Is the rx350 RWD or AWD?

The Lexus RX 350 is offered in both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations; you can choose based on model year, trim, and market. In practice, buyers select the drivetrain at purchase, with AWD often favored for traction in poor weather and varying road conditions.

Drivetrain options by model year and trim

Here is a quick overview of how the RX 350 drivetrain options have been offered in recent generations. Availability can vary by market and by trim level, so always verify with the dealer or the vehicle’s window sticker.

• Recent generations typically offer both RWD and AWD as selectable configurations. AWD provides improved traction in rain, snow, and slippery conditions, at the potential cost of slightly lower efficiency.


• Model-year specifics can change with new generations; some trims or packages may emphasize AWD, while others default to RWD, depending on regional market strategies.


• Hybrid variants (such as RX 450h/500h in various markets) use their own drivetrain configurations, but the conventional RX 350 line generally remains available in either RWD or AWD depending on the choice made at purchase.

In short, if you want the benefits of all-wheel traction or a lighter, potentially more efficient RWD setup, the RX 350 offers both options depending on the configuration.

How to verify your RX 350’s drivetrain

To confirm whether a particular RX 350 is RWD or AWD, use these methods:

• Check the vehicle’s window sticker or the official build sheet for a “Drivetrain” line that reads either FWD (front-wheel drive) or AWD (all-wheel drive).


• Inspect the undercarriage and drivetrain components: the presence of a transfer case and a driveshaft to the rear wheels typically indicates AWD, while a single driveshaft to the rear axle is more characteristic of RWD configurations in some setups.


• Look up the VIN’s decoding information through the manufacturer or trusted automotive databases; the drivetrain option is usually encoded in the build data.


• Ask the dealer or consult the owner’s manual, which lists the drivetrain specification for the exact vehicle as built or sold.

Knowing the drivetrain helps with maintenance planning, winter performance expectations, and fuel economy considerations.

Summary

Across recent Lexus RX 350 generations, the model is available in both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. Availability varies by model year, trim, and market, so the exact drivetrain for a given vehicle should be confirmed via the window sticker, build sheet, VIN lookup, or dealer confirmation. Buyers should choose AWD for improved traction in adverse weather, or RWD for lighter weight and potential efficiency gains.

Are all Lexus RX350 AWD?

No, not all Lexus RX 350 models are all-wheel drive (AWD); the base models come standard with front-wheel drive (FWD), with AWD being an available option. However, other RX models like the hybrid RX 350h and performance-oriented RX 500h come standard with AWD. 

• RX 350: Standard models are FWD, but AWD is an optional upgrade. 
• RX 350h: This hybrid version comes standard with AWD. 
• RX 500h: The performance-oriented hybrid is also standard with AWD. 
• RX 450h+: The plug-in hybrid is also standard with AWD. 

Is the Lexus RX rear wheel drive?

Both front- and four-wheel drive configurations have been used on the RX series, and several gasoline powertrain options, including V6 engines and hybrid systems, have been offered.

Is the RX 350 RWD?

Front-wheel drive is standard on the gasoline-only RX350, which is also offered with available all-wheel drive.

Which year to avoid Lexus RX 350?

Years to potentially avoid the Lexus RX 350 include 2007, 2008, 2010, 2016, and 2017, as these models have been associated with more complaints regarding issues like oil leaks, engine problems, transmission failures, and dashboard cracking. These are often the first year of a redesign, or specific model years that experienced known issues.
 
Model years to avoid

• 2007 and 2008: These years may have issues with oil leaks and cracking dashboards. 
• 2010: Known for engine problems and rattling doors. Some models also have oil cooler hose issues that can be replaced with metal lines. 
• 2016 and 2017: These were the first years of the fourth generation and are often cited as problematic. 
  • The 2016 model saw issues with the new 8-speed transmission. 
  • The 2017 model had problems with faulty rain sensors. 

Why these years have issues

• First year of a redesign: New generations often have "bugs" that are worked out in subsequent model years. This is particularly true for the 2016 model year, which was the first in its generation. 
• Known common problems: Specific model years have common problems associated with them, such as the oil leaks in the 2007-2008 models and transmission issues in the 2016 model. 

If you must buy one of these years

• If you choose one of the problematic years, it is especially important to get a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic. 
• The 2010 model can be made more reliable by replacing the rubber oil cooler hoses with metal ones.