Well we got about 10-11 inches of snow in Cleveland over the weekend and I finally was able to really test out the RL. I previously drove a Mazda 6 with 4 Blizzaks in the winter and was curious as to the difference. My RL has the original Michelins with 36K. Starts and turns better and the outside front tire will brake hard if I'm trying to rotate the car too much into the turn. Doesn't brake as well as the Mazda because we all know AWD doesn't help with braking in the snow, well we know but a lot of big SUV drivers think they can stop better. Overall very happy and drove on some unplowed streets and the car didn’t' float around much at all; I think I will attribute that to the weight. Also went to a big parking lot by the airport and turned off the VSA and had a blast.

 

Wait till you get new tires. I also live in Cleveland and based on the many reviews here, I replaced the OEMs at delivery with Pilot A/S, which I think are no longer available.

 

I have a 6 with brand new blizzaks on it and I drove my mom's MDX the other day that has pretty new tires.

NEVER again will I drive ANY car (awd, fwd, rwd) in snow without dedicated snow tires. I don't care if it's all wheel drive, my 6 handled a lot better in snow than the MDX. It's worth the $$ to have that kind of control if you live in a climate where snow is pretty common. AWD starts out great but doesn't help with turning and stopping.... Winter tires FTW!

 

I cannot decide if I want to get a new set of either 18" or 19" dedicated for the summer or just get some new UHP all season's come summer. I used to just switch out the winter and summer tires on the same rims for the Mazda but I felt like I was wasting money twice a year to have them switched out when I could put that money towards a new set of wheels and tires. I was looking at the Dunlop SP Sport 5000's as a replacement. I had Dunlop Direzza DZ101's as summer tires on the Mazda and loved them, so same Dunlop family I guess.

 

I got a second set of wheels, comes out cheaper in the long run IMO.

 

wcoy, I got nine inches where I live (far East-side).

As I keep telling people....tires, tires, tires. I have gotten by with UHPAS tires for years because the authorities around here are really good for clearing streets. That'll save you some money.

OTOH, if you buy nicer rims (a requirement with this car ), you can always just use the stockers for snow tires.

 

I live on the westside, we may have gotten less than you actually.
I may be looking for some suggestions come summer.
Saw some AME Tracer FS-01 wheels on a RL in a video and they looked amazing.

 

Proud to be a Californian

 

No snow for us*

 

You are missing out!

 

^I work with a lot of people in WA and OR and I hear you guys got pounded a couple weeks ago.

 

More this morning and a lot more coming tonight. Glad I work from home! The wife drives my car on days like this. I truly love the snow right now but will probably get sick of it come March like I always do.