Lexus’s New SUV Channels One of Japan’s Most Legendary Supercars

Back in February, Toyota rocked the Highlander SUV with the model’s biggest change in its more than two-decade history. In a marked departure from its predecessors, the next generation will take the form of an all-electric BEV cut with the brand’s striking hammerhead design language.

Subaru then followed it up through its own seven-seater equivalent in the form of the all-electric Getaway. While the SUV shares a lot with its Toyota-badged counterpart, it did shake things up with superior output.

Lexus

Now, Lexus is getting in on the three-row action. The automaker just announced its take on the TNGA platform, and it brings a new kind of brand luxury while channeling one of Japan’s most legendary supercars.

An acoustic lounge experience

It’s called the TZ, and, while it may be the latest member of the trio, it’s nevertheless fashionable in its arrival. Around the outside, it brings a look that’s far more sculpted and upscale, adopting the brand’s more signature spindle grille and wearing fresh paint options like Shaded Ivy.

Lexus

However, it’s inside where Lexus is set to deliver new levels of luxury. For instance, between sound-absorbing materials, vibration frequency offsetting design elements and aerodynamic mirrors, the TZ supposedly boasts “the quietest cabin among Lexus SUVs.”

Of course, like many EVs, it also brings active sound control technology to simulate acceleration and deceleration noises as you’re driving. Divisive as it is, among those choices is the harmonious V10 soundtrack from one of Japan’s most legendary supercars: the LFA.

Lexus

In any case, in keeping with its focus on passenger comfort, the TZ brings more than sound management to the table. Lexus offers both front passenger and second-row seats with ventilation and power ottomans, and both the rear-most rows feature one-touch folding.

What’s more, by dropping a seat compared to its Toyota sibling, the TZ ensures even the third-row is a comfortable place to be. In addition to a second row walk-in button for easy access, it sports a removable rear console with a two-tier tray system for storage.

Familiar platform, Lexus refinement

Being based on the same TNGA platform as the Highlander and the Getaway, the Lexus TZ shares a lot in common with those SUVs beneath its shapely sheet metal.

Lexus

As such, it’ll also offer a dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain and the choice of two battery sizes in the form of a 76.96-kWh standard size and a 95.82-kWh extended-range variant. Lexus hasn’t revealed full details, though the larger option is rated for a 402-horsepower total, 300 miles of driving, a 3,500-pound towing capacity and a 35-minute Level 2 charge time from 10-80 percent.

Because most specs remain pretty similar, then, the TZ’s output slots it in between Toyota’s and Subaru’s offerings. However, it stands out compared to its counterparts because of other unique Lexus refinements.

Lexus

Namely, in the form of tech like Interactive Manual Drive and Dynamic Rear Steering. In the case of the latter, it’s a feature that’s equal parts practical and performance-minded, as it not only reduces minimum turning radius but also allows for improved stability at speed.

And that’s not all. On the hardware side, you’ll also find that it stretches longer and lower than the Highlander, and it sports touches like wheels equipped with resin aero disc covers and tires specifically designed for a quiet ride.

Availability and pricing

At this stage, Lexus hasn’t revealed pricing or availability, though it’s undoubtedly set to be more premium than the Getaway or the Highlander. According to the brand, more TZ information will be available later this year. 

Lexus

2027 Lexus TZ

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