I hear the AWD is very simple, nothing more than just another electric motor to power the rear wheels when needed. I know acuras have their trademark SH-AWD. What is hi-tech about the AWD in the RX? Is it worth the extra $2000? I livei n NY and would love to have AWD to drive on snow but not sure how sophisticated the AWD is.

 

I don't know how true this is but I've heard the last generation RX was better and that wasn't so great.

 

this video might answer your question~
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJZxVefta68

 

That's been on here before and it's rigged. Just read the comments under it.

 

I would take many comments posted on Youtube with a spoon of salt...

 

AWD with good snow tires is good in the winter, and all season tires on wet roads and most important 2010 rx comes with ON demand mode, you use it when required, basicaly swith off during the summer dry months, gas saving!

The older models AWD are full time, like my 2007 rx 350.

AWD in acura and RX 350 series or for the discussion on Hyundai Veracruz is similar other then the language......mumbo....

 

The RX350 does not use an electric motor to power the rear wheels. The RX450h does.
There is a coupling in front of the rear differential to sense and activate it. It only works when needed such as acceleration, cornering or slippage. This allows the RX to get better gas mileage as it is not working all the time. There is a locking switch for certain situations.

 

The 450h performed fine in the snow. I didn't even bother putting it in the snow mode. In fact I rarely used it in my previous RX either. Instead I used the sequential shifting, now standard on the 3rd gens.

Here is a quick video from Lexus on the AWD system.

http://www.lexus.com/models/RX/featu...ml?demo=rx_awd

 

I can honestly say I was surprised about how well my 450h did in the unprecidented snow we had last winter in my area. I used the snow mode and shifting and had absolutely no problems including navigating 1000 foot grade changing, curve containing driveway that drops off 150-200 feet to a river.

 

Last night, I made a 60mph turn into a 25mph signed turn, no problems at all.