Article Comments - 2010 Lexus RX 350 First Drive

18 messages, Last post on Nov 12, 2009 at 6:02 PM

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What is this discussion about? Lexus RX 350, SUV

2010 Lexus RX 350 First Drive - First Impressions: Lexus builds us a slightly more refined, slightly higher-tech version of the most popular luxury SUV of the last decade. (more)

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#14 of 18 Re: Too Fat [la4mead] by roblaw Feb 18, 2009 (1:37 pm)
Replying to: la4mead (Jan 09, 2009 2:00 pm) I agree. I have a 2007 RX350 and the size and weight are just right. Very good acceleration for a luxury SUV (handling, not so much). Interestingly the specs are now available through Lexus and the curb weight listed on the Lexus site is 4340, about 170 pounds less than listed by Edumds for an AWD model. The Canadian site lists 4510 pounds. I wonder what the difference is. A 250 lb. weight gain is not bad but it is better than what I have seen.
#15 of 18 2010 RX350 ADW driving in snow? by jacks2 Nov 10, 2009 (10:10 am)
Has anyone had an opportunity to drive their 2010RX in snow in areas where chains or 4WD are required? Thanks Replies to this message: wwest (Nov 12, 2009 10:32 am)
#16 of 18 Re: 2010 RX350 ADW driving in snow? [jacks2] by wwest Nov 12, 2009 (10:32 am)
Replying to: jacks2 (Nov 10, 2009 10:10 am) The new 2010 RX350 F/awd is system is without doubt a substantial improvement over the previous "one-wheel" F/awd system, awd mode "enforced" only via Traction Control's virtualization of center LSD (and rear..??). That being said I would advise ANYONE with the expectation of encountering wintertime adverse roadbed conditions take the following measures. A) Follow, RELIGIOUSLY FOLLOW, the manufacturer's advice regarding, against, having higher traction at the front vs the rear. NEVER install wintertime specialty tires or ANY traction enhancing device, studs, chains, etc, on the front absent equivalent, or even better, traction capability at the rear. Unless you are mentally prepared to drive the vehicle DEAD SLOW, sub-5MPH, NEVER install traction enhancment devices on the front without first installing a set on the rear. B) Add rear wheel spacers thick enough that tire chains can be fitted. Otherwise the clearance between the rear tire's sidewall and suspension will be too tight for safe use of rear tire chains. C) Buy a set of tire chains that can be readily and easily installed on the rear wheels in case of needed. D) Keep in mind that even though it says this is a F/awd vehicle the TC system MUST be factory tuned to activate QUICKLY and FIRMLY, in order to reduce the potential for loss of directional control. Even in manually selected F/awd mode 50% of the torque is routed to the front wheels. Spend some time learning to "feather" the throttle right up to the point of loss of traction and not beyond. E) Keep in mind why the Venza, with the exact same F/awd system, does not give the driver the ability to manually select F/awd mode. Most drivers cannot be trusted to make judicious make use of this function and Toyota does not wish to be providing needless warranty repairs.
#17 of 18 driving in snow by jacks2 Nov 12, 2009 (1:03 pm)
wwest Thanks for the response however I'm not I sure understand it. I had a 2007 RX AWD that I drove in the snow and on icy roads without any difficulty. I now have a 2010 RX AWD, is this vehicle less safe to drive as it comes from the factory? Thanks Replies to this message: wwest (Nov 12, 2009 6:02 pm)
#18 of 18 Re: driving in snow [jacks2] by wwest Nov 12, 2009 (6:02 pm)
Replying to: jacks2 (Nov 12, 2009 1:03 pm) There is no FWD or F/awd (front drive torque biasing and/or primarily FWD with part-time or "rubber bandish" rear wheel drive engagement) that should be considered safe in adverse roadbed conditions absent specific knowledge and expereince with/of FWD shortcomings in those conditions.