Compare the2026 Cadillac OptiqVS 2026 Lexus RZ

The Optiq has a standard front seat center airbag, which deploys between the driver and front passenger, protecting them from injuries caused by striking each other in serious side impacts. The RZ doesn’t offer front seat center airbags.

The Optiq’s standard pretensioning seatbelts also sense rear collisions and remove slack from the seatbelts to help protect the occupants from whiplash and other injuries. The RZ doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Optiq has standard Rear Cross Traffic Alert with Rear Cross Traffic Braking, systems which detect vehicles approaching from the sides and can automatically apply the brakes to prevent a collision. Only the RZ Premium/Luxury/F Sport offers Parking Support Brake.

Both the Optiq and the RZ 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, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

The Cadillac Optiq weighs 529 to 1124 pounds more than the Lexus RZ. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

There are over 2 times as many Cadillac dealers as there are Lexus dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Optiq’s warranty.

The Optiq has more powerful engines than the RZ:

The Optiq can travel longer on a full charge than the RZ on a full charge:

For better stopping power the Optiq-V’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the RZ:

For better traction, the Optiq has larger standard tires than the RZ (245/50R20 vs. 235/60R18). The Optiq’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the RZ (275/40R21 vs. 235/60R18).

The Optiq’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the RZ’s standard 60 series front and 55 series rear tires. The Optiq’s optional tires have a lower 40 series profile than the RZ’s optional 50 series front and 45 series rear tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Optiq has standard 20-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the RZ. The Optiq’s optional 21-inch wheels are larger than the 20-inch wheels optional on the RZ.

The Cadillac Optiq’s wheels have 6 lugs for longer wheel bearing life, less chance of rotor warping and greater strength. The Lexus RZ only has 5 wheel lugs per wheel.

Having a flat tire is dangerous, inconvenient and expensive. The self-sealing tires standard on the Optiq can automatically seal most punctures up to 3/16 of an inch, effectively preventing most flat tires. The RZ doesn’t offer self-sealing tires.

The Optiq offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The RZ’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Optiq’s wheelbase is 4.1 inches longer than on the RZ (116.3 inches vs. 112.2 inches).

The Optiq’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (52% to 48%) than the RZ’s (53.9% to 46.1%). This gives the Optiq more stable handling and braking.

The Optiq has 1 inch more front headroom, .3 inches more front hip room, .1 inches more front shoulder room, .3 inches more rear legroom and 1.7 inches more rear shoulder room than the RZ.

The Optiq has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the RZ with its rear seat folded (57 vs. 55.6 cubic feet).

The Optiq has a 1500 lbs. towing capacity. The RZ has no towing capacity.

Standard Trailer Sway Control on the Optiq uses the StabiliTrak® sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The RZ doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The Optiq uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The RZ uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

A maintenance reminder system is standard on the Optiq to save the owner time and money by calculating maintenance intervals for tire rotation, based on odometer mileage. This takes the guesswork out of keeping your vehicle in top condition and helps it last longer. Lexus doesn’t offer a maintenance reminder on the RZ.

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the RZ, the Optiq Premium/V-Series has a passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The power windows standard on both the Optiq and the RZ have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Optiq is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The RZ prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

If the windows are left open on the Optiq the driver can close all of them from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can also lower the windows the same way. The driver of the RZ can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the Optiq Premium/V-Series has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The RZ doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The Cadillac Optiq has power folding mirrors that offer unparalleled convenience while maneuvering in tight places or parked. With the mirrors folded it’s easier to walk past and help prevent parking damage. The mirrors can be quickly unfolded when the driver is ready to leave. Power folding mirrors are only offered on the RZ Premium/Luxury/F Sport.

The Optiq has standard massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the RZ.