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March 25, 2025 – Sometimes the smallest detail makes the biggest difference. In the case of the Lexus RZ 350e, that detail is a perfectly round steering wheel.
When I first drove the more powerful Lexus RZ 500e several months ago, it came fitted with the butterfly-shaped yoke that Lexus calls a “steering wheel.” That experience left me cold. The yoke felt awkward during tight parking maneuvers and multi-storey car park navigation – the kind of lock-to-lock drama that defines daily urban driving.
Now I’ve spent a week with the RZ 350e, the front-wheel-drive entry-level variant. And the conventional steering wheel – round, unapologetically circular – made all the difference. It’s a reminder that not every innovation is an improvement, and that sometimes automakers overthink what drivers actually want.
Built on the e-TNGA platform
The RZ is the first Lexus built on the dedicated e-TNGA electric platform, shared with the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra. It’s a mid-sized crossover that slots directly against the Tesla Model Y, but with a more upscale interior and a quieter, more refined ride. The exterior styling takes some getting used to – the sharp angles and aggressive front end can look jarring at first glance – but it grows on you quickly. I had a strange thought: if someone wanted to remake Back to the Future in 30 years, the RZ would make a perfect DeLorean replacement. (And yes, I’ve driven an actual DeLorean – the comparison ends at the looks.)
Interior: a masterclass in driver-centric design
Step inside the RZ 350e, and the sensory coherence is immediate. The cabin feels designed by engineers who actually drive: real rotary knobs for volume and climate, proper switchgear, and a start-stop button that doesn’t hide in a touchscreen menu. The instrument cluster uses simple, readable graphics, though I wish the driver display were a bit brighter – it can get washed out in strong sunlight.
The steering wheel itself is a tactile delight. Thick-rimmed, leather-wrapped, and perfectly sized for my hands, it makes every interaction feel deliberate. The transmission selector sits exactly where it should on the center console – a small but crucial detail for tight reversals and parallel parking.
The RZ 350e is a large vehicle, measuring just shy of five meters (about 195 inches) in length. Despite that, the driver’s cockpit feels intimate and well-organized. Rear passengers get generous legroom and headroom, and the seats are comfortable enough for long journeys. With 522 liters (18.4 cubic feet) of cargo space behind the second row, a family of four could easily embark on a cross-country road trip.
Power and performance: enough for daily life
The RZ 350e is the lower-power version of the lineup. It produces 224 horsepower through the front wheels only, compared to the 380-hp all-wheel-drive RZ 500e. The 0-60 mph sprint takes about 7.5 seconds – not blistering, but perfectly adequate for real-world driving. Do most drivers need the 4.6-second capability of the 500e? I doubt it, especially when you factor in the cost of premature tire wear.
What the RZ 350e lacks in straight-line drama, it makes up for in composure. The suspension is tuned for comfort, smoothing out rough pavement and uneven surfaces without feeling floaty. Lexus engineers have clearly prioritized ride quality over sportiness, and that’s a smart choice for this segment. The EPA-estimated range is around 220 miles, which is competitive for a 2025 model-year EV in this price bracket.
Value proposition: undercutting the competition
The RZ 350e starts at $55,000 (approximately €66,280 in Ireland, where the review car was originally tested). In the U.S. market, that undercuts the Tesla Model Y Long Range by about $3,000 while offering a more luxurious interior and a longer warranty. Lexus also throws in the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite of driver-assistance features as standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.
According to recent data from Consumer Reports, the RZ 350e’s predicted reliability rating is above average, and owner satisfaction scores for Lexus EVs have been climbing steadily. That’s a strong selling point for buyers who worry about Tesla’s sometimes inconsistent build quality.
A final thought: the yoke problem
The RZ 350e is not a perfect car. The infotainment system, while functional, could be more intuitive. The lack of a heat pump on base models hurts cold-weather efficiency. And the rear visibility is compromised by the sloping roofline.
But the fundamental decision to offer a normal steering wheel on the 350e (while the 500e forces a yoke on U.S. buyers) is a smart move. It acknowledges that for most drivers, a round wheel is not just familiar – it’s superior. If you’re shopping for a compact luxury EV and don’t need the extra power or all-wheel drive, the RZ 350e deserves a serious look. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best technology is the one you don’t notice.
What I liked: A refined interior, excellent ride comfort, and the satisfaction of a properly round steering wheel.
**What I’d
