Lexus RZ vs Cadillac Lyriq vs Tesla Model Y
Real out-the-door prices, every trim, every spec, and an honest verdict on each.
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The verdict
Photo finish
The 2026 Tesla Model Y edges ahead by just 2.7 points — inside our margin for calling it, so there's no clear winner on the numbers. Let your priorities pick: the cheapest, the most efficient, or the one owners rave about below.
2026 Tesla Model Y
44.9
2026 Lexus RZ
42.2
2026 Cadillac Lyriq
42.1
How the winner is called: price up to 20 pts, fuel economy up to 15, owner evidence up to 15, editor verdict up to 12, driving impressions up to 10, power up to 8, seats up to 5, safety awards up to 5. A category only counts when every compared car has that data, the category leader always earns its full weight, and a winner is only declared when the lead is 8+ points. Computed live from stored specs and sourced owner quotes — no opinions.
The Scoreboard
No feelings, just receipts — each point below is computed straight from the spec sheet.
2026 Tesla Model Y
$46,380 incl. destination — $10,120 less than the runner-up
2026 Cadillac Lyriq
340 hp
2026 Tesla Model Y
7 seats
The bottom line
Early points to the 2026 Tesla Model Y and the 2026 Cadillac Lyriq and the 2026 Tesla Model Y. Start with the 2026 Tesla Model Y at $46,380 if the monthly payment decides, then read the spec sheet below — every point above comes straight from it.
Lexus · Compact SUV
2026 Lexus RZ
“Superb Japanese build quality from the Tahara plant”
See the full reviewTrim-Level Comparison
Pick a specific trim for each model to compare exact equipment and features side-by-side.
Trim Price (incl. dest.)
- RZ$66,930
- Lyriq$64,085
- Model Y$51,380
Est. Monthly, Brand Financing (60 mo)
- RZ$1,325/mo
- Lyriq$1,269/mo
- Model Y$1,017/mo
vs. Base Trim
- RZ+$10,430
- Lyriq+$4,100
- Model Y+$5,000
| RZ RZ 450e Luxury | Lyriq Luxury 1 | Model Y Long Range All-Wheel Drive | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trim Price (incl. dest.) | $66,930 | $64,085 | $51,380 |
| Est. Monthly, Brand Financing (60 mo) | $1,325/mo | $1,269/mo | $1,017/mo |
| vs. Base Trim | +$10,430 | +$4,100 | +$5,000 |
10 of 10 features shown
RZLyriqModel Y
72.8 kWh Battery
Included Not included Not included
DIRECT4 AWD System
Included Not included Not included
Mark Levinson Surround Sound
Included Not included Not included
33-inch diagonal advanced LED display
Not included Included Not included
Fixed Glass Roof
Not included Included Not included
Super Cruise
Not included Included Not included
Adaptive Headlamps
Not included Included Not included
LFP Battery Tech
Not included Not included Included
Dual Motor AWD
Not included Not included Included
Increased Range
Not included Not included Included
| 72.8 kWh Battery | Included | Not included | Not included |
| DIRECT4 AWD System | Included | Not included | Not included |
| Mark Levinson Surround Sound | Included | Not included | Not included |
| 33-inch diagonal advanced LED display | Not included | Included | Not included |
| Fixed Glass Roof | Not included | Included | Not included |
| Super Cruise | Not included | Included | Not included |
| Adaptive Headlamps | Not included | Included | Not included |
| LFP Battery Tech | Not included | Not included | Included |
| Dual Motor AWD | Not included | Not included | Included |
| Increased Range | Not included | Not included | Included |
Feature lists reflect cumulative standard equipment for each trim, a trim includes everything from lower trims plus its own additions. The monthly figure is the trim price over 60 months at an assumed 7% markup with $0 down, an estimate for financing through the brand's own financial company. That markup is profit on a cost-plus sale, not the Loan Excess, because the financier owns the car it sells. The 7% is an assumption for illustration, not a rate anyone is quoted.
Cadillac · Luxury Electric SUV
2026 Cadillac Lyriq
“Stunning exterior design and lighting signatures”
See the full reviewFull Spec Sheet
Every detail side by side: pricing, power, efficiency, seating, where each car is built, safety recognition, and the honest verdict on each.
Pricing & Financing
Base MSRP
- RZ$55,150
- Lyriq$58,590
- Model Y$44,990
Est. dealer invoice
- RZ$51,841
- Lyriq$55,075
- Model Y$44,990
Destination fee
- RZ$1,350
- Lyriq$1,395
- Model Y$1,390
Total base price (incl. dest.)
- RZ$56,500
- Lyriq$59,985
- Model Y$46,380
Est. monthly, brand financing (60 mo)
- RZ$1,119/mo
- Lyriq$1,188/mo
- Model Y$918/mo
Trims offered
- RZ2 (from $55,150)
- Lyriq3 (from $58,590)
- Model Y3 (from $44,990)
Powertrain & Efficiency
Powertrain options
- RZSingle-motor BEV, Dual-motor BEV
- LyriqElectric RWD, Electric AWD
- Model YSingle Motor Rear-Wheel Drive, Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive
Horsepower
- RZ308 hp
- Lyriq340 hp
- Model Y295 - 455 hp
Fuel economy
- RZ266 mi range
- Lyriq314 mi range
- Model Y123 MPGe
Seating
- RZ5 seats
- Lyriq5 seats
- Model Y7 seats
Build & Safety
Body type
- RZCompact SUV
- LyriqLuxury Electric SUV
- Model YSUV
Assembly location
- RZTahara, Japan
- LyriqSpring Hill, TN, USA
- Model YFremont, CA, USA & Austin, TX, USA
Safety awards & ratings
- RZIIHS Top Safety Pick (2026)
- LyriqIIHS Top Safety Pick+ (rating year unverified)
- Model YIIHS Top Safety Pick+ (2024)
Honest Verdict
Recommended trim
- RZRZ 300e Premium
- LyriqLuxury 1
- Model YLong Range All-Wheel Drive
Trim to skip
- RZRZ 450e Luxury
- LyriqTech
- Model YPerformance
Key rivals
- RZTesla Model Y, Audi Q4 e-tron, Cadillac LYRIQ
- LyriqAudi Q8 e-tron, BMW iX, Tesla Model X
- Model YFord Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai IONIQ 5, Kia EV6
| |  | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing & Financing | |||
| Base MSRP | $55,150 | $58,590 | $44,990 |
| Est. dealer invoice | $51,841 | $55,075 | $44,990 |
| Destination fee | $1,350 | $1,395 | $1,390 |
| Total base price (incl. dest.) | $56,500 | $59,985 | $46,380 |
| Est. monthly, brand financing (60 mo) | $1,119/mo | $1,188/mo | $918/mo |
| Trims offered | 2 (from $55,150) | 3 (from $58,590) | 3 (from $44,990) |
| Powertrain & Efficiency | |||
| Powertrain options | Single-motor BEV, Dual-motor BEV | Electric RWD, Electric AWD | Single Motor Rear-Wheel Drive, Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive |
| Horsepower | 308 hp | 340 hp | 295 - 455 hp |
| Fuel economy | 266 mi range | 314 mi range | 123 MPGe |
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Build & Safety | |||
| Body type | Compact SUV | Luxury Electric SUV | SUV |
| Assembly location | Tahara, Japan | Spring Hill, TN, USA | Fremont, CA, USA & Austin, TX, USA |
| Safety awards & ratings | IIHS Top Safety Pick (2026) | IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (rating year unverified) | IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (2024) |
| Honest Verdict | |||
| Recommended trim | RZ 300e Premium | Luxury 1 | Long Range All-Wheel Drive |
| Trim to skip | RZ 450e Luxury | Tech | Performance |
| Key rivals | Tesla Model Y, Audi Q4 e-tron, Cadillac LYRIQ | Audi Q8 e-tron, BMW iX, Tesla Model X | Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai IONIQ 5, Kia EV6 |
Dealer invoice is an estimate from MSRP minus typical brand holdback and advertising fees when the exact figure isn't published. Monthly is the total base price over 60 months at an assumed 7% markup, $0 down — an illustration for financing through the brand's own financial company, not a quoted rate.
Pros & Cons at a Glance
Honest verdicts side by side to help you decide.
Lexus RZ
Compact SUV
Pros
- Superb Japanese build quality from the Tahara plant
- Intuitive and high-quality interior materials
- Predictable and refined driving dynamics
Cons
- Maximum range of 266 miles trails some key competitors
- Higher price point for the top Luxury trim
Cadillac Lyriq
Luxury Electric SUV
Pros
- Stunning exterior design and lighting signatures
- Generous 314-mile estimated range
- High-quality 33-inch curved LED interior display
Cons
- Heavier curb weight affects agility
- Base Tech trim feels sparse compared to upper levels
Tesla Model Y
SUV
Pros
- Industry-leading Supercharger network integration
- Exceptional 123 MPGe efficiency rating
- Versatile 7-passenger seating capability
Cons
- Minimalist interior lacks tactile physical controls
- Stiff suspension on larger wheel options
How They Drive
Real driving impressions: what each car does well and where it falls short.
Lexus RZ
Performance
- Smooth and linear power delivery from the 308 hp powertrain
- Instant torque makes city merging effortless
- Lacks the high-speed passing power of some dual-motor rivals
Handling
- Direct4 AWD system provides excellent traction and stability
- Low center of gravity reduces body roll in corners
- Steering feel is somewhat light and disconnected
Comfort
- Exceptional cabin quietness and sound insulation
- High-quality seat cushioning for long-distance support
- Ride can become slightly firm over sharp expansion joints
Cadillac Lyriq
Performance
- Linear and smooth power delivery from the 340 hp motor
- Instant torque makes city merging effortless
- Excellent regenerative braking calibration
- Weight is noticeable during sudden acceleration changes
- Top-end power fades compared to performance-oriented rivals
Handling
- Low center of gravity provides a planted feel
- Steering is well-weighted and predictable
- Solid grip levels for a large SUV
- Noticeable body roll during spirited cornering
- Brake pedal feel can be slightly wooden
Comfort
- Exceptional sound insulation and cabin quietness
- High-quality seat cushioning for long-distance travel
- Supple ride quality over rough pavement
- Rear visibility is limited by the thick pillars
- Rear headroom is slightly tight for very tall adults
Tesla Model Y
Performance
- Immediate linear acceleration across all trims
- Refined one-pedal driving logic
- Substantial 455 hp available in top trim
- Power delivery can feel overly aggressive in Chill mode
Handling
- Low center of gravity reduces body roll
- Quick and communicative steering rack
- Wider turning circle than some compact rivals
- Performance trim ride is overly stiff on broken pavement
Comfort
- Panoramic roof creates an airy atmosphere
- Pre-conditioning via app is a climate-control dream
- Third-row seating is extremely cramped for adults
- Total reliance on the touchscreen can be distracting
Straight Answers
The questions everyone asks about these three — answered from the numbers, not the brochure.
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