[cypress822]

What are people's experience with driving the AWD version in snow or ice or slippery conditions?
I am used to a Land Rover that has full time 4WD, and I have never owned an AWD (not at all the same as full time 4WD).

Thanks!!!

 

[BobOB]

I have limited experience driving in the snow with the JX. When I have been in snowing conditions, I've put it in snow mode, which basically keeps you from applying too much throttle. It also cuts out some of the nanny features like cruise control. The car has handled ok, but I haven't hit heavy snow yet.

Since the owner's manual states not to use tire chains, I had difficulty finding some that fit, but finally did obtain a pair at Les Schwab tires. I just didn't want to end up on a highway like I90 over the Snoqualime Pass and get ticketed for not having chains. If I ever have to use them, I will be driving very cautiously since there isn't much space between the tires and fenders.

I've seen several postings from our Canadian members who have stated they are using snow tires (Bridgestone BLIZZAK) since chains are not allowed. Honestly, I don't think the car would perform as well as a Land Rover, BMW X5 or Mercedes ML. I'd still rather have the capability of the AWD anyway. Just drive with caution. Too many people who drive AWD or 4WD cars drive way too fast for snowy conditions.

I'd still like to see what others are experiencing now since the car has been out for a few years.

 

[Young04]

What are people's experience with driving the AWD version in snow or ice or slippery conditions?
I am used to a Land Rover that has full time 4WD, and I have never owned an AWD (not at all the same as full time 4WD).

Thanks!!!

It's ok in the snow. When you accelerate, the front wheels will slip before the AWD system transfers power to the back wheels. I also find that the car isn't quite as controllable in turns as a 2013 Touareg that I have (even taking tires into account). Seems to not stop as well either. Not sure what this is due but I've generally found that European cars tend to do better turning and stopping in snow, all other things being equal.

 

[avishal26]

I have limited experience driving in the snow with the JX. When I have been in snowing conditions, I've put it in snow mode, which basically keeps you from applying too much throttle. It also cuts out some of the nanny features like cruise control. The car has handled ok, but I haven't hit heavy snow yet.

Since the owner's manual states not to use tire chains, I had difficulty finding some that fit, but finally did obtain a pair at Les Schwab tires. I just didn't want to end up on a highway like I90 over the Snoqualime Pass and get ticketed for not having chains. If I ever have to use them, I will be driving very cautiously since there isn't much space between the tires and fenders.

I've seen several postings from our Canadian members who have stated they are using snow tires (Bridgestone BLIZZAK) since chains are not allowed. Honestly, I don't think the car would perform as well as a Land Rover, BMW X5 or Mercedes ML. I'd still rather have the capability of the AWD anyway. Just drive with caution. Too many people who drive AWD or 4WD cars drive way too fast for snowy conditions.

I'd still like to see what others are experiencing now since the car has been out for a few years.

I'm up in Calgary and have Blizzak winter tires on the QX60 - awesome perormance in the snow. I wouldn't hesitate to take it anywhere in the mountains. And you will be surprised how many BMW's I've seen in the ditch over the last winter 'storm' we had (~12" of snow and -22F last weekend)

 

[humvet]

I'm up in Calgary and have Blizzak winter tires on the QX60 - awesome perormance in the snow. I wouldn't hesitate to take it anywhere in the mountains. And you will be surprised how many BMW's I've seen in the ditch over the last winter 'storm' we had (~12" of snow and -22F last weekend)

Anyone else have input about driving in the snow?

Having AWD where I live is meaningless until I hit the mountains. Would be nice to know what to expect.

 

[dgandbver]

As many have mentioned in posts before - having a set of the 18" wheels with snow tires for winter and the 20" wheels for spring/summer is best.
Many don't have that luxury...myself included.
For what it is, AWD, it works great for us in our 30 days or so we spend in Sierra Nevada mtns every year. For me, ditched the stock Bridgestone Duelers which came with the 20" wheels and switched to Michelin - much better handling in snow/ice.
The tires make a huge difference....YMMV

 

[humvet]

As many have mentioned in posts before - having a set of the 18" wheels with snow tires for winter and the 20" wheels for spring/summer is best.
Many don't have that luxury...myself included.
For what it is, AWD, it works great for us in our 30 days or so we spend in Sierra Nevada mtns every year. For me, ditched the stock Bridgestone Duelers which came with the 20" wheels and switched to Michelin - much better handling in snow/ice.
The tires make a huge difference....YMMV

When you go up to the Sierra's (assuming I-80 or 50) do they make you put on chains when they are required? Just to be sure, do you carry chains?

 

[drmelvinh]

My family and I have owned ML, RX, LX, and etc. 4wd and awd, I feel QX60 handles very well in snow. I experienced no difference driving up to Lake Tahoe. I had 2013 JX that I tried to took short-cut offroad in heavy snowing condition when 50 was closed, JX did very well and didn't get stuck. On I-80 or 50, CHP either close the road or allow 4wd or awd without chain and all other cars with chain required when it's snowing.

 

[dgandbver]

@humvet - no issues with I-80 or 50 chain control checkpoints. They usually just waive me through, although one time, an officer asked if my SUV had AWD since there is no badging on the QX60. I just said yes it is and he let me pass.
I've had no issues with the QX60 driving in the snow in Tahoe area or on Hwy89 - granted I'm not trying to create my own short cut or go off-road. I just stick with the road and take my time. Yes - there are some idiots that just race past......
The QX60 owner's manual does not recommend snow chains on the 20" wheels due to clearance issues.
I carry a shovel and sand if we know we're headed into a storm - always a shovel though.
I did look at some low profile tire cables that will fit the 20" wheels - thinking about getting them for just in case....