AWD rides better than FWD
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Joined: May 2006
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From: Bayarea, CA
AWD rides better than FWD
I just bought a preowned 2010 RX350 fwd and I noticed that the ride isn't as smooth as the AWD. The AWD seems to absorb the bumps on the road a lot better and feels more stable. The only conclusion I came up with is because of the extra weight of the AWD system. My FWD RX isn't quite as smooth and the ride is harsh when going over rough roads. Has anyone else experience this? My RX is currently at the dealer for some warranty work and they loaned me a 2011 Rx350 AWD.
CL Community Team
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: San Francisco, CA
hmm, the first thing I would check is the tire pressure and also what brands of tires are on each vehicle. Your FWD might have the bridgestones which do not have very good reviews. The AWD may have the dunlops or the michelins which are rated much better with a smoother ride
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2006
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From: Bayarea, CA
hmm, the first thing I would check is the tire pressure and also what brands of tires are on each vehicle. Your FWD might have the bridgestones which do not have very good reviews. The AWD may have the dunlops or the michelins which are rated much better with a smoother ride
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Feb 2010
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From: MA
lexus_ls, out of the three oem tires, the Michelin rides the roughest. That is not to say the ride on the Michelin is that bad. The Michelin is a better constructed tires with longer treadwear, its also better in the snow. The Bridgestone are smoother but terrible in the snow and rain. The Dunlop is somewhere in between when it comes to smoothness, but Dunlop tires are cheaply built. The Yokohama parada X is a good choice, but if dont drive in the snow, you may want to consider a grand touring tire which might be smoother.
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: VA
i think most/all with AWD had Bridgestone or Michelin. You should check air pressure to make sure its not over inflated. Bridgestone on my AWD with 25k still looks decent and still quiet with even wear. I read the horrid user review on tirerack and expecting to replace the tires with some quiet/smooth KUMHO tires from tirerack but its still going strong. From my experience, Dunlops always were noisy/rough tires but all of them were performance tires so i would expect more noise/harsh ride compare to touring tires.
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Joined: Mar 2011
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From: MD
i think most/all with AWD had Bridgestone or Michelin. You should check air pressure to make sure its not over inflated. Bridgestone on my AWD with 25k still looks decent and still quiet with even wear. I read the horrid user review on tirerack and expecting to replace the tires with some quiet/smooth KUMHO tires from tirerack but its still going strong. From my experience, Dunlops always were noisy/rough tires but all of them were performance tires so i would expect more noise/harsh ride compare to touring tires.
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Joined: Jul 2009
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From: NJ
Same here, Dunlops too. I like them.
I felt a difference between 18" and 19" tires at least on the AWD. The bumps seemed harsher on the 18" FWIW. I wouldn't rule out the tires themselves though. I was looking at the Yokohamas too. If you do switch over to them, please let us know how they ride in comparison.
X, where did you hear about the Michelins being rough and noisy? Most people here like theirs.
I felt a difference between 18" and 19" tires at least on the AWD. The bumps seemed harsher on the 18" FWIW. I wouldn't rule out the tires themselves though. I was looking at the Yokohamas too. If you do switch over to them, please let us know how they ride in comparison.
X, where did you hear about the Michelins being rough and noisy? Most people here like theirs.
Lexus Test Driver
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From: MA
My wife's RX have the Michelin and I had a few 2010 RX loaner RX350 with Bridgestone, my test drive RX450h had Dunlops. The Michelin are not bad on small bumps, but it does ride stiffer on rough road. I think the reason is the sidewall, Michelin have a stiffer sidewall than the other two brands. Quality wise, you just cannot beat the Michelin tires. When I bought the car, I had the dealer swap out the tires for the Michelins. From my own experience and online reviews, those Dunlops just dont last long, the treadwear and the construction is terrible. The online review for the Bridgestone is even worst, some calling it down right dangerious in the snow or heavy rain.
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Joined: May 2006
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From: Bayarea, CA
My tire pressure is at 32 from 34 and it wasn't much of a huge difference. I'll let you all know how the new Yokohama's feel. I can't see how 300lbs of the AWD system can make huge difference in the ride.
Rookie
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: louisiana
I just bought a preowned 2010 RX350 fwd and I noticed that the ride isn't as smooth as the AWD. The AWD seems to absorb the bumps on the road a lot better and feels more stable. The only conclusion I came up with is because of the extra weight of the AWD system. My FWD RX isn't quite as smooth and the ride is harsh when going over rough roads. Has anyone else experience this? My RX is currently at the dealer for some warranty work and they loaned me a 2011 Rx350 AWD.
thought that salom speed was more important than a smooth quiet luxury
ride. They screwed up by not offering a softer suspension for those buyers
who are not interested in slightly better handling for the harsh ride. It is better tho if you put 300 pounds(sand in my case) in the rear. Of course the better ride only lasted from the home depot to my home. If you're looking for a luxury ride, it's not the RX.
Lexus Test Driver
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From: MA
My experience have been totally opposite, when I have 2-3 passengers in the back, the ride is very rough. When there is no passenger in the back, its pretty smooth. The little bit stiffer suspension is a worth while trade off for a better handling SUV, but tires does have a hugh difference in the way the RX ride as far as smoothness.