just got my '05 RX AWD.

when i back out of my driveway, it's uphill. should i plan on turning the RX around so i can "climb" out, or will the AWD work just as well in reverse? just wondering if perhaps it switches to 2WD in reverse...

anybody have any ideas?

 

That's a good question; I THINK it's full-time. Call your dealer.

PS: Congrats on the RX, you're gonna love it! What package/options did you get?

 

no dont think so, and dont think its full time AWD too.

 

My RX300 is full-time AWD in reverse, based on my experience in snow and ice. Not sure about the RX330, but I think it's the same. Very good question.

 

The following is from Lexus.com, specifically the "road test" section of the RX330 link:

So it should work fine in reverse. Harrier, the viscous coupling in the RX300 would certainly work in reverse, since it produces torque shift from front to rear anytime there is a speed differential between front and rear wheels. And, like you, I found it worked fine in our original '99 RX on snow and ice, whether going forwards or backwards.............

 

quote:

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The all-wheel-drive system dispenses with the locking center differential and viscous couplings of truck-style 4x4 applications, in favor of a system that uses the ABS to slow any wheel that slips and spins. The system automatically routes power to the wheels with the best grip.
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Anyone ever apply the brakes on ice going in reverse to see if ABS works in reverse??

 

Yup. It does.