As with most luxury SUVs, body style and seating arrangements are designed more for aesthetics than utility—the Lexus RS 350 is no different. Nonetheless, it is still possible to remove the second-row seats and create some additional space.

Fortunately, we're here to help you navigate this tricky removal process. Our step-by-step guide will give you proper instructions, some safety tips, and the secret to saving hundreds on your

Lexus RX 350 insurance costs

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How to find cheap car insurance

Can you remove the second-row seats from a Lexus RX 350?

Yes, you can remove the second-row seats from your Lexus RX 350, but it does require some deconstruction. To ensure a smooth process, here are some safety tips and prep work you should consider before removing the second-row seats:

Double-check your airbags. Part of removing the second-row seats is disconnecting the yellow power cable that enables side airbag activation. While this seat sensor is unplugged, there is a chance your side airbags might not function properly in a collision. Never let anyone sit in the back row while the seats are removed—not only is it dangerous, but it’s also illegal.

Consider adding a tarp to the floor. Once you remove the bolts holding down the seat, you’ll expose the metal brackets underneath. Try adding a tarp, rug, or floor cover to the car to prevent injuries (and make the cabin look a bit more appealing!).

Don’t lose the bolts! Removing the second-row seats requires you to detach some plastic coverings and unscrew some bolts, so store these in a safe place until you reinstall your seats.

Considering the amount of work that goes into removing the second-row seats on a Lexus RX 350, it’s better just to fold down your rear seats (more on that later). But, if you’re in dire need of open cargo space, follow these instructions on second-row seat removal.

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How to remove the second-row seats from a Lexus RX 350

Here are the most common instructions for removing the second-row seats from a Lexus RX 350:

Locate the bolts underneath the seat. There should be four bolts that anchor the seats to the vehicle's floor—a plastic trim will be concealing them.

Pop the plastic trim off the bolts. You should be able to easily remove these with your hands, but feel free to use a flathead screwdriver if you need some extra assistance.

Remove the bolts. You will need a 14mm or 10mm wrench to remove the bolts. Slide the seat forward or backward for easier access.

Unclip the yellow airbag sensor. The seat is interconnected with the vehicle's airbag sensing technology, so you’ll have to unplug it before removing the seat.

Lift the seats out. And voila! You’ve now added a surplus of extra cargo space in your Lexus RX 350.

As mentioned earlier, these are the most common instructions—different model years and trim levels may tweak the process just a little.

Some will use a more efficient clip system, where all you have to do is release the metal clips with a screwdriver. Others will only have bolts on the front half of the seat, while the seat’s rear is simply hinged in place. Even though the process might be slightly different, you should have all the information for successful removal.

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How do you put the back seats down in a Lexus RX 350?

Need a little extra space in your Lexus RX 350 but don’t want to go through the hassle of removing the seats? Well, lucky for you, folding down your seats is a much easier solution.

Some models will have a remote control located in the rear cargo area so that you can automatically fold down the second-row seats. But if your model has manual seats, here’s what you need to do:

Move headrests to the lowest position (this is required for automatic as well)

Pull the seat back adjustment lever to fold the seats down

Move seats forward and backward to create space as needed

Check out

this short guide

from the Lexus owner’s manual for detailed instructions with pictures.

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How to find affordable Lexus insurance

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