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I'm thinking of going from a SUV 4x4, to an AWD car... how is the Lexus IS250/350 in the snow.. I know it's not the same as an SUV, that stands higher up and nubbier tires...
Need the AWD in upstate NY, where they get 6-12inches per storm, thus needing to know if an AWD Lexus (or any other make) would be competent in snowy driving (yes, I know it's about the driver.. just wanna make certain I don't get stuck like RWD and some FWD tend to lackluster perform in acute snow fall).
I think others can attest to this as well, but it depends on tires. With the stock Bridgestones mine handled about as well as my old Accord, still slid from time to time, more than I would of liked.
I think others can attest to this as well, but it depends on tires. With the stock Bridgestones mine handled about as well as my old Accord, still slid from time to time, more than I would of liked.
Agree! It's all about the tires. Sorry to say this, but the stock Bridgestones are garbage! Do yourself a favor and invest in some good snow/all season tires like Pirelli or Continental. That's what I'm doing next winter. Other than that, car handles superb!
My IS is such a garage queen that it only leaves when it's sunny. The snow gets deep enough around here that I feel like the front dam would get ripped off by an ice chunk.
I drive a RWD IS350 in Montreal with our crappy snow conditions. What's the key to success? Winter tires. Period. AWD won't save you, good tires will.
I always say, unless you drive a lot through mountainous areas, steep hills and unplowed roads (although we get a LOTTT of snow in Montreal, it's a flat city and snow is cleared quickly), you're good with whatever drivetrain you choose, as long as you don't cheapen on tires.
IS AWD very capable in snow with stock All Seasons
The IS with AWD and stock A/S tires has been extremely capable in traction. I never got stuck and I've owned RXs, MDX, CRV, and so on. While everyone was indoors during our 2013 December ice storm, I was out checking the damage not driving around in my RX, but in my IS . Also no issues plowing through several inches of snow up my driveway into my garage and other messy parking situations. The only practical difference with is the 5 inches with the IS vs 7-8 inches of a crossover.
I drive a RWD IS350 in Montreal with our crappy snow conditions. What's the key to success? Winter tires. Period. AWD won't save you, good tires will.
I always say, unless you drive a lot through mountainous areas, steep hills and unplowed roads (although we get a LOTTT of snow in Montreal, it's a flat city and snow is cleared quickly), you're good with whatever drivetrain you choose, as long as you don't cheapen on tires.
Fully agree with Aeromotive, I'm also from Montreal and travel often to Quebec City during winter season; the key is Winter Tires. I have Nokian-Hakkapeliitta and those are the best ones.
06-15-15, 06:47 AM
How is the Lexus IS250/350 in the snow?
IS AWD very capable in snow with stock All Seasons
. Also no issues plowing through several inches of snow up my driveway into my garage and other messy parking situations. The only practical difference with is the 5 inches with the IS vs 7-8 inches of a crossover. 
