MikeW83

When I purchased my AWD NX, my dealer told me it was similar to the setup on Nissan's & Infiniti's - In that the NX will engage the AWD system up until about 20-30mph during initial acceleration, then go to full FWD. Or if the vehicle detects wheel slip.

However across many threads on here, people are stating that it's ONLY FWD unless it detects a slip. So this might be a great opportunity for someone who works for Lexus or is a mechanic to help us get some definitive answers once and for all, and clear up any confusion. Especially now that we're in the heart of winter...

Thanks all.

Mr645

I like the AWD system in my Subaru. A simple, effective mechanical set up. 50/50 split at the center diff sending power front and back, then at the front and rear diff split power left and right. Again 50/50 unless there is slippage and then power goes to the other side. Simple, basic and effective

jim256

I asked the delivery specialist when we picked it up, and he gave the opposite of your dealer: "only works if slip detected." I asked because I had a recent CR-V that did (supposedly--but not documented in the manual) engage on all starts. FWIW, if there is no slippage, what would be the advantage of AWD on all initial starts? Just curious. Engagement is within a very short window when slip is detected, and if you are in a bad spot you could engage the center differential lock. The CR-V had no locking center diff, and in fact in tests with zero front traction, no torque is sent rearward because it would "exceed the torque limits of the rear differential" and the CR-V is motionless. Honda confirmed the behavior.

I have not had occasion to need or experience the NX AWD but would also like to know the definitive answer, too, just for the record.

tresmith00

The advantage of AWD on all initial starts is that power is delivered to all four wheels which helps in off the line acceleration.

The AWD system of the NX is a part time system like many others. It only engages when it detects slippage. Most of the time the car is in FWD mode. And this is why AWD systems have very similar mpg to FWD only systems.

jim256

Thanks, as I expected but not really needed in most typical moderate or in town driving. Even less on a CR-V. I've had Audi Quattros, where the handling appeal was obvious, but at the time they were using a Torsen differential (don't know if they still do), so things were basically engaged even at speed.

Tom59

NX 200t: Dynamic Torque Control AWD

The NX 200t with all-weather drive introduces Dynamic Torque Control AWD to provide maximum traction and cornering stability. The system continuously controls torque transfer between the front and rear wheels, using sensors for vehicle speed, steering angle, steering speed, throttle angle and yaw rate.

To conserve fuel, the system uses front-wheel drive during normal cruising. When required, it automatically engages AWD through an electromagnetically controlled coupling in the rear differential housing, directing up to 50 percent of available torque to the rear wheels. When the driver makes too wide of a turn, the Dynamic Torque Control AWD helps bring the vehicle back to the intended drive line.

coolsaber

Heres the lowdown,:

Real Word: Its FWD at all times, even at starts. UNLESSS

The system detects exceptional differences between vehicle wheel speeds aka slip.

So for instance, front axle is spinning at 20 mph, while the rear wheels are 0. SLIP

During startups, unless you are mashing the throttle on startups, its FWD.

This system is a active system, where it remain dormant untill needed.

The only true way to activate the system manually, is to "lock" the system with the button. Thats basically false since, the system still maintains control of whether thats needed or not.

Dynamic Torque control is kind of a grey area. One might think that this is similar to torque vectoring, but I dont think it is, as its saying front and rear wheel rather then left to right.

Again for most tasks this is system is ok. Heavy snow, mud etc (which i doubt only a small minority only cares about) you need better tires, and then if not a GX or similar

corradoMR2

+1 to Tom59 and coolsaber's posts. Nothing more to add.

Tom59

There a real cool video of the NX off road it more impressive than people think. I'll see if I can dig it up.

coolsaber

Try the engineering explained channel has a couple. Those trails were really soft, and some of the other videos showcase (there a russian channel that goes ham) however the issue with these "reviews" are basically easy trails or carrying alot of momentum into a trail.

Realistically these cars will get stuck if you attempt it as normal DD speeds.

MikeW83

Great feedback all, thank you!


I found this video on YouTube. It's from Toyota, explaining the AWD system in the Rav4 (Which is pretty much identical to our AWD setup) and the Highlander, Sienna, and Venza.
Basically yes, it's always FWD, UNLESS it detects a slip, OR you're pulling off the line fast. It anticipates that you're going to slip doing that, so it sends up to 50/50 to F/R.

jim256

MikeW83: Thanks for finding that. Good info, clarifies it all. The new points for me were that the RAV4 in Sport always sends 10% to the rear, and that in any hard cornering it also sends up to 50% rearward (even without slip), so I expect the NX is the same. Engaging rear traction on hard acceleration "in anticipation" also clarifies our initial question to our sales reps.

john0814

I've experienced AWD kicks only once on a hill road in Austin. I purposely step down hard on the gas at the beginning of climbing and suddenly feel some push from the back. That was a happy moment. However it never happened again back in Houston............

MikeW83

Jim, anytime! My pleasure...

John, I hear what you're saying! Being in the flat Midwest, I can't recall a single time that I've had the NX where I was 100% certain the AWD was engaged. Mild snowfalls this winter and flat roads help prevent that. Perhaps I'll find some hills this weekend and test mine out

gobyli

I always wonder if it's possible to remove the viscous coupling and the clutch pack for this AWD system and get drive shaft and centre diff directly connected to the rear, that way you'd have a real full time 50:50 torque split
it's really a shame that the NX is mostly just FWD, look at all the praises Macan's getting for it's better handling from their AWD system