I did have a chance to see the differences with snow mode on and off. Think It has a lighter response to gas paddle and maybe high gear reving when stopping. Like a engine brake? But if I could recommend something take the trac control off and go have fun! This machine will put a grin on ur face the whole time!!!!!

 

We got about an inch of snow in the Seattle are this morning, so I got o use Snow Mode for the first time. The only difference I could tell is that the transmission doesn't downshift as aggressively (as in braking and going down a hill).

Throttle response felt the same, I had it in Eco Mode so throttle response was tame anyway.

But I was pleased with the cars performance in our typical wet slimey snow, and the stock All-Season tires worked very well.

 

There may be additional characteristics to snow mode, but one is that it starts the car out in second gear. When going down a steep in icy/snowy conditions, I prefer to use manual mode, which to me gives me the most control of the car. I agtee that the 3IS AWD behaves very competently in snow with the all seasons.

 

Anyone try RWD in snow with winter tires?

 

I have 17 inch blizzaks on my RWD 350 and it drives great. Haven't had a problem at all

 

Good to hear. Were you using snow mode? I'll be using the factory wheels with X-Ice Xi3 tires. Based on other peoples' comments about RWD with winter tires we should be ok.

 

Went up to Massanutten in North West Virginia and woke up to this last weekend...

Johnny
__________________
2014 Lexus IS 350 FSport Ultra White / Rioja Red / Mark Lev / BSM
K&N drop in Air Filter │Coming Soon... Plasti-Dip Emblems │TRD Body kit

1985 Toyota Corolla GT-S Red Hatchback (AE86) 157k miles
1987 Toyota Supra Turbo Pearl White (MA70) 101k miles

 

In areas that were not plowed very well I switched into snow mode but on the main roads I was fine without it. The Blizzaks have great grip and I have heard the X-Ice Xi3 tires are great as well. You should'nt have any problems.

 

I agree this car is amazing in snow!! I had a blast driving up north to Wisconsin last weekend! I literally was plowing snow with the front end driving down some roads. Stock tires and AWD = much, much better than my RWD IS350 with Blizzaks. I was always getting stuck in Alleys and ice with RWD. Now its so nice to know I can go drive whenever I want and not let the weather control me!

 

Ahhh be wise 'grasshopper', Mother Nature will control you, she only let you think you had an advantage.
:-)