Lexus debuts the 2027 TZ, its first three-row electric SUV

Lexus has expanded its electrified roster with the 2027 TZ, the brand’s first three-row, all-electric, all-wheel-drive SUV. Announced from Toyota Motor North America’s Plano, Texas campus on May 6, the TZ slots into the Lexus lineup as a dedicated battery electric vehicle built on the company’s TNGA platform, with two lithium-ion battery options, an evolved Direct4 all-wheel-drive system, and the latest Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 (LSS+ 4.0) as standard equipment. The TZ arrives as the second clean-sheet battery-electric Lexus following the 2026 RZ, and it shares a clear platform and proportional ties with the 2027 Toyota Highlander BEV, which Toyota revealed earlier this year. With three rows of seating and a luxury positioning, the TZ enters a segment that already includes the 2026 Cadillac Vistiq, the Kia EV9, and the Hyundai Ioniq 9. Battery, motors, and Direct4 AWD Lexus offers the TZ with two battery sizes: a 76.96 kWh lithium-ion pack and a 95.82 kWh lithium-ion pack. The company has not disclosed EPA range estimates, peak motor output, or charge curve details at launch, saying that grade and pricing information will follow later in 2026. All trims use an evolved version of the Direct4 dual-motor all-wheel-drive system that Lexus introduced on the RZ. The TZ’s calibration shifts torque continuously between the front and rear axles, with ratios ranging from 60:40 to 0:100 (front to rear) under acceleration and from 80:20 to 0:100 during cornering. Five drive modes are available: Normal, Sport, Eco, Range, and a Rear Comfort setting that coordinates Dynamic Rear Steering, brake force, and torque distribution to reduce pitch and lateral motion for second- and third-row passengers. Regenerative braking is adjustable through five levels using steering-wheel paddles, with maximum coasting deceleration of 0.2 G when the driver simply lifts off the accelerator. An electronic brake control system provides independent front and rear hydraulic control coordinated with the regenerative system, which Lexus says yields a more linear pedal feel during cornering transitions. Dynamic Rear Steering steers the rear wheels by up to four degrees in coordination with the fronts. The system is credited with bringing the minimum turning radius down to 17.2 feet, compared with 19.0 feet on TZ models without it. Charging and energy management The U.S.-market TZ supports the North American Charging Standard, giving the SUV native access to Tesla Supercharger sites and other NACS-equipped DC fast chargers. The vehicle also uses what Lexus calls a 2-in-1 charging port, a single recess that houses both AC and DC connectors behind a motorized sliding cover. The intent is to reduce the footprint required for the charging interface and make stalls in tight parking environments easier to use. Lexus has expanded the suite of battery management features available on the TZ. Battery Preconditioning warms the pack before charging in cold conditions. Driving Preconditioning conditions the battery in transit when the driver routes to a fast charger, a feature that materially improves charge times in cold weather. Departure Time Preconditioning lets owners schedule cabin and battery readiness for a planned trip, and an Optimal Charging mode learns driver behavior and suggests charging schedules. The vehicle also supports an accessory AC External Power Supply, which uses a rear AC inlet and a dedicated adapter to power household appliances from the battery. Cabin and Driving Lounge concept Lexus is positioning the TZ around what it calls the Driving Lounge concept, a packaging philosophy that prioritizes a flat floor, a low and slim instrument panel, and seat comfort across all three rows. Second-row captain’s chairs are standard, and the front passenger seat and second-row outboard seats can be optioned with both ventilation and power ottomans, a first for any Lexus SUV. The third-row seats use a sofa-like cushion design, and Lexus eased third-row entry with flush seat rails and a walk-in button on the second row that operates even when child seats are installed. Cargo capacity is rated at 13.8 cubic feet, with one-touch folding for both rear rows. Doors include an easy-closer function, and the front and rear center consoles add a large primary storage compartment and a removable two-tier rear tray that allows walkthrough access between the second and third rows. A panoramic roof with a wire-driven power sunshade is fitted, with Lexus citing preserved cabin headroom as a benefit of the design. Six Japanese-inspired ambient illumination themes are available, and seat heaters are standard on every row. Multimedia, audio, and interior materials The TZ debuts the latest generation of the Lexus Interface multimedia system, with AT&T 5G connectivity, customizable home-screen widgets, an updated Hey Lexus voice assistant, and full-screen navigation that can be displayed on the digital gauge cluster. EV-specific functions include EV Routing and an EV Range Map. A Drive Recorder captures external camera footage, and the entertainment stack includes SiriusXM with 360L, integrated Spotify streaming, and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system is offered, and Lexus has added Active Sound Control, which produces tailored acceleration and deceleration sounds linked to pedal inputs. The cabin uses Forged Bamboo trim, made from Shikoku Island bamboo fibers blended into resin, along with bio-based UltraSuede on instrument panels, seat accents, and door shoulders. Roof rails and the tonneau cover frame are made from recycled aluminum, and the seat assembly is adhesive-free, all of which Lexus cites as part of its broader sustainability program. Body, suspension, and aerodynamics The TZ measures 200.8 inches long, 78.3 inches wide, and 67.1 inches tall on a 120.1-inch wheelbase. Tire sizes are 255/55 R20 or 255/45 R22, and Lexus says the wheels themselves are designed to reduce tire cavity resonance for a quieter cabin. Maximum towing capacity is 3,500 pounds. The body uses high-rigidity adhesives, laser screw welding, and aluminum components for stiffness and weight reduction, and the suspension pairs MacPherson struts up front with a multi-link rear arrangement. Aerodynamic tuning yields a coefficient of drag of 0.27, aided by smooth body edges, semi-flush door handles, aerodynamic mirrors, underbody fins, air dams, and optimized wheel covers. Safety: LSS+ 4.0 standard Every TZ comes with Lexus Safety System+ 4.0, the latest version of the brand’s standard advanced driver assistance suite. The Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection now includes Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist between 25 and 50 mph, and Intersection Turn Assist, which detects vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians during turn maneuvers. Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control adds an Eco-Run mode that smooths acceleration to reduce energy use, and Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Road Sign Assist, Automatic High Beams, and Proactive Driving Assist are all included. Available features include Traffic Jam Assist, which provides hands-free steering on limited-access roadways at low speeds, bringing the vehicle to a complete stop and resuming with traffic. A three-year Drive Connect trial is included with new TZ purchases. Lane Change Assist, Rear Pedestrian Detection, and Front Cross-Traffic Alert round out the available technology. Colors, options, and timing Six exterior colors are available, including a new Shaded Ivy paint that Lexus is launching with the TZ. Interior palettes include Birch, Acorn, and a Black-and-Dapple Gray combination. Grade structure and U.S. pricing have not been announced and will be released later in 2026. Photo gallery