what year vehicle do you have?

My 2020 does not have a snow mode. Drive modes are Eco/Normal/Sport.....some models have Sport+

Most vehicle snow modes simply lower/reduce the throttle response so that drivers will naturally accelerate more slowly and therefore avoid slippage and losing control of the vehicle.
If you do not have snow mode (I don't think that you do but I may be wrong), you can just use eco mode or just drive carefully.

I see that you are from Maine, so just drive like every other time you drive in snow.

 

I have a 2018. RX.. Too many manuals!! Aggh!! Im comparing to my Volvo V60CC and Subaru WRX. The Subie is full time AWD, Volvo is Haldex, which basically uses a preled pump system which instantly switches to AWD when slip is noticed by system.. which is totally seamless ( you dont notice any engagement or disengagement), but it has a a total and lock in mode which disengages as 25 mph.
So I am still confused re my RX. If I do NOT lock in AWD, is it then only FWD, or is it AWD when system noticed slip? Also, what is button to right of AWD lock?

Sorry to appear to be dense, ( I also always switch to Bridgestone Blizzaks for December thru March up here in Maine, and designated winter tires are a MUST up here, and they are superb.. they are best described as STUDLESS STUDDED TIRES... and very quiet>) THANK YOU FOR ANY REPLIES

 

no, you do not have snow mode

 

Snow mode just starts the transmission in second gear to make it less likely to spin the wheels when accelerating. There should be a button if there is one.

Its full time AWD, theres no need to lock anything. Its never just FWD.

 

Starting from a full stop always uses the four wheels on all wheel drives models, plus the traction control works for you. After that the rear wheels will activate traction if needed. I personaly noticed that when driving on snow, the system detected low traction and I always see a bit of force on the rear wheels, if not equal to the front ones in a lot of snow.

If you decide to lock the 4 wheel traction, it will work only at low speed below 25 MPH (40 KPH). I personally use that when the plows have not passed in the streets yet and there is at least 6 inches of snow, the traffic is slow anyway and I have to be careful of those who are slipping around me in acceleration or in turns. And in Canada, everybody use snow tires, but many have front wheel drive cars,

Be careful when you drive in a snow storm since braking is also very tricky since there can be ice patches underneath at intersections. Many times I get the ABS kicking in. And watch for the car following you if it can make it to brake at a full stop on time before it hits you!