The luxury electric SUV market has two fresh contenders taking very different paths to win your heart. The 2025 Lexus RZ and Acura ZDX bring their unique strengths to the table, so let’s dig into what makes each of these head-turners special and figure out which one might be your perfect match.
Exterior Design and Features
When you compare these cars, the Acura ZDX sports a 121.8-inch wheelbase that’s larger than the RZ’s more modest 112.2 inches. It’s also longer at 197.7 inches vs. 189.2 inches and wider — 77 inches vs. 74.2, though both stand exactly 64.4 inches tall.
Both cars cut through the air with body shapes designed for electric efficiency, but they speak different design languages. The ZDX makes a bold statement, while the RZ whispers subtle sophistication. The ZDX’s standard 20-inch Berlina Black wheels are designed to attract attention on California roads. On the other hand, the Lexus RZ takes a quieter approach with elegant 18-inch Dark Gray Metallic wheels.
Signature lights make these SUVs instantly recognizable after dark. The ZDX uses its larger canvas for bold styling that turns heads, while the RZ’s compact, athletic shape looks nimble and quick. You can customize both SUVs with various paint options to match your personality, whether you’re feeling subtle or want to stand out in traffic.
Performance and Powertrain
The all-wheel-drive (AWD) ZDX Type S delivers 499 horsepower from dual electric motors, while the base A-Spec with rear-wheel drive (RWD) puts out 358 horsepower. You can upgrade the A-Spec to a dual-motor AWD version that outputs 490 horsepower. The ZDX Type S hits 0 to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. Lexus took a different path with the RZ, offering 201 horsepower in single-motor form with front-wheel drive or 308 horsepower with dual motors and AWD. While slightly slower, the dual-motor RZ still gets an impressive 0-to-60 mph time of 5 seconds.
Battery capacity makes all the difference for range anxiety. The ZDX carries a massive 102 kWh battery vs. the RZ’s lighter 63.4 kWh pack. This gives the ZDX impressive range: 313 miles for RWD versions, 304 miles with AWD, and 278 miles in Type S form. However, because the RZ is lighter, it delivers up to 266 miles per charge. As for charging, both offer Level 2 and DC fast charging, though the Lexus RZ is also compatible with Level 1 chargers.
Interior Comfort and Technology
You’ll instantly notice a difference between the cabin vibes of these five-seaters. The Lexus RZ favors a simpler design with comfortable NuLuxe- or Ultrasuede-trimmed seats. A 14-inch touch screen and premium 10-speaker sound system provide entertainment and easy access to important information. The ZDX competes with standard Milano leather seats and a Bang & Olufsen 14-speaker system. Its 11.3-inch display is smaller but comes with Google Built-in as standard. You’ll also find smartphone integration features, such as Apple CarPlay, on both SUVs.
The RZ offers a roomier cargo hold with up to 34.9 cubic feet behind the second-row seats, beating the ZDX A-Spec’s 29.7 cubic feet. Fold those seats down, and the ZDX fights back with 63 total cubic feet vs. the RZ’s 55.6 cubic feet.
Safety and Reliability
These SUVs both come with numerous driver aids, but specific features vary by model. These include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Brand reliability tells an interesting tale. Acura sits in second place out of 32 brands in RepairPal’s rankings for 2024, with Lexus trailing in sixth place. However, J.D. Power crowned Lexus as the most dependable. With their extensive safety features, both brands care about keeping you safe on the road, so you can’t go wrong with either choice.
Pricing and Ownership Considerations
The 2024 ZDX started at $64,500 for the A-Spec RWD, and the new 2025 version is expected to start around $66,000. With the 2025 RZ 300e starting at just $44,095, you could potentially save over $20,000. Both brands back their products with solid warranty packages, though terms vary.
Don’t forget the fine print: warranty coverage, financing deals, and tax incentives can dramatically change the math. You should also consider insurance costs, depreciation curves, and future resale value when figuring out your true cost of ownership.
Which Is the Better Choice for You?
The Lexus RZ is great for practical luxury buyers who want a deal without skimping on quality. Its whisper-quiet cabin and nimbler handling make city driving a joy. Plus, its bigger cargo area behind the rear seats fits more shopping bags or sports gear. But if you crave power, range, and tech toys, the ZDX may be a better fit.
Lexus has built its reputation on keeping customers happy with exceptional service, while Acura counters with strong reliability scores and slightly cheaper maintenance. Your final choice comes down to your priorities: raw performance, cutting-edge tech, cargo flexibility, or stretching your dollars further.
Your Next Luxury Electric SUV Awaits
The 2025 Lexus RZ and Acura ZDX both deliver luxury in spades, but your ideal match depends on what you value most. The ZDX offers stronger performance and a longer driving range, while the RZ counters with a much friendlier price tag, smarter cargo space, and that famous Lexus quality reputation. Ready to see which one speaks to you? Swing by Lexus of Stevens Creek in California. Our team can tell you all about the 2025 Lexus RZ and help you find your perfect luxury electric match.
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