2020 Lexus RX 350 Interior: An Elegant Comfort Haven
The 2020 Lexus RX 350 interior brings a luxurious experience with a mix of high-quality materials, sophisticated design, and attention to detail that enhances comfort and style. Lexus is known for its premium craftsmanship, and the RX 350 is a prime example of their commitment to offering a refined driving environment. While there are plenty of highlights in this SUV's cabin, it's also important to dive into both the pros and cons. Let's explore every corner of the RX 350's interior to give you a full understanding of what makes it stand out in its class.
Design and Aesthetics
The design of the 2020 RX 350’s interior is visually appealing, focusing on elegance while maintaining functionality. This luxury SUV offers a mix of wood and metal accents throughout the cabin, adding to its upscale feel. The sweeping lines across the dashboard and doors give it a modern edge without feeling over-the-top or overly flashy.
Seating and Comfort
One of the RX 350's biggest strengths is its comfortable seating. The SUV offers soft leather upholstery that wraps around supportive, well-cushioned seats, making long drives a pleasure. The front seats are 10-way power-adjustable with available heating and ventilation, ensuring that the driver and front passenger can find their perfect position. In higher trims, you can get semi-aniline leather-trimmed seats that further elevate the luxury.
Rear passengers aren't forgotten either, with plenty of legroom and reclining capabilities for added comfort. However, the sloping roofline does eat into headroom for taller passengers in the back. This might not be a major issue for families with younger kids but could be a drawback for adult passengers on long road trips.
Pros:
- Soft leather upholstery across all trims.
- Supportive and well-cushioned seats make long drives enjoyable.
- Front seats are 10-way power-adjustable, with heating and ventilation options.
Cons:
- Sloping roofline reduces headroom for taller rear passengers.
- No massage function available, which is becoming common in this segment.
Cabin Space and Storage
The RX 350 offers a fair amount of space for both passengers and cargo. The cabin feels roomy, especially for the front passengers who have a lot of leg and shoulder room. For storage, there are several cubbies and pockets throughout the cabin, making it easy to store smaller items like phones, wallets, and keys. The center console bin is quite spacious, and the door pockets are adequately sized for water bottles or other small items.
The trunk space is also commendable, with 18.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 56.3 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. While this is adequate for most shopping trips and luggage needs, some competitors like the Acura MDX offer more cargo space, which might be a consideration for those frequently hauling larger items.
Pros:
- Ample storage space throughout the cabin.
- Spacious center console bin and door pockets.
- Easy-to-fold rear seats for added cargo room.
Cons:
- Limited trunk space compared to some competitors.
Technology and Infotainment
The RX 350 is packed with a range of technology features aimed at enhancing convenience and entertainment. One of the standout features is the 12.3-inch touchscreen display available on the higher trims, which is crisp and easy to read. It also houses navigation, audio controls, and phone connectivity options.
However, one notable downside is the Remote Touch Interface that controls the infotainment system. This trackpad-like controller, located on the center console, can be difficult to use while driving, as it requires quite a bit of precision to select functions accurately. This has been a common point of criticism among Lexus owners, who prefer the more traditional touchscreen controls found in competitors’ vehicles.
“While the RX 350 offers a beautifully designed cabin, the Remote Touch Interface can be a bit frustrating. It’s not as intuitive as I’d like it to be, especially when you’re on the move,” says Alex Collantes, an automotive enthusiast and Lexus owner.
Standard and Optional Features
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard in the 2020 model, finally catching up with most rivals in the market.
- Mark Levinson premium surround sound system is available as an option and provides exceptional audio quality for music lovers.
- Available head-up display (HUD) that projects vital driving information onto the windshield.
Pros:
- High-quality 12.3-inch touchscreen display.
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
- Mark Levinson audio system delivers outstanding sound quality.
Cons:
- Remote Touch Interface is not user-friendly and takes time to get used to.
Build Quality and Materials
Lexus doesn’t skimp when it comes to materials. The cabin of the RX 350 feels solid, with a mix of soft-touch plastics, leather, and available Matte Bamboo or Gray Sapele wood trims, which add a unique character to the interior. The build quality is what you’d expect from a luxury brand—there are no squeaks or rattles, and everything is tightly put together.
That said, the lower parts of the dashboard and doors are made of harder plastics, which stand out against the otherwise upscale materials. While this isn’t a dealbreaker, it’s something to be aware of, as some competitors like the Audi Q5 use soft-touch materials throughout.
Pros:
- Soft-touch materials dominate most of the cabin.
- Optional wood trim adds a unique touch to the interior.
- Excellent overall build quality.
Cons:
- Some hard plastics in the lower parts of the cabin.
Climate Control and Cabin Noise
The RX 350 does a great job of keeping its occupants comfortable, thanks in part to its dual-zone automatic climate control system. It’s quick to respond and easy to use, with clearly marked knobs and buttons. In the F Sport trim, you get added features like heated and ventilated front seats as standard, which can be a boon during extreme weather conditions.
In terms of cabin noise, the RX 350 is exceptionally quiet. Acoustic glass and sound-dampening materials keep road and wind noise to a minimum, even at higher speeds. This makes the RX 350 an ideal companion for long journeys, where comfort and tranquility are a priority.
Pros:
- Efficient and easy-to-use climate control system.
- Very quiet cabin, even at highway speeds.
- Heated and ventilated front seats available.
Cons:
- Some competitors offer a tri-zone climate control system for added convenience.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Safety is a top priority for Lexus, and the 2020 RX 350 comes with a suite of driver assistance features under the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0. This includes:
- Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
- Lane departure alert with steering assist
- Lane tracing assist
- All-speed dynamic radar cruise control
Additionally, features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and intelligent high beams are available. The 360-degree camera system is a helpful addition for those looking to enhance their parking capabilities.
Pros:
- Comprehensive safety features with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0.
- Available 360-degree camera system for added convenience.
- Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
Cons:
- Some of the driver assistance features are not as advanced as those found in German competitors.
Interior Ambient Lighting and Personalization
One of the smaller yet noteworthy features is the ambient lighting throughout the cabin. The RX 350 offers subtle lighting around the door handles and floor area, which not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also adds a cozy touch to nighttime driving.
Furthermore, Lexus offers a range of customization options for the RX 350's interior. Customers can choose between several leather upholstery colors like Parchment, Black, Noble Brown, and Stratus Gray to match their personal style.
Pros:
- Ambient lighting creates a cozy atmosphere.
- Multiple interior customization options for upholstery colors.
Cons:
- Ambient lighting isn’t as extensive or customizable as in some luxury competitors.
Final Thoughts on the 2020 Lexus RX 350 Interior
The 2020 Lexus RX 350 offers a well-crafted, luxurious interior that prioritizes comfort, convenience, and a serene driving experience. While there are some drawbacks, such as the sometimes frustrating Remote Touch Interface and limited rear headroom, these are outweighed by the RX 350’s high-quality materials, comfortable seating, and extensive range of features.
For those in the market for a luxury SUV with a smooth ride and an upscale cabin, the RX 350 is certainly worth considering. As Alex Collantes puts it, “The RX 350 is like driving in your own little bubble of comfort. It’s not perfect, but for what it offers, it’s hard to beat in terms of luxury and reliability.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the 2020 Lexus RX 350 have leather seats?
A: Yes, the RX 350 comes standard with synthetic leather upholstery (NuLuxe), while higher trims offer genuine leather.
Q: Is there a third-row option for the RX 350?
A: Yes, the RX 350L model offers a third-row seat for those who need extra passenger capacity, though it can feel a bit cramped for adults.
Q: How does the RX 350’s interior compare to the Acura MDX?
A: While the RX 350 offers a more luxurious feel, the Acura MDX has more cargo space and a more responsive infotainment system.
References
- Lexus Official Website - www.lexus.com
- Edmunds - 2020 Lexus RX 350 Review
- Car and Driver - 2020 Lexus RX 350 Overview
- MotorTrend - 2020 Lexus RX 350 Specs and Features
This article aims to provide an in-depth review of the 2020 Lexus RX 350 interior, highlighting its comfort, technology, safety, and potential drawbacks to assist readers in making an informed purchasing decision. Whether you’re a luxury SUV enthusiast or someone just starting their search, the RX 350 stands out for its attention to detail and emphasis on passenger comfort.