THE MOST RELIABLE ELECTRIC SUV IN 2024

Finding the right electric SUV for you and your lifestyle in 2024 isn't always a walk in the park. With more options than ever, drivers have a bit of range (literally) in both the budget and luxury market. SUVs have become a must-have for families, solo drivers, and people needing space for comfort and storage, especially within the electric market. You used to only have the Model Y to choose from, although in recent years, brands like Ford, Lexus, Fisker, Hyundai, etc., have all swung at the idea. Your average electric SUV will set you back around $50,000, which isn't cheap by any means. Therefore, you want to choose a nameplate that is reliable across the board. Although all-electric models use batteries and motors, that doesn't mean they all perform the same.

There will be some car makers that do a *better* job at making electric and even standard gas vehicles that last for decades without issue, while others can't seem to make an SUV that stays out of the shop for more than a couple of years. Getting bang for your buck is essential. We get it. That's why we've done some digging to find the most reliable electric SUV for 2024, according to data from reputable sites like Consumer Reports. The reliability of an EV can be simplified into its battery power, range, performance, safety, and general upkeep costs. Keep this in mind while reading.

Your Most Reliable EV For 2024 Is The Lexus RZ

For those wanting to invest in an electric SUV in 2024, your best bet comes from Lexus. The RZ is a luxury SUV that boasts 196 to 266 miles of electric range, can charge roughly 159 miles in 32 minutes (80 percent charged), offers 201 to 308 horsepower, and seats five adults comfortably.

With attractive interiors for each trim and a body that catches your attention, this SUV is not only the most reliable for 2024 but may also be the sleekest. Lexus has not been a major player in the electric world, yet, so its RZ being named the most reliable just a year into its release is a very big deal. You have other models like the Hyundai Ioniq 6 scoring near the RZ, and even the Nissan Ariya and Porsche Taycan. Although everyone has a different budget and opinion, Consumer Reports puts together a collective voice through real user feedback and critic ratings to come up with a final score. Whatever the magic, Lexus is taking IT.

The Lexus RZ Scores 79 Out Of 100 For Reliability

For the Consumer Reports reliability rating system, each EV is rated out of a possible 100. The Lexus RZ scores the highest in the SUV segment, with 79 points awarded in reliability and a whopping 75/100 overall. This makes it a dependable choice for those in the luxury market and for people who do not want to spend time at the shop every few years. Lexus, historically, is a reputable and dependable car brand. Per a RepairPal study, Lexus as a whole receives a 4.0 out of 5.0 reliability score and is rated as the seventh most trustworthy auto brand out of 32.

Why The Lexus RZ Sparkles

When it comes down to what makes the Lexus RZ truly stand out, this EV is known for its reliable, comfortable ride and generally safe build. Coming from the broader Toyota Group, Lexus follows the trends of many Toyota nameplates, building on to what the brand knows works. For instance, the RZ uses the same battery as the bZ4X, a 72.8 kWh battery pack, which can produce up to 308 horses. This is decent for the brand and EV SUV models in general, as they weigh more and require more energy to go quickly (or at all).

One thing many non-EV drivers fail to remember is that electric cars actually go faster than ICE ones. Your battery and motor(s) are able to propel an EV faster than an engine, as there are fewer moving parts relying on each other. The RZ is incredibly smooth and tends to be a well-rounded nameplate from bumper to bumper.

The RZ Starts At A Shade Over $55,000

If there is one sentiment we want to leave you with, it's that Lexus is essentially Toyota but fancier and better quality. For the RZ, you have many of the same design elements as the bZ4X, although upscale. Your price will be higher, naturally, but with this bump, you see finer detailing in the main cabin, with the performance specs of the RZ, and with your standard features. The RZ starts at $55,150, so it's on trend with electric SUVs. You may have the same battery in a Toyota and Lexus, but you won't have the same driving experience. They make sure of it.

Decent Range, Aerodynamic Design

When comparing the Lexus RZ to, let's say, a Model Y from Tesla, you will have a few similarities. However, the difference in overall design and energy on the road is where many reviewers (like the one above) claim Lexus has a unique twist to the EV experience. Remember, a few years ago, the only good compact SUV that was electric was the Model Y.

Therefore, it has become somewhat of a benchmark for all other electric and semi-electric nameplates to outdo. With the RZ, you have up to 308 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of available torque. You also have a pretty decent speed rating of 5.0 seconds (0-60) on the upgraded RZ 450e's 71.4 kWh battery, developed by Prime Planet Energy & Solutions (PPES). Overall, this vehicle has all the bells and whistles, and for under $55,000 to start, it's a great choice for people willing to splurge on their SUV. Reliability aside, the RZ is a sexy model.

The e-TNGA Platform

In addition to using a powerful battery pack inside the RZ, Lexus has opted to include the e-TNGA Platform, a lightweight steel EV platform, to create this SUV. According to Lexus, RZ’s body employs high-tensile steel panels and an aluminum hood to reduce weight and increase rigidity. Moreover, the lightweight platform also offers enhanced stability and ride comfort by mounting the 96-cell lithium-ion battery pack under the vehicle floor. Lexus has been adamant about using lighter materials to increase range performance and enhance response time from its EV fleet. It appears this plan is working exactly as they'd want it to. Kudos, Lexus.

Reliability 101: The Lexus RZ Is Easier To Own

Driving, owning, and maintaining an EV will always be easier than an ICE model, period. However, with Lexus, you see even lower maintenance costs and expectations, which is a huge plus for potential and current owners. It's worth mentioning that most Lexus models, regardless of powertrain, cost around $7,786 for maintenance and repair costs during their first 10 years of service.

That would come out to around $650 annually, although this is most likely the case for hybrids, PHEVs, and gas-powered models in the lineup. Electric cars only need things like routine battery inspections and fluid changes/filter replacements, putting them a few hundred dollars less than ICE or even hybrid powertrains. A more reliable SUV = Lower annual costs for maintenance.

2024-05-04T08:05:57Z dg43tfdfdgfd