Hi guys,
It's time for me to decide whether to get a AWD version or RWD version of IS350. I just moved to the upper part of OH not too long ago and I was wondering if AWD is a necessity for this part of region. I like RWD more for its performance and better mileage but the fact that my region does snow sometimes during winter, AWD should probably be the way to go. If I can recall, the AWD loses the 8 speed transmission + four-piston calipers front brake + adaptive variable suspension right? Is there any noticeble difference of the ride height between RWD & AWD? Please give me some advice.

Something that I notice too, as to why my region sells AWD version only, whereas the west coast (CA) sells all the RWD version? Do they not snow at all??

 

Winters here can be pretty rough. I had a s2000 before I got my 250 awd. I dont have any trouble gettin through the snow anymore. Though some ppl will claim rwd is just as good as awd w winter tires. Most of those ppl havent even owned both rwd and awd and driven in the winter conditions we get here.

 

The AWD F-sport has AVS.

If you drive mostly on flat surfaces, RWD with quality winter tires is fine. If you drive uphill, or if your area is poorly plowed, I would consider AWD.

 

I would get RWD for the better transmission, and little better gas miles, i used to have 1st gen IS300 with Blizzak winter tyres on, it handle even better than AWD with all season tires in the winter, my car was drop on coils too, and how many snow days in Ohio these days? My guess about 20 days max out of the year? Go RWD my friend

 

IMO, if you don't need to drive to work on a daily basis, go with RWD.

 

So, what does the "Snow" mode in the RWD IS3 do exactly? Does it really help anything at all?

 

From lexus.com.cn:

 

Car starts in 2nd gear plus it goes up to high gears whenever possible and doesn't drop gears when you accelerate. The throttle response is also reduced.

 

go with the AWD you will not regret it

 

Well I get that. Maybe I should rephrase the question.

I'm talking about, how well does it actually work when we have the discussion going on in this thread about getting AWD versus RWD.

If it was a mode that really put confidence in the driver in snowy conditions, then I would've expected that it would've been mentioned in the decision between AWD and RWD, but it wasn't. So, I'm getting the impression that even with RWD and snow mode, most drivers seem more content with just getting the AWD.

Does anyone here know of how well the Snow mode works with the RWD?

 

It works great together with proper snow tires. My car is on 18/225 studded snow tires from Nokian in winter and it works fine with non studded winter tire too, unless its pure ice on the road.

 

How much do those run for?

 

If it still have that ridiculous bump behind your feet go with the RWD.

 

you might have to check with your local tire shop for the accurate price. I have heard that studded tires are restricted in some states in US?

 

I got Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 studless winter tires for mine. Nokian is usually in the top three when the scandinavian motor magazines tests winter tires.