Lexus RX vs Lexus Rz

What's the difference?

Lexus has finally brought a plug-in hybrid to the Australian market with the RX450h+, and we’ve been testing the second-from-the-top Sports Luxury grade to see how it stacks up.

Promising a blend of electric efficiency and the high-end comfort Lexus is known for, this large SUV steps into a competitive segment. But does it deliver on both fronts?

When Lexus revealed its first dedicated electric car, a sporty looking SUV based on the Toyota bZ4X, price seemed to be the biggest factor in its disappointing sales figures.

Starting at about the $120,000 mark, the Lexus RZ you may have seen around, if you’re extremely eagle-eyed, was far from popular. 

After a little bit of time off showroom floors, however, the RZ is back.

More range, more power, a new first for Lexus in terms of driving tech and a much, much lower starting price could see the brand’s first dedicated EV pick up the pace.

But, there’s a big question mark over that new tech - the much-hyped steering yoke that replaces the wheel in the top-spec F Sport, which uses a steer-by-wire system in a debut setup for Lexus.

Is it a revelation, or a gimmick? We attended the updated RZ launch in Victoria to find out.