Lexus RX vs Lexus RZ
Verdict
At RM468,888 versus RM429,888, the Lexus RX asks RM39,000 more for a larger petrol SUV with 612 litres of boot space, 21-inch wheels, AVS and much richer rear seats. The Lexus RZ answers with EV running: two motors, 308 hp, 5.3 seconds to 100 km/h, a 71.4 kWh battery, 440 km range and 150 kW DC charging. Both are Japan CBU, all-wheel drive, five-seat SUVs with the same 2,850 mm wheelbase. The choice is not subtle: RX for space and cabin kit, RZ for pace and EV costs.
RX
Pick the Lexus RX if you want the bigger boot, more rear-seat comfort and a petrol SUV with a 68-litre tank.
RZ
Pick the Lexus RZ if you want the quicker, cheaper EV with 440 km range and lower annual road tax.
Key differences
- Price: Lexus RX RM468,888; Lexus RZ RM429,888
- Powertrain output: Lexus RX 275 hp and 430 Nm petrol; Lexus RZ 308 hp from two electric motors
- 0-100 km/h: Lexus RX 7.6 seconds; Lexus RZ 5.3 seconds
- Boot space: Lexus RX 612 litres; Lexus RZ 522 litres
- Size: Lexus RX 4,890 mm long and 1,920 mm wide; Lexus RZ 4,805 mm long and 1,895 mm wide
- Road tax: Lexus RX RM754 a year; Lexus RZ RM335 a year
RX
- Larger 612-litre boot versus the RZ’s 522 litres
- Rear seats add power folding, recline, 40:20:40 split, heating and ventilation
- Gets Adaptive Variable Suspension and 21-inch wheels
- RM39,000 dearer than the RZ
- Slower to 100 km/h: 7.6 seconds versus 5.3 seconds
- Higher annual road tax: RM754 versus RM335
RZ
- Quicker 5.3-second 0-100 km/h time
- 440 km EV range with 11 kW AC and 150 kW DC charging
- Eight-year, unlimited-mileage EV battery warranty
- Smaller boot: 522 litres versus 612 litres
- Rear seats are simpler, with only 60:40 split-folding listed
- No Adaptive Variable Suspension listed
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 468,888 | RM 429,888✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC Direct and Port injection with Turbocharger, Variable Valve Timing | — |
| Capacity | 2,393 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 275 hp | — |
| Torque | 430 Nm | — |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline | — |
| Timing Type | Chain | — |
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Bore | 87.5 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 11 | — |
| Number of Motors | — | 2 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 308 hp |
| Battery Type | — | Lithium-Ion |
| Battery Capacity | — | 71.4 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 440 km |
| Charger Type (AC) | — | Type 2 |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 11 kW |
| Charger Type (DC) | — | CCS |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 150 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 8-Speed Direct Shift | — |
| Gears | 8 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Aisin | — |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.6 seconds | 5.3 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | — | 160 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,890 mm | 4,805 mm |
| Width | 1,920 mm | 1,895 mm |
| Height | 1,695 mm | 1,635 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,850 mm | 2,850 mm |
| Weight | 1,914 kg | 2,125 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 68 litres | — |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 612 litres✓ | 522 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/50R21 | 235/50R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/50R21 | 235/50R20 |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | — |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Alenza 001 | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Double Wishbones |
| Front Wheels | 21" Multi-spoke Alloy with Hyper Chrome Metallic Machined Finish | 20" Aluminium in Black and Bright Machined Finish |
| Rear Wheels | 21" Multi-spoke Alloy with Hyper Chrome Metallic Machined Finish | 20" Aluminium in Black and Bright Machined Finish |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Disc | Ventilated Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Ventilated Disc | Ventilated Disc |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack And Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | For All Seats |
| Safety Notes | Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Adaptive LED Projector | Bi-LED Projector with Adaptive High Beam and Sequential Indicators |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED with Sequential Indicators |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | 10-way Power Adjustable Front Seats with Memory Function, Heated and Ventilated | 10-way Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function |
| Rear Seats | Power Folding and Recline, 40:20:40 Split-folding, Heated and Ventilated | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control with Lexus Climate Concierge | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control with Lexus Climate Concierge |
| Rear Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control System |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front 12-volt, 4 Front USB, 2 Rear USB | 1 Front, 3 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights (64 Colours) | Map Lights and Ambient Lights (64 Colours) |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 14" EMV Touchscreen with Bluetooth, Navigation, Voice Recognition, Wired Android Auto, Wireless Apple CarPlay and 12-speaker Lexus Premium Sound System | 14" EMV Touchscreen with Bluetooth, Navigation, Voice Recognition, Wired Android Auto, Wireless Apple CarPlay and 12-speaker Lexus Premium Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Start |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation (with Smart Card Key) |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go | Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist and Stop and Go |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot with Contactless Opening | Powered Boot with Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with 360-degree Camera and 3D Function | Yes, with Surround View Camera |
| Auto Parking | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | Qi Wireless Charger | — |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | 8-year, unlimited mileage warranty on EV battery |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 754 | RM 335✓ |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
RX vs RZ FAQ
Is the Lexus RX or Lexus RZ better?
The Lexus RX is better for space and rear-seat comfort. The Lexus RZ is better for performance and EV running, with 308 hp, 5.3 seconds to 100 km/h and 440 km range.
What is the price difference?
The Lexus RX costs RM39,000 more than the Lexus RZ. That gap buys a larger petrol SUV with a bigger boot, richer rear seats, AVS and 21-inch wheels.
Which is cheaper to tax in Malaysia?
The Lexus RZ is cheaper to tax, at RM335 a year versus RM754 for the Lexus RX. The RZ also has an eight-year, unlimited-mileage EV battery warranty.