Jetstar

Assuming one doesn't have to deal with winter road conditions, what are the considerations for FWD (two wheel drive) vs. AWD? I have heard that the AWD provides less fuel economy and depletes hybrid battery energy more rapidly. Any real world experiences out there?

rcy

The AWD is faster 0-60. That's all I needed to know...lol.

Per fueleconomy.gov 2006 rx400h - 2wd is 28 city, 25 hwy, 27 combined and 4wd is 27 city, 25 hwy, 26 combined. Not a huge difference, but it still exists.

prowler97

I do not live in cold weather climate and therefore did not need AWD, I wanted FWD. Since most 2006 models are AWD it made my decision easy. I tried to find a FWD model with color combo for 3 months and no such luck. FWD did not appear until late in 2006 model year, therefore there are very few (my guess less than 10%). You do loose about 1 mpg with the AWD model with city driving. The rear wheels are not always on...they only turn on when under heavy acceleration or slippery conditions. Becuase we live in south Florida where the rain can come down hard sometimes, I felt that that AWD was a safe bet since the roads get so slippery (oil mixes with the rain) here when is rains.

Another thing that put my fears to rest is the AWD model does not have a differential and drive shaft. The rear wheels are controlled ONLY by an electric motor which does NOT require any service and is covered by the Hybrid systems warranty (10yrs/100k). I found that most dealers cannot tell if a 400h is AWD or FWD and often times list them online incorrectly. Besides looking at the VIN, One sure fire way to tell if it is FWD is look under the 400h from the back...if it's FWD there is a fairly large void (size of a pumpkin) in between the rear wheels.

rcy

No driveshaft and no traditional rear diff, true. However, if that rear electric motor/differential ever fails, prepare to pay $$. Additionally, unless it's different in Fl, the warranty is 8 years/100k miles. Also, it is not maintenance free. There is ATF-WS (Toyota tranny fluid) in there that needs to be changed per the maintenance schedule.

CometVR4

I wanted AWD because it's Ohio and people screw you over in the snow by driving 2mph up and hill and cannot make it up. At least now my wife and drive around those idiots.

Other than the slightly increased weight from the componets mentioned earlier, there isn't any major difference between AWD/FWD.

jimbo409

i know this sounds stupid but i am looking at a 2006 400h, how can you tell if it is awd or 2 wheel thanks jim

jtaylor3

As stated before, you can look under the back end of the car and check for the half shafts or the electric drive unit. You can also tell on the nav screen's trip information screen. If the car is awd, it will show the rear electric motor on the display.

I found out that you can't trust the Lexus Owner's site, because it lists my RX as FWD. I checked and my car has rear half shafts

Jeff
RX400h

professorm

Can you look at the navigation system Energy Monitor screen to tell if it is FWD or AWD based on having the rear motor in the picture?

ukrkoz

Far I know, hybrid SUV by Toyota are ALWAYS AWD.

professorm

ukrkoz

Apologies. You are right and dealer who told me this is wrong. That they are all AWD for hybrids.

myw

goto the door stick and take a photo of it. the vin number if you plug it in online it will let you know if its fwd or awd - i will try to confirm shortly.

Felix

Quick way if your looking at the vehicle in person, quick look at the rearend....Get down there & have a look.

myw

look for the VIN under the driver side windshield OR driver door jam sticker.

The fourth letter in theVIN is

- H for AWD
- G for FWD/2WD

Easiest, cleanest and fastest way to know for sure.

2jzdc

This is true. I'm guessing B = RWD?