Time Spent Charging
Lexus says the 2026 RZ comes with an estimated driving range of approximately 480 km for the RZ 350e FWD and 418 km for the RZ 450e AWD when equipped with 18-inch wheels and charged under ideal conditions (as opposed to a mere 354 km with the outgoing model). The extra performance delivered by the new RZ 550e F SPORT AWD will reduce range to approximately 360 km when equipped with 20-inch wheels.
More good news: all RZ models get a North American Charging System (NACS) charging port on the passenger’s side, enabling direct access to Tesla’s Superchargers and other NACS-compatible chargers in the future (an adapter will be supplied for CCS-type public chargers). Under ideal conditions when using DC fast charging, the vehicle is capable of charging from 10-80 percent battery capacity in around 30 minutes—same as before. However, look for faster AC charging thanks to a higher-capacity 11kW on-board charger (up from 7kW).
Finally, we should mention that the cabin benefits from an improved Dynamic Sky panoramic glass roof enabling greater shading when opaque and a clearer view of the outside when transparent. In RZ 550e F SPORT trim, the interior features an exclusive combination of Black Ultrasuede with blue stitching accents. The design also includes a centre console with a micro-geometric pattern design, front F SPORT scuff plates, a steering wheel with the F SPORT emblem and aluminum pedals.
Pricing for the 2026 Lexus RZ will be revealed shortly before the vehicle goes on sale later in 2025. For the record, the outgoing RZ 450e starts at $59,960 plus freight, PDI and dealer fees.
