Compare the2024 Lexus RZVS 2024 Polestar 3

Both the RZ and the Polestar 3 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, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, around view monitors, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

The Lexus RZ achieved a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2024 model year. This recognition was based on its impressive performance in the small overlap frontal crash test, updated side impact crash test, headlight evaluations, and pedestrian crash prevention testing. The Polestar 3 has not yet been evaluated by the IIHS for 2024.

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the RZ 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than Polestar covers the 3. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the Polestar 3 ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are almost 8 times as many Lexus dealers as there are Polestar dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the RZ’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are better in initial quality than Polestar vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus above average in initial quality. With 142 more problems per 100 vehicles, Polestar is rated below average.

For better maneuverability, the RZ’s turning circle is 2 feet tighter than the Polestar 3’s (36.8 feet vs. 38.8 feet).

The Lexus RZ may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1250 to 1400 pounds less than the Polestar 3.

The RZ is 3.7 inches shorter than the Polestar 3, making the RZ easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The front grille of the RZ uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Polestar 3 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The RZ uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The Polestar 3 doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

The RZ has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Polestar 3 with its rear seat up (34.9 vs. 17.1 cubic feet). The RZ has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Polestar 3 with its rear seat folded (55.6 vs. 50 cubic feet).

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the RZ easier. The RZ’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 29.8 inches, while the Polestar 3’s liftover is 31 inches.

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 Polestar 3 doesn’t offer headlight washers.

The RZ’s power mirror controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The Polestar 3’s power mirror controls are embedded in the infotainment system, seriously distracting drivers who have to adjust them while driving.

The RZ is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The Polestar 3 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Lexus RZ, based on reliability, safety and performance.