TinoPing

I'm similar to you, I live in Seattle and wasn't easy getting a 2017 RWD here. They had to bring it in from Phoenix. I wasn't too thrilled with the extra 100+ lbs of the AWD, car's heavy as is. Also about the driver's side hump everyone's talking about. I tested the AWD, maybe it was just my mind, but the 8 speed in the RWD shifted better. I don't climb mountains except summer.

Olasek

RWD, and I use it for going skiing too.

EZZ

The 6 speed has slightly more aggressive gearing but the 8 speed shifts better. It's pretty snappy for a torque converter unit n

Stormryu

Can anyone explain why Lexus didn't/does't offer the 8 speed in the AWD versions? Or point in me in the direction of an article stating why

mopudding

Anyone who can share a picture of this AWD hump? I heard about this, but I'm wondering if it's that big of a deal.

JDR76

According to Lexus, the 8 speed transmission doesn't fit along with the additional AWD hardware.

nykos5000

RWD vs AWD is a regional thing... here in SoCal there are no AWD IS' at all.

dizlex

'14 IS350 non-F RWD. I'm in the snow belt, but don't mind swapping-in Winter tires/wheels. I like RWD better for the less weight, cost, and complexity, plus better steering feel. I had to special-order it, of course.
Personally, I'm a bit perplexed by the popularity of AWD. Most don't need it.

MilkMonstr

RWD. I had to go about 1200 miles from where I live to get it. Like a few others I
couldnt find anything RWD this far North

arentz07

Man, that's impressive... My IS 300 AWD typically gets between 19 and 20 MPG... Mostly city driving.

I've got the AWD because it's a lot easier to get that over a 200t RWD in Kansas City, since we experience all four seasons here... That said, most of the year RWD would be great, with some winter tires for the colder months. I might try that next time. I do appreciate the additional traction of AWD - driving in snow is a non-issue.

Panzer126

AWD 350, at the time I could have gotten a white on red rwd 350 also fsport but it had 67,000 km vs 35,000 km on the awd. I figured since I'm in Toronto it can't hurt. That bump on the drivers side, I thought it would bother me but it doesn't. In face I sometimes rest my foot by it when I use cruise control. Grew to like it, it doesn't get in the way of anything at all.

GibbsLexus

iTrader: (1)

I also got the RWD. I prefer the smooth 8 speed tranny.

2013FSport

iTrader: (2)

13 2IS, RWD, average 21mpg city/hwy... I've been in FWD cars for the last 15 years and needed a change. At some level I'll regret this choice when the snow and freezing rain come... But for now, enjoying it!

Anyone feel the VDIM stability control is too aggressive? F-Sport w/225/255 stagger, added IS-F rear sway bar and that helps reduce understeer on comer exit and lay down 2 strips...

doodlebug

I have the 350 RWD. I've never actually driven an AWD car. We get a total of 6'ish inches of snow a year, and that's from a couple of different snowfalls.
There's not really a need for AWD, however, I see tons of AWD 2IS's for some reason.
If it snows around here it's best to stay off of the roads anyway, we don't have enough snow removal equipment to do the job well.
If I need to go somewhere in the snow, the hubby will drive his car.

john55657

I have a RWD 200t, Biggest complaint I have is the diff is open, and it is absolutely worthless in the winter.