I’m new to the forum, and I’m sure my questions have been answered, but I am sure this won’t hurt.

I placed an order for a 2024 Lexus IS 350 F Sport AWD fully loaded (Blackout, ML, etc.) in Ultra White. I have no doubt that this is going to be an absolutely beautiful car. My dad works for Toyota, and I am fortunate enough to have a vehicle that will cost very little on my end (~300/month on a 4 yr. lease!). Coming from a FWD Toyota Camry TRD, there will be some familiar differences.

First off, the elephant in the room. 6 speed vs. 8 speed. I have never had an issue with the FWD aspect on the Camry. The transmission, however, is always searching for gears and loves hanging out in the higher RPMs. I have heard similar stories from IS owners. The 6 speed will provide a much smoother drive, especially considering I am starting college in the Fall and will regularly make 4+ hour drives. Yes the AWD loses some of those MPG’s, but these cars aren’t known for that anyways.

The biggest question I have is how much does the hump jetting out of the console actually affect driving comfort? I am about 5’8. I’ve heard good and bad, some don’t mind it and for some it is a deal breaker.

Most reviewers have used the AWD for reference and I have seen many on the road, but I am currently driving a RWD RC350 F Sport as a loaner since my Camry was sideswiped in January. It has been a fun little car to drive and the only thing I can complain about is how high it likes to run in RPMs, ESPECIALLY once you let off the gas.

I really think that I made a good decision, but would like to hear input from some current IS owners as well!
Thanks all!

 

The hump won't be bothersome, it looks bad but it doesn't impact comfort.

Congrats on the new car! and the wicked deal haha!

 

Regarding the hump in the AWD, it surprised me at first, but now I don’t even know it’s there (was 5’ 10”, but shrinking, so maybe 5’ 9” now).

 

You live in Texas. RWD!

 

I would go RWD if I were you...although the 8 speed isn't the absolute best out there (neither is the 6 speed for that matter) I've found it to be very smooth and generally responsive. The only time I've noticed any rev hang is within the first few minutes of driving when it's cold out. No issues in normal driving. Going RWD will also give you the LSD if you opt for the Dynamic Handling Package, which I'd recommend if you do any sort of spirted driving.

 

The AWD hump is barely felt / noticeable.

 

There is an issue with a hump in the car? Never really noticed it honestly. 6' here.

 

I actually see more AWD IS350’s here than RWD! I will be commuting 4 hours north to Stillwater for College next year then 3 hours south to College Station the next 3 years. I kind of regret not going RWD but also think the AWD has its benefits.

 

I can see people wanting rwd for a Texas driver. In the northeast I prefer awd not jut for snow but also heavy rain. It may only be a handful of days per year but I’m certainly glad when I’m on the road those particular days. I do admit that tires play a very significant roll no matter awd or rwd. Be sure to have good quality tires within their healthy thread life. They’ll keep you alive.

 

I hear what you are saying, but here is the reality. If your tires are worn out, you are going to hydroplane regardless of whether you are AWD or RWD - it is just the manner in which you hydroplane and the car's reactions that may change.

I have driven my IS 500 with over 470 horsepower and RWD on performance summer tires in the rain many times without issue. Why? Because I start shopping for tires as soon as they get close to 4/32", and I don't drive on the tires in cold weather.

I have owned both an AWD IS 300 (with the V-6), a RWD IS 350, and now my IS 500. I would say the RWD 350 felt simply better than the AWD IS 300 dynamically, and the 8-speed transmission was a big bonus. I will say, the 6-speed transmission is a bit smoother in some situations, but it also reduces fuel economy drastically. I was getting about 21-22 MPG combined in my IS 350 compared to only 18-19 combined in my IS 300 AWD. If you're OK with that, by all means. But I get the same fuel economy in my IS 500, which is way faster.

Not saying the AWD doesn't have benefits. I loved driving my IS 300 AWD in the snow - it was super easy to slide it around, and I never worried that I would get stuck. However, out here in Georgia, I see no point. We rarely get snow, and there's honestly no need to even run winter tires or all-seasons for me because A) it only gets below freezing a few days of the year and B) I work from home anyways, so I can just stay home if it's really cold. If I still lived in Kansas City like I used to, I still wouldn't get AWD - I would just run a set of winter tires, since I know the RWD car is so much better to drive.

 

Exactly the point I make, tires play a very significant roll, awd or rwd.

As to the rwd been so much better to drive, perhaps at certain tracks in some sections of track.
In the real world I’m not sliding the car on turns nor do we have a hand brake but I have to make it up steep ice covered hills in my neighborhood before they salt the roads.

 

I have 22 IS350 RWD and my girlfriend has a 2018 IS300 AWD, I have driving her car lol, the hump bothers me.

 

My wife has a RWD IS 350 and we both preferred the 8-speed over the 6-speed.