Which mode were you using? Comfort or Snow? Just out of curiosity.
Snow.....
I did not get much chance to test in difficult conditions this winter as it was very mild and I didnt get mine until middle of Feb. I would say it met all expectations and would give it a 9 or 10. I think tires make all the difference and I did purchase the winter tire package. Did you have winters on?
Forgot to mention, the Nokians have the snowflake...so go anywhere on highways.
How much snow were you able to try the GV80 in? Also, did the snow mode make a difference when you switched to it?
Those are very good tires. Unfortunately I dont think they make a 22" tire. I wonder what the differences you might have noticed. Maybe the front-drive bias in the Lexus is better suited. Is it traction, braking, or both that you noticed the difference?
On my Advanced AWD they are 20" wheels and Nokian does make the WGR tire in 20". You are right, no 22" Nokian all weather tires, in fact, do not believe anyone makes a 22" all weather as I did some checking early on in the buying process. Think you are probably right on the front drive bias on our AWD RX350; just solid on the road. Seem to notice the difference more on traction than braking, however not a lot of problem, just different in feel. The car is heavier so more mass to move and stop, also bit wider in stance. And then, perhaps with time I will adjust my driving to feel more comfortable with winter driving performance. Key is for my wife and I to feel totally comfortable in winter driving conditions. We will again be travelling to California this winter and doing several passes, including the Siskiyou, which can definitely have some severe winter conditions. This is also a key reason to have all weather tires and not have to carry and change over tires once in California.
Snow was about 6" or so, perhaps a bit more. And no, figure snow mode is there for a purpose and given we can have ice underneath at times, want the wheels rotating a little slower. Did use the Comfort mode in lesser snow conditions and things were fine, however as I said, if going a little slower using the snow mode feature.
This is true. You can barely fit four 22" tires in the back of a GV80 with all the seats down.
Can you explain what "snow mode" does? I would guess it might change engine response so the wheels dont spin as easily. Any difference from this or ECO mode?
From my understanding, snow mode changes the way the transmission works in snow and icy conditions.....kind of a gear down feel. From a starting position, car would accelerate a little slower, second gear rather than first gear and indeed not spinning the wheels as quickly. To me, a more comfortable, stable feel. Not sure what Eco mode does, perhaps a bit of the same but not sure.
Thanks - this is what I thought. I drive almost exclusively in Eco mode which I assume does something similar. I never tried Snow mode - maybe next year.
Interesting as it appears not many owners have driven their GV's in snow/ice conditions (only 4 participants) on this thread. Thought there would be more participants/comments. Presuming cars delivered but not with not much winter to work with or perhaps most GV's were purchased in those great sunny warm climates. Anyway, just saying. Regardless, seems the GV80 does winter fine.
Really don't know much on this as I got the 2.5L Advanced with 20" wheels/tires. From what I have seen on this Forum, you can order the 22" winter wheel/tire option for about $3000. Got to think some tire dealers like Tireland will have the GV80 packages in not to distant future.
Great stuff, no issues in winter is always a good thing.......
If you are talking about the winter tire packages available in Canada from Genesis, they have 19, 20, and 22" options. The 22" option is $4300CDN. All sizes are available for all trims. I bought the 19" option for my Prestige level. I dont think there is anything special about the packages. They include Pirelli or Continental tires and the rims are from Braelin (I think a Canadian manufacture??).
