Performance in deep snow
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 294
Likes: 1
From: BC
Performance in deep snow
Hello, this is my first post; please bear with me if I've made any errors. I'm going to get a new car in a few weeks, and my two choices are either the 09 GS350AWD, or the 09 GX470. I want to get something that can drive in about 12-14 inches of snow (with good snow tires) Will the GS350AWD handle that?
Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 240
Likes: 4
From: PA
Buy the GX. I have an 08 GS AWD and I mount Blizzaks for the winter. It does just fine in 6 inches or less. But it does get a little dicey in higher amounts and is probably totally unsuitable in 12-14 inches since it's ground clearance is relatively low.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 294
Likes: 1
From: BC
In the area where I live in, the snow usually doesn't get to 14 inches, but 6 inches is quite normal. I thought the GS with AWD could handle that, but it gets a bit unstable over 6 inches? My 98 ES300 with all-season tires could take that no problem!! I guess I should get a GX then because I must be able to use my car no matter what mother nature throws at me. Might be off-topic here, but should I wait to get the new-gen GX, or the 09 one is just fine?
executive matchup
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,771
Likes: 13
From: BC
where abouts are you in bc? if you are in lower mainland, you should be fine with just a GS AWD. throw in snow tires and chains, and you can get to almost anywhere. if snow gets up to around 14 inches, you shouldn't be driving!
the next gen GX will come out in 2010 (not sure what month). the problem i have with the '09 GX is that it's outdated - no push button start, no power rear gate, no HID, just to name a few. if you can wait, wait for the 2010 GX to come out. but if you absolutely need a new car now, the GS AWD should be just fine.
the next gen GX will come out in 2010 (not sure what month). the problem i have with the '09 GX is that it's outdated - no push button start, no power rear gate, no HID, just to name a few. if you can wait, wait for the 2010 GX to come out. but if you absolutely need a new car now, the GS AWD should be just fine.
Pole Position
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
From: BC
In the area where I live in, the snow usually doesn't get to 14 inches, but 6 inches is quite normal. I thought the GS with AWD could handle that, but it gets a bit unstable over 6 inches? My 98 ES300 with all-season tires could take that no problem!! I guess I should get a GX then because I must be able to use my car no matter what mother nature throws at me. Might be off-topic here, but should I wait to get the new-gen GX, or the 09 one is just fine?
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Lead Lap
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 504
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From: Vancouver, BC
Wow, 12-14 inches? You must live in the interior...
I would get the GX...you will find it is better on roads there even when there is no snow because it will absorb bumps better. Since you are comparing an SUV to a sport sedan, I guess performance is not really your thing...so even more reason to go for a GX. There is also a huge difference in cargo space and the GX has more power and can be used for towing.
I would get the GX...you will find it is better on roads there even when there is no snow because it will absorb bumps better. Since you are comparing an SUV to a sport sedan, I guess performance is not really your thing...so even more reason to go for a GX. There is also a huge difference in cargo space and the GX has more power and can be used for towing.
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Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 356
Likes: 5
From: Alberta
Hello, this is my first post; please bear with me if I've made any errors. I'm going to get a new car in a few weeks, and my two choices are either the 09 GS350AWD, or the 09 GX470. I want to get something that can drive in about 12-14 inches of snow (with good snow tires) Will the GS350AWD handle that?
where do you live...
Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 240
Likes: 4
From: PA
As a follow up to my previous post, i'm living in Western PA....it is really quite steep in places (like my driveway) and that's where it can become a little dicey. If you're on relatively level ground, the GS is certainly competent. If, however, you need a four wheel drive tractor to plow your driveway then the GS is may be a little short of what you need. Regardless, 12-14" is really quite a lot of snow for almost any vehicle that doesn't run on tracks.....
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 294
Likes: 1
From: BC
I should clarify that 12-14 inches of snow is accumulated, so it usually doesn't pile up that much (I would say 6-7 inches for a normal winter). Believe it or not, I don't live in the Interior, but I live in West Van, and the area where I live is a very steep hill. Last winter was the only time that I couldn't make it back to my house because the streets had too much snow. A lot of my neighbors drive large SUVs, like Cayennes, Merc ML/GL/G class, BMW X5, Lexus LX/GX and so on; they could barely make it up the hill with their 4x4. It might be a good idea for me to get a GX as well, but I know the driving experience is no where near the GS; that is something I don't really want to compromise. I think this is going to be a difficult decision to make! I wish I could get both, but I can't afford them!!
Pole Position
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
From: BC
I should clarify that 12-14 inches of snow is accumulated, so it usually doesn't pile up that much (I would say 6-7 inches for a normal winter). Believe it or not, I don't live in the Interior, but I live in West Van, and the area where I live is a very steep hill. Last winter was the only time that I couldn't make it back to my house because the streets had too much snow. A lot of my neighbors drive large SUVs, like Cayennes, Merc ML/GL/G class, BMW X5, Lexus LX/GX and so on; they could barely make it up the hill with their 4x4. It might be a good idea for me to get a GX as well, but I know the driving experience is no where near the GS; that is something I don't really want to compromise. I think this is going to be a difficult decision to make! I wish I could get both, but I can't afford them!!
) That is very same reason, why I park my 4wd suv during snow fall and go with GS with snow tires. Where suvs are "dancing" on the hill I was going up and down no problem.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 36
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From: MA
I was very impressed by the GS AWD in the snow last winter. With the stock runflat tires I had no problem easing through 8-10" on my unplowed driveway and busting through the plow berm at the end. On a snowy road it is at least as good as my FX 35 crossover.
executive matchup
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,771
Likes: 13
From: BC
I should clarify that 12-14 inches of snow is accumulated, so it usually doesn't pile up that much (I would say 6-7 inches for a normal winter). Believe it or not, I don't live in the Interior, but I live in West Van, and the area where I live is a very steep hill. Last winter was the only time that I couldn't make it back to my house because the streets had too much snow. A lot of my neighbors drive large SUVs, like Cayennes, Merc ML/GL/G class, BMW X5, Lexus LX/GX and so on; they could barely make it up the hill with their 4x4. It might be a good idea for me to get a GX as well, but I know the driving experience is no where near the GS; that is something I don't really want to compromise. I think this is going to be a difficult decision to make! I wish I could get both, but I can't afford them!!