The Amazing 2021 Lexus RX 350 Interior: A Refined Experience

The 2021 Lexus RX 350 is a luxury crossover that comes packed with features, especially when it comes to the interior. With its comfortable cabin, high-quality materials, and tech-savvy elements, this SUV offers one of the most refined interiors in its class. However, as with every vehicle, the RX 350 has its quirks and limitations. Let's dive into the interior details, providing a full look at the strengths and weaknesses that make this Lexus so unique.

A Glance at the 2021 Lexus RX 350

The Lexus RX 350 has been one of the best-selling luxury SUVs for years and it's not hard to see why. Its sleek design, reliable performance, and most importantly, the luxurious interior make it a top choice for anyone seeking a high-end driving experience.

Comfortable Cabin Design: What’s Inside?

Stepping into the 2021 Lexus RX 350 is like walking into a luxury lounge. The cabin is meticulously designed to focus on comfort and premium quality. Here’s what stands out:

Elegant Material Choices

The RX 350’s cabin is crafted with top-notch materials and attention to detail that is simply hard to ignore. Lexus uses a mix of soft-touch plastics, high-grade leather, and genuine wood trim for an elegant yet functional interior.

• Leather Upholstery: The available NuLuxe synthetic leather is standard, while premium leather is an option for those looking to elevate the luxury feel. It's soft to touch and feels premium, giving passengers an inviting environment to settle into.

• Wood & Metal Trim: The available Matte Walnut, Gray Sapele Wood, and Aluminum Trim options further enhance the aesthetics. These materials are not only visually pleasing but add to the overall tactile experience of the interior.

• Color Options: Buyers can choose from a range of color palettes for the interior, including Black, Birch, Parchment, and more.

However, some drivers might find the synthetic leather not as high-end as real leather. While it looks and feels nice, those expecting true premium leather from the base model might be slightly disappointed.

Seating Comfort and Space

Luxurious Seating Experience

The seats in the RX 350 are among the best in its class. Lexus focuses on providing supportive and comfortable seating for long drives and short commutes alike.

• Front Seats: The front seats are 8-way power-adjustable and offer both heating and ventilation options. You can easily adjust your seat for optimal comfort, and the lumbar support keeps the driver feeling relaxed during long trips.

• Rear Seats: The rear bench seats recline and are extremely plush, making for a comfortable ride for back-seat passengers. The amount of legroom and headroom is satisfactory for most adults, though taller passengers might find the headspace a bit tight due to the sloping roofline.

• Third Row? Not in the Standard RX 350: If you're considering a third row, you’ll need to opt for the RX 350L, which extends the body slightly to fit an extra set of seats. But beware – these seats are not as roomy as you’d expect. They are more suitable for children than adults.

Alex Collantes, a proud RX 350 owner, says, “The seats feel like they mold to your body. It's the perfect place to sit for long road trips. But I gotta admit, the back seats can feel a bit tight if you’re carrying tall friends around.”

Cargo Space and Storage

While the RX 350 impresses with its comfort, the cargo space leaves some room for improvement.

• Standard Cargo Space: With the rear seats up, the RX 350 offers around 16 cubic feet of cargo room. This isn’t the largest in its class but folding down the rear seats expands that to a more usable 32.7 cubic feet.

• Underfloor Storage: The underfloor compartment is a great spot for stashing smaller items, keeping the cabin neat and organized.

• Not the Best for Large Cargo: If you’re looking to haul larger items regularly, you might find the cargo capacity somewhat limiting compared to rivals like the Acura MDX or the BMW X5.

Tech and Infotainment: Advanced Yet Quirky

The 2021 Lexus RX 350 features a modern and tech-forward interior that caters to the needs of today’s drivers. However, it’s not without its quirks, especially when it comes to the infotainment system.

Infotainment System and Display

Standard Touchscreen and Control Pad

The RX 350 comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, but buyers have the option to upgrade to a 12.3-inch display.

• Touchscreen Capability: The newer models have added touchscreen functionality, which is a huge improvement over the previous Remote Touch Interface that required a touchpad controller on the center console.

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: The vehicle comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility, which is a welcome addition for smartphone users who want easy access to their favorite apps.

• Navigation System: The optional navigation system is crisp and clear, with 3D mapping for better route guidance.

Drawbacks of the Tech System

While the tech upgrades are notable, the touchpad controller can still be somewhat challenging to use. Even with the touchscreen, the user interface feels a little dated and not as intuitive as some competitors.

Collantes shares, “I love the features and the big screen but using that touchpad while driving can be a bit distracting. I wish they had simplified it, maybe like how Audi uses their scroll wheel.”

Audio System: Premium Sounds

The 2021 RX 350 comes standard with a 9-speaker sound system, but for audiophiles, there is an available 15-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound System. It provides a rich and immersive audio experience that complements the luxurious atmosphere inside.

Luxurious Interior Features: More Than Just Comfort

Ambient Lighting and Details

The ambient lighting within the RX 350 adds a calming vibe to the cabin. The lights are subtle yet effective and run throughout the dashboard and door panels.

Dual-Zone Climate Control

With dual-zone climate control, both the driver and front passenger can set their preferred temperatures. There is also a rear climate control feature for back passengers, ensuring everyone remains comfortable no matter where they're seated.

Advanced Safety Tech and Interior Assistance

The 2021 Lexus RX 350 doesn’t just offer comfort and luxury; it’s also designed to keep you safe.

Lexus Safety System+ 2.0

Lexus equips the RX 350 with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which includes:

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
• Lane Tracing Assist
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Road Sign Assist

This safety suite is standard and works seamlessly to provide drivers with extra peace of mind on the road.

Blind-Spot Monitoring and Parking Assist

The RX 350 offers blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, as well as a 360-degree camera system for parking assist. This makes maneuvering in tight spaces a breeze, but it can sometimes feel overly sensitive with its alerts, especially in crowded urban environments.

Drawbacks and Considerations: Balancing Pros and Cons

While the 2021 Lexus RX 350 provides a top-tier luxury experience, it’s important to note a few areas where it could improve:

• Limited Cargo Space: As mentioned earlier, the cargo area is not the most spacious in its class.

• Touchpad Controller: Despite the upgraded touchscreen, the touchpad controller remains a bit cumbersome for many drivers.

• Headroom in the Rear Seats: Due to the sloping roofline design, taller passengers may find the back seat headroom somewhat limited.

• Price Tag: The starting MSRP for the RX 350 sits around $45,000, and once you start adding options, the price can quickly escalate to over $50,000.

Final Thoughts on the 2021 Lexus RX 350 Interior

The 2021 Lexus RX 350 interior truly embodies luxury and comfort. With its upscale materials, well-crafted seats, and advanced tech features, it provides an excellent environment for both the driver and passengers. Although there are a few drawbacks such as the touchpad interface and limited cargo space, these shortcomings are minor compared to the overall quality and luxury that the RX 350 offers.

Collantes sums it up well, saying, “If you're after comfort, style, and reliability in an SUV, the RX 350 checks almost all the boxes. Yeah, there are some small issues here and there, but the good far outweighs the bad. I love my RX 350.”

References

1. Lexus.com - Official RX 350 Specifications
2. Consumer Reports - 2021 Lexus RX Review
3. Car and Driver - 2021 Lexus RX Interior Features

This review is meant to offer an honest and in-depth look at the interior of the 2021 Lexus RX 350, from a luxury automotive perspective. Whether you're an avid Lexus enthusiast or considering a luxury crossover, the RX 350’s interior is bound to leave a lasting impression.