Toyota has faced criticism in recent years for the pace of its electric vehicle rollout, though the company has steadily expanded its EV lineup. The new Lexus TZ is positioned as a more upscale counterpart to the electric Toyota Highlander, while adopting unique exterior panels and a redesigned interior intended to differentiate it from the mainstream model.
The SUV enters a competitive segment that already includes vehicles such as the Volvo EX90, Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, Cadillac Vistiq, and Rivian R1S. Lexus says the TZ will go on sale in the United States before the end of the year, while pricing and full specifications will be announced closer to launch.
A Larger Electric SUV Built on a Revised Platform
The Lexus TZ measures 200.8 inches in length, placing it close in size to the gasoline-powered Lexus LX. The electric SUV rides on a 120.1-inch wheelbase, nearly eight inches longer than the LX, after engineers revised the TNGA platform and pushed the wheels farther outward.
According to Motor1, the TZ shares its wheelbase and 78.3-inch width with the electric Highlander but is around two inches longer overall and slightly lower in height at 67.1 inches. Lexus will offer the model exclusively with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup in the United States, while Toyota plans to sell the electric Highlander with front-wheel drive.
Buyers will be able to choose between two battery packs rated at 76.96 kWh and 95.82 kWh. Lexus estimates the SUV can travel up to 300 miles on a single charge, though the figure has not yet received EPA certification. Wheel options include 20-inch and 22-inch alloy designs paired with low-rolling-resistance tires intended to improve efficiency.
The automaker also focused on aerodynamics. The TZ posts a drag coefficient of 0.27 thanks to features such as flush door handles, redesigned side mirrors, and underbody fins developed to reduce airflow disruption.
Up to 402 Horsepower and a Simulated V10 Soundtrack
While Lexus USA has not confirmed final output figures, the company’s global division lists 402 horsepower for the most powerful version of the TZ. This represents a 64-horsepower increase over the dual-motor electric Highlander, although Lexus notes the number remains preliminary and could vary depending on the market.
The global-specification TZ weighs 5,798 pounds, or 2,630 kilograms, and accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 5.4 seconds.
Lexus also highlighted the vehicle’s quiet cabin during the official presentation while revealing that drivers will be able to activate an artificial engine soundtrack modeled after the naturally aspirated V10 of the Lexus LFA supercar. Toyota Chief Branding Officer Simon Humphries said the feature would be “available on demand.”
For charging, North American models receive a NACS charging port. Lexus says the battery can recharge from 10 to 80 percent in around 35 minutes using charging speeds of up to 150 kW.
Cabin Redesign Introduces New Comfort-Focused Features
The interior of the TZ receives significant changes compared with the electric Highlander. Some official images released by Lexus show a large dashboard-mounted touchscreen extending toward the passenger side, though the company has not confirmed whether the display will be offered in every market.
The TZ becomes the first Lexus model to offer ventilation and power ottomans for passengers in the first two rows. The extended wheelbase also contributes to increased third-row legroom.
Other equipment includes what Lexus describes as the world’s longest sliding panoramic roof, paired with an electric sunshade. The SUV also features one-touch folding functions for both the second and third rows, along with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system.
Lexus additionally uses forged bamboo trim inside the cabin, a material choice intended to distinguish the TZ further from its Toyota counterpart. The company says the SUV has been designed as the quietest vehicle in its current lineup.
