Mike728

Check out these old threads:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-...r-in-snow.html

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-...g-in-snow.html

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-...he-es300h.html

NdYAG

And don't forget about TPMS. To do it properly you will have to get a second set of sensors ($240 extra at TireRack prices) and reprogram them at a dealer or with a special tool each time you swap wheels.

Lex509

I also live in New England, my 2014 ES did very good last winter. I drove it through some tough snow storms and it handled it very well.

jasone36

As a new ES350 driver, I am wondering how the ES350 drives in the snow.

I understand the front wheel drive should do reasonably okay, better than rear wheel drive, I assume?

Also, how come there is not a "snow button" on the ES350?

Most older Lexus's seem to have a "snow" button.

Any input would be appreciated.

Brent1944

Ive owned may Camrys over the years. Those cars did rather well being FWD. Ive never had a snow button except on a SUV. That merely allowed the transmission to take off in a higher gear so as not to spin the wheels...

JDR76

With a good set of tires, it should do quite well.

As for a snow mode, I have it in my GS, and had it in my IS. I never found it of much use, so I wouldn't worry too much. On the GS and IS, snow mode still starts the car in 1st gear, but reduces throttle sensitivity quite a bit. ECO mode does this to a lesser extent, so you could always just use ECO and be light on the throttle while starting out.

Brent1944

Im assuming GS has it cause it has AWD, I dont know if all GS models have it but would think the AWD models would...It was useful in my SUV.

JDR76

The RWD GS has it too. I suspect it's the RWD version that needs it the most, and is simply carried over to the AWD versions.

SW17LS

All GS's, LS's etc have the snow mode whether they are RWD or AWD, My RWD LS400 and LS430 also had a snow mode.

I had a 2003 ES and a 2010 ES, they're okay in the snow...pretty typical FWD car. FWD cars have drawbacks in the snow people don't realize, such as having the drive wheels and the steering wheels be the same, which can create some difficulty regaining control once its lost.

Your AWD LS will be much better in the snow just FYI.

jasone36

thanks for the feedback everyone.

SW15LS, now that I have the ES as a "beater" I'm hoping to never drive the LS in the snow

Brent1944

as old as i am, I just recall having ONLY RWD... no AC,,.driving in the snow, on the ice, getting pushed cause it wouldnt start to get to work, so FWD works..

jollick

Yes, I agree 100%

SW17LS

LOL, gotcha. I would consider a set of winter tires personally for it seeing that you're in NY

bostonsnow

Agree with everyone else's posts. It will do just as well as most front wheel drives with ESC/ traction control do in the snow. As other's have said, the particular tires you have on will make the most difference
My lexus' have not had a snow button. Never had owned a lexus SUV.
With the current generation with standard ESC/traction control, and front wheel drive, not sure there is any particular need for any "snow mode"? If you skid, your ESC/Traction control will kick in.
If you need more careful traction on starting up from a stop, you can go into the low gear transmission modes.

vesnyder

I had a 2004 ES and had dedicated snow tires. With the snow tires and FWD it is really good in the winter weather here in NE Ohio.