Lexus Now Has A Three-Row Electric SUV Called The TZ

Lexus has entered the three-row luxury electric SUV segment with the unveiling of the new TZ, which is set to arrive in global markets for the 2027 model year. The new 2027 Lexus TZ is a mechanical twin of the Toyota Highlander EV, which made its debut nearly three months ago.

The new 2027 Lexus TZ is built around the idea of a “Driving Lounge”, wherein the vehicle focuses on a relaxing cabin together with dynamic performance that aims to bring a new interpretation of the Lexus Driving Signature into a three-row electric SUV format.

To achieve that, the 2027 Lexus TZ has a very striking but simple design inside and out. Beginning with the outside, the TZ features striking lines and sporty shapes, while the large blocky elements sort of bring a monolithic vibe to the vehicle. The Spindle Grille, in this case, is enclosed, and it has a similar shape to what you’ll find in the Lexus GX.

Elongated lines help in making the TZ’s proportions look sleeker, and this is aided by flushed door handles and a sloped roofline with a blacked-out D-pillar. Wheel sizes range from 20 to 22 inches, depending on the variant.

Lastly, the rear end of the 2027 Lexus TZ features a full-width LED light bar, while the rear fascia itself likewise follows a monolithic vibe like the front end. There are also L-shaped trim pieces on each side of the tailgate. Interestingly, the LEXUS script on the tailgate is illuminated.

As for the interior, the 2027 Lexus TZ offers a relaxing space, beginning with its long wheelbase—a packaging advantage of its electric vehicle (EV) drivetrain layout. Of course, as with almost every new car these days, the TZ has two large screens—a 14-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Functions are concealed through what Lexus calls their Responsive Hidden Switches, which is a fancy term for their capacitive touch controls that remain hidden when not in use.

Thankfully, despite the generous tech features, Lexus has still focused on creating an interior that offers luxury through curated sustainable materials. The dash has a wide, horizontal, structured layer, which features recycled aluminum and/or bamboo, depending on the interior configuration. The interior vibe is made even more special through the use of ambient lighting that adds character to the interior design.

A six-seater configuration with second-row captain’s chairs is fitted as standard, but higher trims have captain’s chairs that feature a footrest. Heated and cooled seats are standard for the first and second-row occupants, while Lexus is proud to highlight that, as an option, the third row can be equipped with seat heating. Finally, there’s also a Mark Levinson surround sound system, as well as the largest panoramic sunroof ever fitted to a Lexus, as it stretches all the way to the third row.

The 2027 Lexus TZ is exclusively offered in dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) and has a system output of 402 horsepower. This is good for a 5.4-second 0-100 kph time. There’s a choice between a 76.96 or a 95.82 kWh battery, and Lexus estimates a 530-kilometer range for the longest range version.

As part of the Lexus Driving Signature philosophy, the TZ features optional rear-wheel steering, which reduces the turning radius from 5.8 to 5.4 meters. The rear-wheel steering also helps improve the TZ’s handling. The dual electric motors are also the brand’s latest Direct4 AWD system, which distributes drive torque between the front and rear wheels. Lastly, the Interactive Manual Drive—a feature introduced in the RZ 550e F Sport—lets drivers cycle through a simulated eight-speed automatic. This is accompanied by simulated “thermic” engine noises, along with the power interruption that is felt during gear changes.