RX330inFL

Which can be a bit misleading. When it does rain the roads can get greasy from the asphalt, oils and other fluids that have been building up between rains.

Here is a sales/tech video for Subaru. Note the Highlander footage. Believe the system in that is similar to the one found in earlier RX330, however, not sure about the newer RX350's.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OzK-oRPCbs

Not saying get a Subaru. Just that for the extra dollars I do not think the Lexus/Toyota AWD system being used in the RX is near the top of the pack. I want my AWD system to be predictable and without all the nanny electronics getting in the way. And, give me a center locking differential if possible.

FWD with traction control and stability control should be enough for most unless snow deeper than a few inches is involved, IMHO.

hypervish

All of those video's are fake, I haven't see one non bias video ever. And, I don't expect to see one anytime soon. Most of those systems are rigged.

RX330inFL

Possibly. Pointed out it was a sales video. Like statistics, you can make them say anything.

Still, I have driven 4WD and AWD systems from a number of manufacturers. Was not impressed with the AWD system in the RX. From Toyota, in trucks I preferred the 4WD and AWD systems in the 4Runners and Tacoma pickups from years past along with the incredible system in the Land Cruisers and LX series. For cars I liked the Celica All-Trac system.

diverchris

I live in Canada and if I had the choice I would get FWD over AWD and here are a few of my reasons:
1. less money on repairs- I would not have to gear fluids for AWD, just one diff in FWD
2. Rear wheel bearings seem to go on AWD vehicles at the 100k mile mark and its a costly repair
3. fuel savings
Just my two cents

sat22

I've just bought an 08 FWD RX350 and I live in Toronto and was wondering what to expect for this winter. To make things worse, my car came in with 18'' aftermarket chrome plated MSR allow aluminum low profile wheels with Pirelli P6+ All Season tires ! Obviously steel rims would be a better options for winter but the dealer advised me that I can get away with the chrome wheels as long as they are washed and cleaned on a regular basis.

I came across this interesting post from a Canadian owner...I want to hear from all the FWD owners in snowy areas ! Hoes does it perform ? Does the ECT option help ?

For my part, I don't venture in deep snow or cottage country during winter. I don't even commute with the car during the week so I basically drive it in the evenings and week ends. As it is for most big cities, streets are plowed on a regular basis in Toronto but you can get caught in a blizzard...so I would like to know how the FWD perform in winter on All Season tires.

Thanks.

lexsc4

I am in northern California and I only get 4WD/AWD when it comes to SUV. Purchase price is only a couple thousands more and fuel cost difference is minimal. Replacing the rear diff fluid is less than $100 every 15K miles, not a major expense.
I just want that peace of mind of having 4WD/AWD for the wife and kids. Plus a few skiing trips a year without having to put on chain - that's priceless.

lexus997

AWD is not just for snow ...... it can come in handy when there is mud or any other type of slippery situation too.

kickin8

iTrader: (1)

+1 for that !