The Lexus TZ is the brand's largest electric SUV yet – and first with three rows of seats – as a luxury sibling to the Toyota Kluger's electric successor, and it is a chance for Australia.
Electric Cars
The next electric vehicle from Lexus has debuted, and it is currently under assessment for an Australian launch.
Slotting above the RZ, the 2027 Lexus TZ six-seater is a luxury sibling to the Toyota Highlander EV (Kluger) and Subaru Getaway – but it will be built in Japan rather than the United States, likely supporting right-hand drive.
It is similar in footprint to the Toyota LandCruiser-based Lexus GX and LX in size, but uses car-derived monocoque underpinnings, so it is unlikely to match the 4WDs' off-road or towing capabilities.
In the US, it will be sold as an electric alternative to the not-for-Australia Lexus TX, a relation of the Toyota Grand Highlander – the hybrid Kluger's larger sibling.
Lexus Australia recently cut between $36,559 and $42,059 from its smaller RZ electric SUV, now starting from $84,500 before on-road costs.
If the TZ is confirmed for Australia, it would open the door to pricing from about $110,000 to $120,000, similar to its closest electric three-row SUV rivals.
"Lexus Australia welcomes the unveil of the new TZ, which marks an exciting evolution and next chapter in the Lexus design story," a spokesperson said.
"Lexus Australia continually reviews opportunities to enhance our local line-up and is currently assessing the TZ for potential introduction."
The TZ is based on a modified version of the GA-K architecture, as used by the new-generation hybrid and electric Lexus ES sedan – and an updated version of the Lexus RX's underpinnings – rather than the dedicated e-TNGA electric-car platform.
Compared with the Toyota Highlander EV, the Lexus TZ shares its doors, but has a different front and rear design, and a more luxurious cabin focused on noise reduction.
Measuring 5100mm long, 1990mm wide and 1705mm tall with a 3050mm wheelbase, the TZ is identical in length and width to the LX, but 190mm lower, with an additional 200mm between the front and rear wheels.
Similar to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N performance car, the TZ family SUV features artificial engine sounds, including a setting that emulates the LFA's naturally-aspirated V10 engine.
The TZ slots between the Toyota Highlander EV and Subaru Getaway in combined system output, at 300kW from 167kW/269Nm front and rear electric motors – compared with 252kW for the Toyota and 313kW for the Subaru.
In the US, it will be offered with 76.96kWh or 95.82kWh lithium-ion battery options, while only the latter is listed in global specifications, offering a claimed 530-kilometre WLTP driving range for Europe.
Optional rear-wheel steering will reduce the turning radius of the TZ, along with aiding rear comfort with a specific drive mode that also optimises brake force and drive force distribution "to minimise pitching and lateral motion".
Lexus lists 20- to 22-inch alloy wheels, a 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, soft-closing doors, powered ottomans, heated and ventilated first- and second-row seats, power-folding second- and third-row seats, and a panoramic glass roof.
Design elements include bamboo wood decorative interior surfaces, a suede-look instrument panel, seat accents and door shoulders, aluminium for the roof rails and tonneau cover frames, and an adhesive-free seat assembly structure.
More details on the 2027 Lexus TZ, including a potential Australian confirmation, will be shared in the coming months, with US arrivals set to commence by the end of this year.
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Jordan is a motoring journalist based in Melbourne with a lifelong passion for cars. He has been surrounded by classic Fords and Holdens, brand-new cars, and everything in between from birth, with his parents’ owning an automotive workshop in regional Victoria. Jordan started writing about cars in 2021, and joined the Drive team in 2024.
