2 or 4 wheel drive

[Helenjohn]

How can I find if my lexus is 2WD, 4WD or AWD

[microgerry]

Isn't 4WD and AWD the  same thing?

Surely if it is 4WD it would have a rear electric motor?

[Scotlex]

The base models are often front wheel drive only.

Not sure if your V5 document will tell you. Worth a look.

I was going to suggest looking under the rear of the car but not sure how easy it is to tell.

[RXtoNX]

1 hour ago, microgerry said:

Isn't 4WD and AWD the  same thing?

 

Not quite! Saying they are the same thing is like saying beer is the same as gin, both are alcohol but not quite the same.

The difference is how the engine supplies the drivetrain. While the engine in a 4WD vehicle sends power to each four wheels equally, the engine of an AWD can send different levels of power to each wheel. AWDs can distribute the engine power mechanically or electronically. AWD is more suited to road conditions.

[ColinBarber]

Look on the VIN plate (and possibly the V5 too):

FWD - AYZ10

AWD - AYZ15

 

Energy monitor will show power to/from the rear wheels if it is AWD.

Look underneath at the rear for driveshafts going to the rear wheels and a motor/differential assembly.

[NemesisUK]

The terminology can be confused..

Look under the rear of the car, if there are drive shafts with CVs it will have drive to the rear as well as the front. How that drive is distributed will depend on the software control. 

[Scotlex]

36 minutes ago, ColinBarber said:

Energy monitor will show power to/from the rear wheels if it is AWD.

 

Good point about energy monitor. It will surely show either front wheel drive or AWD.