Optiq vs RZ 350e
Shopping across brands means comparing different philosophies. The Optiq and the RZ 350e show how Cadillac and Lexus each approach the compact luxury suv class. Think of these two as neighbors: the overlap is large and the gaps are few.
At a glance
- Fuel Economy & Range Optiq wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Price RZ 350e wins
Key Differences
-
The Optiq has 16 mi more electric range
Only a little separates them: 317 mi on the Optiq, 301 mi on the RZ 350e. More electric range means more of your daily driving can happen without using fuel at all.
Design & Size
Dimensionally, these two are near twins.
Dimensions
| Spec | Optiq | RZ 350e |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 189.9 in | 189.2 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 74.6 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 64.4 in |
| Wheelbase | 116.3 in | 112.2 in |
Engine & Performance
Names, not numbers: the engine & performance rows below show what each one is built with, and it’s worth reading them side by side.
Fuel Economy & Range
Optiq leads
It’s a narrow one, but the fuel economy & range round goes to the Optiq. Here the Optiq offers 16 mi more electric range. Cold weather and highway speeds reduce electric range, so a larger buffer is useful. On fuel economy & range alone, the Optiq gets the nod.
Electric range
Optiq: 317 mi RZ 350e: 301 mi If you can charge at home, the Optiq’s longer electric range can cover more commutes on electricity alone.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
There’s little to choose between them when it comes to space & practicality. The space & practicality verdict: no winner, and no reason to worry either way.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Neither pulls ahead on off-road & towing; the numbers are close throughout. For off-road & towing, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Safety & Tech
The Optiq and the RZ 350e differ on safety & tech in ways that are described rather than measured. The table has the details.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Optiq | RZ 350e |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Battery electric | Battery electric |
| Engine | Single-motor electric | 165 kW electric motor, 74.7 kWh battery |
| Total system output | N/A (not specified) | 221 hp |
| Transmission | Single-speed | Single-speed |
| Drivetrain | RWD (AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Optiq | RZ 350e |
|---|---|---|
| Electric range | 317 mi (winner) Longest electric range | 301 mi |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Optiq | RZ 350e |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 26.1 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 57.3 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Optiq | RZ 350e |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Optiq | RZ 350e |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 14 in |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | No Apple CarPlay / Android Auto (Google built-in) | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Optiq | RZ 350e |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 189.9 in | 189.2 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 74.6 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 64.4 in |
| Wheelbase | 116.3 in | 112.2 in |
Price
| Spec | Optiq | RZ 350e |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $49,995 | $46,000 (winner) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
With just $3,995 between them at launch, the RZ 350e and the Optiq are priced as near equals. The extra $3,995 for the Optiq buys 16 mi more electric range.
These are US launch prices, recorded launch; what you pay today may be higher or lower.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Optiq if…
- you want more electric-only range (317 mi vs 301 mi)
- you already use other Cadillac products
Choose the RZ 350e if…
- you’d rather keep $3,995 in your pocket
- you prefer staying with Lexus
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Optiq or the RZ 350e?
For most people, the Optiq is the stronger choice, unless the extra $3,995 would stretch your budget.
Does the Optiq last longer on a charge than the RZ 350e?
Going by the official figures, the Optiq leads: 317 mi versus 301 mi for electric range. Screen use, settings and efficiency will shape your own results.
Is the Optiq bigger than the RZ 350e?
They’re practically the same size. The difference between the Optiq and the RZ 350e is too small to matter.
Which costs less, the Optiq or the RZ 350e?
The RZ 350e is the cheaper option, launching at $3,995 less than the Optiq (launch prices as of launch).
Executive Summary
Cadillac or Lexus? For a lot of people, the question really comes down to the Optiq versus the RZ 350e. The Optiq wins me over with 16 mi more electric range.
Fit matters more than scores here. The Optiq suits buyers focused on fuel economy & range; the RZ 350e suits those focused on price.
My pick: the Optiq, with one exception: if you have better plans for $3,995, go for the RZ 350e.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.