Hi folks, we are down sizing and have NX350h on our list for consideration. all three RX we had were very good even in deep snow. with that note, I have read hybrid version of NX is not very good in the snow? what is your experience? I have GLC and GV70 on the list and only NX in it's class have a hybrid system. looks like gen5 hybrid system resolved all the past issues too which is a huge plus.

 

Better than FWD, not the same as conventional AWD. The standard Toyota hybrid AWD system uses a small pusher electric motor at the back which provides ~20% power distribution to the rear at lower speeds whereas most conventional AWD systems usually allow for 40-50% power distribution to the rear over a wider speed range. Depends on your definition of "deep" snow, but on the majority of urban roads they'll do perfectly fine in a typical snow storm, but if you are going back country in truly deep stuff, you'll see its strong FWD bias show up.

 

It is very confusing to try to figure out what modes everything should be in. The manual is completely worthless. Your best learning will come from youtubes roller test video and one of the recent off road videos dealing with trail mode and traction control, altho the final consensus is that the buttons/modes really do little to nothing, and are pointless. We also live in a deep snow area. Your question may be tilted in my mind, because my idea of snow driving is keeping some speed and tire spin as needed, but the factory idea is slow and no spin. The car does work, but the OEM tires are very hard and worn for our upcoming second season. We will have 55k miles and down to the wear bars by Oct '24. The car did fine, given it's weight and new tread depth, but more appropriate tires for your situation will be nice. Ground clearance is reasonable for the style, but of course the front air dam is a little low and plastic. A high trim Subaru or truck may technically be better, but with a hybrid Lexus/Toyota, much better mpg and luxury.

 

We have winter tires and for the most part our roads are plowed but on the rare times they weren't our NX350h did fine. I felt very confident with the proper tires and the AWD system.

 

I agree with the entire statement. The most important variant in winter and snow is proper winter tires. Most front wheel drive cars do much better in snow with proper tires. AWD adds just that extra bit of control. If the deep snow being considered is really deep, chains would be needed. I'm talking mountain roads, for instance, on the way to a ski resort. Other than that, winter tires are the ticket below -7 degrees C. There are some newer tires, like cross climate. I have no experience with them and consider those a compromise for both 3 seasons and winter tires.

 

I live in D.C area and haven't seen much snow in the past 10 years. AWD on RX330/350 worked perfectly even in foot of snow on all season tires. I swear it did better than many Jeeps I had with all terrain tires because of lower center of gravity. I have been waiting on 2025 after seeing all the rumors online but it's practically a same vehicle as 2024 so I will be making the decision in few weeks. hope to see you folks soon as I need to figure out accessories I will need.

 

We’ve always had Hondas and bought the 450H+ since Honda didn’t have any plug in hybrids. We put X-ice tires on it just like every vehicle we’ve ever had before. It plows through thick, heavy, wet snow no problem. My issue is the car doesn’t tell you what’s under your wheels so I’ve had to change how I drive in the winter and find it a little scary. There’s no tell in the steering when the wheels are about to slip, in fact you can’t even feel it when the wheels are spinning. Those subtle cues that give you the road conditions don’t exist, even the rumble strips on the side of the road that stop you from falling asleep are just barely noticeable in the steering wheel. We were expecting it before buying. Otherwise we love the car and would still buy it again.

 

Is this due to hybrid or is that the nature of all NXs including the 350 AWD?

 

Agree 100%! It's sad but true, all modern cars are heading this way. Electric steering, very touchy ABS systems, Traction systems that cannot be completely turned off; all contribute to a very isolated feeling behind the wheel. I took our '22 350h out into a parking lot near us late in the evening after our first snow to do some hooniganing and comparing it to our '09 Murano it was so different, you can't handle the car yourself in low traction or a slide / drift it starts to lock up wheels, takes away throttle control, it's an absolute super nanny!

But as it had winter tires on it, it never had any struggles to keep the car moving, that's the only saving grace, as anyone with deep snow experience will tell you - DON'T STOP - in deep snow. If you're on city streets you need to quickly look both ways and not stop completely for stop signs or you may struggle to start again.

As others have mentioned, snow tires are needed to allow you to get the most traction you can as the car will not be successful in some deep snow situations with only all seasons (I call them no seasons as they're a complete compromise). Once the car sees wheel spin it will try to avoid it or stop it leaving you no possibility to get going. Turning traction control off (it really only reduces it) is your only help you have at your disposal.

 

NX hybrid is gen 4 unlike prius which is gen 5. I'm not sure what the difference is, though.

 

i think it’s just a Lexus issue. Drives like an old Buick and that’s really what a Lexus should be. I could have spent more and gotten an F sport but was already over my limit. Comfort vs handling vs reliability vs cost… the Germans do well with comfort and handling, but have very complicated suspension system with lots of bushings and parts.

 

It should fine unless the snow is up to the frame. Height matters...

We have a GV70 3.5 Prestige.... It is a beautiful build inside and out. Has great safety features. However do a lot of reviewing... Service is not the greatest.....

 

But, the real question we all want to ask you in your case in line with OP's original question "Is the GV70 good in deep snow ?"

YMMV,
MidCow3

 

Deep snow.... if the snow is substantial higher than the bottom of the vehicle it's not going anywhere. That's my experience.

I never had a problem with any 4wheel/all wheel systems if the vehicle could handle the height of the snow. That goes for Cars/SUVs.

I cannot review the NX or GV in snow. We live in Pa during the Summer and Florida in the Winter. Neither vehicle has seen snow/ice. I'm still a fan of 4 wheel systems and will always have if available.

GV 70 might have better ground clearance. Also has a Snow mode...I'll ask on a GV forum and get some reviews.

GLC looks likes junk inside if that matters,
Our GV70 3.5 gets horrible mpg. I drive in ECO... has plenty of power but the mileage is not there. Consider that.

 

My NX350h is average in the snow. I have no concerns in driving it through 95% of the snow conditions. The tires can definitely use an upgrade for driving in snow. I'll change out to CrossClimates or something similar when they wear out.