Lexus has unveiled the TZ : its first-ever three-row electric SUV, set to take on the likes of the Volvo EX90 and Cadillac Vistiq when it launches in the US in late 2026.
It is claimed that the Lexus TZ can provide up to 300 miles (482km) on a charge with ‘the dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain as standard of its predecessor, and will be the electric equivalent for the North American exclusive three-row LexUS TX – much like the relationship between the Luxus RX and RZ sold in Australia.
This is presumably the Lexus cousin of Toyota Highlander EV that was announced earlier this year, so it’s built on the TNGA platform, has batteries and is very similar to its dimensional counterpart. So it’s also a cousin to the three-row Subaru Getaway.
Although those two US-built models are atypical of the way they’re supposed to be in Japan this year, the TZ will likely also be built and launched — meaning that it could be produced in right-hand drive (opening the door for an Australian launch).
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Further, when asked whether the TZ would be brought to Australia, a Lexus spokesperson said the door was wide open.
The new TZ is an exciting evolution and next chapter in the Lexus design story,” said Lexus Australia.
“Lexus Australia continually reviews opportunities to enhance our local lineup and is currently assessing the TZ for potential introduction.”
Full specifications have yet to be confirmed, but Lexus says it will come with two lithium-ion batteries – which has capacities of 76. 99kWh, 95kWh or 96kWh). 82kWh – similar to what’s in the Toyota Highlander EV.
Neither of these batteries provide the preconditioning to optimise battery temperature before charging and while driving, nor is there an intelligent charging schedule suggestion function that’s dependent on driver habits.
In contrast to the Highlander, however, the TZ will only be available in a dual-motor all-wheel drive configuration. The TZ is therefore likely to be more closely related performance match with the Subaru Getaway than with Toyota Highlander, as per .
This all-wheel drive only, the Getaway is a power boost with up to 313kW of power (in models fitted with 95-litres) that are equal to 252kW for Highlander AWD. A 82kWh battery option, Subaru says it can be from 0-60mph in “less than five seconds”.
Subaru, a Lexus and the other two say they can drive up to 300 miles; the LexUS will be fitted with ‘a few features already described for other Subaru EVs including the Uncharted. Its ‘DIRECT4’ all-wheel drive system is said to dynamically distribute torque when cornering is 6040 (frontrear) to 0100 to “optimise handling”.
Obviously, some custom made Lexus functions are available. The standard drive modes such as Normal, Sport and Eco are also included in it but ‘Range’ and ’Rear Comfort’ mode is said to coordinate “Dynamic Rear Steering, brake force optimisation and drive power distribution to reduce pitching and the lateral motion” that can be prioritized by passenger comfort.
The front wheels will coordinate with the rear wheels, which can steer up to four degrees in coordination with a 4-wheel steering system that is available on the TZ. This has yet to be seen on any of the other Toyota EV and is even very rare on no one of its brand’s newer internal combustion models.
There will also be five levels of regenerative braking power (powered with paddles attached to the steering wheel) and paddle-mounted brakes. The fact that it will add a one-pedal drive mode is not clear.
The TZ is claimed to be among the most luxurious Lexus models ever made up inside. In a first for Xus SUV, power-adjustable ottomans are provided by the brand’s front passenger and second row captain’S chairs that provide ventilation and as such, in redesigned to fit into an armchair. A third-row seat seats “provide sofa-like cushioning”, and all the cabin’s seats are heated, while a second-floor seat is heated.
There’s also a centre console between the second-row seats with two-tier tray system, which can be removed to allow easier access between both the third and second rows of paraphrasing.
Among other features, up front is the “latest-generation Lexus Interface” infotainment system (likely a 14-inch unit) with customisable home screen widgets, an improved ‘Hey LexUS’ voice assistant, charge management of EV devices that has euv by range map, Spotify integration and wireless smartphone mirroring.
Naturally, this is supplemented by a 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.
The other is an updated digital instrument display that can be used to show satellite navigation, a new steering wheel with the ‘LEXUS’ wordmark rather than brand’s badge and what looks like dozens of touch-capacitive buttons on the dashboard.
Lexus explains that “the use of a raft of sustainable materials has integrated “social responsibility” into the TZ”. Such as the ‘forged bamboo’ walls in the cabin made from Shikoku bamboo, a ‘bio-based UltraSuede’ plant-derived upholstery and recyclable aluminium components inside/out of it.
Externally, the TZ’s design resembles that of the Lexus GX and is clearly distinctive from the Highlander. It features GX-like shapes on its front grille and headlights, while its bonnet looks almost identical.
Also, it has a full-width LED light bar at the rear that again adds the wordmark of ‘LEXUS’ with its slim tail-light profile like the GX. The TZ’s wheel arches also appear far more prominent than the Highlander, which is similar to the TS’.
There’s also a panoramic glass roof, and the TZ will be equipped with 20-inch or 22-in alloy wheels depending on the variant of the car.
As for the model lineup, the visible ‘TZ450e’ badge in Lexus’s imagery is consistent with a trademark filed in Europe in mid-2023, which also indicates a higher-spec ‘TZ550e’ will be introduced. This has yet to be formally confirmed by Lexus.
All models will ride on the same 120 . A 1-inch (3050mm) wheelbase is the Highlander and Getaway (although the TZ’s body is longest-lasting), but it has one inch (3060mm). Approximately 200 s are included in its size. 78mm (50mm) longer than the Highlander – 5100mm), 8 inches (5100m) long . 3 inches (1989mm) wide, 67. Paraphrasing 1 inches (1704mm) high.
quoted at 13 cargo capacity, and. According to Lexus, 8 cubic feet (390 litres), probably with all three rows upright, can pull up to 3500 pounds (1587kg) – the same as the Getaway.
The other are a wave of safety technology, such as emergency steer assist, junction assistance and adaptive cruise control with lane-centring, traffic sign recognition, Lane-change assist (and rear pedestrian detection) that will also be available. Spectacular grades will see a head-up display.
Toyota Highlander EV
Subaru Getaway
The reveal of the TZ completes the second Toyota/Subaru/Lexus EV trio, the first being the bZ4X, Solterra, and RZ.
If Lexus does bring it to Australia, it will be the first three-row electric SUV from any of those three brands sold locally. Given the TX isn’t sold here, it’d be an EV alternative to the three-row LX, though it’s difficult to predict if it’d be similarly expensive.
EVs the TZ would compete with, and it starts at $164,200 before on-roads (well above the LX’s starting in 2001). Other s include the Volvo EX90 (starting $124,990 before on-road costs in Australia); the Cadillac Vistiq ($16,000 before off- road) and the Kia EV9 (129,250 before going on to be on track for GT guise).
An ‘affordable’ three-row Lexus EV isn’t that far out of the question, though, given Lexus Australia last month slashed the RZ’s starting price by $36,559, to $84,500 plus on-roads.
Full US specifications and pricing will be revealed later in 2026.
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