New Lexus TZ Kicks the Highlander Concept Up a Notch

Since the original ES, the formula for front-wheel-drive Lexus products has been rather straightforward: take a Toyota product, reskin it with a bolder look, upgrade the interior, add some new tech, and tweak the powertrain. And because that strategy has largely worked, it’s happened again with the Lexus TZ.

While Toyota’s new EV-only Highlander will be sold alongside the ICE-powered Grand Highlander, the TZ will be sold alongside the ICE-powered TX, and target the small group of three-row luxury SUV EVs: Volvo EX90, Lucid Gravity, Mercedes EQS SUV, Rivian R1S, and Cadillac Vistiq.

The features and tech are intriguing:

🔹 New-to-Lexus one-pedal driving and available rear-wheel steering

🔹 Available power ottomans for front passenger and 2nd row seats

🔹 Updated infotainment and interface, and improved “Hey, Lexus” digital assistant

🔹 Six Japanese-inspired interior lighting themes

🔹 Selectable sound schemes, including one that sounds like the Lexus LFA V10 engine

🔹 Sustainable materials include forged bamboo and bio-based Ultrasuede interior trim, and recycled aluminum roof rails

While there is a full suite of safety tech available, one notable omission is hands-free driving capability. Lexus has offered it in the past (their Level 2+ Teammate system, available on the now-dead LS), and several competitors offer it, but it hasn’t shown up here (at least, not yet).

The performance numbers are competent but not class-leading. It offers the same 77kWh and 96kWh batteries as the Highlander, and 402hp from its dual-motor AWD setup (which is oddly less than the 420hp of its platform-mate, the Subaru Getaway). The maximum EV range is 300mi, comparable to Volvo, Mercedes and Cadillac, but far short of Rivian and Lucid. Maximum DC charging speed is only 150kW, the worst in its segment.

Visually, the TZ looks like a winner and appears sufficiently differentiated from Highlander inside and out. Below the large central touchscreen inside, there are switches embedded into the surfaces of the dashboard that offer tactile feedback. So, the good news is that it’s not totally screen-driven, but you don’t get real physical switches like some competitors.

The TZ joins the RZ and ES Electric in Lexus’ EV portfolio, and the information provided so far suggests it will be at least competitive in its class. More information is due later this year when it officially goes on sale, but this looks like a good start.

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