Spoke with dealer because when I use "auto" mode for climate, it seems to only blow air in the feet vents (not front vents). In fact when I push the "front vents" button, it takes it out of "auto" mode. They state this is because when temp is too low it shoots thru feet vents and when temp too high it cools thru front vents.

Can some please confirm this?

Thanks!

 

correct. when the auto temp is higher than the outside temp reading, using the auto a/c will blow air thru the feet

 

Two reasons why you'd want hot / warm air at your feet rather than your face:
1. Hot air rises, so the warmth coming out at the bottom heats up things as it rises. This results in a more even heating of the car, as opposed to hot air coming out higher, and never reaching the bottom, and thus the bottom would always remain cold.
2. Its better for your mouth, nose and eyes to NOT have hot air blow directly onto them, to keep them from drying up.
Most cars with auto climate control systems do this. The systems also blow some hot air out of the defrosting vents to keep the windows clear.

 

Thanks for all the explanations BUT don't your feet get hot??!!! Mine definitely get way too toasty as the foot vent pump out hot air.

 

Wanted to bump this....is anybody else experiencing feet getting too hot since auto climate blows hot air thru feet until desired temp reached?? Or is it just me??

 

Either your feet will get hot, or your face will get very very hot - for the car temprature to reach the required setting, it will have to blow a lot more hotter air thru main vents for longer until the overall air and lower parts of the car are "right temprature".

However you could override to a lower temprature blowing on your face but the lower part of the car will be colder. If your feet are ok with your setting, set it to whatever you feel is the best.

People have varying levels of temprature comfort. Some like their feet hot, others their upper body. That is the reason for dual zones. I like my feet warm, my wife likes them cool. Lexus has chosen the automatic default to be one that most people will find comfortable, but the auto will make some unhappy.

Do whatever you find most comfortable.