2022 Lexus RX 350L

The winter in St. Louis, MO is less than ideal so we chased the sun to Earnhardt Lexus in Phoenix, AZ. Jokes on us because we brought the rain, but I still got a chance to not only tour the 2022 Lexus RX350L, but also drive it! Let me tell you, it is roomy and luxurious. Follow along for a full car tour and review! Is this car family-friendly?

Before we start, make sure to check out my recent car tours:

Lexus RX Car Tour

Exterior

Lexus updated the RX350 in 2016 and she was ahead of her time. The intense front chrome grill was a bit much for me when it came out, but now that a lot of other cars are doing intricate front ends it has aged very well. The two-tone 20” wheels look great with all the chrome accents and chrome roof rails. And even though this is the longer version of the RX350 (the L in RX350L stands for long), it is hardly noticeable from the exterior. 

Interior

Front Row

Jumping into the driver’s seat the first things I notice are how comfortable the seats are, how great the visibility is, and how luxurious it feels compared to its sporty exterior. I am so happy Lexus contrasted the light seats with the dark interior since the beige cave of all light cars can be a bit nerve-wracking considering Cheeto hands will likely be all over everything. I love the big touch screen and that there is also the option to use a trackpad, but, Lexus, we need a digital dash. A Hyundai Palisade has a digital dash. Get with it.

The classic Lexus analog clock and the lux wood steering wheel are super chic. In the center, there is a wireless phone charger and two cup holders. For storage, Lexus has done a pretty good job. The door-side cubby tilts out to fit a cup. The center console is big enough to fit a size 6 diaper at the bottom and has 2 USB chargers. The glove compartment is one of the biggest I’ve seen. Hot tip: don’t keep your registration and owner’s manual in the glove box. Put those in the trunk so you have room for things you actually use, like snacks or a microfiber towel to keep fingerprints off your pretty touch screen. 

Main feature highlights:

• Big Touch Screen

• Wood Steering Wheel

• Wireless Phone Charger

• Two Cup Holders

• USB Chargers

• Large Glove Compartment

Second and Third Row

The second row is on a 40/60 split and offers plenty of knee and head clearance, even for me and I’m about 6 feet tall. A rear-facing car seat has enough room for me in the front seat, but I can’t say the same for the middle seat—it is super compact. I really don’t think three across in-car seats would work here. There are cup holders in the doors and two cupholders in the center armrest. So far all the cup holders are big enough for my big TCM cup. The armrest also has a tiny storage space and 2 USB chargers. One thing I’d love to see that I don’t: sun shades. 

With the extra 5 inches of length in the RX350L, we also get a third row with two seats. I’m not sure how 5 inches translates to a whole other row of seats, but it actually works really well. To access the third row, lift a lever and slide the seat forward. While being compact I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable and how much room the third row offers. Though take note, if there is a rear-facing car seat in the second row there is no way a person could sit behind them. The third row has cup holders and vents on both sides and a cute little climate control. Third-row vents are something to get excited about. Not a lot of 3-row SUVs have them, like the Mazda CX-9. And when the third row is down the vents are fantastic for pets. 

Car Seat Set Up

There are lower anchors on the outboard seats in the second row, tethers all the way across, and one tether in the third row on the driver’s side. Not sure if a car seat would fit back there but in case you are able to get one in the third row you can secure it safely. 

Trunk

I was shocked and pleasantly surprised by the trunk space. Pleasantly surprised because it’s pretty roomy even with the third row up, but appalled because there is more trunk space than the full-size Lexus GX and LX….confusing, but great for RX350L owners who are still hauling strollers around because a single Bob stroller fits just fine. It also has an auto liftgate, with the option to add the kick sensor, as well as an auto fold third row. But grab a snack because it folds down slowwww. 

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My Honest Review

The Lexus 350L measures up as a luxury 3-row compact SUV. It has all the safety features and luxury we expect from Lexus, plus a few pleasant surprises like its roominess. And did you hear me?! There is room in the trunk for a jogging stroller even with the third row up! Go, Lexus! This can definitely be a great option for families wanting a luxury car that doesn’t compromise on safety.

For the full tour, watch this video: