2023 Lexus RZ vs Tesla Model Y Comparison

Heated Segment

The Lexus RZ is that luxury brand's very first globally-available all-electric model, following the UX300e with a vehicle that's built on a dedicated EV platform. As such, it's entering a very competitive market, with scores of compact EV crossovers already vying for share in a growing space. And that had us wondering - how does it compare to the segment-leading Tesla Model Y?

Photos: Lexus

Pricing

One of the biggest factors here is pricing, especially given the skyrocketing MSRPs we're seeing on most new vehicles these days. In that regard, we don't yet know how much the RZ will retail for, but since it's based on the Toyota bZ4X that tops out in the high $40k range, that would make a reasonable starting point somewhere between $50k-$55k. On the flip side, the Model Y has gotten far pricier and now starts at $66k for the long-range model and $70k for the Performance.

Photos: Tesla

Performance

The RX uses a pair of electric motors to generate a combined 312 horsepower, which propels it to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, according to Lexus. Meanwhile, the long-range and Performance versions of the Model Y both utilize dual electric motors, with the former doing 0-60 in 4.8 seconds versus the latter's 3.5-second estimate.

Photos: Lexus

Range

The RZ comes with a 71.4-kilowatt-hour battery pack, giving it an estimated range of 225 miles with 18-inch wheels or 200 miles with 20-inch wheels. On the flip side, the Model Y long range offers up an impressive 330 miles of range, followed by the Performance at 303 miles.

Photos: Tesla

Design

While the Model Y has a distinctive look that screams "EV," the RZ is a bit more subtle and ICE-like, which will undoubtedly appeal to more traditional buyers. The same goes for the interior, which features more physical controls and an instrument cluster, while the Model Y relies on a singular center touchscreen for most everything.

Photos: Lexus

Quality

While the RZ is an unknown commodity, Toyota and Lexus' stellar reputation for quality gives it the benefit of the doubt, and we certainly expect it to pace the segment in that regard. On the other hand, the Model Y is known (like all Tesla vehicles) for having some fit and finish issues, though things have improved with time.

Photos: Tesla

Compelling Alternative

While it won't beat the Model Y in sheer performance or range (at least for now), the Lexus RZ does have the upper hand in terms of its broader appeal and more traditional design. Throw in what promises to be rock-solid reliability, and it's safe to say that plenty of EV shoppers will find it to be a compelling alternative - especially if pricing lands where we expect it to.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the 2023 Lexus RZ right here at ClubLexus.com.

For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our How-to section in the forum.