I recently dumped my leased 2021 Tesla Model Y “long range” for the Lexus RZ 450e, after driving 10 other EVs. Lexus discounted this heavily so it ended up being a $43,000 car. I sincerely believe it’s the best EV you can buy today. My RZ 450e has the latest Lexus software update and I am getting 275-400 miles of range at 4.2-5.5 miles/kWh efficiency - far better efficiency than my Model Y, especially in city driving. Don’t listen to the skeptics or critics who tested pre-production or prototype versions with 21 inch wheels and complain about range. But first let me explain why I dumped the Tesla. Over 30,000 miles, the AC on the Tesla failed, then the 12V battery failed without warning, stranding me for 2 weeks (and $1700 in car rental bills) while Tesla dithered around with replacing the battery. The powered frunk where the battery is located failed to open because the Tesla factory had failed to wire it properly, so they had to rig it to open it. Then the trunk strut failed which was traced to a faulty wiring harness. If I had bought it, instead of leasing it, and had these failures happened after 50,000 miles, I would have been out thousands of dollars, erasing any fuel savings. BTW, the Tesla odometer was also way off, which seemed like a gimmick/scam to inflate range. Speaking of range, the Model Y’s efficiency was awful in city driving; with 20 inch wheels, I rarely cracked 160 miles on a full charge in stop and go traffic due to aggressive regen which meant keeping the throttle pressed to keep the heavy beast moving. In DC winters, 110 miles was the best it could do, despite having a heat pump 😝 So ​I switched to the Lexus RZ 450e after test-driving the Cadillac Lyriq, Hyundai Ionia 5, Kia EV6, Ford Mach-e, Nissan Ariya, VW ID4, Chevrolet Blazer, Genesis GV60, and Toyota BZ4X and Subaru Solterra. I chose the RZ 450e with 18 inch wheels, which with latest software update unlocks more range and efficiency, and it was the best decision ever. As I noted above, disregard the skeptics / critics who tested pre-production or early production vehicles with old software. With latest software updates, the range and efficiency of the RZ 450e is amazing. 95% of my driving is in the city (Washington DC) at speeds below 35 MPH and I average well over 4.5 miles/kWh - vs 3.0 miles/kWh for my Model Y “long range” in similar conditions. On a recent drive, I got 7.2 miles/kWh. 18 inch wheels (NOT the optional 21 inch wheels) and using regen at lowest setting is key to getting maximum efficiency because Lexus designed an adaptive automatic regen braking system that recognizes when the car needs to slow down (for curves or stopped traffic) and blends in appropriate regen and friction braking as needed to simulate a true one pedal driving experience. The RZ hits 0-60 in 4.6 seconds. Its ride quality, powertrain refinement, quietness and sound system all blow the Tesla Model Y away. It glides over bumps and potholes like a Mercedes S Class /EQE/EQS or a Rolls Royce, while my Model Y crashed over them like it had no shock absorbers. The RZ has a light steering which makes navigating around potholes a breeze (steering tightens up when switched into Sport mode). The latest Lexus infotainment is snappy - having a large screen in front of you to display vital info as well as a heads up display are HUGE pluses over the Model Y. There’s another large screen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so that’s another huge plus alongside beautiful physical controls for temperature setting. Lexus nailed the perfect balance of physical and onscreen controls - not having to go though the screen for controlling mirrors, lights and wipers definitely enhances safety. The two tone soft touch surfaces elevate the driving experience - you truly feel like you are in a luxury EV, unlike the somber interior of the Tesla. The Lexus lets you fine tune your efficiency to your driving style via Normal/Eco/Range settings, which once you sign in, it remembers your preferred settings. The radiant heat feature is genius - feels like a warm blanket on your legs. Safety features like Safe Exit Assist prevent doors from opening if a car or cyclist is approaching (can be overridden). There are so many thoughtful touches and safety features that make Tesla looks pretty crude and ancient - almost Iike an unfinished product. What about road trips? I took one from Washington, DC to NYC - something I’ve done in my Model Y previously - the RZ 450e averaged 4.2 miles/kWh at highway speeds with AC on in 90 degree temps. Fast charged at Tesla Superchargers to 100% (since Lexus says that’s fine to do) in under 40 minutes and arrived in NYC super refreshed due to cooled seats, excellent auto steer, superior ride comfort and overall refinement vs the Model Y. In NYC’s stop and go traffic, the RZ450e is averaging 5+ miles/kWh - Lexus has applied its experience optimizing for city driving efficiency to the RZ 450e. I even camped two nights in the RZ 450e, just like I did in the Model Y, and it makes an excellent camping vehicle. The folding memory foam mattress that I had ordered for the Model Y fits perfectly in the RZ 450e! If you have a family, they would appreciate the massive rear passenger area, with flat floor, easy ingress/egress, and heated rear seats with controls in the back (unlike Tesla Model Y). Lexus also offers 30 days of a Lexus ICE or hybrid loaner for longer road trips, but if you live on the coasts, or in a region with a high density of public fast chargers , you will likely never need to opt for the loaner. As for lack of a frunk, I don’t miss it. The RZ has plenty of space in the sub trunk for cables, plus features like digital rear view mirror, homelink garage door opener, blind spot alert lights and beeps, 360 panoramic camera views, auto park and ventilated / cooled seats more than make up for lack of frunk! Unlike Tesla, the controls for the hood and charge port are manual which is a better design should the 12V battery fail. The 12V battery is easily accessible in the RZ 450e and Lexus offers free scheduled maintenance at regular intervals to ensure you are not stranded with a failing 12V battery. Oh, and unlike Tesla, legendary Lexus service and roadside assistance is just a phone call away - there’s always someone who answers the phone should you have a question. Lexus even delivered the vehicle to my home and the sales rep followed up multiple times in subsequent weeks to check in on my experience. With Tesla, it took them nearly 2 years and multiple email reminders to send me the correct paperwork to get my car registered in DC. Yep, I drove around with expired temp tags for almost two years. No wonder Tesla sales growth has slumped! Lexus has now released a RZ 300e with even more range, so definitely recommend checking that out. The RZ 300e Surprises With 125 MPGe EPA Rating that Beats Tesla Model Y. The Toyota BZ4X is another good option - a little shorter than the RZ, it sits higher than a Tesla Model 3, but rides much better, has more room in the back, and I think it also looks more interesting and sharper. Similar driving dynamics as the RZ, the BZ4X leases for under $200/month and is hands down a much better buy than the Model 3 or Y.

@@RF-it7uvDamn you fcking wrote the entire Bible. Just add the chapters and verses then you’re good to go. (I agree with everything you said by the way😉)

Every employee there knows this. And anyone that follows TFL knows this. Anyone that does not know this, will learn the hard way.

Unless he buys the beer.

I'm a HI5 owner as well. There is no metric in which this embarassment of an EV effort by Toyota that comes close to the HI5, let alone beats it. A top spec HI5 is still $10k cheaper. I expect Toyota will be begging people to take these things off of their lots.

Toyota really did a crap job of benchmarking the competition, to put it charitably.

@@robertshunter I recently dumped my leased 2021 Tesla Model Y “long range” for the Lexus RZ 450e, after driving 10 other EVs. Lexus discounted this heavily so it ended up being a $43,000 car. I sincerely believe it’s the best EV you can buy today. My RZ 450e has the latest Lexus software update and I am getting 275-400 miles of range at 4.2-5.5 miles/kWh efficiency - far better efficiency than my Model Y, especially in city driving. Don’t listen to the skeptics or critics who tested pre-production or prototype versions with 21 inch wheels and complain about range. But first let me explain why I dumped the Tesla. Over 30,000 miles, the AC on the Tesla failed, then the 12V battery failed without warning, stranding me for 2 weeks (and $1700 in car rental bills) while Tesla dithered around with replacing the battery. The powered frunk where the battery is located failed to open because the Tesla factory had failed to wire it properly, so they had to rig it to open it. Then the trunk strut failed which was traced to a faulty wiring harness. If I had bought it, instead of leasing it, and had these failures happened after 50,000 miles, I would have been out thousands of dollars, erasing any fuel savings. BTW, the Tesla odometer was also way off, which seemed like a gimmick/scam to inflate range. Speaking of range, the Model Y’s efficiency was awful in city driving; with 20 inch wheels, I rarely cracked 160 miles on a full charge in stop and go traffic due to aggressive regen which meant keeping the throttle pressed to keep the heavy beast moving. In DC winters, 110 miles was the best it could do, despite having a heat pump 😝 So ​I switched to the Lexus RZ 450e after test-driving the Cadillac Lyriq, Hyundai Ionia 5, Kia EV6, Ford Mach-e, Nissan Ariya, VW ID4, Chevrolet Blazer, Genesis GV60, and Toyota BZ4X and Subaru Solterra. I chose the RZ 450e with 18 inch wheels, which with latest software update unlocks more range and efficiency, and it was the best decision ever. As I noted above, disregard the skeptics / critics who tested pre-production or early production vehicles with old software. With latest software updates, the range and efficiency of the RZ 450e is amazing. 95% of my driving is in the city (Washington DC) at speeds below 35 MPH and I average well over 4.5 miles/kWh - vs 3.0 miles/kWh for my Model Y “long range” in similar conditions. On a recent drive, I got 7.2 miles/kWh. 18 inch wheels (NOT the optional 21 inch wheels) and using regen at lowest setting is key to getting maximum efficiency because Lexus designed an adaptive automatic regen braking system that recognizes when the car needs to slow down (for curves or stopped traffic) and blends in appropriate regen and friction braking as needed to simulate a true one pedal driving experience. The RZ hits 0-60 in 4.6 seconds. Its ride quality, powertrain refinement, quietness and sound system all blow the Tesla Model Y away. It glides over bumps and potholes like a Mercedes S Class /EQE/EQS or a Rolls Royce, while my Model Y crashed over them like it had no shock absorbers. The RZ has a light steering which makes navigating around potholes a breeze (steering tightens up when switched into Sport mode). The latest Lexus infotainment is snappy - having a large screen in front of you to display vital info as well as a heads up display are HUGE pluses over the Model Y. There’s another large screen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so that’s another huge plus alongside beautiful physical controls for temperature setting. Lexus nailed the perfect balance of physical and onscreen controls - not having to go though the screen for controlling mirrors, lights and wipers definitely enhances safety. The two tone soft touch surfaces elevate the driving experience - you truly feel like you are in a luxury EV, unlike the somber interior of the Tesla. The Lexus lets you fine tune your efficiency to your driving style via Normal/Eco/Range settings, which once you sign in, it remembers your preferred settings. The radiant heat feature is genius - feels like a warm blanket on your legs. Safety features like Safe Exit Assist prevent doors from opening if a car or cyclist is approaching (can be overridden). There are so many thoughtful touches and safety features that make Tesla looks pretty crude and ancient - almost Iike an unfinished product. What about road trips? I took one from Washington, DC to NYC - something I’ve done in my Model Y previously - the RZ 450e averaged 4.2 miles/kWh at highway speeds with AC on in 90 degree temps. Fast charged at Tesla Superchargers to 100% (since Lexus says that’s fine to do) in under 40 minutes and arrived in NYC super refreshed due to cooled seats, excellent auto steer, superior ride comfort and overall refinement vs the Model Y. In NYC’s stop and go traffic, the RZ450e is averaging 5+ miles/kWh - Lexus has applied its experience optimizing for city driving efficiency to the RZ 450e. I even camped two nights in the RZ 450e, just like I did in the Model Y, and it makes an excellent camping vehicle. The folding memory foam mattress that I had ordered for the Model Y fits perfectly in the RZ 450e! If you have a family, they would appreciate the massive rear passenger area, with flat floor, easy ingress/egress, and heated rear seats with controls in the back (unlike Tesla Model Y). Lexus also offers 30 days of a Lexus ICE or hybrid loaner for longer road trips, but if you live on the coasts, or in a region with a high density of public fast chargers , you will likely never need to opt for the loaner. As for lack of a frunk, I don’t miss it. The RZ has plenty of space in the sub trunk for cables, plus features like digital rear view mirror, homelink garage door opener, blind spot alert lights and beeps, 360 panoramic camera views, auto park and ventilated / cooled seats more than make up for lack of frunk! Unlike Tesla, the controls for the hood and charge port are manual which is a better design should the 12V battery fail. The 12V battery is easily accessible in the RZ 450e and Lexus offers free scheduled maintenance at regular intervals to ensure you are not stranded with a failing 12V battery. Oh, and unlike Tesla, legendary Lexus service and roadside assistance is just a phone call away - there’s always someone who answers the phone should you have a question. Lexus even delivered the vehicle to my home and the sales rep followed up multiple times in subsequent weeks to check in on my experience. With Tesla, it took them nearly 2 years and multiple email reminders to send me the correct paperwork to get my car registered in DC. Yep, I drove around with expired temp tags for almost two years. No wonder Tesla sales growth has slumped! Lexus has now released a RZ 300e with even more range, so definitely recommend checking that out. The RZ 300e surprises has 125 MPGe EPA rating that beats Tesla Model Y. The Toyota BZ4X is another good option - a little shorter than the RZ, it sits higher than a Tesla Model 3, but rides much better, has more room in the back, and I think it also looks more interesting and sharper. Similar driving dynamics as the RZ, the BZ4X leases for under $200/month and is hands down a much better buy than the Model 3 or Y.

I recently dumped my leased 2021 Tesla Model Y “long range” for the Lexus RZ 450e, after driving 10 other EVs. Lexus discounted this heavily so it ended up being a $43,000 car. I sincerely believe it’s the best EV you can buy today. My RZ 450e has the latest Lexus software update and I am getting 275-400 miles of range at 4.2-5.5 miles/kWh efficiency - far better efficiency than my Model Y, especially in city driving. Don’t listen to the skeptics or critics who tested pre-production or prototype versions with 21 inch wheels and complain about range. But first let me explain why I dumped the Tesla. Over 30,000 miles, the AC on the Tesla failed, then the 12V battery failed without warning, stranding me for 2 weeks (and $1700 in car rental bills) while Tesla dithered around with replacing the battery. The powered frunk where the battery is located failed to open because the Tesla factory had failed to wire it properly, so they had to rig it to open it. Then the trunk strut failed which was traced to a faulty wiring harness. If I had bought it, instead of leasing it, and had these failures happened after 50,000 miles, I would have been out thousands of dollars, erasing any fuel savings. BTW, the Tesla odometer was also way off, which seemed like a gimmick/scam to inflate range. Speaking of range, the Model Y’s efficiency was awful in city driving; with 20 inch wheels, I rarely cracked 160 miles on a full charge in stop and go traffic due to aggressive regen which meant keeping the throttle pressed to keep the heavy beast moving. In DC winters, 110 miles was the best it could do, despite having a heat pump 😝 So ​I switched to the Lexus RZ 450e after test-driving the Cadillac Lyriq, Hyundai Ionia 5, Kia EV6, Ford Mach-e, Nissan Ariya, VW ID4, Chevrolet Blazer, Genesis GV60, and Toyota BZ4X and Subaru Solterra. I chose the RZ 450e with 18 inch wheels, which with latest software update unlocks more range and efficiency, and it was the best decision ever. As I noted above, disregard the skeptics / critics who tested pre-production or early production vehicles with old software. With latest software updates, the range and efficiency of the RZ 450e is amazing. 95% of my driving is in the city (Washington DC) at speeds below 35 MPH and I average well over 4.5 miles/kWh - vs 3.0 miles/kWh for my Model Y “long range” in similar conditions. On a recent drive, I got 7.2 miles/kWh. 18 inch wheels (NOT the optional 21 inch wheels) and using regen at lowest setting is key to getting maximum efficiency because Lexus designed an adaptive automatic regen braking system that recognizes when the car needs to slow down (for curves or stopped traffic) and blends in appropriate regen and friction braking as needed to simulate a true one pedal driving experience. The RZ hits 0-60 in 4.6 seconds. Its ride quality, powertrain refinement, quietness and sound system all blow the Tesla Model Y away. It glides over bumps and potholes like a Mercedes S Class /EQE/EQS or a Rolls Royce, while my Model Y crashed over them like it had no shock absorbers. The RZ has a light steering which makes navigating around potholes a breeze (steering tightens up when switched into Sport mode). The latest Lexus infotainment is snappy - having a large screen in front of you to display vital info as well as a heads up display are HUGE pluses over the Model Y. There’s another large screen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so that’s another huge plus alongside beautiful physical controls for temperature setting. Lexus nailed the perfect balance of physical and onscreen controls - not having to go though the screen for controlling mirrors, lights and wipers definitely enhances safety. The two tone soft touch surfaces elevate the driving experience - you truly feel like you are in a luxury EV, unlike the somber interior of the Tesla. The Lexus lets you fine tune your efficiency to your driving style via Normal/Eco/Range settings, which once you sign in, it remembers your preferred settings. The radiant heat feature is genius - feels like a warm blanket on your legs. Safety features like Safe Exit Assist prevent doors from opening if a car or cyclist is approaching (can be overridden). There are so many thoughtful touches and safety features that make Tesla looks pretty crude and ancient - almost Iike an unfinished product. What about road trips? I took one from Washington, DC to NYC - something I’ve done in my Model Y previously - the RZ 450e averaged 4.2 miles/kWh at highway speeds with AC on in 90 degree temps. Fast charged at Tesla Superchargers to 100% (since Lexus says that’s fine to do) in under 40 minutes and arrived in NYC super refreshed due to cooled seats, excellent auto steer, superior ride comfort and overall refinement vs the Model Y. In NYC’s stop and go traffic, the RZ450e is averaging 5+ miles/kWh - Lexus has applied its experience optimizing for city driving efficiency to the RZ 450e. I even camped two nights in the RZ 450e, just like I did in the Model Y, and it makes an excellent camping vehicle. The folding memory foam mattress that I had ordered for the Model Y fits perfectly in the RZ 450e! If you have a family, they would appreciate the massive rear passenger area, with flat floor, easy ingress/egress, and heated rear seats with controls in the back (unlike Tesla Model Y). Lexus also offers 30 days of a Lexus ICE or hybrid loaner for longer road trips, but if you live on the coasts, or in a region with a high density of public fast chargers , you will likely never need to opt for the loaner. As for lack of a frunk, I don’t miss it. The RZ has plenty of space in the sub trunk for cables, plus features like digital rear view mirror, homelink garage door opener, blind spot alert lights and beeps, 360 panoramic camera views, auto park and ventilated / cooled seats more than make up for lack of frunk! Unlike Tesla, the controls for the hood and charge port are manual which is a better design should the 12V battery fail. The 12V battery is easily accessible in the RZ 450e and Lexus offers free scheduled maintenance at regular intervals to ensure you are not stranded with a failing 12V battery. Oh, and unlike Tesla, legendary Lexus service and roadside assistance is just a phone call away - there’s always someone who answers the phone should you have a question. Lexus even delivered the vehicle to my home and the sales rep followed up multiple times in subsequent weeks to check in on my experience. With Tesla, it took them nearly 2 years and multiple email reminders to send me the correct paperwork to get my car registered in DC. Yep, I drove around with expired temp tags for almost two years. No wonder Tesla sales growth has slumped! Lexus has now released a RZ 300e with even more range, so definitely recommend checking that out. The RZ 300e surprises has 125 MPGe EPA rating that beats Tesla Model Y. The Toyota BZ4X is another good option - a little shorter than the RZ, it sits higher than a Tesla Model 3, but rides much better, has more room in the back, and I think it also looks more interesting and sharper. Similar driving dynamics as the RZ, the BZ4X leases for under $200/month and is hands down a much better buy than the Model 3 or Y.

I recently dumped my leased 2021 Tesla Model Y “long range” for the Lexus RZ 450e, after driving 10 other EVs. Lexus discounted this heavily so it ended up being a $43,000 car. I sincerely believe it’s the best EV you can buy today. My RZ 450e has the latest Lexus software update and I am getting 275-400 miles of range at 4.2-5.5 miles/kWh efficiency - far better efficiency than my Model Y, especially in city driving. Don’t listen to the skeptics or critics who tested pre-production or prototype versions with 21 inch wheels and complain about range. But first let me explain why I dumped the Tesla. Over 30,000 miles, the AC on the Tesla failed, then the 12V battery failed without warning, stranding me for 2 weeks (and $1700 in car rental bills) while Tesla dithered around with replacing the battery. The powered frunk where the battery is located failed to open because the Tesla factory had failed to wire it properly, so they had to rig it to open it. Then the trunk strut failed which was traced to a faulty wiring harness. If I had bought it, instead of leasing it, and had these failures happened after 50,000 miles, I would have been out thousands of dollars, erasing any fuel savings. BTW, the Tesla odometer was also way off, which seemed like a gimmick/scam to inflate range. Speaking of range, the Model Y’s efficiency was awful in city driving; with 20 inch wheels, I rarely cracked 160 miles on a full charge in stop and go traffic due to aggressive regen which meant keeping the throttle pressed to keep the heavy beast moving. In DC winters, 110 miles was the best it could do, despite having a heat pump 😝 So ​I switched to the Lexus RZ 450e after test-driving the Cadillac Lyriq, Hyundai Ionia 5, Kia EV6, Ford Mach-e, Nissan Ariya, VW ID4, Chevrolet Blazer, Genesis GV60, and Toyota BZ4X and Subaru Solterra. I chose the RZ 450e with 18 inch wheels, which with latest software update unlocks more range and efficiency, and it was the best decision ever. As I noted above, disregard the skeptics / critics who tested pre-production or early production vehicles with old software. With latest software updates, the range and efficiency of the RZ 450e is amazing. 95% of my driving is in the city (Washington DC) at speeds below 35 MPH and I average well over 4.5 miles/kWh - vs 3.0 miles/kWh for my Model Y “long range” in similar conditions. On a recent drive, I got 7.2 miles/kWh. 18 inch wheels (NOT the optional 21 inch wheels) and using regen at lowest setting is key to getting maximum efficiency because Lexus designed an adaptive automatic regen braking system that recognizes when the car needs to slow down (for curves or stopped traffic) and blends in appropriate regen and friction braking as needed to simulate a true one pedal driving experience. The RZ hits 0-60 in 4.6 seconds. Its ride quality, powertrain refinement, quietness and sound system all blow the Tesla Model Y away. It glides over bumps and potholes like a Mercedes S Class /EQE/EQS or a Rolls Royce, while my Model Y crashed over them like it had no shock absorbers. The RZ has a light steering which makes navigating around potholes a breeze (steering tightens up when switched into Sport mode). The latest Lexus infotainment is snappy - having a large screen in front of you to display vital info as well as a heads up display are HUGE pluses over the Model Y. There’s another large screen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so that’s another huge plus alongside beautiful physical controls for temperature setting. Lexus nailed the perfect balance of physical and onscreen controls - not having to go though the screen for controlling mirrors, lights and wipers definitely enhances safety. The two tone soft touch surfaces elevate the driving experience - you truly feel like you are in a luxury EV, unlike the somber interior of the Tesla. The Lexus lets you fine tune your efficiency to your driving style via Normal/Eco/Range settings, which once you sign in, it remembers your preferred settings. The radiant heat feature is genius - feels like a warm blanket on your legs. Safety features like Safe Exit Assist prevent doors from opening if a car or cyclist is approaching (can be overridden). There are so many thoughtful touches and safety features that make Tesla looks pretty crude and ancient - almost Iike an unfinished product. What about road trips? I took one from Washington, DC to NYC - something I’ve done in my Model Y previously - the RZ 450e averaged 4.2 miles/kWh at highway speeds with AC on in 90 degree temps. Fast charged at Tesla Superchargers to 100% (since Lexus says that’s fine to do) in under 40 minutes and arrived in NYC super refreshed due to cooled seats, excellent auto steer, superior ride comfort and overall refinement vs the Model Y. In NYC’s stop and go traffic, the RZ450e is averaging 5+ miles/kWh - Lexus has applied its experience optimizing for city driving efficiency to the RZ 450e. I even camped two nights in the RZ 450e, just like I did in the Model Y, and it makes an excellent camping vehicle. The folding memory foam mattress that I had ordered for the Model Y fits perfectly in the RZ 450e! If you have a family, they would appreciate the massive rear passenger area, with flat floor, easy ingress/egress, and heated rear seats with controls in the back (unlike Tesla Model Y). Lexus also offers 30 days of a Lexus ICE or hybrid loaner for longer road trips, but if you live on the coasts, or in a region with a high density of public fast chargers , you will likely never need to opt for the loaner. As for lack of a frunk, I don’t miss it. The RZ has plenty of space in the sub trunk for cables, plus features like digital rear view mirror, homelink garage door opener, blind spot alert lights and beeps, 360 panoramic camera views, auto park and ventilated / cooled seats more than make up for lack of frunk! Unlike Tesla, the controls for the hood and charge port are manual which is a better design should the 12V battery fail. The 12V battery is easily accessible in the RZ 450e and Lexus offers free scheduled maintenance at regular intervals to ensure you are not stranded with a failing 12V battery. Oh, and unlike Tesla, legendary Lexus service and roadside assistance is just a phone call away - there’s always someone who answers the phone should you have a question. Lexus even delivered the vehicle to my home and the sales rep followed up multiple times in subsequent weeks to check in on my experience. With Tesla, it took them nearly 2 years and multiple email reminders to send me the correct paperwork to get my car registered in DC. Yep, I drove around with expired temp tags for almost two years. No wonder Tesla sales growth has slumped! Lexus has now released a RZ 300e with even more range, so definitely recommend checking that out. The RZ 300e Surprises With 125 MPGe EPA Rating that Beats Tesla Model Y. The Toyota BZ4X is another good option - a little shorter than the RZ, it sits higher than a Tesla Model 3, but rides much better, has more room in the back, and I think it also looks more interesting and sharper. Similar driving dynamics as the RZ, the BZ4X leases for under $200/month and is hands down a much better buy than the Model 3 or Y.

I recently dumped my leased 2021 Tesla Model Y “long range” for the Lexus RZ 450e, after driving 10 other EVs. Lexus discounted this heavily so it ended up being a $43,000 car. I sincerely believe it’s the best EV you can buy today. My RZ 450e has the latest Lexus software update and I am getting 275-400 miles of range at 4.2-5.5 miles/kWh efficiency - far better efficiency than my Model Y, especially in city driving. Don’t listen to the skeptics or critics who tested pre-production or prototype versions with 21 inch wheels and complain about range. But first let me explain why I dumped the Tesla. Over 30,000 miles, the AC on the Tesla failed, then the 12V battery failed without warning, stranding me for 2 weeks (and $1700 in car rental bills) while Tesla dithered around with replacing the battery. The powered frunk where the battery is located failed to open because the Tesla factory had failed to wire it properly, so they had to rig it to open it. Then the trunk strut failed which was traced to a faulty wiring harness. If I had bought it, instead of leasing it, and had these failures happened after 50,000 miles, I would have been out thousands of dollars, erasing any fuel savings. BTW, the Tesla odometer was also way off, which seemed like a gimmick/scam to inflate range. Speaking of range, the Model Y’s efficiency was awful in city driving; with 20 inch wheels, I rarely cracked 160 miles on a full charge in stop and go traffic due to aggressive regen which meant keeping the throttle pressed to keep the heavy beast moving. In DC winters, 110 miles was the best it could do, despite having a heat pump 😝 So ​I switched to the Lexus RZ 450e after test-driving the Cadillac Lyriq, Hyundai Ionia 5, Kia EV6, Ford Mach-e, Nissan Ariya, VW ID4, Chevrolet Blazer, Genesis GV60, and Toyota BZ4X and Subaru Solterra. I chose the RZ 450e with 18 inch wheels, which with latest software update unlocks more range and efficiency, and it was the best decision ever. As I noted above, disregard the skeptics / critics who tested pre-production or early production vehicles with old software. With latest software updates, the range and efficiency of the RZ 450e is amazing. 95% of my driving is in the city (Washington DC) at speeds below 35 MPH and I average well over 4.5 miles/kWh - vs 3.0 miles/kWh for my Model Y “long range” in similar conditions. On a recent drive, I got 7.2 miles/kWh. 18 inch wheels (NOT the optional 21 inch wheels) and using regen at lowest setting is key to getting maximum efficiency because Lexus designed an adaptive automatic regen braking system that recognizes when the car needs to slow down (for curves or stopped traffic) and blends in appropriate regen and friction braking as needed to simulate a true one pedal driving experience. The RZ hits 0-60 in 4.6 seconds. Its ride quality, powertrain refinement, quietness and sound system all blow the Tesla Model Y away. It glides over bumps and potholes like a Mercedes S Class /EQE/EQS or a Rolls Royce, while my Model Y crashed over them like it had no shock absorbers. The RZ has a light steering which makes navigating around potholes a breeze (steering tightens up when switched into Sport mode). The latest Lexus infotainment is snappy - having a large screen in front of you to display vital info as well as a heads up display are HUGE pluses over the Model Y. There’s another large screen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so that’s another huge plus alongside beautiful physical controls for temperature setting. Lexus nailed the perfect balance of physical and onscreen controls - not having to go though the screen for controlling mirrors, lights and wipers definitely enhances safety. The two tone soft touch surfaces elevate the driving experience - you truly feel like you are in a luxury EV, unlike the somber interior of the Tesla. The Lexus lets you fine tune your efficiency to your driving style via Normal/Eco/Range settings, which once you sign in, it remembers your preferred settings. The radiant heat feature is genius - feels like a warm blanket on your legs. Safety features like Safe Exit Assist prevent doors from opening if a car or cyclist is approaching (can be overridden). There are so many thoughtful touches and safety features that make Tesla looks pretty crude and ancient - almost Iike an unfinished product. What about road trips? I took one from Washington, DC to NYC - something I’ve done in my Model Y previously - the RZ 450e averaged 4.2 miles/kWh at highway speeds with AC on in 90 degree temps. Fast charged at Tesla Superchargers to 100% (since Lexus says that’s fine to do) in under 40 minutes and arrived in NYC super refreshed due to cooled seats, excellent auto steer, superior ride comfort and overall refinement vs the Model Y. In NYC’s stop and go traffic, the RZ450e is averaging 5+ miles/kWh - Lexus has applied its experience optimizing for city driving efficiency to the RZ 450e. I even camped two nights in the RZ 450e, just like I did in the Model Y, and it makes an excellent camping vehicle. The folding memory foam mattress that I had ordered for the Model Y fits perfectly in the RZ 450e! If you have a family, they would appreciate the massive rear passenger area, with flat floor, easy ingress/egress, and heated rear seats with controls in the back (unlike Tesla Model Y). Lexus also offers 30 days of a Lexus ICE or hybrid loaner for longer road trips, but if you live on the coasts, or in a region with a high density of public fast chargers , you will likely never need to opt for the loaner. As for lack of a frunk, I don’t miss it. The RZ has plenty of space in the sub trunk for cables, plus features like digital rear view mirror, homelink garage door opener, blind spot alert lights and beeps, 360 panoramic camera views, auto park and ventilated / cooled seats more than make up for lack of frunk! Unlike Tesla, the controls for the hood and charge port are manual which is a better design should the 12V battery fail. The 12V battery is easily accessible in the RZ 450e and Lexus offers free scheduled maintenance at regular intervals to ensure you are not stranded with a failing 12V battery. Oh, and unlike Tesla, legendary Lexus service and roadside assistance is just a phone call away - there’s always someone who answers the phone should you have a question. Lexus even delivered the vehicle to my home and the sales rep followed up multiple times in subsequent weeks to check in on my experience. With Tesla, it took them nearly 2 years and multiple email reminders to send me the correct paperwork to get my car registered in DC. Yep, I drove around with expired temp tags for almost two years. No wonder Tesla sales growth has slumped! Lexus has now released a RZ 300e with even more range, so definitely recommend checking that out. The RZ 300e Surprises With 125 MPGe EPA Rating that Beats Tesla Model Y. The Toyota BZ4X is another good option - a little shorter than the RZ, it sits higher than a Tesla Model 3, but rides much better, has more room in the back, and I think it also looks more interesting and sharper. Similar driving dynamics as the RZ, the BZ4X leases for under $200/month and is hands down a much better buy than the Model 3 or Y.

You accidentally switched the word "best" for "worst". Don't worry, we all have typos sometimes.

Definitely the worst! Especially at that price.

What class? Well, I have no doubt some people will see this as the best among all Ancient Egyptian vehicles

I recently dumped my leased 2021 Tesla Model Y “long range” for the Lexus RZ 450e, after driving 10 other EVs. Lexus discounted this heavily so it ended up being a $43,000 car. I sincerely believe it’s the best EV you can buy today. My RZ 450e has the latest Lexus software update and I am getting 275-400 miles of range at 4.2-5.5 miles/kWh efficiency - far better efficiency than my Model Y, especially in city driving. Don’t listen to the skeptics or critics who tested pre-production or prototype versions with 21 inch wheels and complain about range. But first let me explain why I dumped the Tesla. Over 30,000 miles, the AC on the Tesla failed, then the 12V battery failed without warning, stranding me for 2 weeks (and $1700 in car rental bills) while Tesla dithered around with replacing the battery. The powered frunk where the battery is located failed to open because the Tesla factory had failed to wire it properly, so they had to rig it to open it. Then the trunk strut failed which was traced to a faulty wiring harness. If I had bought it, instead of leasing it, and had these failures happened after 50,000 miles, I would have been out thousands of dollars, erasing any fuel savings. BTW, the Tesla odometer was also way off, which seemed like a gimmick/scam to inflate range. Speaking of range, the Model Y’s efficiency was awful in city driving; with 20 inch wheels, I rarely cracked 160 miles on a full charge in stop and go traffic due to aggressive regen which meant keeping the throttle pressed to keep the heavy beast moving. In DC winters, 110 miles was the best it could do, despite having a heat pump 😝 So ​I switched to the Lexus RZ 450e after test-driving the Cadillac Lyriq, Hyundai Ionia 5, Kia EV6, Ford Mach-e, Nissan Ariya, VW ID4, Chevrolet Blazer, Genesis GV60, and Toyota BZ4X and Subaru Solterra. I chose the RZ 450e with 18 inch wheels, which with latest software update unlocks more range and efficiency, and it was the best decision ever. As I noted above, disregard the skeptics / critics who tested pre-production or early production vehicles with old software. With latest software updates, the range and efficiency of the RZ 450e is amazing. 95% of my driving is in the city (Washington DC) at speeds below 35 MPH and I average well over 4.5 miles/kWh - vs 3.0 miles/kWh for my Model Y “long range” in similar conditions. On a recent drive, I got 7.2 miles/kWh. 18 inch wheels (NOT the optional 21 inch wheels) and using regen at lowest setting is key to getting maximum efficiency because Lexus designed an adaptive automatic regen braking system that recognizes when the car needs to slow down (for curves or stopped traffic) and blends in appropriate regen and friction braking as needed to simulate a true one pedal driving experience. The RZ hits 0-60 in 4.6 seconds. Its ride quality, powertrain refinement, quietness and sound system all blow the Tesla Model Y away. It glides over bumps and potholes like a Mercedes S Class /EQE/EQS or a Rolls Royce, while my Model Y crashed over them like it had no shock absorbers. The RZ has a light steering which makes navigating around potholes a breeze (steering tightens up when switched into Sport mode). The latest Lexus infotainment is snappy - having a large screen in front of you to display vital info as well as a heads up display are HUGE pluses over the Model Y. There’s another large screen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so that’s another huge plus alongside beautiful physical controls for temperature setting. Lexus nailed the perfect balance of physical and onscreen controls - not having to go though the screen for controlling mirrors, lights and wipers definitely enhances safety. The two tone soft touch surfaces elevate the driving experience - you truly feel like you are in a luxury EV, unlike the somber interior of the Tesla. The Lexus lets you fine tune your efficiency to your driving style via Normal/Eco/Range settings, which once you sign in, it remembers your preferred settings. The radiant heat feature is genius - feels like a warm blanket on your legs. Safety features like Safe Exit Assist prevent doors from opening if a car or cyclist is approaching (can be overridden). There are so many thoughtful touches and safety features that make Tesla looks pretty crude and ancient - almost Iike an unfinished product. What about road trips? I took one from Washington, DC to NYC - something I’ve done in my Model Y previously - the RZ 450e averaged 4.2 miles/kWh at highway speeds with AC on in 90 degree temps. Fast charged at Tesla Superchargers to 100% (since Lexus says that’s fine to do) in under 40 minutes and arrived in NYC super refreshed due to cooled seats, excellent auto steer, superior ride comfort and overall refinement vs the Model Y. In NYC’s stop and go traffic, the RZ450e is averaging 5+ miles/kWh - Lexus has applied its experience optimizing for city driving efficiency to the RZ 450e. I even camped two nights in the RZ 450e, just like I did in the Model Y, and it makes an excellent camping vehicle. The folding memory foam mattress that I had ordered for the Model Y fits perfectly in the RZ 450e! If you have a family, they would appreciate the massive rear passenger area, with flat floor, easy ingress/egress, and heated rear seats with controls in the back (unlike Tesla Model Y). Lexus also offers 30 days of a Lexus ICE or hybrid loaner for longer road trips, but if you live on the coasts, or in a region with a high density of public fast chargers , you will likely never need to opt for the loaner. As for lack of a frunk, I don’t miss it. The RZ has plenty of space in the sub trunk for cables, plus features like digital rear view mirror, homelink garage door opener, blind spot alert lights and beeps, 360 panoramic camera views, auto park and ventilated / cooled seats more than make up for lack of frunk! Unlike Tesla, the controls for the hood and charge port are manual which is a better design should the 12V battery fail. The 12V battery is easily accessible in the RZ 450e and Lexus offers free scheduled maintenance at regular intervals to ensure you are not stranded with a failing 12V battery. Oh, and unlike Tesla, legendary Lexus service and roadside assistance is just a phone call away - there’s always someone who answers the phone should you have a question. Lexus even delivered the vehicle to my home and the sales rep followed up multiple times in subsequent weeks to check in on my experience. With Tesla, it took them nearly 2 years and multiple email reminders to send me the correct paperwork to get my car registered in DC. Yep, I drove around with expired temp tags for almost two years. No wonder Tesla sales growth has slumped! Lexus has now released a RZ 300e with even more range, so definitely recommend checking that out. The RZ 300e surprises has 125 MPGe EPA rating that beats Tesla Model Y. The Toyota BZ4X is another good option - a little shorter than the RZ, it sits higher than a Tesla Model 3, but rides much better, has more room in the back, and I think it also looks more interesting and sharper. Similar driving dynamics as the RZ, the BZ4X leases for under $200/month and is hands down a much better buy than the Model 3 or Y.

I recently dumped my leased 2021 Tesla Model Y “long range” for the Lexus RZ 450e, after driving 10 other EVs. Lexus discounted this heavily so it ended up being a $43,000 car. I sincerely believe it’s the best EV you can buy today. My RZ 450e has the latest Lexus software update and I am getting 275-400 miles of range at 4.2-5.5 miles/kWh efficiency - far better efficiency than my Model Y, especially in city driving. Don’t listen to the skeptics or critics who tested pre-production or prototype versions with 21 inch wheels and complain about range. But first let me explain why I dumped the Tesla. Over 30,000 miles, the AC on the Tesla failed, then the 12V battery failed without warning, stranding me for 2 weeks (and $1700 in car rental bills) while Tesla dithered around with replacing the battery. The powered frunk where the battery is located failed to open because the Tesla factory had failed to wire it properly, so they had to rig it to open it. Then the trunk strut failed which was traced to a faulty wiring harness. If I had bought it, instead of leasing it, and had these failures happened after 50,000 miles, I would have been out thousands of dollars, erasing any fuel savings. BTW, the Tesla odometer was also way off, which seemed like a gimmick/scam to inflate range. Speaking of range, the Model Y’s efficiency was awful in city driving; with 20 inch wheels, I rarely cracked 160 miles on a full charge in stop and go traffic due to aggressive regen which meant keeping the throttle pressed to keep the heavy beast moving. In DC winters, 110 miles was the best it could do, despite having a heat pump 😝 So ​I switched to the Lexus RZ 450e after test-driving the Cadillac Lyriq, Hyundai Ionia 5, Kia EV6, Ford Mach-e, Nissan Ariya, VW ID4, Chevrolet Blazer, Genesis GV60, and Toyota BZ4X and Subaru Solterra. I chose the RZ 450e with 18 inch wheels, which with latest software update unlocks more range and efficiency, and it was the best decision ever. As I noted above, disregard the skeptics / critics who tested pre-production or early production vehicles with old software. With latest software updates, the range and efficiency of the RZ 450e is amazing. 95% of my driving is in the city (Washington DC) at speeds below 35 MPH and I average well over 4.5 miles/kWh - vs 3.0 miles/kWh for my Model Y “long range” in similar conditions. On a recent drive, I got 7.2 miles/kWh. 18 inch wheels (NOT the optional 21 inch wheels) and using regen at lowest setting is key to getting maximum efficiency because Lexus designed an adaptive automatic regen braking system that recognizes when the car needs to slow down (for curves or stopped traffic) and blends in appropriate regen and friction braking as needed to simulate a true one pedal driving experience. The RZ hits 0-60 in 4.6 seconds. Its ride quality, powertrain refinement, quietness and sound system all blow the Tesla Model Y away. It glides over bumps and potholes like a Mercedes S Class /EQE/EQS or a Rolls Royce, while my Model Y crashed over them like it had no shock absorbers. The RZ has a light steering which makes navigating around potholes a breeze (steering tightens up when switched into Sport mode). The latest Lexus infotainment is snappy - having a large screen in front of you to display vital info as well as a heads up display are HUGE pluses over the Model Y. There’s another large screen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so that’s another huge plus alongside beautiful physical controls for temperature setting. Lexus nailed the perfect balance of physical and onscreen controls - not having to go though the screen for controlling mirrors, lights and wipers definitely enhances safety. The two tone soft touch surfaces elevate the driving experience - you truly feel like you are in a luxury EV, unlike the somber interior of the Tesla. The Lexus lets you fine tune your efficiency to your driving style via Normal/Eco/Range settings, which once you sign in, it remembers your preferred settings. The radiant heat feature is genius - feels like a warm blanket on your legs. Safety features like Safe Exit Assist prevent doors from opening if a car or cyclist is approaching (can be overridden). There are so many thoughtful touches and safety features that make Tesla looks pretty crude and ancient - almost Iike an unfinished product. What about road trips? I took one from Washington, DC to NYC - something I’ve done in my Model Y previously - the RZ 450e averaged 4.2 miles/kWh at highway speeds with AC on in 90 degree temps. Fast charged at Tesla Superchargers to 100% (since Lexus says that’s fine to do) in under 40 minutes and arrived in NYC super refreshed due to cooled seats, excellent auto steer, superior ride comfort and overall refinement vs the Model Y. In NYC’s stop and go traffic, the RZ450e is averaging 5+ miles/kWh - Lexus has applied its experience optimizing for city driving efficiency to the RZ 450e. I even camped two nights in the RZ 450e, just like I did in the Model Y, and it makes an excellent camping vehicle. The folding memory foam mattress that I had ordered for the Model Y fits perfectly in the RZ 450e! If you have a family, they would appreciate the massive rear passenger area, with flat floor, easy ingress/egress, and heated rear seats with controls in the back (unlike Tesla Model Y). Lexus also offers 30 days of a Lexus ICE or hybrid loaner for longer road trips, but if you live on the coasts, or in a region with a high density of public fast chargers , you will likely never need to opt for the loaner. As for lack of a frunk, I don’t miss it. The RZ has plenty of space in the sub trunk for cables, plus features like digital rear view mirror, homelink garage door opener, blind spot alert lights and beeps, 360 panoramic camera views, auto park and ventilated / cooled seats more than make up for lack of frunk! Unlike Tesla, the controls for the hood and charge port are manual which is a better design should the 12V battery fail. The 12V battery is easily accessible in the RZ 450e and Lexus offers free scheduled maintenance at regular intervals to ensure you are not stranded with a failing 12V battery. Oh, and unlike Tesla, legendary Lexus service and roadside assistance is just a phone call away - there’s always someone who answers the phone should you have a question. Lexus even delivered the vehicle to my home and the sales rep followed up multiple times in subsequent weeks to check in on my experience. With Tesla, it took them nearly 2 years and multiple email reminders to send me the correct paperwork to get my car registered in DC. Yep, I drove around with expired temp tags for almost two years. No wonder Tesla sales growth has slumped! Lexus has now released a RZ 300e with even more range, so definitely recommend checking that out. The RZ 300e Surprises With 125 MPGe EPA Rating that Beats Tesla Model Y. The Toyota BZ4X is another good option - a little shorter than the RZ, it sits higher than a Tesla Model 3, but rides much better, has more room in the back, and I think it also looks more interesting and sharper. Similar driving dynamics as the RZ, the BZ4X leases for under $200/month and is hands down a much better buy than the Model 3 or Y.

Agreed. If anything, I'm going hybrid next time.

A Symphony of beeping going on for sure 👎 I think it is a Safety issue, as each time it starts beeping you are conditioned to start looking at the screens to see what it wants, taking your eyes off the road.

I recently dumped my leased 2021 Tesla Model Y “long range” for the Lexus RZ 450e, after driving 10 other EVs. Lexus discounted this heavily so it ended up being a $43,000 car. I sincerely believe it’s the best EV you can buy today. My RZ 450e has the latest Lexus software update and I am getting 275-400 miles of range at 4.2-5.5 miles/kWh efficiency - far better efficiency than my Model Y, especially in city driving. Don’t listen to the skeptics or critics who tested pre-production or prototype versions with 21 inch wheels and complain about range. But first let me explain why I dumped the Tesla. Over 30,000 miles, the AC on the Tesla failed, then the 12V battery failed without warning, stranding me for 2 weeks (and $1700 in car rental bills) while Tesla dithered around with replacing the battery. The powered frunk where the battery is located failed to open because the Tesla factory had failed to wire it properly, so they had to rig it to open it. Then the trunk strut failed which was traced to a faulty wiring harness. If I had bought it, instead of leasing it, and had these failures happened after 50,000 miles, I would have been out thousands of dollars, erasing any fuel savings. BTW, the Tesla odometer was also way off, which seemed like a gimmick/scam to inflate range. Speaking of range, the Model Y’s efficiency was awful in city driving; with 20 inch wheels, I rarely cracked 160 miles on a full charge in stop and go traffic due to aggressive regen which meant keeping the throttle pressed to keep the heavy beast moving. In DC winters, 110 miles was the best it could do, despite having a heat pump 😝 So ​I switched to the Lexus RZ 450e after test-driving the Cadillac Lyriq, Hyundai Ionia 5, Kia EV6, Ford Mach-e, Nissan Ariya, VW ID4, Chevrolet Blazer, Genesis GV60, and Toyota BZ4X and Subaru Solterra. I chose the RZ 450e with 18 inch wheels, which with latest software update unlocks more range and efficiency, and it was the best decision ever. As I noted above, disregard the skeptics / critics who tested pre-production or early production vehicles with old software. With latest software updates, the range and efficiency of the RZ 450e is amazing. 95% of my driving is in the city (Washington DC) at speeds below 35 MPH and I average well over 4.5 miles/kWh - vs 3.0 miles/kWh for my Model Y “long range” in similar conditions. On a recent drive, I got 7.2 miles/kWh. 18 inch wheels (NOT the optional 21 inch wheels) and using regen at lowest setting is key to getting maximum efficiency because Lexus designed an adaptive automatic regen braking system that recognizes when the car needs to slow down (for curves or stopped traffic) and blends in appropriate regen and friction braking as needed to simulate a true one pedal driving experience. The RZ hits 0-60 in 4.6 seconds. Its ride quality, powertrain refinement, quietness and sound system all blow the Tesla Model Y away. It glides over bumps and potholes like a Mercedes S Class /EQE/EQS or a Rolls Royce, while my Model Y crashed over them like it had no shock absorbers. The RZ has a light steering which makes navigating around potholes a breeze (steering tightens up when switched into Sport mode). The latest Lexus infotainment is snappy - having a large screen in front of you to display vital info as well as a heads up display are HUGE pluses over the Model Y. There’s another large screen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so that’s another huge plus alongside beautiful physical controls for temperature setting. Lexus nailed the perfect balance of physical and onscreen controls - not having to go though the screen for controlling mirrors, lights and wipers definitely enhances safety. The two tone soft touch surfaces elevate the driving experience - you truly feel like you are in a luxury EV, unlike the somber interior of the Tesla. The Lexus lets you fine tune your efficiency to your driving style via Normal/Eco/Range settings, which once you sign in, it remembers your preferred settings. The radiant heat feature is genius - feels like a warm blanket on your legs. Safety features like Safe Exit Assist prevent doors from opening if a car or cyclist is approaching (can be overridden). There are so many thoughtful touches and safety features that make Tesla looks pretty crude and ancient - almost Iike an unfinished product. What about road trips? I took one from Washington, DC to NYC - something I’ve done in my Model Y previously - the RZ 450e averaged 4.2 miles/kWh at highway speeds with AC on in 90 degree temps. Fast charged at Tesla Superchargers to 100% (since Lexus says that’s fine to do) in under 40 minutes and arrived in NYC super refreshed due to cooled seats, excellent auto steer, superior ride comfort and overall refinement vs the Model Y. In NYC’s stop and go traffic, the RZ450e is averaging 5+ miles/kWh - Lexus has applied its experience optimizing for city driving efficiency to the RZ 450e. I even camped two nights in the RZ 450e, just like I did in the Model Y, and it makes an excellent camping vehicle. The folding memory foam mattress that I had ordered for the Model Y fits perfectly in the RZ 450e! If you have a family, they would appreciate the massive rear passenger area, with flat floor, easy ingress/egress, and heated rear seats with controls in the back (unlike Tesla Model Y). Lexus also offers 30 days of a Lexus ICE or hybrid loaner for longer road trips, but if you live on the coasts, or in a region with a high density of public fast chargers , you will likely never need to opt for the loaner. As for lack of a frunk, I don’t miss it. The RZ has plenty of space in the sub trunk for cables, plus features like digital rear view mirror, homelink garage door opener, blind spot alert lights and beeps, 360 panoramic camera views, auto park and ventilated / cooled seats more than make up for lack of frunk! Unlike Tesla, the controls for the hood and charge port are manual which is a better design should the 12V battery fail. The 12V battery is easily accessible in the RZ 450e and Lexus offers free scheduled maintenance at regular intervals to ensure you are not stranded with a failing 12V battery. Oh, and unlike Tesla, legendary Lexus service and roadside assistance is just a phone call away - there’s always someone who answers the phone should you have a question. Lexus even delivered the vehicle to my home and the sales rep followed up multiple times in subsequent weeks to check in on my experience. With Tesla, it took them nearly 2 years and multiple email reminders to send me the correct paperwork to get my car registered in DC. Yep, I drove around with expired temp tags for almost two years. No wonder Tesla sales growth has slumped! Lexus has now released a RZ 300e with even more range, so definitely recommend checking that out. The RZ 300e surprises has 125 MPGe EPA rating that beats Tesla Model Y. The Toyota BZ4X is another good option - a little shorter than the RZ, it sits higher than a Tesla Model 3, but rides much better, has more room in the back, and I think it also looks more interesting and sharper. Similar driving dynamics as the RZ, the BZ4X leases for under $200/month and is hands down a much better buy than the Model 3 or Y.

Ha! Classic!

As if he ever listens to Tommy 😅

Instead, they're discontinuing the Bolt.

They don't want to do that as their stations would all be broadcasting how bad their reliability is. LOL

Yup, I attend conferences twice a day everyday 24/7, that's how I know this tech

What you mean? The interior is perfect

@@allentoyokawa9068 More plastic than a Pontiac Aztec.

@@allentoyokawa9068 Play-skool plastic interior!

Toyota/Lexus designers (stylists?) got carried away thinking they're still building/prototyping an ancient pyramid. The grill kinda looks like a fake pyramid. Well actually a genuine pyramid is better than this.

Compliant in the face, rebellious (or intentionally dumb?) inside ? Toyota works very hard to make bad EV, they want people to hate EV.

I recently dumped my leased 2021 Tesla Model Y “long range” for the Lexus RZ 450e, after driving 10 other EVs. Lexus discounted this heavily so it ended up being a $43,000 car. I sincerely believe it’s the best EV you can buy today. My RZ 450e has the latest Lexus software update and I am getting 275-400 miles of range at 4.2-5.5 miles/kWh efficiency - far better efficiency than my Model Y, especially in city driving. Don’t listen to the skeptics or critics who tested pre-production or prototype versions with 21 inch wheels and complain about range. But first let me explain why I dumped the Tesla. Over 30,000 miles, the AC on the Tesla failed, then the 12V battery failed without warning, stranding me for 2 weeks (and $1700 in car rental bills) while Tesla dithered around with replacing the battery. The powered frunk where the battery is located failed to open because the Tesla factory had failed to wire it properly, so they had to rig it to open it. Then the trunk strut failed which was traced to a faulty wiring harness. If I had bought it, instead of leasing it, and had these failures happened after 50,000 miles, I would have been out thousands of dollars, erasing any fuel savings. BTW, the Tesla odometer was also way off, which seemed like a gimmick/scam to inflate range. Speaking of range, the Model Y’s efficiency was awful in city driving; with 20 inch wheels, I rarely cracked 160 miles on a full charge in stop and go traffic due to aggressive regen which meant keeping the throttle pressed to keep the heavy beast moving. In DC winters, 110 miles was the best it could do, despite having a heat pump 😝 So ​I switched to the Lexus RZ 450e after test-driving the Cadillac Lyriq, Hyundai Ionia 5, Kia EV6, Ford Mach-e, Nissan Ariya, VW ID4, Chevrolet Blazer, Genesis GV60, and Toyota BZ4X and Subaru Solterra. I chose the RZ 450e with 18 inch wheels, which with latest software update unlocks more range and efficiency, and it was the best decision ever. As I noted above, disregard the skeptics / critics who tested pre-production or early production vehicles with old software. With latest software updates, the range and efficiency of the RZ 450e is amazing. 95% of my driving is in the city (Washington DC) at speeds below 35 MPH and I average well over 4.5 miles/kWh - vs 3.0 miles/kWh for my Model Y “long range” in similar conditions. On a recent drive, I got 7.2 miles/kWh. 18 inch wheels (NOT the optional 21 inch wheels) and using regen at lowest setting is key to getting maximum efficiency because Lexus designed an adaptive automatic regen braking system that recognizes when the car needs to slow down (for curves or stopped traffic) and blends in appropriate regen and friction braking as needed to simulate a true one pedal driving experience. The RZ hits 0-60 in 4.6 seconds. Its ride quality, powertrain refinement, quietness and sound system all blow the Tesla Model Y away. It glides over bumps and potholes like a Mercedes S Class /EQE/EQS or a Rolls Royce, while my Model Y crashed over them like it had no shock absorbers. The RZ has a light steering which makes navigating around potholes a breeze (steering tightens up when switched into Sport mode). The latest Lexus infotainment is snappy - having a large screen in front of you to display vital info as well as a heads up display are HUGE pluses over the Model Y. There’s another large screen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so that’s another huge plus alongside beautiful physical controls for temperature setting. Lexus nailed the perfect balance of physical and onscreen controls - not having to go though the screen for controlling mirrors, lights and wipers definitely enhances safety. The two tone soft touch surfaces elevate the driving experience - you truly feel like you are in a luxury EV, unlike the somber interior of the Tesla. The Lexus lets you fine tune your efficiency to your driving style via Normal/Eco/Range settings, which once you sign in, it remembers your preferred settings. The radiant heat feature is genius - feels like a warm blanket on your legs. Safety features like Safe Exit Assist prevent doors from opening if a car or cyclist is approaching (can be overridden). There are so many thoughtful touches and safety features that make Tesla looks pretty crude and ancient - almost Iike an unfinished product. What about road trips? I took one from Washington, DC to NYC - something I’ve done in my Model Y previously - the RZ 450e averaged 4.2 miles/kWh at highway speeds with AC on in 90 degree temps. Fast charged at Tesla Superchargers to 100% (since Lexus says that’s fine to do) in under 40 minutes and arrived in NYC super refreshed due to cooled seats, excellent auto steer, superior ride comfort and overall refinement vs the Model Y. In NYC’s stop and go traffic, the RZ450e is averaging 5+ miles/kWh - Lexus has applied its experience optimizing for city driving efficiency to the RZ 450e. I even camped two nights in the RZ 450e, just like I did in the Model Y, and it makes an excellent camping vehicle. The folding memory foam mattress that I had ordered for the Model Y fits perfectly in the RZ 450e! If you have a family, they would appreciate the massive rear passenger area, with flat floor, easy ingress/egress, and heated rear seats with controls in the back (unlike Tesla Model Y). Lexus also offers 30 days of a Lexus ICE or hybrid loaner for longer road trips, but if you live on the coasts, or in a region with a high density of public fast chargers , you will likely never need to opt for the loaner. As for lack of a frunk, I don’t miss it. The RZ has plenty of space in the sub trunk for cables, plus features like digital rear view mirror, homelink garage door opener, blind spot alert lights and beeps, 360 panoramic camera views, auto park and ventilated / cooled seats more than make up for lack of frunk! Unlike Tesla, the controls for the hood and charge port are manual which is a better design should the 12V battery fail. The 12V battery is easily accessible in the RZ 450e and Lexus offers free scheduled maintenance at regular intervals to ensure you are not stranded with a failing 12V battery. Oh, and unlike Tesla, legendary Lexus service and roadside assistance is just a phone call away - there’s always someone who answers the phone should you have a question. Lexus even delivered the vehicle to my home and the sales rep followed up multiple times in subsequent weeks to check in on my experience. With Tesla, it took them nearly 2 years and multiple email reminders to send me the correct paperwork to get my car registered in DC. Yep, I drove around with expired temp tags for almost two years. No wonder Tesla sales growth has slumped! Lexus has now released a RZ 300e with even more range, so definitely recommend checking that out. The RZ 300e surprises has 125 MPGe EPA rating that beats Tesla Model Y. The Toyota BZ4X is another good option - a little shorter than the RZ, it sits higher than a Tesla Model 3, but rides much better, has more room in the back, and I think it also looks more interesting and sharper. Similar driving dynamics as the RZ, the BZ4X leases for under $200/month and is hands down a much better buy than the Model 3 or Y.

@@RF-it7uv TLDR

They aren't LCD. It's an electrostatic process. So you apply a voltage and it changes. You apply the opposite voltage and it reverses. There is no constant voltage and current like there would be for an LCD. Mercedes uses a similar process for it's colour changing paint job. Look up electrochromatic glass.

@@mondotv4216 Internet research I did shows they have life similar to batteries - about 10 to 20 years. Not bad, but I still doubt they make over 10 years with harsh sun regimes and temperature conditions. Modern cars are meant to last 10 years no more I guess.

It is made in Japan, so hundreds of years..

@@bartwaggoner2000 I guess if you garage the car it will last longer, just like paint. They use the same tech for window tinting in some expensive corporate buildings so it has to be reasonably robust.

@@allentoyokawa9068 keep this junk in Japan!

It is not fair, but foolish

This😂

"The slow charging and low overall battery range on these and Toyta's bz4x are all because Toyota really wanted for the battery to last for long time (the faster you charge rechargeable batteries = the faster they will degrade, same goes for capacity), something they have mentioned for both models .. " Really bad excuses. Toyota is just so far behind in BEV tech/expertise/capability. They're more like a horse-carriage manufacturer in the early days of automobile

Toyota/Lexus screen size is kinda OK but the software/UI seems horrible

@@drive-channel1834 I think Tesla should start consulting on how to make vehicle UX

So much tech, I'm glad you didn't run over that guy and his dog.

This is better

umm it is worth closer to 100k, you don't know what you are talking about

@@allentoyokawa9068 exactly what I’m trying to say, just slabbing a Lexus badge don’t make it worth more.

@@allentoyokawa9068 terrible!

@@jonvb2439 I recently test drove a Model Y, as well as this Lexus and the Subaru Soterra. The Model Y is a non-starter for me. Too much road noise, and WAY too much road vibration makes its way into the cabin. It's just unacceptable for a car of that price. The Subaru and Lexus are in a completely different class when it comes to that. The Lexus is (of course) a bit more refined in both of those categories, but the Solterra is great as well. Also, the lack of panel gaps, and having a car put together properly are nice as well.

@BeefJerky9999 you sound exactly like that salesperson at the Toyota dealership

A hydrophobic treatment solves the problem. RainX, aquapel, etc.

It was broken

Umm this is as good as it gets, so yes there is plenty of reasons

@allentoyokawa9068 you sound like a grumpy Toyota salesperson

I recently dumped my leased 2021 Tesla Model Y “long range” for the Lexus RZ 450e, after driving 10 other EVs. Lexus discounted this heavily so it ended up being a $43,000 car. I sincerely believe it’s the best EV you can buy today. My RZ 450e has the latest Lexus software update and I am getting 275-400 miles of range at 4.2-5.5 miles/kWh efficiency - far better efficiency than my Model Y, especially in city driving. Don’t listen to the skeptics or critics who tested pre-production or prototype versions with 21 inch wheels and complain about range. But first let me explain why I dumped the Tesla. Over 30,000 miles, the AC on the Tesla failed, then the 12V battery failed without warning, stranding me for 2 weeks (and $1700 in car rental bills) while Tesla dithered around with replacing the battery. The powered frunk where the battery is located failed to open because the Tesla factory had failed to wire it properly, so they had to rig it to open it. Then the trunk strut failed which was traced to a faulty wiring harness. If I had bought it, instead of leasing it, and had these failures happened after 50,000 miles, I would have been out thousands of dollars, erasing any fuel savings. BTW, the Tesla odometer was also way off, which seemed like a gimmick/scam to inflate range. Speaking of range, the Model Y’s efficiency was awful in city driving; with 20 inch wheels, I rarely cracked 160 miles on a full charge in stop and go traffic due to aggressive regen which meant keeping the throttle pressed to keep the heavy beast moving. In DC winters, 110 miles was the best it could do, despite having a heat pump 😝 So ​I switched to the Lexus RZ 450e after test-driving the Cadillac Lyriq, Hyundai Ionia 5, Kia EV6, Ford Mach-e, Nissan Ariya, VW ID4, Chevrolet Blazer, Genesis GV60, and Toyota BZ4X and Subaru Solterra. I chose the RZ 450e with 18 inch wheels, which with latest software update unlocks more range and efficiency, and it was the best decision ever. As I noted above, disregard the skeptics / critics who tested pre-production or early production vehicles with old software. With latest software updates, the range and efficiency of the RZ 450e is amazing. 95% of my driving is in the city (Washington DC) at speeds below 35 MPH and I average well over 4.5 miles/kWh - vs 3.0 miles/kWh for my Model Y “long range” in similar conditions. On a recent drive, I got 7.2 miles/kWh. 18 inch wheels (NOT the optional 21 inch wheels) and using regen at lowest setting is key to getting maximum efficiency because Lexus designed an adaptive automatic regen braking system that recognizes when the car needs to slow down (for curves or stopped traffic) and blends in appropriate regen and friction braking as needed to simulate a true one pedal driving experience. The RZ hits 0-60 in 4.6 seconds. Its ride quality, powertrain refinement, quietness and sound system all blow the Tesla Model Y away. It glides over bumps and potholes like a Mercedes S Class /EQE/EQS or a Rolls Royce, while my Model Y crashed over them like it had no shock absorbers. The RZ has a light steering which makes navigating around potholes a breeze (steering tightens up when switched into Sport mode). The latest Lexus infotainment is snappy - having a large screen in front of you to display vital info as well as a heads up display are HUGE pluses over the Model Y. There’s another large screen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so that’s another huge plus alongside beautiful physical controls for temperature setting. Lexus nailed the perfect balance of physical and onscreen controls - not having to go though the screen for controlling mirrors, lights and wipers definitely enhances safety. The two tone soft touch surfaces elevate the driving experience - you truly feel like you are in a luxury EV, unlike the somber interior of the Tesla. The Lexus lets you fine tune your efficiency to your driving style via Normal/Eco/Range settings, which once you sign in, it remembers your preferred settings. The radiant heat feature is genius - feels like a warm blanket on your legs. Safety features like Safe Exit Assist prevent doors from opening if a car or cyclist is approaching (can be overridden). There are so many thoughtful touches and safety features that make Tesla looks pretty crude and ancient - almost Iike an unfinished product. What about road trips? I took one from Washington, DC to NYC - something I’ve done in my Model Y previously - the RZ 450e averaged 4.2 miles/kWh at highway speeds with AC on in 90 degree temps. Fast charged at Tesla Superchargers to 100% (since Lexus says that’s fine to do) in under 40 minutes and arrived in NYC super refreshed due to cooled seats, excellent auto steer, superior ride comfort and overall refinement vs the Model Y. In NYC’s stop and go traffic, the RZ450e is averaging 5+ miles/kWh - Lexus has applied its experience optimizing for city driving efficiency to the RZ 450e. I even camped two nights in the RZ 450e, just like I did in the Model Y, and it makes an excellent camping vehicle. The folding memory foam mattress that I had ordered for the Model Y fits perfectly in the RZ 450e! If you have a family, they would appreciate the massive rear passenger area, with flat floor, easy ingress/egress, and heated rear seats with controls in the back (unlike Tesla Model Y). Lexus also offers 30 days of a Lexus ICE or hybrid loaner for longer road trips, but if you live on the coasts, or in a region with a high density of public fast chargers , you will likely never need to opt for the loaner. As for lack of a frunk, I don’t miss it. The RZ has plenty of space in the sub trunk for cables, plus features like digital rear view mirror, homelink garage door opener, blind spot alert lights and beeps, 360 panoramic camera views, auto park and ventilated / cooled seats more than make up for lack of frunk! Unlike Tesla, the controls for the hood and charge port are manual which is a better design should the 12V battery fail. The 12V battery is easily accessible in the RZ 450e and Lexus offers free scheduled maintenance at regular intervals to ensure you are not stranded with a failing 12V battery. Oh, and unlike Tesla, legendary Lexus service and roadside assistance is just a phone call away - there’s always someone who answers the phone should you have a question. Lexus even delivered the vehicle to my home and the sales rep followed up multiple times in subsequent weeks to check in on my experience. With Tesla, it took them nearly 2 years and multiple email reminders to send me the correct paperwork to get my car registered in DC. Yep, I drove around with expired temp tags for almost two years. No wonder Tesla sales growth has slumped! Lexus has now released a RZ 300e with even more range, so definitely recommend checking that out. The RZ 300e surprises has 125 MPGe EPA rating that beats Tesla Model Y. The Toyota BZ4X is another good option - a little shorter than the RZ, it sits higher than a Tesla Model 3, but rides much better, has more room in the back, and I think it also looks more interesting and sharper. Similar driving dynamics as the RZ, the BZ4X leases for under $200/month and is hands down a much better buy than the Model 3 or Y.

Lexus owners are usually older so they may think this is amazing tech.

I agree. This isn’t a car for an EV enthusiast, but for someone new to EVs who is going to drive around town it could be fine. I wouldn’t expect this to be super competitive, but with a bigger battery, a better onboard charger and a better instrument cluster I might think Toyota was actually trying. I’m guessing they have built these either because they feel they have to something out there or because it gives them data for the next build. I’m as impressed by the Koreans as I am unimpressed by Toyota.

This is someone’s second or third car

​@aussie2uGA there is nothing wrong with the tech. Toyota and Lexus want longer lasting EV batteries hence the limit to the charging speed. Any manufacturer will tell you to use superchargers sparingly to preserve the battery.

@@Justmejbful interestingly, recent long term reports show little difference in the Tesla packs that supercharged often vs level 2 home charging.

Sigh ...

That's part of Toyota's grand plan

Cluster-f#@k ? Cluster of clutters, inside out

You're kidding right? No one is going to buy this if they know other EVs exist.

@@Josh-179 No I am not kidding fool, it is the truth, get over it

ikr beset in class

@@allentoyokawa9068 , wow, calm down. What makes you think this? Is it the great success of the BZ and Solterra? Dude, these are the worst EVs on the market, not even close.

Yes, burnt hotcakes! BYD would be a better source for Toyota EV's.

umm they didn't drop anything, you clearly have no clue what you are talking about