If you're trying to figure out how to change time on Lexus RX 350 2024 models, you've probably noticed that the dashboard looks a whole lot different than it used to. Lexus finally ditched that old touchpad controller—thank goodness—and moved everything into a massive, sleek touchscreen. But while the new "Lexus Interface" is way more intuitive, finding a specific setting like the clock can still feel like a bit of a scavenger hunt when you're just trying to get on the road.
Whether you just drove across a state line, the battery was recently disconnected, or we've hit that annoying time of year where the clocks jump forward or back, getting your time right is a priority. Nobody wants to be doing mental math while they're merging onto the highway. The good news is that once you know where the menu is buried, it only takes about thirty seconds to fix.
Finding the settings menu
The first thing you need to do is make sure your car is actually on. You don't necessarily need to have the engine running if you're in a gas-powered RX 350, but you at least need the accessory power on so the screen is active. If you've got the hybrid, just make sure it's in "Ready" mode.
Look at the left-hand side of your big infotainment screen. You'll see a vertical bar with several icons. You're looking for the one that looks like a small gear or a cogwheel. That's your gateway to everything important in the car's software. Tap that gear icon, and you'll see a list of categories pop up on the screen.
In the 2024 RX 350, the clock settings aren't tucked away in some weird "Clock" app. Instead, they live inside the "General" tab. Usually, this is one of the first options you'll see. Once you tap "General," the "Date & Time" option should be right there near the top of the list.
Adjusting the time automatically
Most people prefer to let the car do the heavy lifting. Since the 2024 Lexus RX 350 is packed with technology, it has a built-in GPS that knows exactly where you are in the world. This is honestly the easiest way to handle the clock.
Inside the Date & Time menu, you'll see a toggle for "Auto Adjust by GPS." If you switch this on, the car will sync with satellite data to determine the correct time zone and the exact time down to the second. This is great because if you drive from New York to Chicago, the car will realize you've crossed into Central Time and update itself without you having to touch a thing.
However, there's a little catch. Sometimes the GPS sync doesn't account for specific local quirks or you might just prefer to have your clock set five minutes fast so you're never late. If that's the case, you'll want to keep that "Auto" toggle off.
Setting the clock manually
If you're a control freak—and I mean that in the best way possible—you might want to set the time yourself. To do this, make sure the "Auto Adjust by GPS" toggle is turned OFF. Once it's off, the time and date fields will stop being grayed out, and you can tap on them to make changes.
When you tap on the time, a digital keypad or a set of arrows will appear. You can just punch in the current time. Don't forget to check the AM/PM setting if you're using the 12-hour format, otherwise, your car might think it's midnight when it's actually noon, which can mess with some of the "Day/Night" display modes on your navigation map.
While you're in there, you'll also see an option for "Time Zone." Even if you aren't using GPS sync, it's a good idea to make sure the car knows which zone it's in. It helps with the overall system logic, especially for connected services and scheduled charging if you happen to be driving the plug-in hybrid version (the RX 450h+, though the interface is the same as the 350).
Dealing with Daylight Savings Time
This is usually the main reason people search for how to change time on Lexus RX 350 2024. Twice a year, we all have to deal with the "spring forward" or "fall back" routine.
In the Date & Time menu, there is a specific toggle labeled "Daylight Savings Time." If your clock is exactly one hour off, this is almost certainly the culprit. Instead of manually changing the hours and minutes, just flip this toggle. It'll jump the clock forward or back an hour instantly. It's much faster than scrolling through the minutes until you hit the right hour.
Choosing your preferred format
Some people love military time, and some find it confusing. The 2024 RX 350 lets you choose. In that same "Date & Time" menu, you'll see a switch for "24-Hour Format."
If you like seeing "14:00" instead of "2:00 PM," flip that switch. It's a small detail, but it's one of those things that makes the car feel more like your own. I personally find the 24-hour clock helpful because it eliminates any "AM/PM" confusion, but it's totally a matter of preference.
Why won't my settings save?
Occasionally, you might run into a situation where you change the time, but the next time you get in the car, it's back to the wrong setting. This is usually related to the Lexus User Profiles.
The 2024 RX 350 is smart—sometimes too smart. It links settings like seat position, radio presets, and even clock preferences to your specific driver profile. If you're changing the time while logged in as a "Guest," or if the car hasn't recognized your key fob or phone as the primary driver, it might revert to whatever the "Default" profile says.
To fix this, make sure you are logged into your Lexus app profile on the screen before you start messing with the settings. You should see your name or initials in the top corner of the screen. If you're logged in, the car will "remember" that you prefer certain settings, including your clock format and GPS sync preferences.
The role of the Lexus App
Another thing to keep in mind is that the 2024 RX 350 is a "connected" car. This means it's constantly talking to the Lexus servers via its built-in data connection. If your car's software is out of date, sometimes the settings can act a little funky.
It's always a good idea to check for Software Updates in the "General" menu every once in a while. If there's an over-the-air update waiting, it might include bug fixes for the infotainment system that could affect how the clock or GPS sync performs.
Quick summary for the road
If you're in a hurry and just need the "too long; didn't read" version, here it is: 1. Tap the Gear Icon on the left side of the screen. 2. Select General from the list. 3. Tap Date & Time. 4. Toggle "Auto Adjust by GPS" to ON for the easiest fix. 5. Toggle "Daylight Savings Time" if you're just off by one hour.
The 2024 Lexus RX 350 is a fantastic piece of machinery, and while the move to a fully digital interface can be a little intimidating at first, it really does make these kinds of adjustments simpler once you get the hang of the layout. You don't have to click through a dozen sub-menus or use a clunky trackpad anymore. Just a few taps on that crisp screen, and you're good to go. Now that your clock is set, you can get back to enjoying that smooth, quiet ride that the RX is famous for!