Earlier this year, Toyota introduced its first three-row electric SUV: the Highlander EV. Now, it’s Lexus’ turn to shake up this segment with the upcoming TZ, which features a more luxurious design, seating for six, and a maximum range of around 300 miles.
Like its Highlander EV and Subaru Getaway cousins, the TZ is based on Toyota’s e-TNGA platform and will be available with two battery sizes (76.9 kWh or 95.8 kWh) and an upgraded Direct4 AWD system. While Lexus has yet to provide specific power information, based on the power available from other models sharing this platform, we’re expecting around 400 horsepower (or more) depending on the exact configuration. It’s a similar situation when it comes to range, because while we’re still waiting for an official figure from the EPA, Lexus estimates that a TZ with the larger 95 kWh power pack will go around 300 miles between charges.
Meanwhile, at 200.8 inches, the TZ is actually a bit longer than the Highlander EV, although it sports a similarly muscular exterior with plenty of hard lines and Lexus’ signature spindle-shaped grille. Other features include dynamic rear steering (up to four degrees) which should provide better maneuverability at low speeds and greater stability at high speeds. Unfortunately, the TZ’s 400-volt architecture doesn’t look very impressive, with charging speeds peaking at just 150 kW and should deliver 10 to 80 percent charge times of around 35 minutes. Fortunately, the car comes with a native NACS port, and for times when you need to charge your other devices, Lexus is making a dedicated accessory adapter that plugs into an AC inlet in the cargo area.
Inside, the TZ’s infotainment centers around a 14-inch main screen with a secondary 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster for the driver. Lexus says the TZ will also support a Smart Digital Key+ that lets you unlock the car with your phone or smartwatch, and will continue to work even if the device runs out of battery. Plus, in addition to the basic infotainment system, the TZ is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The TZ’s platform and exterior are quite similar to those of the Highlander EV and Subaru Getaway, so Lexus seems to have really leaned into the EV’s interior as a way to distinguish itself from its rivals. The company claims that the TZ has the quietest cabin of all its SUVs (both EV and ICE) and that the pursuit of peace and relaxation appears to have been a central goal of the vehicle’s design, as Lexus uses the word quiet eight different times in its official press release. The TZ also features a number of sustainable materials spread throughout the car, including forged bamboo panels, plant-based UltraSuede and recycled aluminum for components such as the roof rails and soft-top cover frame.
Unfortunately, we’re still waiting for official information on pricing and availability, configurations and trim levels for the TZ, which Lexus plans to launch closer to the EV’s on-sale date later this year.
