If you have RWD (like me), you can't have the optional cold-weather package, which they claim has a high-output heater. I was a bit worried about that, but took the chance and it's been OK for me. My garage never gets much colder than 20F at night, even when it's well-below 0F outside, and that helps. I also dress for the severe cold, e.g. "long john" underwear.

With your seat-heater issue, I take it you have an F-sport? If so, that hurts. My seat-heaters are OK.

 

With 2 other members confirming this, I'm wondering how ECO mode is supposed to save fuel? Wouldn't the engine be most efficient when the temperatures are optimum.

 

It decreases the amount of heat blowing from the fan and it decreases throttle response which is suppose to save fuel economy. However, I have heard other members say eco mode doesn't make much of a difference (maybe 1 mpg difference)

 

From my experience and that of the OP, it's not just the climate controls that produce less heat but rather the coolant temperature suggesting that the engine is not running as hot as it should. In cold weather, this would be less efficient for the mechanical components, no?

 

Problem solved. Had it on Normal mode last night when it was 8 degrees out there and it took less time to warm up! Don't put on Eco when it's cold or you're going to warm it up the next day!

 

I think I understand what you are saying. But either way, if you are driving in eco mode, we are going to assume you're driving like a slug anyways (so you're not pushing the car hard as the oil is warming up.) Maybe Lexus engineers have a good reason for making it this way.

 

Maybe! Because they know if you have it in ECO you'll be forced to drive like grandma

 

I see zero of these issues. It warms up to temperature before I even get out of my neighborhood (it has been about 15 below zero here with the windchill), blows warm air from the heater at that same time. I definitely feel the warmth from my seat heaters (I appreciate the fact that they don't get so hot that they burn my butt), and my steering wheel heater heats up super fast and stays quite warm. I also do 99% of my driving in normal mode this time of year.

 

Upstate NY here. Was 10 degrees this AM, Lots of snow. Very cold. I also have none of these issues. My seat warmers are too warm at top setting after 10 mins, have to turn them down. We've gotten foot after foot of snow this year. The car has had no issue melting it or warming up suitably either. Wish I had the steering wheel heater though

 

Me too! No issues after switching to normal mode. That heated steering wheel is so addictive

 

Buy a de-icing spray for the windshield and wipers. snow will melt in few seconds. See the link below.. Works like a chime . you can find it in walmart, autozone etc

 

The seat warmers aren't as warm as all the other cars I've driven and owned. And I agree I'm in RI and it was 9 degrees a couple of days ago, and everything was stiff, including the steering wheel, the shifter, etc. I used to have a 2008 Acura TL and never had this issue before. I wait about 1-2 for the car to warm up.

 

This stuff is for lazy people and its garbage. You will be replacing your wiper blades more often because of the effect this stuff has on them.

Go buy a good scraper/brush combo you're better off in the long run.

 

Heard the same thing too from peers. A good scrapper/brush and warming up your car will do it!

 

Car takes a while, no idea why but lately in the NYC cold it has been bad.