We're looking into buying a 2008 RX400h pretty soon, but can't decide whether to go with Front Wheel Drive or All Wheel Drive. We live in So Cal so don't really need AWD for weather reasons. I'm wondering if there is a performance difference between the two, given that AWD has an additional electric motor in the back? Will I be able to feel the difference (I'm coming from a sports coupe)? Any thoughts will be appreciated, thanks!

 

Oh yes you can feel the rear motor kick in especially when cornering and accelerating at the same time. Also provides regen braking too. Make it feel more like a rear wheel drive vehicle which is what i was looking for in a vehicle.

 

But the rear elec. motor doesn't kick in unless it's necessary so it's primarily a FWD vehicle. How can it make it feel like a RWD vehicle?

 

Actually by looking at the energy screen, the rear motor does kick in always every time when the car launch from stop for several seconds. But the car doesn't feel like a RWD at all because most the time only the front wheels are driving.

 

Hey I also live in So Cal and from my experience the only time rear wheels kick in here is the situation I described in my post above even include the time of rarely heavy rain in So Cal. I really don't see point of AWD for RX400h in So Cal. Unlike my other car, I don't think the AWD in RX400h enhance dry road handling. But I never push the limit when I was drive the RX so I don't know if the rear wheels will active or not when the car is on the edge of losing it. I am sure AWD is helpful if you need to drive in snow weather.

 

I just took a look at the 08 RX brochure and they are showing 0-60 6.9s for AWD, 7.5s for FF. Seems like AWD is a little faster. Most dealers in So Cal don't stock very many AWDs at all. Still trying to figure out if the additional cost for AWD is really worth it. Any difference in passing power on the freeway?

 

Fuel economy is worse for AWD (a mile or so per gallon), right? So, if your into saving fuel, get a 2WD

 

I'm assuming that's in EV mode before the engine kicks in?

cause I believe the rear elec. motor is battery-driven only?

 

The RWD kicks in when power for acceleration is demanded. When you floor the accelerator, it will cause the rear electric motor to kick in to provide power for acceleration either from a stop or for passing. This added power is enough that you can feel it. It is also there if needed in low traction situations when the front tires spin. Unfortunately, it does nothing for the torque steer. My next hybrid will definately be AWD for the additional power and the "just in case" traction, even in southern Arizona.
Steve

 

It happens in both EV and Engine + battery mode. The rear motor will power the rear wheels from a stop for about 7 seconds unless I release the gas pedal completely. And I wasn't flooring the gas pedal, even without step on the gas pedal and just release the brake pedal, my rear wheels still kick in.

 

Thanks you two for the explanation!

 

Yeah thanks guys! Looks like I'll be looking for one with AWD since I want the extra performance. Now Mark Lev or no Mark Lev? I guess that's a different question.

 

how much of an audiophile are you? do you appreciate crystal clear sound or do most car stereos sound "ok" to you?

 

I do appreciate crystal clear sound, but I've read some posts that say in the RX, Mark Lev doesn't make a whole lot of difference. Mark Lev cars with AWD are hard to come by in So Cal. Most cars in stock with Mark Lev are FF, since that is the market. Not sure if it's worth waiting for... Thoughts?

 

IMHO for what it is worth I had a RX with the non ML and one with a ML I want ML from now on. This is definitely a worth while option to have.
This is my third Lexus fourth in the house this is the first with ML and I enjoy it a lot.