At a Glance
Power
227 kW
280 kW
Torque
227+e Nm
537 Nm
Fuel
1.3 when hybrid battery charged l/100km
16.6 kWh/100km l/100km
Towing
2000 Kg
750 Kg
0-100 km/h
6.5 s
4.6 s
Engine
2494 cc
electric cc
Choosing between the Lexus RX and the Lexus RZ is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Lexus RX delivers 227 kW while the Lexus RZ produces 280 kW. On fuel, the RX returns 1.3 when hybrid battery charged l/100km while the RZ uses 16.6 kWh/100km l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 700 400 for the RX and R1 665 900 for the RZ. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
227 kW
280 kW
Torque
227+e Nm
537 Nm
0-100 kph
6.5 s
4.6 s
Top Speed
200 Km/h
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2494 cc
electric cc
Engine Layout
inline
—
Cylinders
4
—
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
electric
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
—
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
1.3 when hybrid battery charged l/100km
16.6 kWh/100km l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
74.6 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
29 when hybrid battery charged g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
4890 mm
4805 mm
Width
1920 mm
1895 mm
Height
1695 mm
1635 mm
Wheelbase
2850 mm
2850 mm
Ground Clearance
182 mm
200 mm
Kerb Weight
2200 Kg
2100 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
612 l
522 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000 Kg
750 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
10
8
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
7 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
7 vehicle / 8 battery
Warranty Distance
105000 vehicle / 195000 hybrid battery K
105000 vehicle / 160000 battery Km
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
RZ
Fuel Economy
RX
Value
RZ
Practicality
RX
Pros & Cons
Lexus RX
Better fuel economy (1.3 when hybrid battery charged l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (2000 Kg)
Less power than rival (227 kW vs 280 kW)
Higher starting price
Lexus RZ
More powerful engine (280 kW)
Lower starting price (R1 665 900)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.6 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (16.6 kWh/100km l/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the RX or RZ?
The RX uses 1.3 when hybrid battery charged l/100km and the RZ uses 16.6 kWh/100km l/100km on the combined cycle. The RX is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the RX or RZ?
The RX produces 227 kW and 227+e Nm of torque while the RZ delivers 280 kW and 537 Nm of torque. The RZ is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the RX and RZ?
The RX starts from R1 700 400 and the RZ from R1 665 900. The RZ is cheaper by R34 500 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the RX or RZ?
The RX has a braked towing capacity of 2000 Kg and the RZ can tow 750 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the RX or the RZ?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.