Lexus RX vs Lexus RZ
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
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.
Data checked: specs 28 Aug 2026, price 30 Jul 2026
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$93,550RRP
- no option data for this car
$84,500RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the Lexus RX & Lexus RZ
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Price Breakdown
The Lexus RX starts from $93,550 before on-road costs, while the Lexus RZ opens at $84,500. That makes the Lexus RZ the more affordable entry point by $9,050.
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 $102,905 and $92,950 respectively.
The Lexus RZ currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Lexus RX does not: only battery-electric vehicles qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Lexus RX and Lexus RZ hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 90% for the Lexus RX and 87% for the Lexus RZ.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 8 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Lexus RZ, against 6 on the Lexus RX.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Recalls on our record
Lexus RX
- REC-006213 · published 13 Dec 2024Due to a manufacturing defect in the Adaptive High Beam System cracks may develop over time resulting in the LED reflector detaching from the reflector motor inside the headlamp assembly.Year range on the notice: 2019 - 2022
- REC-005374 · published 6 Apr 2020The fuel pump on affected vehicles may stop operating.Year range on the notice: 2013 - 2019
Lexus RZ
- REC-006640 · published 26 Jun 2026Due to a software issue with the high-voltage battery Electronic Control Unit, the electric drive system may shut down.Year range on the notice: 2025 - 2026
- REC-006427 · published 10 Sep 2025Due to a software programming issue, the Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC) electrical compressor may fail.Year range on the notice: 2023
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
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
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 Lexus RX features a 14-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-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 Lexus RX stands out with head-up display, ventilated seats and Lexus Premium Sound audio — features our data doesn't list for the Lexus RZ. The Lexus RZ counters with V2L and Mark Levinson audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Lexus RX uses a Hybrid producing 184kW and 239Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.9 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 184kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Lexus RZ is 3.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Lexus RX measures 4,890mm long on a 2,850mm wheelbase, 85mm longer than the Lexus RZ at 4,805mm (2,850mm wheelbase).
Boot space is 612L in the Lexus RX and 522L in the Lexus RZ, giving the Lexus RX a 90L advantage.
For towing, the Lexus RX leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 750kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
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 / 999,999km (Lexus RX) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Lexus RZ). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: 4yr (Lexus RX)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Lexus RX if: You need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus RZ if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Lexus RX: Top CarSorted Score, 78 vs 74, but the Lexus RZ is $9,050 cheaper
The Lexus RX comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (78 vs 74), taking 2 of 7 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: performance (Lexus RZ ahead by 31), fuel economy (Lexus RX ahead by 20), practicality (Lexus RX ahead by 10). If boot space matters, the Lexus RX 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, Lexus RX and Lexus RZ?
The Lexus RZ is the cheapest at $84,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Lexus RX by $9,050.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus RX uses the least fuel at 5.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Lexus RX and 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 Lexus RX has the largest boot at 612L with the seats up (1,678L with the seats folded).
Which can tow the most?
The Lexus RX has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
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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