Lexus NX300h (2021 year). Manual in english

155

Driving

4-1. Before driving

Driving the vehicle.....................

156

Cargo and luggage....................

161

Vehicle load limits......................

164

Trailer towing (vehicles with tow-

ing package)..............................

165

Trailer towing (vehicles without

towing package)......................

173

Dinghy towing .............................

173

4-2. Driving procedures

Power (ignition) switch ............

174

EV drive mode ............................

178

Hybrid transmission ..................

180

Turn signal lever..........................

183

Parking brake ..............................

184

Brake Hold....................................

187

ASC (Active Sound Control)

188

4-3. Operating the lights and wipers

Headlight switch.........................

190

Automatic High Beam.............

193

Fog light switch ...........................

196

Windshield wipers and washer

.........................................................

196

Rear window wiper and washer

.........................................................

201

4-4. Refueling

Opening the fuel tank cap.....

203

4-5. Using the driving support sys-

tems

Lexus Safety System + 2.0....

205

PCS (Pre-Collision System) ...

211

LTA (Lane Tracing Assist) .....

218

LDA (Lane Departure Alert with

steering control)......................

227

RSA (Road Sign Assist)..........

235

Dynamic radar cruise control with

full-speed range......................

237

PKSA (Parking Support Alert)

.......................................................

247

Intuitive parking assist.............

248

Parking Support Brake function

(for static objects)..................

253

BSM (Blind Spot Monitor)....

262

Driving mode select switch ..

270

Driving assist systems...............

272

4-6. Driving tips

Hybrid vehicle driving tips ....

277

Winter driving tips....................

279

Utility vehicle precautions.....

282

156

4-1. Before driving

4-1.Before driving

■

Starting the hybrid system



P.174

■

Driving

With the brake pedal depressed,
shift the shift lever to D. (



P.180)

Release the parking brake.
(



P.185)

If the parking brake is in automatic mode,

the parking brake is released automatically

when shifting the shift lever to any position

other than P. (



P.184)

Gradually release the brake pedal
and gently depress the accelerator
pedal to accelerate the vehicle.

■

Stopping

With the shift lever in D, depress the
brake pedal.

If necessary, set the parking brake.
(



P.185)

If the vehicle is to be stopped for an

extended period of time, shift the shift lever

to P. (



P.180)

■

Parking the vehicle

With the shift lever in D, depress the
brake pedal.

Set the parking brake (



P.185),

and shift the shift lever to P
(



P.180).

Press the power switch to stop the
hybrid system.

Lock the door, making sure that you
have the electronic key on your
person.

If parking on a hill, block the wheels as

needed.

■

Starting off on an uphill

With the brake pedal depressed,
shift the shift lever to D. (



P.180)

Pull the parking brake switch and
parking brake is set manually.
(



P.185)

Release the brake pedal and gently
depress the accelerator pedal to
accelerate the vehicle.

Press the parking brake switch and
parking brake is released manually.
(



P.185)

■

When starting off on an uphill

The hill-start assist control will activate.

(



P.273)

■

For fuel-efficient driving

Keep in mind that hybrid vehicles are similar

to conventional vehicles, and it is necessary

to refrain from activities such as sudden

acceleration. (



P.277)

■

Driving in the rain

●

Drive carefully when it is raining, because

visibility will be reduced, the windows

may become fogged-up, and the road

will be slippery.

●

Drive carefully when it starts to rain,

because the road surface will be espe-

cially slippery.

●

Refrain from high speeds when driving on

an expressway in the rain, because there

may be a layer of water between the tires

and the road surface, preventing the

steering and brakes from operating prop-

erly.

Driving the vehicle

The specified procedures should be
observed to ensure safe driving:

Driving procedure

157

4-1. Before driving

Driving

■

Restraining the hybrid system output

(Brake Override System)

●

When the accelerator and brake pedals

are depressed at the same time, the

hybrid system output may be restrained.

●

A warning message is displayed on the

multi-information display and head-up

display (if equipped) while the system is

operating.

■

Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start

Control)

●

When the following unusual operation is

performed, the hybrid system output may

be restrained.

• When the shift lever is shifted from R to D,

D to R, N to R, P to D, or P to R (D

includes S) with the accelerator pedal

depressed, a warning message appears

on the multi-information display and

head-up display (if equipped). If a warn-

ing message is shown on the multi-infor-

mation display and head-up display (if

equipped), read the message and follow

the instructions.

• When the accelerator pedal is depressed

too much while the vehicle is in reverse.

●

While Drive-Start Control is being acti-

vated, your vehicle may have trouble

escaping from the mud or fresh snow. In

such case, deactivate TRAC (



P.273)

to cancel Drive-Start Control so that the

vehicle may become able to escape from

the mud or fresh snow.

■

Breaking in your new Lexus

To extend the life of the vehicle, observing

the following precautions is recommended:

●

For the first 200 miles (300 km):

Avoid sudden stops.

●

For the first 1000 miles (1600 km):

• Do not drive at extremely high speeds.

• Avoid sudden acceleration.

• Do not drive continuously in low gears.

• Do not drive at a constant speed for

extended periods.

●

For the first 500 miles (800 km):

Do not tow a trailer. (vehicles with towing

package)

■

Operating your vehicle in a foreign

country

Comply with the relevant vehicle registra-

tion laws and confirm the availability of the

correct fuel. (



P.432)

■

Eco-friendly driving



P.87

WARNING

Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may result in death or

serious injury.

■

When starting the vehicle

Always keep your foot on the brake

pedal while stopped with the “READY”

indicator is illuminated. This prevents the

vehicle from creeping.

■

When driving the vehicle

●

Do not drive if you are unfamiliar with

the location of the brake and accelera-

tor pedals to avoid depressing the

wrong pedal.

• Accidentally depressing the accelera-

tor pedal instead of the brake pedal

will result in sudden acceleration that

may lead to an accident.

• When backing up, you may twist your

body around, leading to difficulty in

operating the pedals. Make sure to

operate the pedals properly.

• Make sure to keep a correct driving

posture even when moving the vehicle

only slightly. This allows you to depress

the brake and accelerator pedals

properly.

• Depress the brake pedal using your

right foot. Depressing the brake pedal

using your left foot may delay

response in an emergency, resulting in

an accident.

158

4-1. Before driving

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 acous-

tic vehicle alerting system, drive with

care as pedestrians in the vicinity may

still not notice the vehicle if the sur-

rounding area is noisy.

●

Do not drive the vehicle over or stop

the vehicle near flammable materials.

The exhaust system and exhaust gases

can be extremely hot. These hot parts

may cause a fire if there is any flamma-

ble material nearby.

●

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 vehi-

cle in the normal way:



P.380

●

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.180)

●

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.

●

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.

●

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 con-

trol 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 transmission

and may result in a loss of vehicle con-

trol.

159

4-1. Before driving

Driving

WARNING

●

Do not shift the shift lever to R while

the vehicle is moving forward.

Doing so can damage the transmission

and may result in a loss of vehicle con-

trol.

●

Do not shift the shift lever to a driving

position while the vehicle is moving

backward.

Doing so can damage the transmission

and may result in a loss of vehicle con-

trol.

●

Shifting the shift lever to N while the

vehicle is moving will disengage the

hybrid system.

Engine braking is not available when N

is selected.

●

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 lighters,

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.

160

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. Other-

wise, 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 differently

than the other side. Also, the parking

brake may not securely hold the vehi-

cle.

●

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 distance will

increase. Have your brakes fixed

immediately.

■

If the vehicle becomes stuck

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.

161

4-1. Before driving

Driving

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.402)

■

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.

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

162

4-1. Before driving

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.164)

Vehicles without towing package:
Lexus does not recommend towing a

WARNING

●

Secure all items in the occupant com-

partment.

■

When using a roof luggage carrier

(vehicles with roof rails)

Observe the following precautions:

●

Place the cargo so that its weight is dis-

tributed evenly between the front and

rear axles.

●

If loading long or wide cargo, never

exceed the vehicle overall length or

width. (



P.424)

●

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.

NOTICE

■

When loading cargo (vehicles with

moon roof)

Do not set luggage on the moon roof.

Failure to observe so may lead to cause

damage.

Capacity and distribution

163

4-1. Before driving

Driving

trailer with your vehicle. Your vehicle is
not designed for trailer towing.

Cargo capacity

Total load capacity (vehicle capac-
ity weight) (



P.424)

When 2 people with the combined
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:

lb. (kg)

−

lb. (kg) = C

lb. (kg)

: A = Weight of people

: B = Total load capacity

: 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 lug-
gage load will be reduced E lb. (kg) as
follows:

C lb. (kg)

−

lb. (kg) = E

lb. (kg)

: D = Additional weight of people

: 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.

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

164

4-1. Before driving

■

Total load capacity (vehicle capac-
ity weight):



P.424

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

■

Seating capacity:



P.424

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

■

TWR (Trailer Weight Rating) (vehi-
cles with towing package):



P.169, 424

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

■

TWR (Trailer Weight Rating) (vehi-
cles 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.

■

Total load capacity and seating capacity

These details are also described on the tire

and loading information label. (



P.365)

Vehicle load limits

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

Description

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.

165

4-1. Before driving

Driving

Contact your Lexus dealer for further
information about additional require-
ments such as a towing kit, etc.

■

Matching trailer ball height to trailer

coupler height

No matter which class of tow hitch applies,

for a more safe trailer hookup, the trailer

ball setup must be the proper height for the

coupler on the trailer.

Coupler

Trailer ball

■

Before towing

Check that the following conditions are

met:

●

Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are prop-

erly inflated. (



P.430)

●

Trailer tires are inflated according to the

trailer manufacturer’s recommendation.

●

All trailer lights work as required by law.

●

All lights work each time you connect

them.

●

The trailer ball is set at the proper height

for the coupler on the trailer.

●

The trailer is level when it is hitched.

Do not drive if the trailer is not level, and

check for improper tongue weight, over-

loading, worn suspension, or other possi-

ble causes.

●

The trailer cargo is securely loaded.

●

The rear view mirrors conform to all

applicable federal, state/provincial or

local regulations. If they do not, install

rear view mirrors appropriate for towing

purposes.

■

AVS (Adaptive Variable Suspension

System) (if equipped)

The suspension can be switched for

improvement in driveability. (



P.273)

Trailer towing (vehicles with
towing package)

Your vehicle is designed primarily
as a passenger-and-load-carrying
vehicle. Towing a trailer can have an
adverse impact on handling, per-
formance, braking, durability, and
fuel consumption. For your safety
and the safety of others, you must
not overload your vehicle or trailer.
You must also ensure that you are
using appropriate towing equip-
ment, that the towing equipment
has been installed correctly and
used properly, and that you employ
the requisite driving habits.

Vehicle-trailer stability and braking
performance are affected by trailer
stability, brake performance and
setting, trailer brakes, the hitch and
hitch systems (if equipped).
To tow a trailer safely, use extreme
care and drive the vehicle in accor-
dance with your trailer’s character-
istics and operating conditions.
Lexus warranties do not apply to
damage or malfunction caused by
towing a trailer for commercial pur-
poses.

166

4-1. Before driving

■

Break-in schedule

If your vehicle is new or equipped with any

new power train components (such as an

engine, transmission, differential or wheel

bearing), Lexus recommends that you do

not tow a trailer until the vehicle has been

driven for over 500 miles (800 km).

After the vehicle has been driven for over

500 miles (800 km), you can start towing.

However, for the next 500 miles (800 km),

drive the vehicle at a speed of less than 50

mph (80 km/h) when towing a trailer, and

avoid full throttle acceleration.

■

Maintenance

●

If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will

require more frequent maintenance due

to the additional load. (See “Warranty

and Services Guide”, “Owner’s Manual

Supplement” or “Scheduled Mainte-

nance”.)

●

Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing

ball and bracket after approximately 600

miles (1000 km) of trailer towing.

■

If trailer sway occurs

One or more factors (crosswinds, passing

vehicles, rough roads, etc.) can adversely

affect handling of your vehicle and trailer,

causing instability.

●

If trailer swaying occurs:

• Firmly grip the steering wheel. Steer

straight ahead.

Do not try to control trailer swaying by

turning the steering wheel.

• Begin releasing the accelerator pedal

immediately but very gradually to reduce

speed.

Do not increase speed. Do not apply

vehicle brakes.

If you make no extreme correction with the

steering or brakes, your vehicle and trailer

should stabilize.

●

After the trailer swaying has stopped:

• Stop in a safe place. Get all occupants

out of the vehicle.

• Check the tires of the vehicle and the

trailer.

• Check the load in the trailer.

Make sure the load has not shifted.

Make sure the tongue weight is appropri-

ate, if possible.

• Check the load in the vehicle.

Make sure the vehicle is not overloaded

after occupants get in.

If you cannot find any problems, the speed

at which trailer swaying occurred is beyond

the limit of your particular vehicle-trailer

combination. Drive at a lower speed to pre-

vent instability. Remember that swaying of

the towing vehicle-trailer increases as

speed increases.

WARNING

■

Trailer towing precautions

To tow a trailer safely, use extreme care

and drive the vehicle in accordance with

the trailer’s characteristics and operating

conditions. Failure to do so could cause

an accident resulting in death or serious

injury. Vehicle stability and braking per-

formance are affected by trailer stability,

brake setting and performance, and the

hitch. Your vehicle will handle differently

when towing a trailer.

■

To avoid accident or injury

●

Do not exceed the TWR, unbraked

TWR, GCWR, GVWR or GAWR.

●

Adjust the tongue weight within the

appropriate range. Place heavier loads

as close to the trailer axle as possible.

●

Do not exceed 65 mph (104 km/h),

the posted towing speed limit or the

speed limit for your trailer as set forth

in your trailer owner’s manual, which-

ever is lowest. Slow down sufficiently

before making a turn, in cross winds,

on wet or slippery surface, etc. to help

avoid an accident. If you experience a

vehicle-trailer instability from reduc-

ing a certain speed, slow down and

make sure you keep your vehicle

speed under the speed of which you

experience the instability.

●

Do not make jerky, abrupt or sharp

turns.

167

4-1. Before driving

Driving

■

GCWR (Gross Combination
Weight Rating)

The maximum allowable gross combi-
nation weight. The gross combination
weight is the sum of the total vehicle
weight (including the occupants, cargo
and any optional equipment installed
on the vehicle) and the weight of the
trailer being towed (including the
cargo in the trailer).

WARNING

●

Do not apply the brakes suddenly as

you may skid, resulting in jackknifing

and loss of vehicle control. This is

especially true on wet or slippery sur-

faces.

●

Do not exceed the trailer hitch assem-

bly weight, gross vehicle weight, gross

axle weight and trailer tongue weight

capacities.

●

Do not use the dynamic radar cruise

control system when trailer towing.

●

Slow down and downshift before

descending steep or long downhill

grades. Do not make sudden down-

shifts while descending steep or long

downhill grades.

●

Vehicle-trailer instability is more likely

on steep long downhills. Before

descending steep or long downhill

grades, slow down and downshift. Do

not make sudden downshifts when

descending steep or long downhill

grades. Avoid holding the brake pedal

down too long or applying the brakes

too frequently. This could cause the

brakes to overheat and result in

reduced braking efficiency.

●

Do not tow a trailer when the compact

spare tire is installed on your vehicle.

■

When towing a trailer

Lexus recommends trailers with brakes

that conform to any applicable federal

and state/provincial regulations.

●

If the gross trailer weight exceeds

unbraked TWR, trailer brakes are

required. Lexus recommends trailers

with brakes that conform to all applica-

ble federal and state/provincial regula-

tions.

●

Never tap into your vehicle’s hydraulic

system, as this will lower the vehicle’s

braking effectiveness.

●

Never tow a trailer without using a

safety chain securely attached to both

the trailer and the vehicle. If damage

occurs to the coupling unit or hitch

ball, there is danger of the trailer wan-

dering into another lane.

NOTICE

■

When installing a trailer hitch

Use only the position recommended by

your Lexus dealer. Do not install the

trailer hitch on the bumper; this may

cause body damage.

■

Do not directly splice trailer lights

Do not directly splice trailer lights.

Directly splicing trailer lights may dam-

age your vehicle’s electrical system and

cause a malfunction.

Towing related terms

168

4-1. Before driving

■

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating)

The maximum allowable gross vehicle
weight. The gross vehicle weight is the
total weight of the vehicle. When tow-
ing a trailer, it is the sum of the vehicle
weight (including the occupants, cargo
and any optional equipment installed
on the vehicle) and the tongue weight.

■

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rat-
ing)

The maximum allowable gross axle
weight. The gross axle weight is the
load placed on each axle (front and
rear).

Front GAWR

Rear GAWR

■

TWR (Trailer Weight Rating)

The maximum allowable gross trailer
weight. The gross trailer weight is the
sum of the trailer weight and the weight
of the cargo in the trailer.
TWR is calculated assuming base vehi-
cle with one driver, one front passen-
ger, towing package (if available), hitch
and hitch systems (if required).

Additional optional equipment, passengers
and cargo in the vehicle will reduce the
trailer weight rating so as not to exceed
GCWR, GVWR and GAWR.

With brakes

■

Unbraked TWR (Unbraked Trailer
Weight Rating)

The trailer weight rating for towing a
trailer without a trailer service brake
system.

Without brakes

A
B

169

4-1. Before driving

Driving

■

Tongue Weight

The load placed on the trailer hitch ball.
(



P.169)



The gross trailer weight must never
exceed 1500 lb. (685 kg).



The gross combination weight must
never exceed 6835 lb. (3100 kg).



The gross vehicle weight must never
exceed the GVWR indicated on the
Certification Label.



The gross axle weight on each axle
must never exceed the GAWR indi-
cated on the Certification Label.



If the gross trailer weight is over the
unbraked TWR, trailer service
brakes are required.

Confirm that the gross trailer weight,
gross combination weight, gross vehi-
cle weight, gross axle weight and
tongue weight are all within the limits.

■

GCWR

6835 lb. (3100 kg)

■

TWR

1500 lb. (685 kg).

■

Unbraked TWR

1000 lb. (450 kg)

: These models meet the tow-vehicle trail-

ering requirement of SAE International
per SAE J2807.



A recommended tongue weight
varies in accordance with the types
of trailers or towing as described
below.



To ensure the recommended values
shown below, the trailer must be
loaded by referring to the following
instructions.

• Tongue Weight
The gross trailer weight should be distrib-
uted so that the tongue weight is 9% to
11%.
(Tongue weight /Gross trailer weight x 100
= 9% to 11%)
The gross trailer weight, gross axle weight
and tongue weight can be measured with
platform scales found at a highway weigh-
ing station, building supply company,
trucking company, junk yard, etc.

Weight limits

GCWR, TWR and Unbraked
TWR

Trailer Tongue Weight

170

4-1. Before driving

Gross trailer weight

Tongue weight

Trailer hitch assemblies have different
weight capacities. Lexus recommends
the use of Lexus hitch/bracket for your
vehicle. For details, contact your Lexus
dealer.



If you wish to install a trailer hitch,
contact your Lexus dealer.



Use only a hitch that conforms to
the gross trailer weight requirement
of your vehicle.



Follow the directions supplied by the
hitch manufacturer.



Lubricate the hitch ball with a light
coating of grease.



Remove the hitch ball whenever you
are not towing a trailer. Remove the
trailer hitch if you do not need it.
After removing the hitch, seal any
mounting hole in the vehicle body to
prevent entry of any substances into
the vehicle.

Weight carrying ball position:
42.1 in. (1069.9 mm)

Hitch receiver pin hole position:
33.7 in. (855.6 mm)

Please consult your dealer when
installing trailer lights, as incorrect
installation may cause damage to the
vehicle’s lights. Please take care to
comply with your state’s laws when
installing trailer lights.

Hitch

A
B

WARNING

■

Hitch

Trailer hitch assemblies have different

weight capacities established by the hitch

manufacturer. Even though the vehicle

may be physically capable of towing a

higher weight, the operator must deter-

mine the maximum weight rating of the

particular hitch assembly and never

exceed the maximum weight rating

specified for the trailer-hitch. Exceeding

the maximum weight rating set by the

trailer-hitch manufacturer can cause an

accident resulting in death or serious

personal injuries.

Positions for towing hitch
receiver and hitch ball

Connecting trailer lights

Lexus NX300h (2021 year). Manual in english - page 9