2026 Lexus RZ Preview
The Lexus RZ, the Japanese luxury brand’s first electric vehicle, is set to receive notable updates for the 2026 model year, including a new performance-oriented F Sport trim. After debuting in 2023 and expanding its lineup for 2025, the RZ will gain more range, additional power options, and new technology features. While Lexus has already revealed the European version, complete details about the U.S.-market RZ likely won’t arrive until late 2025. Based on available information, we’ve put together what to expect when the refreshed EV crossover reaches U.S. showrooms later this year or in early 2026.
2026 RZ Specs
300+ Miles
Projected Max Driving Range
408 HP
Available F Sport AWD
3,300 LB.
Projected Max Towing Capacity
Design
The 2026 RZ will maintain its overall silhouette while introducing subtle styling updates. We anticipate new wheel designs and revised front and rear fascias across all trims. The new RZ F Sport will feature exclusive exterior elements, including an aggressive front bumper with functional brake ducts, a rear spoiler, aerodynamic enhancements, and unique 20-inch wheels. The F Sport editions will likely offer a two-tone paint scheme with a black roof. We expect the cabin to retain its modern vibe with the use of premium materials. The F Sport will likely receive special sport seats with additional bolstering, aluminum pedals, unique accents, and trim-specific badging.
Powertrain and Performance
The most significant changes for 2026 will be under the sheet metal. We anticipate the RZ will receive a larger 77 kWh battery pack (up from the current 71.4 – 72.8 kWh) with revised chemistry and enhanced water-based cooling systems. This should boost range substantially; European specifications suggest up to 60 additional miles depending on the configuration. The current U.S.-market RZ tops out at 266 miles of range, so we expect the 2026 version to potentially exceed 300 miles in certain configurations.
Three powertrain options will likely be offered. The base front-wheel-drive RZ 350e should continue with a single motor, making around 224 horsepower. A mid-tier all-wheel-drive RZ 500e will offer approximately 380 horsepower from dual motors. The new range-topping RZ 550e F Sport will feature AWD with more powerful motors generating a combined output of approximately 408 horsepower, which should deliver zero-to-60 mph acceleration in around 4.5 seconds.
The F Sport trim’s most intriguing feature is expected to be an Interactive Manual Drive system that simulates an eight-speed transmission with paddle shifters. This software-based feature will adjust power delivery and add artificial engine sounds to mimic a conventional transmission, offering a more engaging driving experience for those who miss the sensations of internal combustion engines. The F Sport will also likely receive a sport-tuned suspension with revised damping rates and spring settings for more dynamic handling.
Technology
We anticipate the 2026 RZ will introduce Lexus’ first steer-by-wire system, at least as an option on higher trims, including the F Sport. This technology replaces the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and tires with electronic controls, allowing for variable steering ratios that adjust based on vehicle speed. The system will probably be paired with a distinctive steering wheel featuring a yoke-style design with openings at the top and bottom. Charging capabilities should improve with a new 22 kW onboard charger and battery preconditioning features to optimize performance in cold weather. The towing capacity for all-wheel-drive editions is expected to double to approximately 3,300 pounds.
2026 Lexus RZ Inventory