I'll likely never change a flat myself but if I have to, I'll prefer having the spare INSIDE.

 

 

Spare inside - Pro: stays clean, tough to steal
Con: must empty cargo to access, dirty flat goes back in there, not all models have room for full size
Spare under - Pro: room for a full size/full duty spare, leaves room inside for 3rd row of seats
Con: seen a lot of them missing

 

Welcome to CL, Ourrx450h. I made the thread into a poll to help see everyone's preference. I've had both. My choice is inside. I also want to avoid a dirty tire. The 2RX had it outside except the way to lower it is under the cargo floor. The tools, near the back of the rear seats. You might as well have the spare inside.

 

No dirty and/or wet and/or frozen tire (could be difficult to let free if there is ice built-up).
I prefer to have a temporary smaller tire than have a full size bellow. But still a full size inside would be nice too, but it affect the gas tank capacity.

 

I have had the undercar spare on my Grand Caravans and Explorers. The spare tire mechanism rusts and seems like it never went back into place exactly like you removed it. I prefer the trunk mounted spare for sure.

 

Just get some these plastic bag for a tire, and keep it with spare. Almost all tire shop has it, and they usually give you one or two.

 

 

In 20 years of RX's, I can't even believe I'm going to say this, I can't ever remember having to change a tire! "I am knocking on wood right now." That being said, I prefer the donut spare inside. If for nothing else, it makes it easier to check the air of the spare. On cars with the spare underneath, they often have the valve facing up, making it almost impossible to check the air unless you buy a flexible valve extension.

 

I prefer inside because, I was one that did change a tire in the pouring rain in nowhere land on I-95. AAA said 3hrs or more to help, and the tire was difficult to get out (stuck of course). Being on the side of the road on a major interstate in the rain with trucks bringing a blinding mist of water your way @70mph. 3 to 4hrs with family in the car changing the tire myself was the safest choice for me at that time.

After replacing the tire it was low in pressure, but enough to get me to a gas station. For those who choose to remove their spare tire. Hopefully you have a good plan B for blowouts.

For those who my ask was my car serviced. Yes, always serviced at the dealership I just hit something lying on the road. Obviously checking the spare wasn't a part of their multi-point service.

To be fair this wasn't a Lexus I had the blow-out with.

 

You have to ask to have them check the air in the spare.