clemgrad85

I sold my '08 LS back in March and moved into the '12 AWD LS. Most of my driving thus far had been limited to mainly local driving with occasional drives on a highway here and there. This past week I had my first chance to drive the '12 LS getting some real highway miles.

I knew I wouldn't be disappointed with the drive and comfort of the LS, but was anxious to see about the mileage of the AWD vs my previous non AWD '08. My '08 would consistently get 29-30 mpg on the highway and after 2 days of highway driving in the '12, I was surprised at getting only about 26.5 mpg. Lexus did tell me to expect a drop off in mileage with the AWD, but has anyone experienced that big a difference between non and AWD models? While I wouldn't think 26.5 is horrible for a car like this, and still exceeded what the car was rated for, I'm just curious if this is normal for AWD. By the way, not a speedster on the highway and kept it around 74-76 and I also kept it in the ECO mode. I was on Highway 95 and the cops were all over the place, so not a good time to try and evade them anyway. Besides, I have not replaced my Passport SRX that was sold with the '08 car.

I will say that the Radar Cruise control was WAY cool! That was my first experience with that gadget and it was quite impressive.

Back to the built in Passport, has anyone had experience with the Passport 8500ci? Not the PLUS, but just the 8500ci? I hated being on the highway without at least knowing where them thar cops were, even if I wasn't necessarily speeding. I do like the built in and out of view radar vs the windshield mounted set up. If anyone has had experience with the 8500ci would appreciate the info. Thanks.

Also, despite the drop off in mileage, I don't regret the move from the 08 to the 12. A friend of mine bought my 08 and he loves it and I think he is now hooked on Lexus. My wife was saying the other night that she definitely thinks the 12 is quieter than the 08 and I have to agree with her on that. And the acceleration in the Power Mode is crazy good. Overall, just an awesome car and ride.

LXurious

AWD does get less mileage and less power though with the HP boost on the new models that may not be much of a difference. What you're getting is as expected with any vehicle power is now going to 4 wheels instead of 2. My 600 is a hybrid AWD and I only get 23-24 on a good day. Though city MPGs is where hybrids shine anyways.

clemgrad85

I was really hoping the biggest mileage difference would have been around town with the AWD. I've been getting about 16.5 - 17 around town. My 08 routinely did 18, so not a huge difference. However, when I got about 3 mpg lower on the highway, I was a bit disappointed. With that said, even with the lower mileage, totally happy with the 2012 model and no regrets. Of course, if the gas prices continue to move up, might think differently!

lexgolf

My '12 RWD routinely goes 20 MPG in City, and ~28 MPG on highways. I do have a leadfoot!