lowdownoh

I am new car shopping and have fallen for the RX 350. I'm in northern OH where we get some snow, but it's hardly Colorado. Is it really work the extra $5,000 for AWD vs FWD? Thanks,

sweetboy02

If Lots of snow, yes AWD, if not save some money for extra parts...

GoHuskers

Not, $5000, it is less than $1500.

You are in OH so I think AWD is the way to go.

InRBigness

AWD has other advantages other than snow. It is part of the vehicle stabalization system. I would not be without it but that is just me.

kwbuggy

We don't have the choice in Canada, FWD is not available in our market. But even if we had the choice I'd have paid the extra charge for AWD, it works well in any low traction condition and gives a little more confidence when those rare snow/sleet/freezing rain events blow in from Lake Erie and Michigan. Well worth $1500.

LexRexBlue

I thought that they only sell a specific version to a region. I wouldn't even consider anything but awd in NJ and I'll bet we get less snow than you.

kitlz

Welcome to CL, lowdownoh.

If AWD is more common, you're better off going with it because it'll be the better deal and increase resale value. Plus first bad storm and you'll be happy you did.

willyb0b

AWD here... wouldn't want anything else

JimH2

Would get AWD where snow/ice/cold in winter. In Florida, probably not.

PLKIDS

It's like the old Subaru advertisment back in the early 80's...IT'S BETTER TO HAVE IT AND NOT NEED IT THAN IT IS TO NEED IT AND NOT HAVE IT.....Happy shopping.....

markrivers

Get the AWD, the difference is not $5,000 as Go Huskers have posted, it's about 1,500.
i got the FWD since i have a Range Rover as well, i put the !500 to other add ons.

Anyway, speaking from experience, your AWD will not help you on a "black" ice.
i have spun a couple of times with our previous vehicles before, all of them 4x4 because of less salt on the highway.

Having lived in the North East, most of the guys who get stuck on the road are those who were foolish enough to think that a AWD or a full time 4x4 is the answer to bad weather.
what i'm saying is, if you don't have to go outside, then DON'T.

Get the AWD.

BenF12400

We live in the D.C. suburbs - if there iis an inch of snow here it's a catastrophe. We have had a 2004 AWD 330 (given to my daughter - now has 140000 miles) and now I drive a 2008 AWD 350 (120000 miles). I never regretted AWD and would not buy any vehicles without it. I am in the market for a new AWD vehicle and suspect I will end up with another Lexus RX - although I like the ride of my 2008 better than the 2011 loaners.

lexiton

I would get the AWD but I am not impressed by its capabilities. I feel Lexus has a long way to go to catch up in that market... At speeds above 35mph it is basically useless for me and that is where I would want it to help as I do alot of highway driving. I have driven it around 50ish and expected it to be better than FWD but I found no difference in the winter. I would prefer it to be like the older AWD full time models.

markrivers

@ Lexiton, have you considered a GX or if possible an LX?
these two will definitely address your concern.
Let's not forget that the RX, being a car based SUV will not come close to a "truck" when it comes to handling.

2011RX350

Probably the AWD is best unless you live and drive in an area where the roads are well maintained and almost never venture into the boonies. FWD with traction control is actually pretty good in snow. Plus, you would get marginally better mpg, slightly lower drivetrain noise and lower long term maint costs with FWD. And for the difference you could get a set of cheap wheels with good 'winter' tires which will probably save your *** more often than AWD. Remember: AWD will not help you brake or maneuver any faster than FWD, assuming you are not boy wonder trying to accelerate your way to fame every drive. AWD only helps you accelerate better. Good 'winter' tires will help on all fronts in the wintry slippery - that is a fact - and might keep you out of the ditch one dark snowly night. When I lived up in Wisconsin, it was more common to see 4WD vehicles off the interstate in a snowdrift than FWD vehicles. The reason is too much false confidence. 4WD will not help corner or brake any better than FWD, but they think they can because it doesn't feel as slippery when accelerating. JMHO...