Lexus IS: Interior Modifications

This article applies to the Lexus IS, ES, GS, and RX (2005-2014).

Tired of staring at the same thing day in and day out? The interior in the Lexus IS is nice enough, but there's always a way to make a nice thing nicer. Luckily, there are many options for upgrading the interior. This guide will give you an idea of ways to enhance the inside of your IS, GS, RX or ES.

LED Lighting

LED lighting brightens up the car's interior while giving it a refreshing modern appearance. VLEDS are a popular brand, although owners can go with less expensive solutions as well. Some IS models may require removing the dome light cover, then twisting the lights in when using wide angle LED dome lights.

Steering Wheel

DIY Cost – $25-$1,000

Professional Cost – $200-$1,200 including parts and labor

Skill Level – Easy for basic simple aftermarket steering wheels; More high-tech wheels will be more difficult to install.

The IS sportive flat bottom steering wheel updates aging interiors. Some leather steering wheels come in convenient wrap for easy installation. More comprehensive installations may require disassembling the steering wheel.

Shift Knobs

DIY Cost – $15-$100

Professional Cost – None

Skill Level – Easy; No skill required.

Interior Trim

DIY Cost – $15-$50 for materials (carbon fiber or 3M DI-NOC)

Professional Cost – $100-$300 including everything

Skill Level – Easy for small upgrades; Moderate to difficult for larger or more advanced upgrades.

Replacing or wrapping the interior trim is a common modification that can change the attitude of the interior. Carbon fiber is a popular choice for its sporty pretensions, while wood grain vinyl wraps are popular with the luxury crowd. Real carbon fiber trim can cost well above $500, so most owners opt for the 3M carbon fiber wrap. It holds up well but doesn't cost as much as the authentic product. It is a good idea to carefully measure the designated interior upgrade areas to accurately determine the necessary amount of material and approximate price.

VIP Tables

DIY Cost – $260-$560

Professional Cost – None

Skill Level – Easy; No skill needed to install.

There's nothing that says VIP quite like a passenger side table. Part of VIP culture is ignoring utility for style, but these tables are one of the exceptions. Typically, they come with beverage holders and a space for cigarettes. Also available are tray-type tables for the rear seats.

(Related Discussion: The Official Show Off Your VIP Table Thread - ClubLexus.com)

Neck Pillows

DIY Cost – $20-$200

Professional Cost – None

Skill Level – Easy; No skill needed to install.

The headrests in cars typically aren't that great for resting heads on. They're developed to protect from whiplash in an accident instead of being comfortable. Neck pillows are an elegant solution to this issue, as they'll support a reclining neck much more comfortably. Of course, there are a wealth of styles and options to chose from.

(Related Discussion: VIP Leather Neck Pillows - ClubLexus.com)

Window Curtains

DIY Cost – $100-$200

Professional Cost – None

Skill Level – Easy; No skill needed to install.

Tint is effective at blocking out the sun, sure, but it's not as effective as a curtain nor are they nearly as classy. In addition to being a staple of VIP culture, curtains do a great job of keeping the interior of a car cool on hot days. Junction Produce are the most popular brand, but the kits from Garson and Belleza are well regarded too.

(Related Discussion: Lexus GS Junction Produce Window Curtain Installation - ClubLexus.com)

Fusa/Tsuna Knots

DIY Cost – $70 to $180

Professional Cost – None

Skill Level – Easy; No skill needed to install.

Any person that's visited a Lexus meet-up sometime in the past decade has probably seen these before. In Japan, Tsuna knots are used at the entrances of Shinto temples to ward off evil spirits. They're supposed to be symbols of a pure and sacred place. Fusa knots are originally from Okinawa and were used as a good luck charm. It's a symbol of abundant harvest, and related to the mystic knot symbol in Buddhism. Both of these symbols are trendy in the JDM-centric world of VIP styling.

Featured Video: Interior Modifications for Lexus

Related Discussions

• IS350 Custom Interior Upgrades - ClubLexus.com
• First Mod: LED Puddle Lights + LED Interior - ClubLexus.com
• Sportive Flat Bottom All Leather Steering Wheel for IS Gen II Models - ClubLexus.com
• LED Puddle Light Modification - ClubLexus.com