Lexus RX L (2022 year). Manual in english

252

4-1. Before driving

Check the allowable towing capacity,
GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass), MPAC
(Maximum Permissible Axle Capac-
ity), and permissible drawbar load

Trailer towing (vehicles with-
out towing package)

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.

Trailer towing
(RX300/RX350 with tow-
ing package)

Your vehicle is designed primarily
as a passenger carrying vehicle.
Towing a trailer will have an adverse
effect on handling, performance,
braking, durability, and fuel con-
sumption. Your safety and satisfac-
tion depend on the proper use of
correct equipment and cautious
driving habits. For your safety and
the safety of others, do not overload
the vehicle or trailer.

To tow a trailer safely, use extreme
care and drive the vehicle in
accordance with the trailer’s char-
acteristics and operating condi-
tions.

Lexus warranties do not apply to
damage or malfunction caused by
towing a trailer for commercial pur-
poses.

Ask your local authorized Lexus
retailer or Lexus authorized
repairer, or any reliable repairer for
further details before towing, as
there are additional legal require-
ments in some countries.

Weight limits

253

4-1. Before driving

Driving

before towing. (



P.582)

Lexus recommends the use of the
Lexus hitch/bracket for your vehicle.
Other products of a suitable nature
and comparable quality may also be
used.
For vehicles where the towing device
blocks any of the lights or license plate,
the following shall be observed:



Do not use towing devices that can-
not be easily removed or reposi-
tioned.



Towing devices must be removed or
repositioned when not in use.

■

Total trailer weight and permissible
drawbar load

Total trailer weight

Weight of the trailer itself plus the trailer
load should be within the maximum towing
capacity. Exceeding this weight is danger-
ous. (



P.582)

When towing a trailer, use a friction cou-
pler or friction stabilizer (sway control

device).
When the total trailer weight is over 2000
kg (4409 lb.), a friction stabilizer (sway
control device) is required.

Permissible drawbar load

Allocate the trailer load so that the
drawbar load is greater than 25 kg (55.1
lb.) or 4% of the towing capacity. Do not let
the drawbar load exceed the indicated
weight. (



P.582)

■

Information tag (manufacturer’s
label)



Type A

Gross vehicle mass

The combined weight of the driver, passen-
gers, luggage, towing hitch, total curb mass
and drawbar load should not exceed the
gross vehicle mass by more than 100 kg
(220.5 lb.). Exceeding this weight is dan-
gerous.

Maximum permissible rear axle
capacity

The weight borne by the rear axle should
not exceed the maximum permissible rear
axle capacity by 15% or more. Exceeding
this weight is dangerous.
The values for towing capacity were
derived from testing conducted at sea
level. Take note that engine output and
towing capacity will be reduced at high alti-
tudes.

Towing hitch/bracket

Important points regarding
trailer loads

254

4-1. Before driving



Type B

Gross vehicle mass

Maximum permissible rear axle
capacity

528 mm (20.8 in.)

566 mm (22.3 in.)

568 mm (22.4 in.)

WARNING

■

When the gross vehicle mass or maxi-

mum permissible axle capacity is

exceeded

Failing to observe this precaution may

lead to an accident causing death or seri-

ous injury.

●

Add an additional 20.0 kPa (0.2
kgf/cm

or bar, 3 psi) to the recom-

mended tire inflation pressure value.

(



P.589)

●

Do not exceed the established speed

limit for towing a trailer in built-up

areas or 100 km/h (62 mph), which-

ever is lower.

Installation positions for the tow-
ing hitch/bracket and hitch ball

255

4-1. Before driving

Driving

1108 mm (43.6 in.)

352 mm (13.9 in.)

363 mm (14.3 in.)

461 mm (18.1 in.)

468 mm (18.4 in.)

597 mm (23.5 in.)

21 mm (0.8 in.)

55 mm (2.2 in.)

77 mm (3.0 in.)

386 mm (15.2 in.)

■

Tire information

●

Increase the tire inflation pressure to
20.0 kPa (0.2 kgf/cm

or bar, 3 psi)

greater than the recommended value

when towing. (



P.582)

●

Increase the air pressure of the trailer

tires in accordance with the total trailer

weight and according to the values rec-

ommended by the manufacturer of your

trailer.

■

Trailer lights

●

Check that the turn signal lights and stop-

lights are operating correctly every time

you hitch up the trailer. Directly wiring up

to your vehicle may damage the electri-

cal system and stop the lights from func-

tioning correctly.

●

Please consult any authorized Lexus

retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or

any reliable repairer 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.

■

Break-in schedule

Lexus recommends that vehicles fitted with

new power train components should not be

used for towing trailers for the first 800 km

(500 miles).

■

Safety checks before towing

●

Check that the maximum load limit for

the towing hitch/bracket hitch ball is not

exceeded. Bear in mind that the coupling

weight of the trailer will add to the load

exerted on the vehicle. Also make sure

that the total load exerted on the vehicle

is within the range of the weight limits.

(



P.253)

●

Ensure that the trailer load is secure.

●

Supplementary outside rear view mirrors

should be added to the vehicle if the traf-

fic behind cannot be clearly seen with

standard mirrors. Adjust the extending

arms of these mirrors on both sides of the

vehicle so that they always provide maxi-

mum visibility of the road behind.

■

Maintenance

●

Maintenance must be performed more

frequently when using the vehicle for

towing due to the greater weight burden

placed on the vehicle compared to nor-

mal driving.

●

Retighten all bolts securing the hitching

ball and bracket after towing for approxi-

mately 1000 km (600 miles).

256

4-1. Before driving

Your vehicle will handle differently
when towing a trailer. In order to avoid
accident, death or serious injury, keep
the following in mind when towing:

■

Checking connections between
trailer and lights

Stop the vehicle and check the opera-
tion of the connection between the
trailer and lights after driving for a brief
period as well as before starting off.

■

Practicing driving with a coupled
trailer



Get the feel for turning, stopping
and reversing with the trailer cou-
pled by practicing in an area with no
or light traffic.



When reversing with a coupled
trailer, hold the section of the steer-
ing wheel nearest to you and rotate
clockwise to turn the trailer left or
counterclockwise to turn it right.
Always rotate a little at a time to pre-
vent steering error. Have someone
guide you when reversing to lessen

the risk of an accident.

■

Increasing vehicle-to-vehicle dis-
tance

At a speed of 10 km/h (6 mph), the dis-
tance to the vehicle running ahead of
you should be equivalent to or greater
than the combined length of your vehi-
cle and trailer. Avoid sudden braking
that may cause skidding. Otherwise,
the vehicle may spin out of control. This
is especially true when driving on wet
or slippery road surfaces.

■

Sudden acceleration/steering
input/cornering

Executing sharp turns when towing
may result in the trailer colliding with
your vehicle. Decelerate well in
advance when approaching turns and
take them slowly and carefully to avoid
sudden braking.

■

Important points regarding turning

The wheels of the trailer will travel
closer to the inside of the curve than
the wheels of the vehicle. To make
allowance for this, take the turns wider
than you would normally do.

■

Important points regarding stabil-
ity

Vehicle movement resulting from une-
ven road surfaces and strong cross-
winds will affect handling. The vehicle
may also be rocked by passing buses
or large trucks. Frequently check
behind when moving alongside such
vehicles. As soon as such vehicle
movement occurs, immediately start to
decelerate smoothly by slowly apply-

NOTICE

■

When the rear bumper strengthening

material is aluminum

Ensure the steel bracket part does not

come directly in contact with that area.

When steel and aluminum come into

contact, there is a reaction similar to cor-

rosion, which will weaken the section

concerned and may result in damage.

Apply a rust inhibitor to parts that will

come in contact when attaching a steel

bracket.

Guidance

257

4-1. Before driving

Driving

ing the brakes. Always steer the vehicle
straight ahead while braking.

■

Passing other vehicles

Consider the total combined length of
your vehicle and trailer and ensure that
the vehicle-to-vehicle distance is suffi-
cient before executing lane changes.

■

Transmission information

To maintain engine braking efficiency
and charging system performance
when using engine braking, do not use
the transmission in D. If in the M mode,
the transmission shift range position
must be in 4 or lower. (



P.263)

■

If the engine overheats

Towing a loaded trailer up a long, steep
incline in temperatures exceeding
30°C (85°F) may result in the engine
overheating. If the engine coolant tem-
perature gauge indicates that the
engine is overheating, turn the air con-
ditioning off immediately, leave the
road and stop the vehicle in a safe
place. (



P.577)

■

When parking the vehicle

Always place wheel chocks under the
wheels of both the vehicle and trailer.
Set the parking brake and shift the shift
lever to P.

WARNING

Follow all the instructions described in

this section. Failure to do so could cause

an accident resulting in death or serious

injury.

■

Trailer towing precautions

When towing, make sure that none of the

weight limits are exceeded. (



P.253)

■

To avoid accident or injury

●

Vehicles with a compact spare tire: Do

not tow a trailer when the compact

spare tire is installed on your vehicle.

●

Vehicles with the emergency tire

puncture repair kit: Do not tow a trailer

when the tire installed is repaired with

the emergency tire puncture repair kit.

●

Do not use the following systems when

trailer towing.

• Cruise control (if equipped)

• Dynamic radar cruise control with

full-speed range (if equipped)

• LTA (Lane Tracing Assist) (if equipped)

• PCS (Pre-Collision System) (if

equipped)

• BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) (if

equipped)

■

Vehicle speed in towing

Observe the legal maximum speeds for

trailer towing.

■

Before descending hills or long

declines

Reduce speed and downshift. However,

never downshift suddenly while

descending steep or long downhill

grades.

■

Operation of the brake pedal

Do not hold the brake pedal depressed

often or for long periods of time. Doing

so may result in the brake overheating or

reduce braking effects.

259

4-2. Driving procedures

Driving

4-2.Driving procedures

Check that the parking brake is set.

Check that the shift lever is in P.

Firmly depress the brake pedal.

and a message will be displayed on

the multi-information display.

If it is not displayed, the engine cannot be

started.

Press the engine switch shortly and
firmly.

When operating the engine switch, one

short, firm press is enough. It is not neces-

sary to press and hold the switch.
The engine will crank until it starts or for up

to 30 seconds, whichever is less.
Continue depressing the brake pedal until

the engine is completely started.
The engine can be started from any engine

switch mode.

■

Engine switch illumination

According to the situation, the engine

switch illumination operates as follows.

●

When a door is opened, or the engine

switch mode is changed from ACCES-

SORY or IGNITION ON mode to off,

the engine switch illumination slowly

blinks.

●

When depressing the brake pedal with

carrying the electronic key on your per-

son, the engine switch illumination rapidly

blinks.

●

When the engine switch is in ACCES-

SORY or IGNITION ON mode, the

engine switch illumination illuminates.

■

If the engine does not start

●

The engine immobilizer system may not

have been deactivated. (



P.63)

Contact any authorized Lexus retailer or

Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable

repairer.

●

Check that the shift lever is securely set in

P. The engine may not start if the shift

lever is displaced out of P. “To Start Vehi-

cle, Put Shift Lever into P” will be dis-

played on the multi-information display.

●

If the door is unlocked with the mechani-

cal key, the engine cannot be started

using the smart entry & start system.

Refer to P.571to start the engine. How-

Engine (ignition) switch

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

Starting the engine

260

4-2. Driving procedures

ever, if the electronic key is carried inside

the vehicle and the doors are locked

(



P.114), the engine can be started.

■

Electronic key battery depletion



P.108

■

Conditions affecting operation



P.133

■

Note for the entry function



P.134

■

Steering lock function

●

After turning the engine switch off and

opening and closing the doors, the steer-

ing wheel will be locked due to the steer-

ing lock function. Operating the engine

switch again automatically cancels the

steering lock.

●

When the steering lock cannot be

released, “Steering Wheel Lock Press

Engine Switch while Turning Wheel” will

be displayed on the multi-information dis-

play.

Check that the shift lever is in P. Press the

engine switch shortly and firmly while

turning the steering wheel left and right.

●

To prevent the steering lock motor from

overheating, operation of the motor may

be suspended if the engine is turned on

and off repeatedly in a short period of

time. In this case, refrain from operating

the engine switch. After about 10 sec-

onds, the steering lock motor will resume

functioning.

■

When “Smart Entry & Start System

Malfunction See Owner’s Manual” is

displayed on the multi-information dis-

play

The system may be malfunctioning. Have

the vehicle inspected by any authorized

Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer,

or any reliable repairer immediately.

■

Electronic key battery



P.504

■

Operation of the engine switch

●

If the switch is not pressed shortly and

firmly, the engine switch mode may not

change or the engine may not start.

●

If attempting to restart the engine imme-

diately after turning the engine switch off,

the engine may not start in some cases.

After turning the engine switch off, please

wait a few seconds before restarting the

engine.

■

Customization

If the smart entry & start system has been

deactivated in a customized setting, refer to

P.570.

WARNING

■

When starting the engine

Always start the engine while sitting in

the driver’s seat. Do not depress the

accelerator pedal while starting the

engine under any circumstances.

Doing so may cause an accident result-

ing in death or serious injury.

■

Caution while driving

If engine failure occurs while the vehicle

is moving, do not lock or open the doors

until the vehicle reaches a safe and com-

plete stop. Activation of the steering lock

in this circumstance may lead to an acci-

dent, resulting in death or serious injury.

NOTICE

■

When starting the engine

●

Do not race a cold engine.

●

If the engine becomes difficult to start

or stalls frequently, have your vehicle

checked by any authorized Lexus

retailer or Lexus authorized repairer,

or any reliable repairer immediately.

261

4-2. Driving procedures

Driving

Stop the vehicle completely.

Set the parking brake (



P.269),

and shift the shift lever to P.

Press the engine switch.

Release the brake pedal and check
that the display on the meters is off.

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

Off

The emergency flashers can be used.

ACCESSORY mode

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

IGNITION ON mode

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

: If the shift lever is in a position other than

P when turning off the engine, the
engine switch will be turned to ACCES-
SORY mode, not to off.

■

Auto power off function

If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode

for more than 20 minutes or IGNITION

ON mode (with the engine is not running)

for more than an hour with the shift lever in

P, the engine switch will automatically turn

off. However, this function cannot entirely

prevent battery discharge. Do not leave the

NOTICE

■

Symptoms indicating a malfunction

with the engine switch

If the engine switch seems to be operat-

ing somewhat differently than usual, such

as the switch sticking slightly, there may

be a malfunction. Contact any author-

ized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized

repairer, or any reliable repairer immedi-

ately.

Stopping the engine

WARNING

■

Stopping the engine in an emergency

If you want to stop the engine in an emer-

gency while driving the vehicle, press

and hold the engine switch for more than

2 seconds, or press it briefly 3 times or

more in succession. (



P.518)

However, do not touch the engine switch

while driving except in an emergency.

Turning the engine off while driving will

not cause loss of steering or braking con-

trol, but the power assist to these systems

will be lost. This will make it more difficult

to steer and brake, so you should pull

over and stop the vehicle as soon as it is

safe to do so.

Changing engine switch modes

262

4-2. Driving procedures

vehicle with the engine switch in ACCES-

SORY or IGNITION ON mode for long

periods of time when the engine is not run-

ning.

If the engine is stopped with the shift
lever in a position other than P, the
engine switch will not be turned off but
instead be turned to ACCESSORY
mode. Perform the following proce-
dure to turn the switch off:

Check that the parking brake is set.

Shift the shift lever to P.

Check that “Turn Off Vehicle” is
displayed on the multi-information
display and then press the engine
switch once.

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

NOTICE

■

To prevent battery discharge

●

Do not leave the engine switch in

ACCESSORY or IGNITION ON

mode for long periods of time without

the engine running on.

●

If “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION

ON” is displayed on the meters while

the engine is not running, the engine

switch is not off.

Exit the vehicle after turning the

engine switch off.

When stopping the engine with
the shift lever in a position other
than P

NOTICE

■

To prevent battery discharge

Do not stop the engine when the shift

lever is in a position other than P. If the

engine is stopped in another shift lever

position, the engine switch will not be

turned off but instead be turned to

ACCESSORY mode. If the vehicle is left

in ACCESSORY mode, battery dis-

charge may occur.

263

4-2. Driving procedures

Driving

: Shifting to the D position allows the sys-

tem to select a gear suitable for the
driving conditions. Setting the shift lever
to the D position is recommended for
normal driving.

: Selecting gears using M mode fixes the

gear step, controls engine braking
force, and prevents unnecessary
upshifting.

■

To protect the automatic transmission

If the automatic transmission fluid tempera-

ture is high, “Transmission Fluid Temp High

See Owner’s Manual” will be displayed on

the multi-information display and the vehi-

cle will go into transmission protection

mode automatically. Have the vehicle

inspected by any authorized Lexus retailer

or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable

repairer.

■

When driving with cruise control or

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 occur

because cruise control or dynamic radar

cruise control with full-speed range will not

be canceled.

●

8-speed models: While driving in D posi-

tion, downshifting to 7, 6, 5 or 4.

(



P.326, 336)

●

6-speed models: While driving in D posi-

tion, downshifting to 5 or 4. (



P.326,

336)

●

When switching the driving mode to

sport mode while driving in the D position

(



P.391)

■

Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start

Control)



P.245

■

AI-SHIFT

●

The AI-SHIFT automatically selects the

suitable gear according to driver perfor-

mance and driving conditions.

The AI-SHIFT automatically operates

when the shift lever is in D. (Shifting the

shift lever to the M position cancels the

function.)

●

G AI-SHIFT automatically selects a suita-

ble gear for sporty driving according to

driver’s input and driving conditions. G

AI-SHIFT operates automatically when

the shift lever is in D and sport mode is

selected for the driving mode. (Selecting

normal mode with the driving mode

select switch or shifting the shift lever to

the M position cancels this function.)

Automatic transmission

Select the shift position depending
on your purpose and situation.

Shift position purpose and func-
tions

Shift posi-

tion

Objective or function

Parking the vehicle/starting

the engine

Reversing

Condition in which the

power is not transmission

Normal driving

M mode driving

(



P.266)

WARNING

■

When driving on slippery road sur-

faces

Be careful of downshifting and sudden

acceleration, as this could result in the

vehicle skidding to the side or spinning.

264

4-2. Driving procedures

While the engine switch is in IGNI-

TION ON mode, move the shift lever
with the brake pedal depressed.

When shifting the shift lever between P
and D, make sure that the vehicle is com-
pletely stopped.

■

Shift lock system

The shift lock system is a system to prevent

accidental operation of the shift lever in

starting.
The shift lever can be shifted from P only

when the engine switch is in IGNITION

ON mode and the brake pedal is being

depressed.

■

If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P

First, check whether the brake pedal is

being depressed.
If the shift lever cannot be shifted with your

foot on the brake pedal, there may be a

problem with the shift lock system. Have the

vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus

retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any

reliable repairer immediately.
The following steps may be used as an

emergency measure to ensure that the shift

lever can be shifted.
Releasing the shift lock:

Turn the engine switch to IGNITION

ON mode and check that the parking

brake is set. (



P.261, 269)

Turn the engine switch to off.

Depress the brake pedal.

Pry the cover up with a flathead screw-

driver or equivalent tool.

To prevent damage to the cover, cover the

tip of the screwdriver with a rag.

Press the shift lock override button.

The shift lever can be shifted while the but-

ton is pressed.

Shifting the shift lever

WARNING

■

To prevent an accident when releas-

ing the shift lock

Before pressing the shift lock override

button, make sure to set the parking

brake and depress the brake pedal.

265

4-2. Driving procedures

Driving



P.391

To drive using temporary shift range
selection, operate the “-” or “+” paddle
shift switch.
When the “-” paddle shift switch is
operated, the shift range will be
downshifted to a range that enables
engine braking force that is suitable to
driving conditions. When the “+” pad-
dle shift switch is operated, the shift
range will be one gear higher than the
gear in use during normal D position
driving.
Changing the shift range allows
restriction of the highest gear, prevent-
ing unnecessary upshifting and ena-
bling the level of engine braking force
to be selected.

Upshifting

Downshifting

8-speed models: The selected shift range,
from D1 to D8, will be displayed on the
meters.
6-speed models: The selected shift range,
from D1 to D6, will be displayed on the
meters.

■

Shift ranges and their functions

A lower shift range will provide greater
engine braking forces than a higher shift
range.

■

Automatic deactivation of shift range

selection in the D position

Shift range selection in the D position will

be deactivated in the following situations:

●

When the vehicle comes to a stop

●

If the accelerator pedal is depressed for

more than a certain period of time

●

When the shift lever is shifted to a posi-

WARNING

If the accelerator pedal is accidentally

depressed instead of the brake pedal

when the shift lock override button is

pressed and the shift lever is shifted out

of P, the vehicle may suddenly start, pos-

sibly leading to an accident resulting in

death or serious injury.

Selecting the driving mode

Selecting shift ranges in the D
position

Meter dis-

play

Function

D2 - D8

(8-speed

models)

A gear in the range between
1 and the selected gear is
automatically chosen
depending on vehicle speed
and driving conditions

D2 - D6

(6-speed

models)

Setting the gear at 1

266

4-2. Driving procedures

tion other than D

●

The “+” paddle shift switch is held down

for a period of time

■

Downshifting restriction warning

buzzer

To help ensure safety and driving perfor-

mance, downshifting operation may some-

times be restricted. In some circumstances,

downshifting may not be possible even

when the shift lever or paddle shift switch is

operated. (A buzzer will sound twice.)

To enter M mode, shift the shift lever to
M. Gears can then be selected by
operating the shift lever or paddle shift
switches, allowing you to drive in the
gear of your choosing.

Upshifting

Downshifting

The gear changes once every time the shift
lever or paddle shift switch is operated.
8-speed models: The selected gear, from

M1 to M8, will be fixed and displayed on
the meters.
6-speed models: The selected gear, from
M1 to M6, will be fixed and displayed on
the meters.

When in the M position, the gear will
not change unless the shift lever or
paddle shift switches are operated.
However, even when in the M position,
the gears will be automatically
changed in the following situation:



When vehicle speed drops
(downshift only).



When the automatic transmission
fluid or engine coolant temperature
is low.



When automatic transmission fluid
temperature is high (upshift only).



When the needle of the tachometer
is in the red zone (the range which
exceeds the allowable revs of the
engine).

In the following situations, the gear will
not shift even if the shift lever or paddle
shift switches are operated.



The vehicle speed is low (upshift
only).

■

Downshifting restriction warning

buzzer

To help ensure safety and driving perfor-

mance, downshifting operation may some-

times be restricted. In some circumstances,

downshifting may not be possible even

when the paddle shift switch is operated. (A

buzzer will sound twice.)

Selecting gears in the M position

267

4-2. Driving procedures

Driving

The Gear Shift Indicator display is a
guide to help the driver achieve
improved fuel economy and reduced
exhaust emissions within limits of
engine performance.

When not in operation
Shift-up indicator

■

Gear Shift Indicator function



This function automatically operates
during M mode.



By following the Shift-up indicator
and shifting up accordingly, it is pos-
sible to achieve improved fuel econ-
omy and reduced exhaust
emissions.



The Gear Shift Indicator does not
have a similar function for
downshifting.



Depending on the driving condi-
tions, the Gear Shift Indicator may
not display the Shift-up indicator
while driving in M mode.

Gear Shift Indicator (if
equipped)

A
B

WARNING

■

Gear Shift Indicator display

For safety, the driver should not look only

at the display. Refer to the display when it

is safe to do so while considering actual

traffic and road conditions.

Failure to do so may lead to an accident.

Lexus RX L (2022 year). Manual in english - page 10