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2026 Lexus RZ 550e review: Likable, but it needs improvement

February 26, 2026
•Ars technica
2026 Lexus RZ 550e review: Likable, but it needs improvement

Here's something that caught my attention — Lexus's new RZ 550e is surprisingly likable, even if it still has some rough edges. You might remember the original RZ, Lexus’s first shot at an EV, that I wasn’t exactly sold on in 2023. But here’s where it gets interesting: for 2026, Lexus reworked the RZ with new motors, a bigger battery, and NACS charging in the US. Jonathan Gitlin from Ars Technica points out that the all-wheel-drive RZ 550e F Sport, priced at nearly $58k, actually has a lot of potential. Now, the thing is — despite some flaws, I found myself warming up to it. It’s not perfect, sure — handling and ride quality still need work. But what’s impressive is that Lexus seems genuinely committed to improving the driving experience. According to Gitlin, this model has a solid foundation, and with a few tweaks, it could become a real contender. So, keep an eye on Lexus because they might just be onto something here.

Sometimes you drive a car you just don't gel with.

The original Lexus RZ was such a case. It was Lexus' first battery EV, and I was less than impressed when I drove it in 2023. In fact, I compared it negatively to the extremely not-good Vinfast VF8. Lexus knew there was room for improvement, too, so it reworked the RZ with new motors, a new battery, and NACS charging for North America, among other tweaks, for model year 2026. A front-wheel drive RZ 350e is now the range's entry point at $47,295, and there's also a $58,295 all-wheel drive RZ 550e F Sport that tops the range. We spent a week with the latter.

Mindful of how little I liked the first RZ I drove, I made sure to approach the 550e F Sport with an open mind. And despite a number of the car's shortcomings, I find I have warm feelings for the electric Lexus.

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Sometimes you drive a car you just don't gel with.

The original Lexus RZ was such a case. It was Lexus' first battery EV, and I was less than impressed when I drove it in 2023. In fact, I compared it negatively to the extremely not-good Vinfast VF8. Lexus knew there was room for improvement, too, so it reworked the RZ with new motors, a new battery, and NACS charging for North America, among other tweaks, for model year 2026. A front-wheel drive RZ 350e is now the range's entry point at $47,295, and there's also a $58,295 all-wheel drive RZ 550e F Sport that tops the range. We spent a week with the latter.

Mindful of how little I liked the first RZ I drove, I made sure to approach the 550e F Sport with an open mind. And despite a number of the car's shortcomings, I find I have warm feelings for the electric Lexus.

Read full article

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2026 Lexus RZ 550e review: Likable, but it needs improvement | Speasy