Lifted 2022 Lexus RX350 On 32”s – An Off-road Build For Light Trails

The Lexus RX350 is a popular SUV that has become synonymous with comfort, luxury and reliability. It’s no wonder why so many people have chosen it as their go-to vehicle for long trips or daily commutes. With its spacious interior, generous cargo space and smooth ride quality, it’s easy to see why this vehicle has been such a hit with drivers all over the world for the last few decades.

From its sleek exterior design, to impressive performance capabilities, there are many reasons why the Lexus RX350 is one of the best-selling models in the segment of premium crossovers. It even comes with AWD and locking central differential, which puts it in pretty-much the same category with Subarus, Rav4s, Cherokee KL and other “offroad-friendly” crossovers. But can it be used for light off-roading equally well if modified accordingly?

 

This idea may have crossed the minds of some, but Jay & Taylor Bamba, from Saint Augustine, Florida were the ones who weren’t afraid to test it out in real life. The fact that they weren’t new to off-roading and Toyota/Lexus 4×4 vehicles has made it possible for the guys to lift and outfit their brand-new 2022 RX350 to play around on some local trails and test its off-road capabilities.

How did you become interested in off-roading?
– The family and I started our adventures back in 2017 with our 2017 Toyota Tacoma. It was lifted with 37’s, and it was something we felt safe in but didn’t have to sacrifice our love of wheeling. We ended up trading it in once we got word that we were expecting a little boy in 2019. To keep within the trend, we chose to build a 2018 Lexus GX460 as our primary and off-road vehicle. We loved this platform so much, that we ended up buying an older GX470 and building that as well (you can find these builds on our family travel IG @glamoingwiththebambas). Soon we started itching for a new platform that was more cost effective on gas, so we opted for the RX. And that’s where this build begins.

Why did you choose a Lexus RX for your project?
– We chose the RX because of its tried and true power house of a motor, its sleek design and comfortable interior. While we keep a 1998 4Runner around to get us through the more advanced trails, we still like to ride on M/T’s and get off the beaten path in comfort should we ever see the itch to off-road. The RX 350 is ideal for those light trails and sandy beaches. It has an AWD drivetrain and a “center diff lock”, which I think is a very understated feature of this vehicle. Not many folks who buy this crossover think to take it anywhere other than the road, given its comforting and sporty ride. But I’m that one guy that hates stock. And I’m definitely the one to try the impossible if there’s an ounce of chance that I can make it work.

“It has an AWD drivetrain and a “center diff lock”, which I think is a very understated feature of this vehicle”.

What inspired you to choose this modification style?
– I chose this because I haven’t seen anyone modify this generating of RX the way I did. What inspired me was the lifted NX mentioned in one of your earlier posts. After seeing what the owner did, I got to researching and sourcing parts.

What challenges did you face while putting it together?
– The most challenging aspect to this build was finding parts from aftermarket dealers. Since no one has done one (at least from what I saw) no one makes any aftermarket parts for the RX. Luckily, the RX shares the same suspension as its sister company, Toyota, specifically the Toyota Highlander. It definitely comes down to what year of RX you have versus what year of highlander parts you have to use. Good thing I had a friend who let me test fit parts so I could find an exact match on that year to use. So do your research if you plan on lifting one of these.

“RX shares the same suspension as its sister company, Toyota, specifically the Toyota Highlander”.

What do you love about your RX?
– I literally love everything about the RX. It’s quickness, comfort and reliability.

Is it your daily or a weekend ride?
– The RX is my wife’s daily driver. I daily drive a 1998 4Runner on 34’s.

Do you take it off road? If so, where and how often?
– Absolutely! The RX isn’t exactly an off-road vehicle but don’t sleep on it’s ability. It’ll hang with the Subis and Rav4’s.

SPECS: Lifted 2022 Lexus RX350 F-Sport Off-road Build

Drivetrain

• 4×4 / 4WD / AWD

Engine specs

• 3.5L v6

Lift height and suspension modifications

•  2” spacer lift for a highlander, from Traxda that dark side motoring help source/sold
  

Wheel specs

• Bora custom wheel adapters(1in. Changed lug pattern from 5×114.7 to 5×127 so we could have more options for off-road wheels)
• Stealth custom series RS10 17×8.5 with a -10 offset
• 32ish inch tires by Yokohama Geolander M/T’s 245/75/17

Exterior mods

•  Will soon be wrapping chrome trim and mounting Ditch lights with ditch light brackets from Rago Fabrication.

What are your future plans about this vehicle?
– We’re gonna roll it the way it is while tweaking some of the outer body details to make it more our style.

Anything else you would like to share about your vehicle or about off-roading in general?
– With the new era of people building platforms no one has ever thought of doing, I stand to think that the RX has a place in this new era and I think it will flourish given the chance. Don’t believe me, just follow our adventures!

Watch the progress and find out more about this Lexus RX350 off road project by visiting the Instagram profile of the owner: @glampingwiththebambas!

Related Parts & Mods

– Inspired by this Lexus RX350 build and looking to prepare your own crossover for off-road adventures? Some parts used on this vehicle were sourced from custom shops or custom made, but our team has put together a list of products and accessories available online that may help you to achieve similar results:

Wheels

• Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 32″s – 245/75R17 (Lift Required)

Roof rack

• Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platform (Universal-fit) – Available in Various Sizes
• Roof Rack Cross Bars for Lexus RX 2016-2022 – Pair with mounting kit

Roof Top Tent

• Thule Tepui Explorer Ayer 2 Rooftop Tent – 2 Person

Awning

• Rhino-Rack Sunseeker 6.6ft 2.0m Awning – Various Sizes are Availabe

LED Lights

• Baja Designs Squadron Sport LED – Yellow Driving/Combo

*Before ordering any part or accessory, it is recommended that you verify its fitment with a qualified professional and/or seller. We are not responsible for fitment or other issues that may arise from using the products featured on our website.

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