Compare the2023 Lexus RZVS 2023 Porsche Taycan

In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the RZ are reminded to check the back seat if they opened the rear door before starting out. The Taycan doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

The RZ has a standard Secondary Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Taycan doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The RZ has a standard Parking Support Brake that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The Taycan doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive is standard on the RZ. But it costs extra on the Taycan.

The RZ has a standard blind spot warning system that uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. A system to reveal vehicles in the Taycan’s blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the RZ’s standard Rear Cross-Traffic Alert uses sensors in the rear to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side and Parking Support Brake automatically engages the brakes to help avoid a collision. The Taycan doesn’t offer a rear cross-path warning system.

The RZ’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Taycan doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the RZ and the Taycan have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems and rearview cameras.

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the RZ 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than Porsche covers the Taycan. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the Taycan ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are over 25 percent more Lexus dealers than there are Porsche dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the RZ’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Porsche vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus above average in long-term dependability. With 33 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Porsche is rated lower.

The RZ’s electric motors produces 67 lbs.-ft. more torque (321 vs. 254) than the Taycan’s standard electric motor. The RZ’s electric motors produces 58 lbs.-ft. more torque (321 vs. 263) than the Taycan Performance Plus’ optional electric motor.

As tested in Car and Driver the Lexus RZ is faster than the Taycan Performance Plus electric motor:

On the EPA test cycle the RZ gets better mileage than the Taycan Cross Turismo:

For better traction, the RZ has larger front tires than the Taycan (235/60R18 vs. 225/55R19).

The RZ is 6.6 inches shorter than the Taycan Cross Turismo, making the RZ easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

For excellent aerodynamics, the RZ has standard flush composite headlights. The Taycan has recessed headlights that spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the RZ’s rear seats recline. The Taycan’s rear seats don’t recline.

The RZ has a much larger cargo volume than the Taycan Cross Turismo with its rear seat up (34.9 vs. 18.7 cubic feet).

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Porsche. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in service department satisfaction. With a 18% lower rating, Porsche is ranked third.

The RZ’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. An easy entry system costs extra on the Taycan.

On a hot day the RZ’s driver can lower all the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. (This window function must be activated by your Lexus service department.) The driver of the Taycan can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The RZ’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Taycan’s cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The RZ offers available headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The Taycan doesn’t offer headlight washers.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the RZ has standard extendable sun visors. The Taycan doesn’t offer extendable visors.

The RZ has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel costs extra on the Taycan.

The RZ has a 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The Taycan doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.