I'm in early stage research to determine if I want to jump from the ES to the RC. A primary consideration is whether I want the AWD or the RWD. I went into this assuming I'd prefer AWD simply because my wife's RX has it and I just love the feel of being more firmly planted, more in control. Example: In my FWD ES, on a hard acceleration, especially from a stop and/or in a turn, and always on wet roads, the tires break contact and spin. I really don't like that feeling of losing control in those situations. The RX shines here where the ES falters, because of the AWD.
But I recently watched an RC review by Savage Geese, and he pointed out the AWD as a weak link and said he'd 100% chose the RWD version. I think he based this solely on missing out on the 'fun factor' of RWD, but I'm not exactly planning on drifting or doing donuts on the Walmart parking lot.
So I would love to hear from you folks your take - what are the pros and cons of both?
I should also mention I've never owned a RWD car, only FWD Honda & Acura.

Thanks, in advance, and I'm really looking forward to learning more about this beautiful car of yours.

 

Adding to the learning curve here is that the AWD RX is primarily a FWD vehicle that engages the rear wheels only when the fronts are slipping.
The RC (and GX, LX, LS, and RIP GS) is primarily a RWD car that also powers the front wheels, all the time.
What percent of the time does North Carolina get snow and ice conditions? A light weight RWD car is entertaining to drive in dry conditions
but challenging in wet weather.

 

It’s hard to try to put those vehicles in comparison because they’re all a different class. An AWD top heavy crossover suv, RWD sports coupe and A FWD executive sedan.

of course with a taller car you want to feel planted because it’s center of gravity is different than a car lower to the ground. AWD helps keep the vehicle’s momentum balanced across all four corners, which makes a top-heavy car feel more composed and less tippy in dynamic maneuvers.

if you don’t want to slip then get better tires or don’t hard hard accelerate. In California it’s 80% sun for most of the year so I’m on summer tires that at least have somewhat decent wet control (surprised I even made it up to Tahoe). I have no real use for an AWD or FWD which unless I need to borrow an SUV it’s kinda pointless for my case to get an AWD sports car. It’s heavier, slight less HP, fuel economy is not as great. If you have a need for an AWD consider your environment and uses. AWD in a sports car like the RC is mostly unnecessary — it adds weight and complexity without giving much benefit in dry conditions. RWD the better choice for a lighter, more responsive/ engaging drive.

 

This is great feedback, thank you.
Yeah, I know I'm comparing apples to bananas here with all different styles of vehicle. Just giving a point of reference from my experience. But this response give the perspective I'm looking for. Thank you.

North Carolina weather is all over the place. Snow isn't much of a concern but it does rain regularly. The one thing I miss from living in CA is definitely the weather!

 

There is, from what I understand, a bulge from the transmission tunnel, down the center of the car, that bulges into the driver footwell, but based on other comments on this forum, none have been bothered by it. Just another difference between RWD and AWD.

 

SavageGeese griped about that bulge, too. I can't imagine it's that obtrusive and curious to see & feel it myself, but would love to hear from others who have it.

 

Another fun factor in favor of the RWD RC/IS is the transmission is the 8 speed while the AWD gets the 6 speed.

 

I have my wife currently in a '22 RWD 540i. With the birth of our first grandchild, she will be making numerous trips to the Canton area in the winter, and even with snow tires this car won't do. So, I have a deposit on a '25 IS350 F Sport AWD that I should pick up in a couple of weeks. This is primarily a RWD car, but the front kicks in when the rear loses traction. It leans in the sporty direction with the rear wheels getting most of the drive, but should pull her out of most slick situations with the AWD. I will also be adding dedicated snow tires to it, probably the Michelin Alpins.

 

Yes, forgot to mention that. I'm in South Louisiana, so other than hurricanes, RWD works, it's lighter, fewer moving parts, better MPG, it was priced right and with the 8spd trans, I went all in. If I had anticipated snow, my decision would have probably be different.

 

I have an AWD in PA. If you’re going to daily drive it year round, I’d recommend you get the AWD because you do occasionally get some bad weather in NC. That being said, I only use good all season tires and have never had an issue in snow even up to 4 inches. More than that, I don’t drive. The bulge is negligible and I didn’t even realize it was there until I read a post about it months after buying mine. The AWD is not full time. It works like the RX except that it uses the front wheels when the rear ones slip.

 

AWD...better in the rain or snow, the 6spd is smoother and more refined than the 8spd, and the platform is pretty trouble free so not really sure about the comment on complexity. It's one of the simplest AWD systems I have ever had to maintain. The only real downside is that the AWD has a taller front wheel arch gap and you are going to want to lower it if the difference in gap front to back bothers you. The RWD is more level. I can't stand the 8sp as it's always hunting for the right gear for my driving style.

 

I think that the bulge might be an issue for drivers of shorter statue. I am 6'4" and I find the bulge a non event. I forget about it and then every few weeks I brush against it for a second or two and remember it is there

2025 300 RC AWD

 

The AWD, I believe it’s 70 -30 until slip and then it goes 50-50. Might be wrong. As far as the trans bulge, I’m 6’2” and owned the car for 2 days before I knew it was there. So, it’s a no bother. Snow? Don’t know, don’t get much here. Rain? It’s all the difference in the rain.

 

I bought recently bought a new 2025 AWD 300RC (last new RC left in Canada). I have owned 4 LS's (,a 430 and 3 460s), and my wife is on her 2nd RX .

The RXs and the last two 460's were AWD. I have found the Lexus AWD to be pretty inobtrusive. I notice it more driving on wet greasy roads than in snow. In snow the Lexus AWD are just little tractors and just move along.

I was most concerend about the differential hump that Savage Geese went on about. I forgot about it when I got the car, but then I am tall 6'4" and the RC has, for me, better legroom than my LS's. My legs are very comfortable

Looking at Savage Geese staff neither of those genlemen were offered NBA contracts, and with the seat forward and their stature I expect the hump was in their way.

Hard acceleration on a wet road (vancouver is rainy) like on the on-short on ramp near my house will cause the front wheels to break loose which I think is part weight transfer and part road conditions .

In the end it all comes down to how your build fits in the car. My wife is 5'6" and the diff bump doesn't bother her.

The car does corner like it is on rails and I think the AWD system is a big part of the .reason for that.

 

@PHOUND5 This is great feedback, my friend, thank you.