Is the Lexus RX 350 front or rear-wheel drive?
The Lexus RX 350 is front-wheel drive (FWD) as the standard configuration, with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) option available. There is no dedicated rear-wheel-drive (RWD) variant in the RX lineup.
To understand how the RX 350's drivetrain works, it helps to note that Lexus positions the RX as a front‑engine SUV with selectable traction. The base gas model and the hybrid variant share a front-drive architecture, and AWD is offered across most trims to improve traction in rain, snow, or slippery surfaces. The RX 350 does not come as a pure rear‑wheel‑drive vehicle in its current generations. The following sections outline the available drivetrain configurations and how to identify them.
Drivetrain options in the Lexus RX lineup
Here is a concise overview of how traction is delivered across common RX 350 configurations.
- RX 350 FWD: Front-wheel drive is the standard configuration in many markets; the engine powers the front axle, offering solid fuel efficiency and ample interior space.
- RX 350 AWD: All-wheel drive is available as an option; power can be distributed to both front and rear axles as needed for traction in adverse conditions.
- RX 350h (hybrid) with FWD or AWD: The hybrid variant combines a gasoline engine with electric motors; AWD is available on the hybrid, typically using an electric motor at the rear axle to provide additional traction.
In practice, most RX 350 models are offered with both FWD and AWD options depending on market and trim, and there is no separate RWD configuration.
How to tell which drivetrain your RX 350 has
Use these indicators to confirm whether your vehicle is FWD or AWD, or to check a used model’s drivetrain:
- Badge on the rear or doors: Look for badges such as “FWD” or “AWD” to indicate the drivetrain.
- VIN and window sticker: The vehicle’s VIN or Monroney sticker lists the drivetrain option (FWD or AWD).
- Drive feel and handling cues: AWD models typically feel more planted in wet or snowy conditions; RWD behavior is not typical for RX due to its standard front-drive architecture and stability controls.
Note that the RX 350 platform is not offered as a pure rear-drive model; if you specifically need a Lexus with rear-wheel drive, you’d need to explore other models or configurations outside the RX lineup.
Summary
The Lexus RX 350 is built on a front-wheel-drive foundation with an optional all-wheel-drive system. There is no dedicated rear-wheel-drive version in the current RX lineup. AWD enhances traction across both gas and hybrid variants, making the RX 350 suitable for varying road conditions while preserving the efficiency and packaging typical of a front-drive SUV.
