What are the pros and cons of 1) AWD over FWD and 2) 18 inch tires/wheels over 17 inch? (I do know about the price differences.) I think I have decided to wait for the 2009 LX400h to come out and order it EXACTLY as I want it. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[QUOTE=Ex-Lexic;3421626]What are the pros and cons of 1) AWD over FWD

With the All Wheel Drive you will have better and more predictable traction than over Front Wheel Drive the gas milage difference is minor between the two also the FWD is lower than the AWD I saw one once and I thought what did this person do to the vehicle then I noticed the temporary plate in the window it was new. I searched the Lexus website for data and realized they have three height differences 1) FWD RX350 2) AWD RX350 3) AWD RX400h

 

I am weighing AWD vs. FWD. I am not too concerned about the difference in price or the better traction for AWD (no snow here). I am just considering the lower MPG for the AWD vs. its better acceleration. Will I REALLY see a difference in gas mileage? Will I REALLY feel the better acceleration in the AWD?

 

I have AWD. Yes, better acceleration. Gas mileage the same from all the reasearch I did. The AWD activates only when needed (like when you floor it). It's fun to watch the animation screen to see when it's AWD and when it's front wheel only.

I live in FL, the dealer tried to steer me away from AWD because they had none in stock. I'm glad I waited for the AWD, just in case I move back to NY. Plus we get very heavy rains in the summer where I am, so it gives me a little peace of mind when my wife is driving it (by the way, it's her car).

You won't regret getting AWD.

The one I got came with the 18" wheel option. Now on my M3 I opted for 18" vs 19" for better acceleration, lighter (thus faster), and the ride is much better (the 19" do look better). On the 400h I really don't think these points are great concerns. Probably looks better, the ride feels the same (I had a loaner 350 with 17" for 2 weeks). The 17" would weight less, thus better acceleration and better MPG if you want to get picky.

 

///M, thanks for your detailed response. What gas mileage are you getting with the AWD/18 inch?

 

Here is what Lexus says (it also states this in their brochures)

"Upon introduction, the FWD is equipped with a standard 3.3-liter, V6, 268-horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 27-mpg in the city and 24-mpg on the highway. The AWD is equipped with a standard 3.3-liter, V6, 268-horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 26-mpg in the city and 24-mpg on the highway. A variable speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims. "

Now I've only owned it a couple of months so I can't really give you a good estimate, especially since I drive way more aggressively than my wife, and she uses it daily I can not give an honest estimate. Also I think it needs to be driven a few hundred (or thousand?) miles before you see any real difference in mileage.

As for your other post, I do not see why they were giving you such a problem. They had a hard time locating an AWD in the color and options I wanted. I asked about special ordering and they said it would take 3-4 months, and I live in FL.

Anyway, I ended up getting one (the way I wanted it) that was en route from Japan to NY and they diverted mine here to FL.

Anyway, good luck.

 

My understanding is that the FWD models are only available in Florida in California.

 

The FWD availability may be limited, but it sure is not that limited. Most of the RX400h's I see here in Arizona are FWD.

My 2006 was FWD, and I wished all the time I had it that I had waited for an AWD just for the additional performance. The additional new cost would have been covered about 80% by additional resale.
Steve

 

Electrical AWD will give you not only additional traction involving all 4 wheels when front wheels loose traction on wet/slippery roads, but will add to the high demand of power when pressing the accelerator to the max or close to the max. So AWD in RX 450h that’s why is called “AWD on demand”, but it’s hardware different than the conventional mechanical AWD.