Lexus RZ - Boot space, comfort & practicality

The Lexus RZ looks like a coupé-SUV from the outside, but clever EV packaging means that interior space isn’t compromised. The five-door body gives good access, with a powered tailgate fitted as standard on all variants.

Dimensions and size

The sporty profile of the Lexus RZ means it has a longer, lower appearance than some models, such as the upright Volvo EX40. It measures 4,805mm long and has a wheelbase measuring 2,850mm, which leaves short overhangs front and rear. The roofline is 1,635mm tall and blends into a steeply raked tailgate, so while it looks sporty, it’s set quite high. At 1,895mm wide, there shouldn’t be any issues with guiding the RZ through width restrictions, plus there is a full suite of parking sensors and cameras on offer to help.

How practical is the Lexus RZ?

Seats & space in the front

The centre console that divides the cockpit isn’t too high, so you don’t feel hemmed in by it, and there’s a wide range of wheel and seat adjustment, meaning it’s easy to get comfortable at the wheel. Rear visibility could be better, especially because there’s no rear windscreen wiper to clean the screen, but cameras and parking sensors help when reversing.

The central armrest bin has a clever lid that can be opened from the front or rear, and there is a large void beneath it for storing items. Ahead of that are a pair of cup-holders with rubber grips, plus there’s a wireless charging pad under the main touchscreen. 

There’s additional hidden storage beneath the centre console that’s accessed via slots on either side. These are covered by fabric flaps that you lift, but the opening is narrow, so only slim items such as phones, wallets or glasses will be able to fit. This is a useful space to use, because there’s no glovebox.

Seats & space in the back

A flat floor boosts cabin space in the back, while the seat is wide, so fitting three across it is simple enough. Legroom is good, but foot space is limited under the front seats. Two ISOFIX points are provided on the outer positions.

You might expect the RZ’s coupé-like profile to compromise headroom, but it’s actually fine – especially with Premium trim models and above that feature a panoramic roof with electrochromatic glass that eliminates the need for a retractable sunshade. This means headroom is fine.

Storage is poor in the back, with only small bottle-shaped door bins and no other pockets, but there are USB-C connections and a three-pin plug socket on the back of the central armrest for connecting devices.

Boot space

There’s a slightly high load lip on the RZ, but the floor is level with it, so loading heavier items is simple enough. The RZ has a false boot floor, though, and it lifts to reveal a deep well below that can take charging cables and other items, while lashing eyes and cargo hooks are set in the sides of the boot. 

The back seats fold to leave a completely flat load area, and a maximum capacity of 1,451 litres is decent. One slight disappointment is the load cover, which is made from flimsy fabric, although it folds in half so that it can be stowed under the boot floor.

Towing

The low 750kg maximum braked towing limit of the RZ means that any EV driver wishing to tow a decent-sized caravan will need to consider the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, or four-wheel drive Nissan Ariya because all pull greater weights.