Powertrain and Range

Every 2027 TZ will employ a dual-motor electric powertrain with Lexus's DIRECT4 all-wheel-drive system. The technology can vary power between the front and rear motors based on acceleration, cornering, and driving conditions. Drivers will also have five regenerative-braking settings controlled through steering-wheel paddles.

As for the battery, both a 76.96 kWh and a 95.82 kWh lithium-ion battery will be offered, with the higher-capacity pack promising about 300 miles of range between charges in certain configurations. An NACS charging connection will be standard. For the first time, Lexus will use a 2-in-1 charging port that places the AC and DC connections together behind a motorized sliding cover.

Chassis and Driving

Toyota’s TNGA architecture will underpin the TZ (it provides the platform basics for several other Lexus models, including the ES, NX, RX, and TX). Meanwhile, available Dynamic Rear Steering will turn the back wheels to enhance low-speed maneuverability and provide high-speed stability. The system is designed to work with the TZ’s Rear Comfort mode, which adjusts steering, braking, and power distribution to reduce body movement for passengers in the second and third rows.

Exterior and Utility

The TZ will have an attractively modern exterior with a low-slung profile that helps disguise its three-row proportions while increasing its aerodynamics. At the same time, smooth body surfaces, semi-flush door handles, and 20- or 22-inch wheels will give the TZ a head-turning street presence. With a generous 120.1-inch wheelbase, the vehicle will measure 200.8 inches long, just shy of the 203.1-inch Lexus TX. The cargo capacity behind the third row will measure 13.8 cubic feet. The towing capacity for the model will top out at 3,500 pounds, adding some utility beyond its three-row passenger capacity.

Interior and Features

A pair of captain's chairs will provide maximum space and comfort for the middle-row occupants, with a walk-in button allowing easy access to the third row. (Lexus states that the mechanism works the same even with child seats installed.) The second- and third-row seats will also fold at the touch of a button to open additional cargo space. We expect heated seats to be available in all three rows as well as ventilated seats for the driver, front passenger, and second-row passengers. The TZ will also become the first Lexus crossover with available front-passenger and second-row power ottomans. A power panoramic roof with a power sunshade will extend above all three rows.

The TZ’s interior trim will include Forged Bamboo surfaces made with bamboo fibers sourced from Japan. The latest Lexus Interface system will bring 5G connectivity, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, customizable home-screen widgets, and an updated "Hey Lexus" voice assistant. A 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system will also be offered.

Safety and Driver Assistance

All trims will have the Lexus Safety System+ 4.0, consisting of a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, risk avoidance emergency steer assist, intersection turn assist, full-speed dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, lane departure alert with steering assist, proactive driving assist, road sign assist, and automatic high beams. Higher trims will be eligible for traffic jam assist for hands-free steering under certain low-speed highway conditions, lane change assist, front cross-traffic alert, and rear pedestrian detection.