2022 Lexus RX 350 Interiors

The Lexus RX 350 will undoubtedly catch your attention, all thanks to its hyper-aggressive styling. However, one shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, since the SUV doesn’t actually drive as well as it looks. But even if the performance might not be up to expectations, don’t let it distract you from the fact that the Japanese SUV also houses an extremely elegant cabin that is lined with upscale materials and hosts an array of modern tech features.

However, the RX 350 somewhat lacks practicality, but as a luxury cruiser, the RX 350 stands out amongst its rivals. So, how well does it hold up in a world of renowned and established German competitors?

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 starts at $46,645 and competes against the likes of Mercedes-Benz GLE 350, BMW X3, and Audi Q5. 

2022 Lexus RX 350 Interior Design, Dimensions, and Comfort

The RX 350 sports a gorgeous interior that is accentuated by a modern theme. Being a Lexus, it comes lined with high-quality and plush materials that stick true to the brand's nature. The dashboard has a very unique design with a central infotainment system that sticks out from the center while all the controls are placed within easy reach of the driver, ergonomically.

The quality of the interior is pretty impeccable. It comes with NuLuxe leatherette upholstery as standard whereas every surface is covered in soft-touch materials with no hard plastics on sight. The steering wheel is wrapped in leather while the door panels and console inserts come lined with genuine wood.

If that isn’t enough luxury for you, you can upgrade to the Luxury Package for $3,890 which will add a gray Sapele wood w/ aluminum trim. It will also include a heated steering wheel trimmed in maple wood, LED ambient illumination, and other features. However, the best part about this package is arguably the inclusion of the perforated semi-aniline leather trim for the seats. 

Speaking of seats, the front seats are 10-way power-adjustable with 2-way power lumbar support for the driver. Getting the aforementioned Luxury Package will add 4-way power lumbar support. Climate-controlled seats also come as optional extras; you can either get heated front seats or heated and ventilated front seats with an added option for a 60/40 split rear bench with outboard heated seats.

Moreover, both the front and rear rows come with extremely comfortable seats that feature adequate cushioning with enough space for even the tallest of passengers. There's also a power tilt and telescoping steering column to make sure that you find the perfect driving position and are presented with a commanding view of the road ahead.

Models	2022 Lexus RX 350	2022 Mercedes Benz GLE 350	2022 BMW X3 xDrive30i	2022 Audi Q5
Seating Capacity	5	5	5	5
Interior Passenger Volume (cubic feet)	99.8	N/A	101.4	N/A
Front Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches)	39.4/57.8/44.1	40.5/59.3/40.3	41.1/57.6/40.3	39.6/57.7/40.9
Rear Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches)	39.1/57.6/38.0	39.6/58.3/40.9	39.1/56.0/36.4	39.3/56.5/38.0

The RX 350 gets the most space in the front row while the GLE gets the most spacious second row. However, all the SUVs are pretty good in terms of passenger space, except the BMW. The X3 falls a bit short on legroom in the second row as compared to its counterparts.

2022 Lexus RX 350 Infotainment

The RX 350 comes with an 8” screen that sticks out from the center of the dash. It runs on the latest Lexus Enform infotainment system. Along with it, in true trademark Lexus fashion, it can only be controlled by the touchpad present on the center console. Since using the touchpad can prove to be difficult while driving, you might as well opt for the Navigation Package for $2,285; which will also add a 12.3” touchscreen display that will make operating the infotainment a lot earlier than using the finicky touchpad.

The SUV comes packed with almost every modern tech you could ask for. Standard features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Siri Eyes Free, MID data sharing, Bluetooth, advanced voice command, SiriusXM radio, HD radio, and more. You can also get navigation if you get the aforementioned package. A wireless charger is optional too.

There's a 9-speaker audio system available as standard. However, you could also upgrade to a thumping 835W, 15-speaker Mark-Levinson premium surround-sound audio system as an optional extra.

Key infotainment features

• 12.3” touchscreen Enform infotainment system
• Amazon Alexa
• Siri Eyes Free
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• SiriusXM radio
• HD radio
• Wireless charger
• 15-speaker Mark-Levinson surround sound system

2022 Lexus RX 350 Cargo Capacity

Unfortunately, the RX 350 is not as practical as it is luxurious. It completely falls apart when it comes to cargo capacity. Behind the second row, you only get 16 cubic feet of cargo storage, which is good for grocery shopping or a few bags at most but severely lacking for an entire family's worth of luggage.

To add insult to injury, folding the rear seats will expand the cargo space to a mere 32.7 cubic feet which is only slightly better than what most rivals offer with all the seats upright.

Models	2022 Lexus RX 350	2022 Mercedes Benz GLE 350	2022 BMW X3 xDrive30i	2022 Audi Q5
Standard Cargo Capacity (cubic feet)	16.0	N/A	28.7	25.9
Maximum Cargo Capacity (cubic feet)	32.7	N/A	62.7	54.1

In terms of cargo space, the RX 350 pales in comparison with its rivals. Both the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 offer significantly more cargo space than the Lexus, with the latter offering nearly twice the space than that of the Lexus, both as standard and with the rear seats folded.

Additional Interior Storage Spaces

The RX 350 is pretty average in terms of interior storage. As usual, there's a cavernous glovebox followed by a storage cubby under the front center armrest. The door bins are pretty small though and can only hold medium-sized bottles. The center console houses dual cupholders whereas the rear has integrated cupholders on the foldable middle armrest. Lastly, behind the front seats, you also get seatback pockets for storing small items and that's about it.

2022 Lexus RX 350 Creature Comforts

The RX 350 is a luxury SUV above all else, so it is only fitting that Lexus equips it with an array of luxuries and creature comforts. Other than all the tech that we just mentioned, the SUV also offers power-adjustable seats with lumbar support, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, power tilt and telescoping steering column, rearview camera, leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, NuLuxe seat trim, remote cargo access, dual-zone climate control with smog sensors, and Lexus Enform Dynamic Navigation.

Other than these, the driver assistance features include all-speed dynamic radar cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot assist. 

Verdict

The RX 350 might appear pretty aggressive from the outside, but inside, it is quite peaceful and comfortable. There are a plethora of posh materials used throughout the cabin followed by a long list of modern tech and features. Both the front and second-row seats are quite spacious as well. Our only qualm is the practicality, with only half the cargo capacity of its closest rivals, it's truly horrendous for an SUV at this segment and price.

To conclude, the 2022 Lexus RX 350 rides a wave, with a mix of pros and cons so if you're interested in buying one, you'll have to pick your poison.