Iluvlexus

I have a 2006 RX 400h AWD. I was recently on a highway trip and was playing around with Navi screen and started watching the Energy Monitor. I noted that the rear motor never provided power to the wheels regardless of how aggressively I accelerated but always returned charging current to the battery when I braked. Is this normal? When does that motor provide power to the rear wheels?

Thaks
Scott

petterf

Rear motor kicks in low speeds, when you accelerate from stand still and if it's needed to for stability control.

jtaylor3

I've seen the same thing with my 2008 RX400h. The only time I ever see the rear motor active is at low speeds and when starting out from a stop.

Jeff

ColdLexus

The RX is primarily a FWD, and the hybrid is a FWD with motor assist for AWD.
The rear motor should stay disengaged from driving the wheels at most rolling speeds, collect energy on deceleration, and engage at low speeds as necessary.
There is no mechanical connection between the front and rear axles as in the non-hybrid RXs.

Iluvlexus

Thanks to all for the information. That is indeed how my energy monitor showed my rear motor to work. Does the hybrid version offer any advantage over a pure FWD in snow?

Fast5

On my 2008 RXh, the rear electric motor kicks in when I accelerate hard either from standstill or during rolling. It does not kick in during low speed.

ColdLexus

I have found the hybrid to be better in the snow than the FWD.
My BIL has an AWD RX350 and we compared cars one snowy day.
Virtually the same traction and great in the snow.

jtaylor3

That's great to hear, as I was getting a bit worried. After purchasing my 08 RX400h, I was reading a few reviews that claimed the RX400h wasn't very good in the snow.

That was the whole reason I went the sport ute route rather than going with a fwd sedan.

Jeff
08 RX400h

rcy

The rear motor also kicks in during cornering at low speeds