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Does the Lexus RX 350 have real leather seats?

The short answer: real leather seats are not standard on the base RX 350, but genuine leather is available on higher trims or as part of optional packages. The exact upholstery options can vary by market and model year.


The question touches on how Lexus outfits the RX 350’s interior across different trims and regions. Over recent model years, Lexus has used a mix of leather and synthetic leather materials, with genuine leather typically reserved for higher trims or optional packages. Market-specific variations mean that the upholstery you’ll see on a showroom or used-car listing may differ depending on where you are and which year you’re looking at.


Upholstery options by trim (general guidance for recent RX 350 models)


Below is a practical snapshot of how seating materials are commonly configured in recent RX 350 configurations. Note that exact offerings can vary by year and market, so check the window sticker or dealer for your specific vehicle.



  • Base RX 350: Typically comes with synthetic leather seating (often branded as SofTex or a similar material) rather than real leather.

  • Higher trims or packages: Genuine leather seating is commonly available or included on top-tier trims or as part of optional packages.

  • Alternative synthetic options: Some markets or model years may use premium synthetic leathers (such as Nuluxe) for certain surfaces, even on trims where leather is available elsewhere.

  • Surface coverage: When real leather is offered, it may cover the seats and sometimes other seating surfaces, depending on the exact trim and package.


In practice, if you want real leather on an RX 350, you should plan to select a higher trim or an option package that explicitly includes leather seating. If you’re shopping across different years or regions, verify the upholstery on the exact vehicle you’re considering by checking the factory window sticker or asking the dealer for the seating materials specified for that build.


What to check when shopping


To ensure you get the upholstery you want, use these steps as a quick guide during the buying process.



  • Ask for the exact upholstery specification (leather, SofTex, Nuluxe) for the seats, not just the trim name.

  • Review the window sticker or the official brochure for your model year and market, which lists materials under the interior section.

  • Inspect the seat surfaces in person to confirm the material and its condition, especially if buying used.

  • In case of a package, confirm that the leather option is included, not just advertised as an available feature.


Verifying these details helps avoid surprises and ensures you get the interior you expect from a Lexus RX 350.


Summary


In summary, the RX 350’s seats are not universally real leather across all trims. Base models typically use synthetic leather, while genuine leather is usually offered on higher trims or via optional packages. Availability varies by model year and regional market, so checking the exact upholstery specification for your desired configuration is essential. If genuine leather is a priority, target a higher trim or confirm a leather-inclusive package when shopping.

Which car brands still use real leather?


Leather Interiors on New Vehicles

  1. Audi (100% Leather) All Audi models have leather interiors as a benefit of owning one of these cars.
  2. Land Rover (100% Leather)
  3. Porsche (100% Leather)
  4. Volvo (98% Leather)
  5. BMW (79% Leather)
  6. Lexus (78% Leather)
  7. Ford (71% Leather)
  8. Chevrolet (70% Leather)



Which Lexus has real leather seats?


WHICH LEXUS MODELS COME IN NULUXE LEATHER? NuLuxe leather is available in almost all Lexus models. If you prefer real leather, you can find it in all F-Sport models and Luxury and Ultra-Luxury models.



Does the Lexus RX 350 have leather seats?


With head-turning color choices and premium materials, including NuLuxe® interior trim, as well as available perforated leather-trimmed interior, the RX 350 offers various color options for the cabin and available trims.



What is the weakness of the Lexus RX 350?


Early Lexus RX 350 releases experienced steering issues, notably power steering fluid leaks from the rack and pinion system. Not only is this a massive safety hazard – it can also be costly to repair.


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Kevin Bennett

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Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.