The Lexus TZ has made its debut as the brand’s first three-row, all-electric SUV that will go on sale in the North America near the end of 2026. Other markets that will also get the model include Japan and China as well as those in Europe.
Unlike the RZ which is built on the dedicated e-TNGA platform for electric vehicles (EVs), the TZ’s is underpinned by a modified GA-K version of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), similar to the latest Toyota Highlander.
In terms of specifications, the TZ features dual electric motors as part of its Direct4 all-wheel drive system, with each motor rated at 227 PS (224 hp or 167 kW) and 268.6 Nm of torque. This setup provides a total system output of 408 PS (402 hp or 300 kW) for a 0-100 km/h time of 5.4 seconds.
Powering the electric motors is a 95.82-kWh lithium-ion battery that provides a preliminary range of up to 483 km (300 miles) of range in EPA mode. Following Japan’s WLTC, the figure is 620 km, while it is 530 km in Europe (WLTP) and 640 km in China (CLTC). The US will also get a base 76.96-kWh battery as an alternative, badged as the ‘TZ 450e AWD’ – the larger-battery variant is called the ‘TZ 550e AWD’.
In its official release, Lexus says the TZ can handle a maximum AC charging power of 22 kW via a Type 2 input, or up to 19 kW when using a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port. It adds DC fast charging at 150 kW will get the battery from a 10-80% state of charge in about 35 minutes.
Design-wise, the TZ appears properly robust with its sculpted body that features sharp lines and pronounced fenders, the latter also seen on the Highlander. Incorporated into the brutish face is the brand’s trademark spindle grille and an upper LED light assembly that combines L-shaped daytime running lights and turn signals – the main headlamps are located just underneath.
A gently sloping roofline is to help with aerodynamics and leads to L-shaped lamps at the rear, accompanied by a full-width light bar above that has an illuminated Lexus script to match the lit emblem at the front. Lexus will offer 20- and 22-inch wheels to customers along with a choice of six exterior colours, one of them being a new hue called Shaded Ivy.
As for its size, Lexus’ newest offering measures 5,100 mm long, 1,990 mm wide, 1,705 mm tall and its wheelbase spans 3,050 mm. With all seats in their default position, boot space is 290 litres, expandable to 2,017 litres with the second and third row down. Available as an option is a rear-wheel steering system that reduces the turning to 5.4 metres from 5.8 metres without it.
While it may share its underpinnings with the Highlander, the TZ looks nothing like its Toyota cousin. Lexus said it designed the TZ following the ‘Driving Lounge’ concept, and the interior certainly looks the part with a more elegant dashboard that is complemented by bamboo layering trim panels that are said to made using a Lexus-first film layering technique. These look like natural bamboo in daylight but change to have surface-illuminated colour patterns when synchronised with the vehicle’s ambient lighting system.
If that isn’t enough, Lexus also touts it ‘Responsive Hidden Switch’ technology where switch function icons illuminate when the driver or passenger’s hand passes above the surface of certain areas, including on the steering wheel. While they may appear to have a flush finish, the switches provide physical touch-feedback when operated. Adding to the tech kit is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a large 14-inch central touchscreen.
On the matter of seats, the TZ sits up to six in a 2-2-2 layout, with the second row having a pair of captain chairs with deployable ottomans. Those getting in will also get to enjoy the easy-closing system, which detects when a door is half-closed and completes the action quietly and with light force. The TZ also gets a panoramic roof, the largest yet featured on a Lexus model, as well as a 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.
On the ADAS front, the latest Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 (LSS+ 4.0) comes standard on the TZ, with available functions being pre-collision detection with autonomous emergency braking, emergency steer assist, intersection turn assist, full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, lane departure alert with steering assist, traffic jam assist, lane change assist and Proactive Driving Assist.
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Hah? If this is the same size as the Highlander, I have no idea why they’re planning to offer it in Japan and Europe. It won’t even fit their roads and parking lots.
Also, 150kW DC fast charging is pretty mid for a car of this segment. Yes, actual car people know that the Toyota EV line is actually very good at maintaining peak charge rate for a sustained period, unlike many European and Chinese cars that promise higher charge rates but only hit peak charge for like 1 or 2 minutes, but majority of the new age electric car review portals are run by morons (the same morons who somehow made “1 pedal driving” the de-facto standard despite the safety dangers) who only judge based on marketing numbers.
Lastly, it’s ugly. Less ugly than the Highlander, but still ugly. An obese car for obese people.
Once the CATL Naxtra sodium batteries coming into the market its over for these jap thieves plus the rest of the European dung-balls living on outdated costly NMC packs that you cant even charge upto 100% regularly.
Today’s 50¢ forwarded to you, with thanks from Da Ke.
Keep up the good work.
Can’t wait for this to be 1.4M when it comes to Malaysia.
come malaysia johari say only can sell at 1.1m
The 2nd row sofa is slim, comparable to Tesla Model Y L 3 rows.
slim has the benefit of saving space and weight
Lol, you comparing a Lexus interior to a milo tin Tesla? Are you high?