BertL

No, we're talking about the "secret space" that is deep down under the bottom of the normal console box area that has the little tray on the top that slides back and forth, that's bottom is close to the real truck's floor level and you can shove most of your arm down and up towards the front of the truck under where the controller is on top. (That's the real space where the manuals can be stored -- interesting to me because if you fiddle with their orientation, they just fit, including the Nav manual. Made me feel like some Lexus Engineer really did design the space specifically for that purpose.)

kitlz

Lexus designed the space in the cavernous middle console to store the manuals. It's mentioned in the manual. Now I haven't checked if it changed on the '13. But I keep mine in the house to save a few MPGs since they weigh so much

kryten

Me too! I am sure I'll find something to put in that space though,

BertL

OK folks, here is a pictorial guide how to access all of the secret space inside my 2013 RX450h. I must believe it's the same in a 2013 RX350 and your 2013 RX450h as well . Pictures are not super bright -- just didn't want to break out all my strobes trying to put any final confusion to rest. Also, I have put a 12" Architect Scale in for dimensional reference. The 5 Steps below correspond to the 5 pictures below the text.

Step 1 -- Open console box lid. What do you find? A tray (just the right size for your iPod or iPhone) and what I'll term "the normal console space" below it.

Step 2 -- Remove the tray. You'll now see the false bottom in the "normal console space", with a tab on the driver's side. Pull it up and flip the cover up towards the passenger side.

Step 3 -- You have now revealed the first part of the secret space.

Step 4 -- Now, locate the next door that is towards the front of the "normal console space" on the driver's side of the USB port. Flip it back towards the driver, to access all of the larger secret area.

Step 5 -- Voila! A much larger area that goes underneath where the remote controller is (it's longer front-to-back than the 12" architect scale used in these photos.) The front area is perfect to vertically store your owner's manual in it's leather case -- it's tight, but fits just fine. Close the little door from Step #4, put your Nav manual and whatever else there. Close the false bottom of the "normal console space" that you opened in Step 2, and you're set to load THE "console space" up again.

Enjoy.

Bayman

You let the cat outta the bag! We can't call it a "secret" compartment anymore. Good pictorial write-up!

FamilyRX

Beat me to it.

CanadianRX

The biggest beef I have with my 2013 is that they didn't put felt in the secret area. Gotta trade my car in its unacceptable.

deilenberg

So apparently they made it more difficult to get to that space on the '13..

On the earlier RX (10,11,12) you simply lift out the upper trays (there are two of them, one iPod sized and one small size one) then you lift out the big bin (there are thumb holes in it to lift it) and the entire area is revealed, complete with the USB/Aux/lighter ports. I'm guessing they did away with the lift out big bin so it was easier for the salesman to point out the accessory ports..

The manuals and much else could easily fit in the space under the big bin.

GoGiantsNJ

Thanks deilenberg. I have all the manuals taking up most of the space in the glove compartment.I didn't realize how deep the center console really is. Well I now have a better spot for the manuals.

Sfcyclist

I haven't been back to this forum for a while and it's great to come back and find something new!

cflutist

Thank you so much, I found it.

Cheryl

2014 RX 450h AWD

raylor4

Hilarious! Thanks!
Ray A.

oohpapi44

iTrader: (1)

And this is why I came into this thread. This is the answer I was looking for. There is a 'noise' I get that sounds like something is rolling whenever I take a sharp corner and been searching for it ever since I picked up the truck in Aug. BEEN DRIVING ME FRIGGIN INSANE.... Sounds like a bolt or screw rolling back and forth. Now I have one more place to check. If this storage space is empty, I think I'm going to drive to a border crossing, act nervous so they can x-ray the vehicle and find the 'anomaly' lol.

PeteInGilr

Funny...on my '09 ES350 I had the exact same noise. Sounded like a bolt moving during turns. Turns out my wife put some sunglasses in the center upper storage compartment and while negotiating turns they would slide left and right. Cause=the compartment wasn't felt lined. Took the service department to figure that one out.

Now my '14 doesn't even have that storage compartment.

oohpapi44

iTrader: (1)

I'm back at square one. Compartment was completely empty (not anymore since they manuals have been deposited there). So the search for the 'roller' continues.