Lexus reinvents the steering wheel with updated all-electric RZ SUV
SPONSORED BY E.ON NEXT
The Independent's Electric Vehicles Channel is sponsored by E.ON Next.
Lexus has reinvented the steering wheel in its updated Lexus RZ all-electric SUV.
The revised model is the first to get the Lexus steer-by-wire technology that does away with a mechanical link between the steering wheel and the front wheels. In the case of the new RZ, it also gets an aircraft-style 'yoke' rather than a traditional circular wheel.
The new steering system is said to reduce unwanted vibrations through the steering wheel, but claims to still give the driver feedback via electronic signals. The steering is also dynamic, adjusting according to the RZ's speed making it more manoeuvrable at low speeds and feel more dynamic on twisty roads. The maximum turning radius is only 200 degrees from lock to lock.
The new RZ also gets a welcome range boost thanks to a 77kWh battery and more efficient electric motors – Toyota claims that the car will go 60 miles further on a full charge than before, so a maximum range of around 350 miles can be expected.
Like it's new electric Toyota siblings which share the same EV tech as the Lexus, there's a boost to charging time if not speed. The fastest charge rate remains at 150kW, but battery pre-conditioning will speed the charging process. A new 22kW on-board AC charger will also speed charging on AC chargers.
As well as the steer-by-wire tech, the new RZ gets what Lexus calls Interactive Manual Drive, in effect paddle shifters behind the steering wheel allow the driver to shift up and down through eight virtual gears, with feedback through the throttle and with sound to mimic manual gear changes.
Lexus' pursuit of quietness in the car has been boosted by additional soundproofing, including in the boot area. New sustainable materials and ambient lighting also feature inside.
The new RZ comes in three different power configurations with 221bhp in the RZ350e, 376bhp in the RZ500e and 402bhp in the RZ550e which is only available in F Sport trim.
Potential new RZ buyers will have to wait until early 2026 before they can get one of the new models, although it will be the first of three new all-electric models coming to the UK.
Following the RZ it's expected that an all-electric ES saloon and an electric version of the smaller NX SUV will arrive.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Auto Blog
2 hours ago
- Auto Blog
Mazda 3 Hatchback vs Toyota Corolla Hatchback: Some of the Best from Japan
After driving the Toyota Corolla hatchback and the Mazda 3 hatchback, I've come away impressed with both. Still, they are very different vehicles. Hatchbacks aren't totally gone Small hatchbacks are not as common an offering as they used to be. Toyota and Mazda offer two of the most compelling examples today in the form of the Mazda 3 and Toyota Corolla Hatchback. Now, yes, Toyota has the monster GR Corolla and a hybrid Corolla, while there is a beefy Mazda 3 Turbo offered with all-wheel drive as well – but they don't exactly go head-to-head. On the other hand, the comparison of the two regular hatchbacks proved a slightly closer match, so those are the two I pitted in a duel. Toyota Corolla Hatchback Toyota Corolla Hatchback Nightshade The 2025 Toyota Corolla Hatchback comes in three trims: the $23,780 SE, the $24,780 Nightshade (which comes with sweet-looking 18-inch bronze wheels), and the $27,080 XSE. Oddly, the Nightshade only has three color combinations, while the other trims offer over a dozen. Altogether, the Corolla hatchback is significantly less expensive than the Mazda 3 hatchback, but both vehicles are more expensive than their sedan siblings. Like the previous year, the Corolla hatchback comes with a 4-cylinder engine that makes 168 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a single fixed ratio gear. This marries an automatic transmission first gear with the CVT taking over when you're on your way. It works well, giving you an EPA-estimated 36 mpg city and 42 mpg highway. Toyota Corolla Hatchback SE Compared to the Mazda 3, the Toyota Corolla hatchback is tiny, coming in at 169.9 inches long versus the Mazda's 183.5 inches. Passenger volume and cargo space are far less than the Mazda as well, with 18 cu-ft of cargo space behind the back seats, and a total of 23 cu-ft max. Toyota's interior is fresh and feels decidedly mid-level when compared with the Mazda, and some of the materials feel a bit cheap to the touch. It's still an easy-to-use, fairly comfortable layout, and all Corolla hatchbacks come with an 8-inch touchscreen. Both vehicles have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. The front seats in all models are comfy, with the XSE providing a sportier-feeling perch. Unfortunately, the Corolla has a rather cramped rear seat, not suitable for taller folk. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Despite having a CVT and a lot less power, the Corolla is a fairly lively ride. Sure, it's not as fun to zoom around town in, compared to many, but it never wavered in its ability to drive well. Handling was better than expected, and control is good on twisty corners. Its highway ride can be a bit choppy, though, especially when compared with the Mazda. Mazda 3 Hatchback 2020 Mazda3 The Mazda 3 2.5 S starts at $25,150, with the 2.5 S Select Sport starting at $26,190, the Mazda 3 2.5 S Preferred at $27,890, and the 2.5 S Premium (which comes with the only 6-speed manual transmission offered) at $30,850. Higher-end AWD and Turbo versions are not being compared. 2020 Mazda3 — Source: Mazda The base engine is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that makes 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. Other than the top-end Mazda 2.5 S Premium, no other Mazda3 comes with a manual transmission. As such, the only transmission on offer is a 6-speed automatic. The Mazda3 hatchback has an EPA-estimated rating of 27 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. The 2025 Mazda3 Hatchback is considerably larger than the Toyota Corolla hatchback, in nearly every dimension. It's about a foot longer and has a larger interior altogether, but it's also well over 200 lbs lighter. The Mazda3 Hatchback offers 20 cu-ft of cargo space behind the rear seat, with a maximum capacity of 47.1 cu-ft. Mazda is excellent at making simple interiors look special. Slick design mixed with nice materials helps, and their seating is comfortable across the board. Back seat space is nearly best-in-class, and even base models feel slightly upmarket compared to some rivals. The lower and mid-level models get an 8.8 infotainment screen, with a 10.3-inch screen available for higher-end models. I find all Mazda products to be well-mannered on all roads; however, despite their small size, the Mazda3 feels less sporty than some other cars in this class. The Mazda version of a rear torsion beam suspension has been cited by some as mellowing the ride, even on the turbo versions. That, mixed with its 3,267 lbs weight, gives the Mazda3 Hatchback a great highway ride, but handling is not as sporty as it looks. Final thoughts It's not quite as cut-and-dry as I thought it would be. Sure, the Mazda has more space, a nicer interior, and a beefier engine, but the Toyota is less expensive, more economical, and has a cheekier personality. They both give a lot of car for the money, and with the hatchback configuration, they are both utilitarian. In a world where people insist on getting crossovers and SUVs, having a hatchback often makes more sense, as they tend to cost a lot less than a crossover or an SUV. In this case, both vehicles are a lot more fun to drive daily than their crossover siblings and both are worth your time.
Auto Blog
7 hours ago
- Auto Blog
Is a GRMN Corolla on the Horizon? Toyota Teases a More Powerful, Track-Focused Hot Hatch
Toyota's motorsport division, Gazoo Racing, turned the otherwise basic Corolla into the fiercest five-door you can buy. And the best may still be yet to come. A recent interview suggests Toyota's hottest hatch might get hotter The GR Corolla has had a pretty warm reception since debuting back in 2023, but the automaker hasn't rested on its laurels. Continuous improvements for the 2024 model year include new exterior paints and lightweight wheels for the Circuit Edition, as well as the addition of a quick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission and increased torque for the 2025 model year. According to the car's Chief Engineer, Naoyuki Sakamoto, more power may be coming to the car soon. That is, if they can prevent the test vehicles from breaking for long enough to put the power down. Previous Pause Next Unmute 0:00 / 0:09 Audi A5 replaces A4: So, what's changed? Watch More 2025 Toyota GR Corolla 2025 Toyota GR Corolla 2025 Toyota GR Corolla Finding power hasn't been easy with the GR Corolla, but Toyota seems determined In an interview with Motor1, Naoyuki Sakamoto talks about the trials and tribulations of optimizing the GR Corolla's turbocharged three-cylinder engine. 'We tried to increase engine power with the TCR Corolla,' he starts, referring to the race version of the GR Corolla, 'then we broke [the car].' Testing the car extensively at California's Sonoma Raceway, so far, hasn't yielded results that the automaker is happy with. 'Hopefully, we can come to a measure to increase power, and eventually, with that planning, it can come to the production Corolla,' Sakamoto told the publication. It's an interesting policy shift for the automaker that has generally avoided adding power to even its sportiest offerings. The GR Supra saw a power bump after the first year of production, from 335 to 382 horsepower, but that was over five years ago. The GR86's engine continues to make 228 horsepower, as it has since the current generation debuted back in 2022. One potential reason for this is that the GR Corolla (and elsewhere in the world, GR Yaris) is, interestingly, the only GR offering that actually uses a Toyota-built powertrain. The former borrows an inline-six from BMW, while the latter uses a Subaru boxer. Toyota GR Corolla Development Vehicle Toyota GR Corolla Development Vehicle The GR Corolla is quick, but it's all relative, as the car makes less power than its rivals Although the 300-horsepower GR Corolla is certainly no slouch, competitors bring the heat, too. The Civic Type R, arguably the GR Corolla's closest rival, makes 315 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The Type R's platform-mate, the Acura Integra Type S, makes 320 horsepower. The Golf R makes 328 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Notice a trend? There are also rumors of an even toastier version of the GR Corolla, the GRMN Corolla, but rumors of a similar GRMN Supra have persisted nearly as long as the car's current generation with no follow-through. That said, that car didn't use a Toyota engine. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Final thoughts Whether Toyota is cooking up a spicy GRMN Corolla or just looking to dial things up a bit on the regular GR Corolla we know and love, it's a win for enthusiasts. Don't forget, back in February, we learned that Toyota is sticking with ICE and manuals indefinitely, which means R&D spent on the GR Corolla's three-cylinder is, potentially, a long-term investment. It's all good news here — and we can't wait to see what's next for Toyota's rowdy little hatchback. About the Author Steven Paul View Profile
Auto Blog
11 hours ago
- Auto Blog
Toyota RAV4 Generations: Full Evolution From 1996 To 2025
Here's how the RAV4 has changed across six generations. The Crossover That Started It All The Toyota RAV4 has been a key proponent of the crossover craze since its arrival three decades ago. It offered all the benefits of a sedan, but with the extra ride height and superior dirt-road performance usually associated with true body-on-frame SUVs. With the sixth-generation RAV4 now revealed, we expect the RAV4 to retain its best-seller status for years to come. Here's a look at all generations of the RAV4, from the first one to the modern hybrid-only model. First-Generation (XA10) Toyota RAV4 Source: Toyota The first-gen Toyota RAV4 set the standard for future rivals like the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, and Mazda CX-5. This RAV4's model years ran from 1996 to 2000 in the USA. The styling was cute and tough at the same time, and this early RAV4 was also available in sporty three-door form, or with a soft-top. Toyota kept things simple under the hood, relying on a 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine sending power to the front or all four wheels, with a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions. A facelift for the 1998 model year introduced a few styling revisions, and Toyota even experimented with a fully electric version for the 2000 model year, but this only had an 88-mile range. Well over 50,000 first-gen RAV4s were sold in the United States in every year of production, confirming that this was the sort of car buyers were drawn to. Second-Generation (XA20) Toyota RAV4 Source: Toyota So, when did the the RAV4 change its available body styles? It started here with a simplified lineup. Produced for the 2001 to 2005 model years, the XA20 RAV4 was once again available in three- and five-door form, but only the five-door body style made it to America. The styling was modernized, but retained a sporty look with well-executed rugged touches. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Initially, Toyota stuck with the 2.0-liter four-pot, but a larger 2.4-liter engine with 161 horsepower debuted for the 2004 model year, somewhat addressing criticisms of the underpowered standard engine. That same model year, the RAV4 received a host of safety upgrades, including standard stability and traction control. A RAV4 EV was also available over this period, with a maximum range of 95 miles, but availability was extremely limited. Third-Generation (XA30) Toyota RAV4 Source: Toyota A significant bump up in power coincided with the launch of the third-gen RAV4; this RAV4 generation's model years ran from 2006 to 2012. The big increase in power came despite fact that the design was softened to an extent that made this model appear a bit anonymous. The headlining engine was a 3.5-liter V6 producing 269 hp, far more than any previous RAV4. A more efficient 2.4L four-cylinder was standard. A manual gearbox was no longer available, but the V6 received a new five-speed automatic. The 2.4L model stuck with a four-speed auto. For the first time, the RAV4 EV cracked 100 miles on a full charge. This RAV4 was the first to lead all Toyota SUVs in terms of sales in the USA; over 170,000 units were sold in America for the first time in 2007, as the RAV4 continued to surge in popularity. Fourth-Generation (XA40) Toyota RAV4 On sale for the 2013 to 2018 model years, the XA40 featured a few noticeable styling changes not seen in previous generations of the RAV4: It had a rear liftgate instead of a rear door that opened to the side, while the spare wheel was no longer mounted at the back. A major change was the introduction of a hybrid model, which could return 34 mpg in city driving – a vast improvement over the standard, non-hybrid model. The unpopular V6 was dropped, but a new six-speed automatic was implemented for the standard four-cylinder engine. Inside, a more modern design was introduced, but Toyota got rid of the small, optional third seating row. The overall impact of these changes was tremendous, with the fourth-gen RAV4 topping 350,000 annual sales for the first time in 2016. Fifth-Generation (XA50) Toyota RAV4 As of this writing, the fifth-gen RAV4 is still on sale, but will be replaced after the 2025 model year. Introduced in 2018, this generation of the RAV4 was given a far more appealing look, with sharp, aggressive angles and beefy body cladding, all aimed at evoking the adventurous spirit of the original model. The unibody chassis improved in rigidity by 57 percent, creating a RAV4 that steered and drove with more sophistication than previous models. A new torque-vectoring four-wheel-drive system also debuted, with the ability to individually direct torque to each rear wheel, based on the driving scenario. Engine choices include a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder, along with a hybrid version of the same engine. Non-hybrid models have an eight-speed automatic. The big news, however, was the arrival of the 2021 RAV4 Prime, a plug-in hybrid version with 302 hp and over 40 miles of all-electric range. It became the quickest RAV4 ever. In 2024, the RAV4 dethroned the Ford F-150 for the first time in decades, becoming the country's top-selling vehicle. That says all you need to know about the success of this RAV4 generation. Sixth-Generation (XA60) Toyota RAV4 Finally, we arrive at the all-new RAV4, revealed in the first half of 2025. Inside and out, it has a completely fresh look, with cleaner lines than the outgoing model. However, it remains similar in size. For this generation, Toyota has switched over to hybrid power exclusively, a smart move given the popularity of hybrid powertrains presently. The standard hybrid develops 226 hp (FWD) or 236 hp (AWD), while the plug-in hybrid produces a stout 320 hp. These are all improvements over the previous RAV4. Buyers looking for something with a sporting edge can opt for the new GR Sport trim, which is more than just a visual upgrade. It also features special tuning for improved handling and is exclusively offered with the 320-hp powertrain. This all-hybrid RAV4 is a far cry from the first-gen model, but it remains an irresistible mix of practicality, compact size, and some rugged capability. FAQs What is the most reliable year of the RAV4? Based on our research, the 2018 Toyota RAV4 has an impeccable reliability record, and is the most highly recommended RAV4 model year. What year did the RAV4's body change? The second-generation of the RAV4 to be sold in America did not have a three-door option. Other than that, the fifth-gen RAV4 marked a significant stylistic departure from conservative previous models. Will the RAV4 be redesigned in 2025? The sixth-gen, 2026 Toyota RAV4 has an all-new design and has already been revealed in 2025. The 2025 RAV4 forms part of the outgoing fifth generation. Is the Toyota RAV4 changing in 2026? The 2026 RAV4 has already been revealed and will go on sale later in 2025. What year is the 5th-gen RAV4? The fifth-gen RAV4 went on sale in late 2018 and is expected to go out of production later in 2025 to make way for the sixth-gen model. About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile
