Lexus NX350h (2022 year). Manual in english — page 1

Using the dedicated floor mats

Using the dedicated floor mats correctly

Use only floor mats designed specifically for vehicles of the same model and model
year as your vehicle. Fix them securely in place onto the carpet.

WARNING

●

When installing a driver's side floor mat, do not use floor mats designed for other
models or different model year vehicles, even if they are Lexus Genuine floor mats.

●

Only use floor mats designed for the driver’s seat.

●

Do not use two or more floor mats on top of each other.

●

Do not place the floor mat bottomside up or upside-down.

Securing the floor mats

WARNING

Check the following before driving.

●

Check that the floor mat is securely fixed in the correct place with all the provided
retaining hooks (clips). Be especially careful to perform this check after cleaning the
floor.

●

With the hybrid system stopped and the shift position in P, fully depress each pedal to
the floor to make sure it does not interfere with the floor mat.

1

Insert the retaining hooks (clips) into the floor
mat eyelets.

WARNING

Always install the floor mat securely using the retaining hooks (clips) provided.

1-1. Using the dedicated floor mats

24

2

Turn the upper knob of each retaining hook
(clip) to secure the floor mats in place.

Always align the

△

marks

.

The shape of the retaining hooks (clips) may differ
from that shown in the illustration.

1-1. Using the dedicated floor mats

25

1

Befor

e driving

Important points for the hybrid system

Hybrid system features

Your vehicle is a hybrid electric vehicle. It has characteristics different from con-
ventional vehicles. Be sure you are closely familiar with the characteristics of your
vehicle, and operate it with care. The hybrid system combines the use of a gasoline
engine and an electric motor (traction motor) according to driving conditions,
improving fuel efficiency and reducing exhaust emissions.

WARNING

The driver should pay extra attention to pedestrians when the vehicle is powered only
by the electric motor (traction motor). As there is no engine noise, the pedestrians may
misjudge the vehicle's movement. Even though the vehicle is equipped with the acoustic
vehicle alerting system, drive with care as pedestrians in the vicinity may still not notice
the vehicle if the surrounding area is noisy.

■

When stopped/during start off

The gasoline engine stops

*1

when the vehicle is stopped.

During start off, the electric motor (traction motor) drives the vehicle.
At slow speeds or when traveling down a gentle slope, the engine is stopped

*1

and

the electric motor (traction motor) is used.
When the shift position is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) is not being
charged.

■

During normal driving

The gasoline engine is predominantly used.
The electric motor (traction motor) charges the hybrid battery (traction battery) as
necessary.

INFORMATION

■

Conditions in which the gasoline engine may not stop

The gasoline engine starts and stops automatically.

*2

●

During gasoline engine warm-up

●

During hybrid battery (traction battery) charging

●

When the temperature of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is high or low

●

When the heater is switched on

*1 :

When the hybrid battery (traction battery) requires charging or the engine is warming

up, etc., the gasoline engine will not automatically stop.

*2 :

Depending on the circumstances, the gasoline engine may also not stop automatical-

ly in other situations.

1-2. Important points for the hybrid system

26

■

When accelerating sharply

When the accelerator pedal is depressed heavily, the power of the hybrid battery
(traction battery) is added to that of the gasoline engine via the electric motor
(traction motor).

■

When braking (regenerative braking)

The electric motor (traction motor) charges the hybrid battery (traction battery).

INFORMATION

■

Regenerative braking

●

In the following situations, kinetic energy is converted to electric energy and decelera-
tion force can be obtained in conjunction with the recharging of the hybrid battery
(traction battery).

•

The accelerator pedal is released while driving with the shift position in D or S.

•

The brake pedal is depressed while driving with the shift position in D or S.

■

EV indicator

The EV indicator comes on when the vehicle is driven using only the electric motor
(traction motor) or the gasoline engine is stopped.
Through a customization setteing, the on/off operation of the EV indicator can be
changed.

■

Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid electric vehicle

Because there is no engine sound or vibration, it is easy to mistake the hybrid electric
vehicle for being off when it is actually still running, as indicated by the "READY"
indicator being illuminated. For safety, make sure to always shift the shift position to P and
apply the parking brake when parked.
The following sounds or vibrations may occur when the hybrid system is operating and
are not a malfunction:

●

Motor sounds may be heard from the engine compartment.

●

Sounds may be heard from the hybrid battery (traction battery) behind the rear seats
when the hybrid system starts or stops.

1-2. Important points for the hybrid system

27

1

Befor

e driving

●

Relay operating sounds such as a snap or soft clank will be emitted from the hybrid
battery (traction battery), behind the rear seats, when the hybrid system is started or
stopped.

●

Sounds from the hybrid system may be heard when the back door is open.

●

Sounds may be heard from the transmission when the gasoline engine starts or stops,
when driving at low speeds, or during idling.

●

Engine sounds may be heard when accelerating sharply.

●

Sounds may be heard due to regenerative braking when the brake pedal is depressed
or as the accelerator pedal is released.

●

Vibration may be felt when the gasoline engine starts or stops.

●

Cooling fan sounds may be heard from the air intake vents under the rear seats.

■

Maintenance, repair, recycling, and disposal

Contact your Lexus dealer regarding maintenance, repair, recycling and disposal. Do not
dispose of the vehicle yourself.

System components

WARNING

Check the following regarding handling of the hybrid battery (traction battery).

●

Never resell, hand over or modify the hybrid battery. To prevent accidents, hybrid
batteries that have been removed from a disposed vehicle are collected through Lexus
dealers. Do not dispose of the battery yourself.
If the hybrid battery (traction battery) is not properly collected, the following may
occur.

•

The hybrid battery may be illegally disposed of or dumped, and it is hazardous to
the environment or someone may touch a high voltage part, resulting in an electric
shock.

•

The hybrid battery is intended to be used exclusively with your hybrid electric
vehicle. If the hybrid battery is used outside of your vehicle or modified in any way,
accidents such as electric shock, heat generation, smoke generation, an explosion
and electrolyte leakage may occur.
When reselling or handing over your vehicle, the possibility of an accident is
extremely high because the person receiving the vehicle may not be aware of these
dangers.

●

In the event that your vehicle must be disposed of, the hybrid battery must be disposed
of by your Lexus dealer or a qualified service shop. If your vehicle is disposed of
without the hybrid battery having been removed, there is a danger of serious electric
shock if high voltage parts, cables and their connectors are touched.

1-2. Important points for the hybrid system

28

WARNING

If the hybrid battery is not disposed of properly, it may lead to electric shock.

NOTICE

Do not carry large amounts of water such as water cooler bottles in the vehicle.
If water spills onto the hybrid battery (traction battery), the battery may be damaged.
Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.

The illustration is an example for explanation and may differ from the actual item.

A

Gasoline engine

B

Warning label

C

High voltage cables (orange)

D

Hybrid battery (traction battery)

E

Rear electric motor (traction motor)

F

Service plug

G

Front electric motor (traction motor)

H

Power control unit

I

Air conditioning compressor

INFORMATION

■

Charging the hybrid battery (traction battery)

As the gasoline engine charges the hybrid battery (traction battery), the battery does not
need to be charged from an outside source. However, if the vehicle is left parked for a
long time the hybrid battery (traction battery) will slowly discharge. For this reason, be

1-2. Important points for the hybrid system

29

1

Befor

e driving

sure to drive the vehicle at least once every few months for at least 30 minutes or 10
miles (16 km).
If the hybrid battery (traction battery) becomes fully discharged and you are unable to
start the hybrid system, contact your Lexus dealer.

■

After the 12-volt battery has discharged or when the terminal has been removed
and installed during exchange, etc.

The gasoline engine may not stop even if the vehicle is being driven by the hybrid battery
(traction battery).
If this continues for a few days, contact your Lexus dealer.

■

Hybrid battery (traction battery) lifespan

The hybrid battery (traction battery) has a limited service life. The lifespan of the hybrid
battery (traction battery) can change in accordance with driving style and driving condi-
tions.

■

Starting the hybrid system in an extremely cold environment

When the hybrid battery (traction battery) is extremely cold (below approximately -22°F
[-30°C]) under the influence of the outside temperature, it may not be possible to start
the hybrid system. In this case, try to start the hybrid system again after the temperature
of the hybrid battery increases due to the outside temperature increase etc.

Acoustic vehicle alerting system

When driving with the gasoline engine stopped, a sound, which changes in ac-
cordance with the driving speed, will be played in order to warn people nearby
of the vehicle’s approach. The sound will stop when the vehicle speed exceeds
approximately 22 mph (35 km/h).

INFORMATION

■

Acoustic vehicle alerting system operating sounds

In the following cases, the acoustic vehicle alerting system may be difficult for surround-
ing people to hear.

●

In very noisy areas

●

In the wind or the rain

Predictive efficient drive (vehicles with navigation system)

*3

*3 :

This function can only be used in the mainland U.S.A. It cannot be used in other states

and territories, including Alaska and Hawaii.

1-2. Important points for the hybrid system

30

This system operates based on the driving situation and traffic information of the
road being driven on, helping to ensure excellent fuel economy. For details about
Predictive efficient drive, refer to " MULTIMEDIA OWNER'S MANUAL".

■

Predictive deceleration support

When the vehicle approaches to predictive deceleration support points registered
in the navigation system, the engine braking force will be increased according
to the driving conditions to more efficiently charge the hybrid battery (traction
battery) after the accelerator pedal is released.

■

Predictive SOC

*4

control

The following types of control are performed based on data such as road and
traffic information during route guidance by the navigation system to help ensure
that the vehicle efficiently uses electricity.

●

When there is a long downhill slope along the route, the system reduces the
hybrid battery (traction battery) level before reaching the slope to help ensure
charging capacity for regenerative braking while traveling downhill.

●

When traffic congestion is predicted along the route, the system helps ensure a
certain battery level before reaching congested roads to reduce the frequency
of starting the engine to charge the hybrid battery (traction battery) due to low
battery levels.

*4 :

SOC means state of charge

1-2. Important points for the hybrid system

31

1

Befor

e driving

Hybrid system precautions

Take care when handling the hybrid system, as it is a high voltage system (about
650 V at maximum) as well as contains parts that become extremely hot when the
hybrid system is operating. Obey the warning labels attached to the vehicle.

WARNING

■

High voltage precautions

This vehicle has high voltage DC and AC systems as well as a 12-volt system.
Observe the following, otherwise you may suffer burns or electric shock.

●

Never touch, disassemble, remove or replace the high voltage parts, cables or their
connectors.

●

The hybrid system will become hot after starting as the system uses high voltage.
Be careful of both the high voltage and the high temperature, and always obey the
warning labels attached to the vehicle.

●

Never try to open the service plug access hole
located underneath the rear seats. The service
plug is used only when the vehicle is serviced and
is subject to high voltage.

■

If the vehicle is involved in a collision

Observe the following.

●

Stop the vehicle in a safe place to prevent subsequent accidents. While depressing the
brake pedal, apply the parking brake and shift the shift position to P to stop the hybrid
system. Then, slowly release the brake pedal.

●

Do not touch the high voltage parts, cables and connectors.

●

Never touch exposed electric wires. If electric wires are exposed inside or outside
your vehicle, an electric shock may occur.

●

If a fluid leak occurs, do not touch the fluid as it may be strong alkaline electrolyte from
the hybrid battery (traction battery).
If the strongly alkaline electrolyte of the hybrid battery (traction battery) comes into
contact with your eyes or skin, it may cause blindness or injury to the skin. If it comes
into contact with your eyes or skin, wash it off immediately with a large amount of
water, and seek immediate medical attention.

●

If electrolyte is leaking from the hybrid battery (traction battery), do not approach the
vehicle.

1-2. Important points for the hybrid system

32

WARNING

Even in the unlikely event that the hybrid battery (traction battery) is damaged, the
internal construction of the battery will prevent a large amount of electrolyte from
leaking out. However, any electrolyte that does leak out will give off a vapor. This vapor
is an irritant to skin and eyes and could cause acute poisoning if inhaled.

●

Do not bring burning or high-temperature items close to the electrolyte.
The electrolyte may ignite and cause a fire.

●

If a fire occurs in the hybrid electric vehicle, leave the vehicle as soon as possible.
Never use a fire extinguisher that is not meant for electric fires. Using even a small
amount of water may be dangerous.

●

If your vehicle needs to be towed, do so with four wheels raised.
If the wheels connected to the electric motor (traction motor) are on the ground when
towing, the motor may continue to generate electricity. This may cause a fire.

●

Check the ground under the vehicle. If a liquid other than water from the air condition-
ing system is found, the fuel system may have been damaged.
Do not start the hybrid system. If it is started as is, the leaked fuel may ignite.
Leave the vehicle as soon as possible, and contact your Lexus dealer.

INFORMATION

■

Electromagnetic waves

●

High voltage parts and cables on hybrid electric vehicles incorporate electromagnetic
shielding, and therefore emit approximately the same amount of electromagnetic
waves as conventional gasoline powered vehicles or home electronic appliances.

●

Your vehicle may cause sound interference in some third party-produced radio parts.

Hybrid battery (traction battery) air intake vent

There is an air intake vent under the right side
of the rear seat for the purpose of cooling the
hybrid battery (traction battery). If the vents be-
come blocked, hybrid battery output may be re-
duced.

NOTICE

Observe the following precautions regarding the hybrid battery (traction battery) air
intake vent.

1-2. Important points for the hybrid system

33

1

Befor

e driving

NOTICE

●

Make sure not to block the air intake vent with anything, such as a seat cover, plastic
cover, or luggage.
If the vents become blocked, the hybrid battery (traction battery) input and output may
be restricted, leading to a reduction in hybrid battery (traction battery) output and a
malfunction.

●

When dust etc. has accumulated in the air intake vent, periodically clean it with a
vacuum cleaner to prevent the vent from clogging.

●

Do not get water or foreign materials in either the air intake and discharge vents as this
may cause a short circuit and damage the hybrid battery (traction battery).

●

A filter is installed to the air intake vent.
When the filter remains noticeably dirty even after cleaning the air intake vent, filter
cleaning or replacement is recommended.

Related Links

Cleaning the air intake vent and filter(P. 541)

1-2. Important points for the hybrid system

34

Hybrid electric vehicle driving tips

For economical and ecological driving, pay attention to the following points:

■

Using Eco mode

When using Eco mode, the torque corresponding to the accelerator pedal depres-
sion amount can be generated more smoothly than it is in normal conditions. In
addition, the operation of the air conditioning system (heating/cooling) will be
minimized, improving the fuel economy.

■

Use of Hybrid System Indicator

The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the indicate of Hybrid System
Indicator within Eco area.

■

Changing the shift position

Shift the shift position to D when stopped at a traffic light, or driving in heavy traffic
etc. Shift the shift position to P when parking. When using the N position, there
is no positive effect on fuel consumption. In the N position, the gasoline engine
operates but electricity cannot be generated. Also, when using the air conditioning
system, etc., the hybrid battery (traction battery) power is consumed.

■

Accelerator pedal/brake pedal operation

●

Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid abrupt acceleration and deceleration. Grad-
ual acceleration and deceleration will make more effective use of the electric
motor (traction motor) without having to use gasoline engine power.

●

Avoid repeated acceleration. Repeated acceleration consumes hybrid battery
(traction battery) power, resulting in poor fuel consumption. Battery power can
be restored by driving with the accelerator pedal slightly released.

■

When braking

Make sure to operate the brakes gently and in a timely manner.
A greater amount of electrical energy can be regenerated when slowing down.

■

Delays

Repeated acceleration and deceleration, as well as long waits at traffic lights, will
lead to bad fuel economy. Check traffic reports before leaving and avoid delays as
much as possible. When driving in a traffic jam, gently release the brake pedal to
allow the vehicle to move forward slightly while avoiding overuse of the accelerator
pedal. Doing so can help control excessive gasoline consumption.

■

Highway driving

Control and maintain the vehicle at a constant speed. Before stopping at a toll
booth or similar, allow plenty of time to release the accelerator and gently apply the

1-2. Important points for the hybrid system

35

1

Befor

e driving

brakes. A greater amount of electrical energy can be regenerated when slowing
down.

■

Air conditioning

Use the air conditioning only when necessary. Doing so can help reduce excessive
gasoline consumption.
In summer: When the ambient temperature is high, use the recirculated air mode.
Doing so will help to reduce the burden on the air conditioning system and reduce
fuel consumption as well.
In winter: Because the gasoline engine will not automatically cut out until it and the
interior of the vehicle are warm, it will consume fuel. Also, fuel consumption can be
improved by avoiding overuse of the heater.

■

Checking tire inflation pressure

Make sure to check the tire inflation pressure frequently. Improper tire inflation
pressure can cause poor fuel economy.
Also, as snow tires can cause large amounts of friction, their use on dry roads can
lead to poor fuel economy. Use tires that are appropriate for the season.

■

Luggage

Carrying heavy luggage will lead to poor fuel economy. Avoid carrying unnecessa-
ry luggage. Installing a large roof rack will also cause poor fuel economy.

■

Warming up before driving

Since the gasoline engine starts up and cuts out automatically when cold, warming
up the engine is unnecessary.
Moreover, frequently driving short distances will cause the engine to repeatedly
warm up, which can lead to excess fuel consumption.

1-2. Important points for the hybrid system

36

Vehicle load limits

Vehicle load limits

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

Vehicle load limit terminology and definitions

WARNING

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.

■

Total load capacity (vehicle capacity weight)

Total load capacity means the combined weight of occupants, cargo and luggage.

■

Seating capacity

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

■

TWR (Trailer Weight Rating) (vehicles with towing package)

TWR means the maximum gross trailer weight (trailer weight plus its cargo weight)
that your vehicle is able to tow.

■

TWR (Trailer Weight Rating) (vehicles without towing package)

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.

INFORMATION

■

Total load capacity and seating capacity

These details are also described on the tire and loading information label.

Related Links

Dimensions and weight(P. 716)
Seating capacity(P. 716)

1-3. Vehicle load limits

37

1

Befor

e driving

Preparations for safe driving with children in the vehicle

Riding with children

If a child which is not large enough to correctly wear a seat belt intended for adults
is to ride in the vehicle, use a child restraint system. Child restraint systems are
designed to keep children safe.
To ensure safety, observe the following when children are in the vehicle.

●

Make sure that children always wear a seat belt.
If a child is not wearing a seat belt, in a collision, they may collide with a window,
other passenger, or the interior of the vehicle. Also, if a child is riding on the
lap of another passenger, in a collision, they may collide with a window, other
passenger, or the interior of the vehicle.

●

Seat children in the rear seats.
It is recommended that children sit in the rear seats to avoid accidental contact
with the driver's controls.

●

Do not allow children to operate equipment such as the doors, windows, etc.
Do not let children operate equipment such as the doors, power windows, seats,
etc. as a part of their body may become pinched.
To prevent children from opening and closing the doors and power windows, use
the child-protector locks and window lock switch.

WARNING

●

Never leave children unattended in the vehicle, and never allow children to have or
use the key.
Children may be able to start the vehicle or shift the vehicle into neutral.

●

Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle.
Children may accidentally cause the vehicle to move, leading to an accident, or start a
fire.

●

Do not leave people or animals in the vehicle.
The temperature inside the vehicle can become extremely high during the daytime,
possibly leading to heat stroke or death.

●

Do not allow children to ride on the lap of a passenger.
If a child is riding on the lap of another passenger, in a collision, they may collide with a
window, another passenger, or the interior of the vehicle. Make sure that children wear
a seat belt or use a child restraint system.

●

Use a child restraint system for small children.

1-4. Preparations for safe driving with children in the vehicle

38

WARNING

If a child which is not large enough to correctly wear a seat belt is to ride in the vehicle,
use a child restraint system.

●

Use child restraint systems correctly.
Child restraint systems are designed to protect children in a collision or sudden stop.
Make sure to securely install child restraint systems and use them correctly.

●

Replace child restraint systems which have been involved in a collision.
If the vehicle has been involved in a collision, it is possible that an installed child
restraint system has been damaged and will not be able to deliver the same level of
impact absorption performance, even if the outside of it looks normal.

●

When a child restraint system is not in use, secure it so that it does not interfere with
driving.
When removing a child restraint system, store it outside of the vehicle or securely in
the luggage compartment.

Seating positions for children

It is recommended that children sit in the rear seats to avoid accidental contact
with the driver’s controls. In the event of an accident, the force of deployment of the
SRS front passenger airbag can cause death or serious injury to a child seated on
the front passenger’s seat. Do not allow a child to ride on the front passenger’s seat
unless it is unavoidable.

WARNING

●

When installing a child restraint system to the front passenger’s seat is unavoidable,
move the seat as far back as possible, and install the child restraint system so that it
faces forward. If the child restraint system is not installed correctly, in the event of an
accident, the force of deployment of the SRS front passenger airbag can cause death
or serious injury.

●

Never install a rear-facing child restraint system on the front passenger seat even if the
"AIR BAG OFF" indicator light is illuminated. In the event of an accident, the force of
the rapid inflation of the front passenger airbag can cause death or serious injury to
the child if the rear-facing child restraint system is installed on the front passenger seat.

●

A forward-facing child restraint system may be installed on the front passenger seat
only when it is unavoidable. A child restraint system that requires a top tether strap
should not be used in the front passenger seat since there is no top tether strap anchor
for the front passenger seat.

●

A forward-facing child restraint system may be installed on the front passenger seat
only when it is unavoidable. When installing a forward-facing child restraint system on

1-4. Preparations for safe driving with children in the vehicle

39

1

Befor

e driving