Lexus UX250h (2023 year). Manual in english — page 9

154

4-1. Before driving

WARNING

●

During normal driving, do not turn off

the hybrid system. Turning the hybrid

system off while driving will not cause

loss of steering or braking control,

however, power assist to the steering

will be lost. This will make it more diffi-

cult to steer smoothly, so you should

pull over and stop the vehicle as soon

as it is safe to do so.

In the event of an emergency, such as

if it becomes impossible to stop the

vehicle in the normal way:



P.370

●

Use engine braking (downshift) to

maintain a safe speed when driving

down a steep hill.

Using the brakes continuously may

cause the brakes to overheat and lose

effectiveness. (



P.169)

●

Do not adjust the positions of the

steering wheel, the seat, or the inside

or outside rear view mirrors while driv-

ing.

Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle

control.

●

Always check that all passengers’

arms, heads or other parts of their

body are not outside the vehicle.

●

AWD models: Do not drive the vehicle

off-road.

This is not an AWD vehicle designed

for off-road driving. Proceed with all

due caution if it becomes unavoidable

to drive off-road.

●

Do not drive across a river or through

other bodies of water.

This may cause electric/electronic

components to short circuit, damage

the hybrid system or cause other seri-

ous damage to the vehicle.

●

Do not drive in excess of the speed

limit. Even if the legal speed limit per-

mits it, do not drive over 85 mph (140

km/h) unless your vehicle has high-

speed capability tires.

Driving over 85 mph (140 km/h) may

result in tire failure, loss of control and

possible injury. Be sure to consult a tire

dealer to determine whether the tires

on your vehicle are high-speed capa-

bility tires or not before driving at such

speeds.

■

When driving on slippery road sur-

faces

●

Sudden braking, acceleration and

steering may cause tire slippage and

reduce your ability to control the vehi-

cle.

●

Sudden acceleration, engine braking

due to shifting, or changes in engine

speed could cause the vehicle to skid,

resulting in an accident.

●

After driving through a puddle, lightly

depress the brake pedal to make sure

that the brakes are functioning prop-

erly. Wet brake pads may prevent the

brakes from functioning properly. If

the brakes on only one side are wet

and not functioning properly, steering

control may be affected.

■

When shifting the shift lever

●

Do not let the vehicle roll backward

while the shift lever is in a driving posi-

tion, or roll forward while the shift lever

is in R.

Doing so may result in an accident or

damage to the vehicle.

●

Do not shift the shift lever to P while

the vehicle is moving.

Doing so can damage the hybrid

transmission and may result in a loss of

vehicle control.

●

Do not shift the shift lever to R while

the vehicle is moving forward.

Doing so can damage the hybrid

transmission and may result in a loss of

vehicle control.

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4-1. Before driving

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WARNING

●

Do not shift the shift lever to a driving

position while the vehicle is moving

backward.

Doing so can damage the hybrid

transmission and may result in a loss of

vehicle control.

●

Shifting the shift lever to N while the

vehicle is moving will disengage the

hybrid system. Engine braking is not

available with the hybrid system disen-

gaged.

●

Be careful not to shift the shift lever

with the accelerator pedal depressed.

Shifting the shift lever to any position

other than P or N may lead to unex-

pected rapid acceleration of the vehi-

cle that may cause an accident and

result in death or serious injury.

■

If you hear a squealing or scraping

noise (brake pad wear limit indica-

tors)

Have the brake pads checked and

replaced by your Lexus dealer as soon as

possible. Rotor damage may result if the

pads are not replaced when needed.

It is dangerous to drive the vehicle when

the wear limits of the brake pads and/or

those of the brake discs are exceeded.

■

When the vehicle is stopped

●

Do not depress the accelerator pedal

unnecessarily.

If the shift lever is in any position other

than P or N, the vehicle may acceler-

ate suddenly and unexpectedly, caus-

ing an accident.

●

In order to prevent accidents due to

the vehicle rolling away, always keep

depressing the brake pedal while

stopped with the “READY” indicator is

illuminated, and apply the parking

brake as necessary.

●

If the vehicle is stopped on an incline,

in order to prevent accidents caused

by the vehicle rolling forward or back-

ward, always depress the brake pedal

and securely apply the parking brake

as needed.

●

Avoid revving or racing the engine.

Running the engine at high speed

while the vehicle is stopped may cause

the exhaust system to overheat, which

could result in a fire if combustible

material is nearby.

■

When the vehicle is parked

●

Do not leave glasses, cigarette light-

ers, spray cans, or soft drink cans in the

vehicle when it is in the sun.

Doing so may result in the following:

• Gas may leak from a cigarette lighter

or spray can, and may lead to a fire.

• The temperature inside the vehicle

may cause the plastic lenses and plas-

tic material of glasses to deform or

crack.

• Soft drink cans may fracture, causing

the contents to spray over the interior

of the vehicle, and may also cause a

short circuit in the vehicle’s electrical

components.

●

Do not leave cigarette lighters in the

vehicle. If a cigarette lighter is in a

place such as the glove box or on the

floor, it may be lit accidentally when

luggage is loaded or the seat is

adjusted, causing a fire.

●

Do not attach adhesive discs to the

windshield or windows. Do not place

containers such as air fresheners on

the instrument panel or dashboard.

Adhesive discs or containers may act

as lenses, causing a fire in the vehicle.

●

Do not leave a door or window open if

the curved glass is coated with a met-

allized film such as a silver-colored

one. Reflected sunlight may cause the

glass to act as a lens, causing a fire.

156

4-1. Before driving

WARNING

●

Always apply the parking brake, shift

the shift lever to P, stop the hybrid sys-

tem and lock the vehicle.

Do not leave the vehicle unattended

while the “READY” indicator is illumi-

nated.

If the vehicle is parked with the shift

lever in P but the parking brake is not

set, the vehicle may start to move, pos-

sibly leading to an accident.

●

Do not touch the exhaust pipes while

the “READY” indicator is illuminated

or immediately after turning the hybrid

system off.

Doing so may cause burns.

■

When taking a nap in the vehicle

Always turn the hybrid system off. Oth-

erwise, if you accidentally move the shift

lever or depress the accelerator pedal,

this could cause an accident or fire due

to hybrid system overheating. Addition-

ally, if the vehicle is parked in a poorly

ventilated area, exhaust gases may col-

lect and enter the vehicle, leading to

death or a serious health hazard.

■

When braking

●

When the brakes are wet, drive more

cautiously.

Braking distance increases when the

brakes are wet, and this may cause

one side of the vehicle to brake differ-

ently than the other side. Also, the

parking brake may not securely hold

the vehicle.

●

If the electronically controlled brake

system does not operate, do not follow

other vehicles closely and avoid hills or

sharp turns that require braking.

In this case, braking is still possible, but

the brake pedal should be depressed

more firmly than usual. Also, the brak-

ing distance will increase. Have your

brakes fixed immediately.

●

The brake system consists of 2 or

more individual hydraulic systems; if

one of the systems fails, the other(s)

will still operate. In this case, the brake

pedal should be depressed more

firmly than usual and the braking dis-

tance will increase. Have your brakes

fixed immediately.

■

If the vehicle becomes stuck (AWD

models)

Do not spin the wheels excessively when

any of the tires is up in the air, or the vehi-

cle is stuck in sand, mud, etc. This may

damage the driveline components or

propel the vehicle forward or backward,

causing an accident.

NOTICE

■

When driving the vehicle

●

Do not depress the accelerator and

brake pedals at the same time during

driving, as this may restrain the hybrid

system output.

●

Do not use the accelerator pedal or

depress the accelerator and brake

pedals at the same time to hold the

vehicle on a hill.

■

Avoiding damage to vehicle parts

●

Do not turn the steering wheel fully in

either direction and hold it there for an

extended period of time.

Doing so may damage the power

steering motor.

●

When driving over bumps in the road,

drive as slowly as possible to avoid

damaging the wheels, underside of the

vehicle, etc.

■

If you get a flat tire while driving

A flat or damaged tire may cause the fol-

lowing situations. Hold the steering

wheel firmly and gradually depress the

brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.

●

It may be difficult to control your vehi-

cle.

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4-1. Before driving

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When the following unusual operation
is performed with the accelerator
pedal depressed, the hybrid system
output may be restrained.



When the shift lever is shifted to R

*

.



When the shift lever is shifted from P
or R to forward drive shift position
such as D

*

.

When the system operates, a message
appears on the multi-information display.
Read the message and follow the instruc-
tion.

*

: Depending on the situation, the shift

position may not be changed.

■

Drive-Start Control (DSC)

●

When the TRAC is turned off (



P.261),

sudden start restraint control also does

not operate. If your vehicle has trouble

escaping from the mud or fresh snow due

to sudden start restraint control opera-

tion, deactivate TRAC (



P.261) so that

the vehicle may become able to escape

from the mud or fresh snow.

NOTICE

●

The vehicle will make abnormal

sounds or vibrations.

●

The vehicle will lean abnormally.

Information on what to do in case of a flat

tire (



P.392)

■

When encountering flooded roads

Do not drive on a road that has flooded

after heavy rain, etc. Doing so may cause

the following serious damage to the vehi-

cle:

●

Engine stalling

●

Short in electrical components

●

Engine damage caused by water

immersion

In the event that you drive on a flooded

road and the vehicle is flooded, be sure

to have your Lexus dealer check the fol-

lowing:

●

Brake function

●

Changes in quantity and quality of oil

and fluid used for the engine, hybrid

transmission, etc.

●

Lubricant condition for the bearings

and suspension joints (where possi-

ble), and the function of all joints, bear-

ings, etc.

■

When parking the vehicle

Always set the parking brake, and shift

the shift lever to P. Failure to do so may

cause the vehicle to move or the vehicle

may accelerate suddenly if the accelera-

tor pedal is accidentally depressed.

Sudden start restraint control
(Drive-Start Control [DSC])

158

4-1. Before driving

Cargo and luggage

Take notice of the following infor-
mation about storage precautions,
cargo capacity and load:

WARNING

■

Things that must not be carried in the

luggage compartment

The following things may cause a fire if

loaded in the luggage compartment:

●

Receptacles containing gasoline

●

Aerosol cans

■

Storage precautions

Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may prevent the pedals

from being depressed properly, may

block the driver’s vision, or may result in

items hitting the driver or passengers,

possibly causing an accident.

●

Stow cargo and luggage in the lug-

gage compartment whenever possi-

ble.

●

Do not stack cargo and luggage in the

luggage compartment higher than the

seatbacks.

●

When you fold down the rear seats,

long items should not be placed

directly behind the front seats.

●

Never allow anyone to ride in the lug-

gage compartment. It is not designed

for passengers. They should ride in

their seats with their seat belts prop-

erly fastened.

●

Do not place cargo or luggage in or on

the following locations.

• At the feet of the driver
• On the front passenger or rear seats

(when stacking items)

• On the luggage cover
• On the instrument panel
• On the dashboard
• In front of the Center Display

●

Secure all items in the occupant com-

partment.

■

When using a roof luggage carrier

Observe the following precautions:

●

Place the cargo so that its weight is

distributed evenly between the front

and rear axles.

●

If loading long or wide cargo, never

exceed the vehicle overall length or

width. (



P.408)

●

Before driving, make sure the cargo is

securely fastened on the roof luggage

carrier.

●

Loading cargo on the roof luggage

carrier will make the center of gravity

of the vehicle higher. Avoid high

speeds, sudden starts, sharp turns,

sudden braking or abrupt maneuvers,

otherwise it may result in loss of con-

trol or vehicle rollover due to failure to

operate this vehicle correctly and

result in death or serious injury.

●

If driving for a long distance, on rough

roads, or at high speeds, stop the vehi-

cle now and then during the trip to

make sure the cargo remains in its

place.

●

Do not exceed 176.3 lb. (80 kg) cargo

weight on the roof luggage carrier.

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4-1. Before driving

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Cargo capacity depends on the total
weight of the occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capac-
ity)



(Total weight of occupants)

Steps for Determining Correct Load
Limit



(1) Locate the statement “The com-
bined weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX kg or XXX
lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of
the driver and passengers that will be
riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of
the driver and passengers from XXX
kg or XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount
equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five
150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400

−

750

(5



150) = 650 lbs.)

(5) Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and lug-
gage load capacity calculated in Step

4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a
trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult
this manual to determine how this
reduces the available cargo and lug-
gage load capacity of your vehicle.
(



P.160)

Lexus does not recommend towing a
trailer with your vehicle. Your vehicle is
not designed for trailer towing.

Cargo capacity

Total load capacity (vehicle capac-
ity weight) (



P.408)

When 2 people with the combined

NOTICE

■

When loading cargo (vehicles with

moon roof)

Be careful not to scratch the surface of

the moon roof.

Capacity and distribution

WARNING

■

Capacity and distribution

●

Do not exceed the maximum axle

weight rating or the total vehicle

weight rating.

●

Even if the total load of occupant’s

weight and the cargo load is less than

the total load capacity, do not apply

the load unevenly. Improper loading

may cause deterioration of steering or

braking control which may cause

death or serious injury.

Calculation formula for your
vehicle

A
B

160

4-1. Before driving

weight of A lb. (kg) are riding in your
vehicle, which has a total load capacity
(vehicle capacity weight) of B lb. (kg),
the available amount of cargo and lug-
gage load capacity will be C lb. (kg) as
follows:

B

*2

lb. (kg)

−

A

*1

lb. (kg) = C

*3

lb. (kg)

*1

: A = Weight of people

*2

: B = Total load capacity

*3

: C = Available cargo and luggage load

In this condition, if 3 more passengers with
the combined weight of D lb. (kg) get on,
the available cargo and luggage load will
be reduced E lb. (kg) as follows:

C lb. (kg)

−

D

*4

lb. (kg) = E

*5

lb. (kg)

*4

: D = Additional weight of people

*5

: E = Available cargo and luggage load

As shown in the example above, if the
number of occupants increases, the
cargo and luggage load will be
reduced by an amount that equals the
increased weight due to the additional
occupants. In other words, if an
increase in the number of occupants
causes an excess of the total load
capacity (combined weight of occu-
pants plus cargo and luggage load),
you must reduce the cargo and lug-
gage on your vehicle.

■

Total load capacity and seating capacity

These details are also described on the tire

and loading information label. (



P.352)

Vehicle load limits

Vehicle load limits include total
load capacity, seating capacity,
towing capacity and cargo capac-
ity.



Total load capacity (vehicle
capacity weight):



P.408

Total load capacity means the com-
bined weight of occupants, cargo
and luggage.



Seating capacity:



P.408

Seating capacity means the maxi-
mum number of occupants whose
estimated average weight is 150 lb.
(68 kg) per person.



Towing capacity

Lexus does not recommend towing
a trailer with your vehicle.



Cargo capacity

Cargo capacity may increase or
decrease depending on the weight
and the number of occupants.

WARNING

■

Overloading the vehicle

Do not overload the vehicle.

It may not only cause damage to the tires,

but also degrade steering and braking

ability, resulting in an accident.

161

4-1. Before driving

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Trailer towing

Lexus does not recommend towing
a trailer with your vehicle. Lexus
also does not recommend the
installation of a tow hitch or the use
of a tow hitch carrier for a wheel-
chair, scooter, bicycle, etc. Your
vehicle is not designed for trailer
towing or for the use of tow hitch
mounted carriers.

Dinghy towing

Your vehicle is not designed to be
dinghy towed (with 4 wheels on the
ground) behind a motor home.

NOTICE

■

To avoid serious damage to your vehi-

cle

Do not tow your vehicle with the four

wheels on the ground.

■

To prevent causing serious damage

to the hybrid transmission and AWD

system (AWD models)

2WD models: Never tow this vehicle

from the rear with the front wheels on the

ground.
This may cause serious damage to the

transmission.

162

4-1. Before driving

NOTICE

AWD models: Never tow this vehicle

with any of the wheels on the ground.

This may cause serious damage to the

hybrid transmission and AWD system.

163

4-2. Driving procedures

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4-2.Driving procedures

1

Press the parking brake switch to
check that the parking brake is set.
(



P.174)

Parking brake indicator will come on.

2

Check that the shift lever is in P.

3

Firmly depress the brake pedal.

and a message will be displayed on the

multi-information display.

If it is not displayed, the hybrid system can-

not be started.

4

Press the power switch shortly and
firmly.

When operating the power switch, one

short, firm press is enough.

It is not necessary to press and hold the

switch.
If the “READY” indicator turns on, the

hybrid system will operate normally.

Continue depressing the brake pedal until

the “READY” indicator is illuminated.

The hybrid system can be started from any

power switch mode.

5

Check that the “READY” indicator
is illuminated.

The vehicle will not move when the

“READY” indicator is off.

■

Power switch illumination

According to the situation, the power

switch illumination operates as follows.

●

When a front door is opened, or the

power switch mode is changed from

ACC or ON to OFF, the power switch

illumination slowly blinks.

●

When depressing the brake pedal with

carrying the electronic key on your per-

son, the power switch illumination rapidly

blinks.

●

When the power switch is in ACC or

ON, the power switch illumination illumi-

nates.

■

If the hybrid system does not start

●

The immobilizer system may not have

been deactivated. (



P.68)

Contact your Lexus dealer.

●

If a message related to start-up is shown

on the multi-information display, read the

message and follow the instructions.

●

The smart access system with push-but-

ton start may not be operating properly.

(



P.397)

●

If the door is unlocked with the mechani-

cal key, the hybrid system cannot be

started using the smart access system

with push-button start. Refer to P.397 to

start the hybrid system. However, if the

electronic key is carried inside the vehi-

cle and the doors are locked (



P.112),

the hybrid system can be started.

■

When the ambient temperature is low,

such as during winter driving conditions

When starting the hybrid system, the flash-

ing time of the “READY” indicator may be

long. Leave the vehicle as it is until the

“READY” indicator is steady on, as steady

means the vehicle is able to move.

■

Sounds and vibrations specific to a

Hybrid Electric Vehicle



P.62

Power (ignition) switch

Performing the following opera-
tions when carrying the electronic
key on your person starts the hybrid
system or changes power switch
modes.

Starting the hybrid system

164

4-2. Driving procedures

■

Electronic key battery depletion



P.104

■

Conditions affecting operation



P.128

■

Note for the entry function



P.128

■

If the “READY” indicator does not

come on

In the event that the “READY” indicator

does not come on even after performing

the proper procedures for starting the vehi-

cle, contact your Lexus dealer immediately.

■

If the hybrid system is malfunctioning



P.67

■

Electronic key battery



P.359

■

Operation of the power switch

●

If the switch is not pressed shortly and

firmly, the power switch mode may not

change or the hybrid system may not

start.

●

If attempting to restart the hybrid system

immediately after turning the power

switch off, the hybrid system may not start

in some cases. After turning the power

switch off, please wait a few seconds

before restarting the hybrid system.

■

Customization

If the smart access system with push-button

start has been deactivated in a customized

setting, refer to P.396

1

Stop the vehicle completely.

2

Set the parking brake (



P.174),

and shift the shift lever to P
(



P.169).

3

Press the power switch.

4

Release the brake pedal and check
that “ACCESSORY” or “IGNI-
TION ON” is not shown on the
meter.

■

Automatic hybrid system shut off fea-

ture

●

The vehicle is equipped with a feature

that automatically shuts off the hybrid sys-

tem when the shift lever is in P with the

hybrid system operating for an extended

period.

●

The hybrid system will automatically shut

off after approximately 1 hour if it has

been left running while the shift lever is in

P.

●

The timer for the automatic hybrid system

shut off feature will reset if the brake

pedal is depressed or if the shift lever is in

a position other than P.

●

After the vehicle is parked, if the door is

locked with the door lock switch

(



P.112) from the inside or the mechani-

cal key from the outside, the automatic

WARNING

■

When starting the hybrid system

Always start the hybrid system while sit-

ting in the driver’s seat. Do not depress

the accelerator pedal while starting the

hybrid system under any circumstances.

Doing so may cause an accident result-

ing in death or serious injury.

NOTICE

■

When starting the hybrid system

If the hybrid system becomes difficult to

start, have your vehicle checked by your

Lexus dealer immediately.

■

Symptoms indicating a malfunction

with the power switch

If the power switch seems to be operat-

ing somewhat differently than usual, such

as the switch sticking slightly, there may

be a malfunction. Contact your Lexus

dealer immediately.

Stopping the hybrid system

165

4-2. Driving procedures

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hybrid system shut off feature will be dis-

abled. The timer for the automatic hybrid

system shut off feature will be re-enabled

if the driver’s door is opened.

■

Locking the door from outside with the

hybrid system operating

1

With the driver’s door open, pull the

driver’s door handle and insert the

mechanical key.

2

Turn the mechanical key counterclock-

wise.

3

Pull out the mechanical key and close

the door.

WARNING

■

Stopping the hybrid system in an

emergency

●

If you want to stop the hybrid system in

an emergency while driving the vehi-

cle, press and hold the power switch

for more than 2 seconds, or press it

briefly 3 times or more in succession.

(



P.370)

However, do not touch the power

switch while driving except in an emer-

gency. Turning the hybrid system off

while driving will not cause loss of

steering or braking control, however,

power assist to the steering will be lost.

This will make it more difficult to steer

smoothly, so you should pull over and

stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to

do so.

●

If the power switch is operated while

the vehicle is running, a warning mes-

sage will be shown on the multi-infor-

mation display and a buzzer sounds.

●

When restarting the hybrid system

after an emergency shutdown, shift the

shift lever to N and press the power

switch shortly and firmly.

■

When parking

Exhaust gases include harmful carbon

monoxide (CO), which is colorless and

odorless. Observe the following precau-

tions.
Failure to do so may cause exhaust gases

to enter the vehicle and may lead to an

accident caused by light-headedness, or

may lead to death or a serious health

hazard.

●

If the vehicle is in a poorly ventilated

area or a closed area, such as a

garage, stop the hybrid system.

●

Do not leave the vehicle with the

hybrid system operating for a long

time. If such a situation cannot be

avoided, park the vehicle in an open

space and ensure that exhaust fumes

do not enter the vehicle interior.

166

4-2. Driving procedures

Modes can be changed by pressing
the power switch with the brake pedal
released. (The mode changes each
time the switch is pressed.)

1

OFF

*

The emergency flashers can be used.

2

ACC

Some electrical components such as the
audio system can be used.
“ACCESSORY” will be displayed on the
meter.

3

ON

All electrical components can be used.
“IGNITION ON” will be displayed on the

meter.

*

: If the shift lever is in a position other than

P when turning off the hybrid system, the
power switch will be turned to ACC, not
to OFF.

■

Auto power off function

If the vehicle is left in ACC for more than

20 minutes or ON (the hybrid system is not

operating) for more than an hour with the

shift lever in P, the power switch will auto-

matically turn off. However, this function

cannot entirely prevent 12-volt battery dis-

charge. Do not leave the vehicle with the

power switch in ACC or ON for long peri-

ods of time when the hybrid system is not

operating.

If the hybrid system is stopped with the
shift lever in a position other than P, the
power switch will not be turned off but

WARNING

●

Do not leave the hybrid system oper-

ating in an area with snow build-up, or

where it is snowing. If snowbanks build

up around the vehicle while the hybrid

system is operating, exhaust gases

may collect and enter the vehicle.

Changing power switch modes

NOTICE

■

To prevent 12-volt battery discharge

●

Do not leave the power switch in ACC

or ON for long periods of time without

the hybrid system on.

●

If “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION

ON” is displayed on the multi-informa-

tion display while the hybrid system is

not operating, the power switch is not

OFF. Exit the vehicle after turning the

power switch off.

●

Do not stop the hybrid system when

the shift lever is in a position other than

P. If the hybrid system is stopped in

another shift lever position, the power

switch will not be turned off but instead

be turned to ACC. If the vehicle is left

in ACC, 12-volt battery discharge may

occur.

When stopping the hybrid sys-
tem with the shift lever in a posi-
tion other than P

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4-2. Driving procedures

4

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instead be turned to ACC. Perform
the following procedure to turn the
switch off:

1

Check that the parking brake is set.

2

Shift the shift lever to P.

3

Check that “Turn Power Off” is dis-
played on the multi-information dis-
play and then press the power
switch shortly and firmly once.

4

Check that “Turn Power Off” on
the multi-information display is off.

Turns EV drive mode on/off

When EV drive mode is turned on, the EV
drive mode indicator will come on.
Pressing the switch when in EV drive mode
will return the vehicle to normal driving
(using the gasoline engine and electric
motor [traction motor]).

■

Situations in which EV drive mode can-

not be turned on

It may not be possible to turn EV drive

mode on in the following situations. If it can-

not be turned on, a buzzer will sound and a

message will be shown on the multi-infor-

EV drive mode

In EV drive mode, electric power is
supplied by the hybrid battery
(traction battery), and only the
electric motor (traction motor) is
used to drive the vehicle.
This mode allows you to drive in res-
idential areas early in the morning
and late at night, or in indoor park-
ing lots, etc., without concern for
noises and gas emissions.
However, when the Acoustic Vehi-
cle Alerting System is active, the
vehicle may produce sound.

Operating instructions

168

4-2. Driving procedures

mation display.

●

The temperature of the hybrid system is

high.

The vehicle has been left in the sun,

driven on a hill, driven at high speeds, etc.

●

The temperature of the hybrid system is

low.

The vehicle has been left in temperatures

lower than about 68 °F (20 °C) for a

long period of time, etc.

●

The gasoline engine is warming up.

●

The hybrid battery (traction battery) is

low.

The remaining battery level indicated in

the energy monitor display is low.

(



P.99)

●

Vehicle speed is high.

●

The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly

or the vehicle is on a hill, etc.

●

The windshield defogger is in use.

■

Switching to EV drive mode when the

gasoline engine is cold

If the hybrid system is started while the gas-

oline engine is cold, the gasoline engine will

start automatically after a short period of

time in order to warm up. In this case, you

will become unable to switch to EV drive

mode.

After the hybrid system has started and the

“READY” indicator has illuminated, press

the EV drive mode switch before the gaso-

line engine starts to switch to EV drive

mode.

■

Automatic cancelation of EV drive

mode

When driving in EV drive mode, the gaso-

line engine may automatically restart in the

following situations. When EV drive mode

is canceled, a buzzer will sound, the EV

drive mode indicator will go off after flash-

ing, and a message is displayed on the

multi-information display.

●

The hybrid battery (traction battery)

becomes low.

The remaining battery level indicated in

the energy monitor display is low.

(



P.99)

●

Vehicle speed is high.

●

The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly

or the vehicle is on a hill, etc.

■

Possible driving distance when driving

in EV drive mode

EV drive mode’s possible driving distance

ranges from a few hundred meters to

approximately 0.6 mile (1 km). However,

depending on vehicle conditions, there are

situations when EV drive mode cannot be

used. (The distance that is possible depends

on the hybrid battery [traction battery] level

and driving conditions.)

■

Fuel economy

The hybrid system is designed to achieve

the best possible fuel economy during nor-

mal driving (using the gasoline engine and

electric motor [traction motor]). Driving in

EV drive mode more than necessary may

lower fuel economy.

■

If “EV Mode Unavailable” is shown on

the multi-information display

The EV drive mode is not available. The

reason the EV drive mode is not available

(the vehicle is idling, battery charge is low,

vehicle speed is higher than the EV drive

mode operating speed range or accelera-

tor pedal is depressed too much) may be

displayed. Use the EV drive mode when it

becomes available.

■

If “EV Mode Deactivated” is shown on

the multi-information display

The EV drive mode has been automatically

canceled. The reason the EV drive mode is

not available (the battery charge is low,

vehicle speed is higher than the EV drive

mode operating speed range or accelera-

tor pedal is depressed too much) may be

displayed. Drive the vehicle for a while

before attempting to turn on the EV drive

mode again.

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4-2. Driving procedures

4

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*1

: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce

noise, shift the shift lever to D for normal
driving.

*2

: By selecting shift ranges using S mode,

you can control accelerating force and
engine braking force.

■

Reverse warning buzzer

When shifting into R, a buzzer will sound to

inform the driver that the shift lever is in R.

■

When driving with dynamic radar cruise

control with full-speed range activated

Even when performing the following

actions with the intent of enabling engine

braking, engine braking will not activate

because dynamic radar cruise control with

full-speed range will not be canceled.

●

While driving in S mode, downshifting to

5 or 4. (



P.172)

●

When switching the driving mode to

Sport mode while driving in D position.

WARNING

■

Caution while driving

When driving in EV drive mode, pay spe-

cial attention to the area around the vehi-

cle. Because there is no engine noise,

pedestrians, people riding bicycles or

other people and vehicles in the area

may not be aware of the vehicle starting

off or approaching them, so take extra

care while driving. Therefore, take extra

care while driving even if the Acoustic

Vehicle Alerting System is active.

Hybrid transmission

Select the shift position depending
on your purpose and situation.

Shift position purpose and func-
tions

Shift posi-

tion

Objective or function

P

Parking the vehicle/starting

the hybrid system

R

Reversing

N

Neutral

(Condition in which the

power is not transmitted)

D

Normal driving

*1

S

S mode driving

*2

(



P.172)