How do I know if my Lexus RX350 is AWD?

Your RX 350 is AWD if you see an all‑wheel-drive badge, if the window sticker lists AWD, or if a trained eye can confirm a rear driveshaft and differential. If none of these indicators are present, it is likely a front‑wheel-drive model. Use these checks to confirm your specific vehicle’s drivetrain with confidence.

Understanding whether your RX 350 is all‑wheel drive matters for maintenance, winter performance, and fuel economy. The RX 350 has historically offered AWD as an available option, and some markets or model years also pair AWD with hybrid variants. Below are practical, verifiable methods you can use at home or with your dealership to determine the drivetrain without guessing.

Exterior and visual cues you can check

There are a few quick, visible signs that can help you identify AWD without needing tools or paperwork. Start with the most obvious indicators and work your way to documentation for certainty.

• Look for an AWD badge on the exterior. Common locations include the rear hatch or lower side panels. If you spot an “AWD” emblem, your RX 350 is equipped with all‑wheel drive.


• Note that some models may not display an AWD badge even when equipped with AWD. If the badge is absent, don’t rely on it alone—use other methods described below.


• Check the wheel wells and undercarriage for a rear driveshaft or rear differential. The presence of a driveshaft running from the transmission to a rear differential is a strong indicator of AWD.

Exterior cues can quickly guide you, but they are not always definitive. If you don’t see a badge and can’t inspect the undercarriage easily, move on to official paperwork for confirmation.

Documentation and undercarriage clues

Official documents and a careful under‑car inspection provide more reliable confirmation. Use these steps to verify the drivetrain with documentation or direct hardware inspection.

• Check the window sticker (Monroney label) inside the driver's door jamb or the vehicle’s original sale paperwork for drivetrain details. If it lists AWD or All‑Wheel Drive, the car is AWD.


• Examine the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) using a trusted decoder or by asking a Lexus dealer. A VIN‑level confirmation can reveal the drivetrain configuration for that specific vehicle.


• Inspect underneath the vehicle for a rear differential and a long driveshaft connecting the transmission to the rear axle. A visible driveshaft and rear differential strongly indicate AWD.

If you’re unsure after checking the sticker and VIN, a quick call to a Lexus service advisor with the VIN at hand will confirm the drivetrain configuration accurately.

VIN decoding tips

VINs encode a variety of vehicle specifications, including drivetrain. Use a reputable VIN decoder or Lexus’s official channels to view the drivetrain field. Note that exact character positions and codes can vary by model year, so cross‑check with a dealer or official documentation if anything seems unclear. If you’re buying used, a history report that includes drivetrain information can also help verify AWD status.

In‑car indicators that may appear on some RX 350s

Some RX models display drivetrain information on the instrument cluster or in the infotainment display when the vehicle starts up or when you select certain drive modes. These indicators can provide a quick onboard confirmation, though availability varies by model year and trim.

• The instrument cluster or multi‑information display may show an AWD icon or wording during startup or while in certain drive modes.


• The drive mode selector or vehicle settings menu on the infotainment screen may report AWD status under drivetrain or vehicle information.


• Note that not all RX 350 generations display AWD status in the cabin, so use exterior and documentation checks for a fallback confirmation.

When in doubt, rely on official documentation or a dealer verification to avoid misinterpretation of dashboard indicators or trim labeling.

What to do if you still aren’t sure

If you’re unable to determine the drivetrain from exterior badges, paperwork, or your own inspection, contact a Lexus dealer or service center. Provide the VIN and, if possible, the exact model year and trim. A quick lookup will confirm whether your RX 350 uses AWD and is the correct configuration for your region.

Summary

To verify whether your Lexus RX 350 is AWD, start with the obvious exterior badge, then check the window sticker or VIN, and finally inspect the undercarriage for a rear driveshaft and differential. Inside the cabin, some generations show AWD status on the instrument cluster or infotainment display, but that isn’t universal. When in doubt, an official VIN decode or a dealer confirmation will give you a definitive answer. Being sure of your drivetrain helps with maintenance planning, winter readiness, and fuel‑economy expectations.

Is my Lexus RX 350 all-wheel drive?

The RX 350, RX 350L, and RX 350 F Sport present AWD as an option to the standard FWD, but the hybrids, the 450h and 450hL, are AWD only.

How do I tell if my vehicle is AWD?

You can tell if your car has AWD by checking for axles on both the front and rear, looking for an AWD button on the center console, checking for an AWD indicator light on the dashboard, or by looking for a badge on the exterior. If you see an "AWD" button, it means your car has the system, and a light that illuminates when you start the car is another clear indicator. 
This video shows how to visually check for AWD components: 56sMotorCarNutYouTube · Nov 16, 2021
Under the car

• Look for axles: Get a look underneath your car at the wheels. If you see axles (bars with a boot) going to all four wheels, it is likely an AWD or 4WD vehicle.
• Front-wheel drive (FWD): You will only see axles going to the front wheels.
• Rear-wheel drive (RWD): You will only see axles going to the rear wheels. 

Inside the car

• Look for a button: Check the center console for a button labeled "AWD" or one with a graphic of a car with two axles and the word "LOCK" underneath. 
• Look for a dashboard light: When you start your car, check the dashboard for an illuminated "AWD" light or a graphic of a car with four tires. 
• Check the menu: Some modern cars display drive-wheel information on the instrument cluster or infotainment screen. Navigate the menus to see if there is an option to view the AWD torque distribution. 

This video explains what to look for inside the car to identify AWD: 56sLouison Automotive Inc.YouTube · Feb 21, 2022
Other methods

• Check the exterior: Look for an "AWD" or "4WD" badge, often on the back of the car, though it's not always present. 
• Consult the owner's manual: The owner's manual will have the most accurate information on your vehicle's drivetrain. 
• Use a VIN decoder: You can use the 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on a website like the one from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to look up your car's specifications, which will include the drivetrain type. 

How do I know if my Lexus is AWD?

You can tell if your Lexus is AWD by checking under the car for a rear differential and driveshaft, using its VIN, or looking for a dashboard AWD warning light. An easy visual check is to look underneath the rear of the vehicle; if you see a differential with a driveshaft running to the rear axle, your car has AWD. 
Method 1: Visual inspection (under the car)

• Look for the rear differential: This is a pumpkin-sized part located in the middle of the two rear wheels. 
• Look for the driveshaft: A metal rod should run from the differential to the front of the car. 
• If you see both: The car has the hardware to send power to the rear wheels, meaning it is at least AWD. For many Lexus models, this means it is an AWD system. 

Method 2: Use the VIN 

• Find the VIN: It's on the driver's side dashboard (visible through the windshield) or on the sticker on the driver's side door jamb.
• Use a VIN decoder: Enter the VIN into an online decoder like the one provided by the NHTSA to get detailed information, including the drivetrain.
• Contact Lexus: Provide the VIN to a Lexus dealer, and they can tell you for sure. 

Method 3: Check the dashboard 

• Look for the AWD warning light: When you start the car, the dashboard lights should all turn on briefly. Watch for an AWD light that looks like an axle with four wheels, as described on Reddit. 
• Check for a lock mode button: Some AWD models have a button labeled "AWD" or "Lock" that, when pressed, sends maximum torque to the rear wheels in slippery conditions, as shown in this YouTube video. This button is not present on front-wheel-drive vehicles. 

How do you turn on the AWD on a Lexus RX 350?

You don't need to manually turn on 4WD on most Lexus RX 350s because it is an on-demand all-wheel-drive (AWD) system that automatically engages when needed. If you need maximum traction in specific low-speed situations, such as getting unstuck in deep snow or mud, you can manually activate the AWD "lock" mode by pressing the AWD Lock button, which is typically located on the center console.
 
This video demonstrates how to activate the AWD lock mode on a Lexus RX 350: 58sBergstrom Lexus of MadisonYouTube · Feb 22, 2016
For models with the AWD Lock button

1. Locate the AWD Lock button: Find the button on the center console, usually behind the remote touch controller or near the cup holders. 
2. Press the button: Press the button once to engage the lock. 
3. Check the indicator: A light will illuminate on the instrument panel to confirm it's active. 
4. Drive at low speeds: This mode is designed for low-speed driving in slippery conditions and will automatically disengage when you exceed about 25 mph. 
5. Press the button again to disengage: To turn it off manually, simply press the button again (though it will turn off on its own at higher speeds). 

You can watch this video to learn about the full-time 4WD system in a Lexus: 1mLexus CanadaYouTube · Feb 16, 2021
For models without a physical AWD Lock button

• Your vehicle's system is fully automatic: The AWD system will engage and disengage power to the rear wheels automatically as needed based on traction conditions, so no manual input is required. 
• Adjust drive modes: You can select a specific driving mode for the conditions. For example, an "Eco" or "Sport" mode may adjust how the system behaves. Snow mode on some models can also improve traction by adjusting the transmission and AWD system's response. 

This video explains how to use the Drive Mode Select feature on a Lexus: 59sLexus CanadaYouTube · Jan 19, 2021
If you need to check for AWD on your model

• Check for the AWD emblem: Many AWD models have an "AWD" emblem on the rear of the vehicle. 
• Review your VIN: Some sources suggest the fourth digit of the VIN can indicate AWD. For example, an "H" in that position may indicate AWD, but you should verify this with your owner's manual or a dealership.