For those looking to go electric without sacrificing the luxury found in top-end brands, check out the Lexus RZ 450e and Tesla Model Y. These vehicles offer the high-end technology and interior features drivers love with the power of all-electric engineering. In a head-to-head comparison, let’s examine the Tesla Model Y versus Lexus RZ 450e.
Trims Available
The 2023 Lexus RZ 450e should be available in two trims: Standard and F Sport. You can expect 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels in a dark metallic gray with a machined finish, a power rear door with a kick sensor, and a panoramic sunroof on the Standard. The F Sport may have 20-inch split 10-spoke black wheels with machined finish, door courtesy lights, and acoustic front and rear side glass. A dimming glass roof is available for a unique appearance. Exterior color options include Iridium, Ether, Cloudburst Gray, Eminent White Pearl, Caviar, Ether/Black Onyx, and Cloudburst Gray/Black Onyx.
You can also purchase the 2023 Tesla Model Y in two trims: Long Range and Performance. You get 19-inch wheels and a panoramic glass roof on the Long Range. The Performance trim features a lowered suspension, performance brakes, and 21-inch wheels. You can get your Model Y in Pearl White Multi-Coat, Midnight Silver Metallic, Deep Blue Metallic, Solid Black, or Red Multi-Coat.
All-Electric Performance
The 2023 Lexus RZ 450e offers a 71.4 kWh battery paired with a 150 kW motor in front and an 80 kW motor in the rear to produce a combined output of 312 horsepower. With an EPA-estimated range of 225 miles, the RZ 450e provides plenty of travel time between charges. The electronically controlled continuously variable transmission delivers a seamless drive every time. The RZ 450e is an all-wheel drive (AWD), offering better traction and control over various surfaces and weather conditions. The electric motor gives you enough power to go from zero to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds.
You can charge at a DC fast-charging station from zero to 80% in about an hour. The new high-output electronic axle integrates the inverter, transaxle, and motor to improve the electric range of your RZ 450e.
The 2023 Tesla Model Y also offers all-electric power through dual motors. Rumor has it that Tesla’s 4680 battery cells will make their way into the Model Y; otherwise, you can expect to see the 75 kWh lithium-ion battery found in previous model years. The AWD Model Y has an EPA-estimated range of 318 miles on the Long Range and 303 miles on the Performance. You should also get a zero to 60 mph of 4.8 seconds with the Long Range, with the Performance coming in at 3.5 seconds.
Impressive Interior Elements
When you take your place in the 2023 Lexus RZ 450e, you’ll discover the comfort and convenience of the interior design blends perfectly with the luxurious elements that make it a Lexus. You get Ultrasuede-trimmed heated and ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, a heated steering wheel, a radiant interior heater, and available heated rear seats. Interior colors include Thunderstorm/Macadamia, Dapple Gray, and Palomino.
You can control many features in your RZ 450e with the Intelligent Assistant Integration through voice recognition, which will only get smarter the more you use it. You also get five USB ports, a wireless charging pad, cloud-based navigation with real-time information and directions, and a 14-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The new sound of Lexus matches the sound frequencies to the current speed and acceleration to give you a unique sound experience.
The 2023 Tesla Model Y also offers high-end features to match those designed for form and function. You get dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats, heated front, and rear seats, a wireless charging pad, and a 15-inch central touch screen. Interior color options are all black or black and white, and you can add a third row on the Long Range to increase from five to seven passengers.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Safety is of utmost importance, and today’s auto manufacturers add many safety and driver-assistance features to keep you and your passengers safer on the road. Lexus adds the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 on the 2023 RZ 450e. This suite of safety features includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, all-speed dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist and lane-keep assist, and intelligent high beams. Road sign assist, curve speed management added to the dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and intersection support are also standard features on the RZ 450e.
An advanced airbag system and a four-wheel anti-lock braking system with brakeforce distribution and brake assist are also standard features designed to help keep you safe. You can add a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert and parking sensors to round out your Lexus’s safety and driver-assistance features.
On the 2023 Tesla Model Y, you get standard adaptive cruise control features, forward collision mitigation, lane-keep assist, and a blind-spot monitor. An advanced airbag system is also standard on the Model Y.
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
Lexus hasn’t released the official MSRP for the 2023 RZ 450e, but Car and Driver estimates that the Standard will have an MSRP of around $55,000, while the F Sport will come in at $60,000. The MSRP for the 2023 Tesla Model Y is $58,190 for the Long Range and $62,190 for the Performance after potential incentives and gas savings of $7,800.
While the 2023 Lexus RZ 450e or Tesla Model Y are excellent options for all-electric luxury vehicles, the RZ 450e offers more features for less money, giving it the edge in this comparison.
When you’re ready to check out the 2023 Lexus RZ 450e for yourself, stop to see the team at Lexus of Stevens Creek. We’d be happy to answer any questions, give you a tour of the dealership, or set you up for a test drive in the RZ 450e or any other Lexus on our lot. You can find us at 300 Martin Ave. in Santa Clara, California, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. You can complete our secure online form or call us at 669-231-0397 to get started.
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