Cadillac Optiq vs Lexus RZ
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
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Price Breakdown
The Cadillac Optiq starts from $80,000 before on-road costs, while the Lexus RZ opens at $84,500. That makes the Cadillac Optiq the more affordable entry point by $4,500.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $88,000 and $92,950 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
105.2kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 110kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 110kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
74.7kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 150kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 150kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Cadillac Optiq features a 33-inch touchscreen paired with a 33-inch digital dash, while the Lexus RZ gets a 14-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Cadillac Optiq stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, panoramic roof, ventilated seats, AKG audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Lexus RZ. The Lexus RZ counters with Apple CarPlay, V2L and Mark Levinson audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Cadillac Optiq gets leather upholstery while the Lexus RZ offers synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The Cadillac Optiq uses a Electric producing 224kW and 480Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.3 seconds.
The Lexus RZ responds with a Electric Motor making 280kW and 538Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds.
The Lexus RZ has the clear power advantage at 280kW vs 224kW. In the real-world sprint, the Lexus RZ is 1.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 75kWh (Cadillac Optiq) vs 74.7kWh (Lexus RZ), giving WLTP ranges of 425km and 460km. DC fast charging peaks at 110kW (Cadillac Optiq) vs 150kW (Lexus RZ).
Space & Comfort
The Cadillac Optiq measures 4,820mm long on a 2,954mm wheelbase, 15mm longer than the Lexus RZ at 4,805mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Cadillac Optiq generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 744L in the Cadillac Optiq and 522L in the Lexus RZ, giving the Cadillac Optiq a 222L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 11.8m
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 150,000km (Cadillac Optiq) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Lexus RZ). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Cadillac Optiq if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Cadillac's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus RZ if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Lexus RZ takes 6 of 9 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Cadillac Optiq has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Cadillac Optiq and Lexus RZ?
The Cadillac Optiq is the cheapest at $80,000 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Lexus RZ by $4,500.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Lexus RZ has the most range at 460km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Lexus RZ accepts the highest DC charging at up to 150kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Lexus RZ all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Cadillac Optiq has the largest boot at 744L.
Which is the most powerful?
The Lexus RZ makes the most power at 280kW. The Lexus RZ is quickest to 100km/h in 4.6s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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