Lexus RX 350 2017: Interior Design, Features & Review

by Alex Braham 54 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the interior of the 2017 Lexus RX 350. If you're considering buying this luxury SUV or just curious about what it offers, you're in the right place. We'll cover everything from the design and comfort to the tech features and overall feel. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Interior Design and Comfort

When you step inside the 2017 Lexus RX 350, the first thing that grabs your attention is the elegant design. Lexus has always been known for its attention to detail, and the RX 350 is no exception. The cabin is thoughtfully laid out with high-quality materials, giving it a premium feel. The seats are wrapped in soft leather, providing excellent comfort for both short commutes and long road trips. The stitching is precise, and the surfaces are smooth to the touch, enhancing the overall sense of luxury. The dashboard features a clean, modern design with a large infotainment screen that's easy to read. All the controls are logically placed, making it simple to adjust settings without getting distracted while driving. The wood trim adds a touch of warmth and sophistication to the interior, while the metallic accents provide a subtle contrast, creating a balanced and inviting atmosphere. Legroom is ample in both the front and rear seats, ensuring that passengers of all sizes can ride comfortably. The rear seats also recline, adding an extra layer of relaxation for those longer journeys. Additionally, the RX 350 offers plenty of headroom, even for taller individuals. The seats provide excellent support, reducing fatigue on long drives. The driver's seat comes with multiple adjustments, allowing you to find the perfect driving position. Overall, the interior design of the 2017 Lexus RX 350 prioritizes both aesthetics and comfort, making it a pleasant place to spend time.

Key Interior Features

The 2017 Lexus RX 350 is packed with features designed to enhance your driving experience. Let's break down some of the key highlights:

  • Infotainment System: The centerpiece of the dashboard is the 8-inch or 12.3-inch infotainment screen (depending on the trim level). It's controlled by Lexus's Remote Touch Interface, which can take some getting used to, but it offers a wide range of functions. You can access navigation, audio settings, climate control, and more. The system also supports Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to stream music and make hands-free calls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not standard, which is a bit of a letdown, but the integrated Lexus Enform suite offers a variety of connected services.
  • Premium Audio: The standard audio system is good, but the optional Mark Levinson premium sound system is a game-changer. It delivers crystal-clear sound with deep bass and crisp highs, making every drive a concert-like experience. With 15 speakers strategically placed throughout the cabin, the Mark Levinson system creates an immersive soundstage that enhances your enjoyment of music.
  • Climate Control: The dual-zone automatic climate control system ensures that both the driver and passenger can set their preferred temperature. Rear-seat vents help keep everyone comfortable, even on hot days. The system also includes a smog sensor that automatically switches to recirculate mode when it detects pollutants in the air, keeping the cabin fresh and clean.
  • Heated and Ventilated Seats: These are a must-have for anyone living in a climate with extreme temperatures. The heated seats keep you warm in the winter, while the ventilated seats keep you cool and dry in the summer. The level of heating and cooling can be adjusted to your preference, ensuring maximum comfort.
  • Panoramic Sunroof: The optional panoramic sunroof opens up the cabin, letting in plenty of natural light and providing a more airy feel. It's perfect for enjoying scenic drives or simply brightening up your daily commute. The sunroof can be opened partially or fully, allowing you to control the amount of sunlight and fresh air that enters the cabin.

Technology and Convenience

Staying connected and comfortable is easy in the 2017 Lexus RX 350. The SUV comes standard with features like keyless entry, push-button start, and a power liftgate. The optional navigation system offers real-time traffic updates and voice command functionality. The blind-spot monitoring system alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots, while the rear cross-traffic alert system helps you back out of parking spaces safely. The adaptive cruise control system maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, reducing driver fatigue on long highway drives. The lane departure warning system alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane, helping you stay on course. The forward collision warning system detects potential collisions and can automatically apply the brakes to mitigate or prevent an accident. These technologies enhance both convenience and safety, making the RX 350 a well-rounded and practical choice.

Interior Storage and Space

Practicality is key, and the 2017 Lexus RX 350 offers plenty of storage solutions. The center console provides ample space for your phone, wallet, and other essentials. The door pockets are also generously sized, allowing you to store water bottles and maps. The glove compartment is large enough to hold important documents and personal items. In the rear, the cargo area offers 18.4 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up, which is enough for groceries or luggage. When you fold the rear seats down, the cargo space expands to 56.3 cubic feet, providing plenty of room for larger items like sports equipment or furniture. The rear seats can be folded down in a 40/20/40 split, allowing you to carry long items while still accommodating passengers in the rear. The power liftgate makes it easy to load and unload cargo, even when your hands are full. Overall, the RX 350 provides a good balance of passenger space and cargo capacity, making it a practical choice for families and individuals alike.

Potential Downsides

While the 2017 Lexus RX 350 has a lot to offer, there are a few potential downsides to consider. The Remote Touch Interface can be finicky and takes some getting used to. Some users may find it distracting to use while driving. Additionally, the lack of standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a disappointment for those who rely on these smartphone integration systems. The infotainment screen, while large and clear, could benefit from a more intuitive menu structure. The touchpad controller can be overly sensitive, making it difficult to select the desired options on the screen. Some competitors offer more user-friendly infotainment systems with touchscreens that are easier to navigate. Despite these drawbacks, the RX 350's overall interior quality and comfort are still top-notch.

Final Thoughts

The 2017 Lexus RX 350 boasts a luxurious and comfortable interior with plenty of features to keep you connected and entertained. While it may have a few quirks, its overall design, quality, and practicality make it a solid choice in the luxury SUV segment. If you value comfort, refinement, and reliability, the RX 350 is definitely worth considering. The attention to detail in the interior is evident, from the soft leather seats to the elegant wood trim. The spacious cabin provides ample room for passengers and cargo, making it a versatile choice for families and individuals alike. The advanced safety features provide peace of mind, while the premium audio system enhances the driving experience. Despite the minor drawbacks of the infotainment system, the RX 350's overall strengths outweigh its weaknesses. It's a well-rounded and refined SUV that offers a blend of luxury, comfort, and practicality. So, if you're in the market for a luxury SUV, be sure to check out the 2017 Lexus RX 350!