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

 

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

 

 

154

4-1. Before driving

WARNING

During normal driving, do not turn off 

the hybrid system. Turning the hybrid 

system off while driving will not cause 

loss of steering or braking control, 

however, power assist to the steering 

will be lost. This will make it more diffi-

cult to steer smoothly, so you should 

pull over and stop the vehicle as soon 

as it is safe to do so.

In the event of an emergency, such as 

if it becomes impossible to stop the 

vehicle in the normal way: 

P.370

Use engine braking (downshift) to 

maintain a safe speed when driving 

down a steep hill.

Using the brakes continuously may 

cause the brakes to overheat and lose 

effectiveness. (

P.169)

Do not adjust the positions of the 

steering wheel, the seat, or the inside 

or outside rear view mirrors while driv-

ing.

Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle 

control.

Always check that all passengers’ 

arms, heads or other parts of their 

body are not outside the vehicle.

AWD models: Do not drive the vehicle 

off-road.

This is not an AWD vehicle designed 

for off-road driving. Proceed with all 

due caution if it becomes unavoidable 

to drive off-road.

Do not drive across a river or through 

other bodies of water.

This may cause electric/electronic 

components to short circuit, damage 

the hybrid system or cause other seri-

ous damage to the vehicle.

Do not drive in excess of the speed 

limit. Even if the legal speed limit per-

mits it, do not drive over 85 mph (140 

km/h) unless your vehicle has high-

speed capability tires.

Driving over 85 mph (140 km/h) may 

result in tire failure, loss of control and 

possible injury. Be sure to consult a tire 

dealer to determine whether the tires 

on your vehicle are high-speed capa-

bility tires or not before driving at such 

speeds.

When driving on slippery road sur-

faces

Sudden braking, acceleration and 

steering may cause tire slippage and 

reduce your ability to control the vehi-

cle.

Sudden acceleration, engine braking 

due to shifting, or changes in engine 

speed could cause the vehicle to skid, 

resulting in an accident.

After driving through a puddle, lightly 

depress the brake pedal to make sure 

that the brakes are functioning prop-

erly. Wet brake pads may prevent the 

brakes from functioning properly. If 

the brakes on only one side are wet 

and not functioning properly, steering 

control may be affected.

When shifting the shift lever

Do not let the vehicle roll backward 

while the shift lever is in a driving posi-

tion, or roll forward while the shift lever 

is in R.

Doing so may result in an accident or 

damage to the vehicle.

Do not shift the shift lever to P while 

the vehicle is moving.

Doing so can damage the hybrid 

transmission and may result in a loss of 

vehicle control.

Do not shift the shift lever to R while 

the vehicle is moving forward.

Doing so can damage the hybrid 

transmission and may result in a loss of 

vehicle control.

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4-1. Before driving

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WARNING

Do not shift the shift lever to a driving 

position while the vehicle is moving 

backward.

Doing so can damage the hybrid 

transmission and may result in a loss of 

vehicle control.

Shifting the shift lever to N while the 

vehicle is moving will disengage the 

hybrid system. Engine braking is not 

available with the hybrid system disen-

gaged.

Be careful not to shift the shift lever 

with the accelerator pedal depressed.

Shifting the shift lever to any position 

other than P or N may lead to unex-

pected rapid acceleration of the vehi-

cle that may cause an accident and 

result in death or serious injury.

If you hear a squealing or scraping 

noise (brake pad wear limit indica-

tors)

Have the brake pads checked and 

replaced by your Lexus dealer as soon as 

possible. Rotor damage may result if the 

pads are not replaced when needed.

It is dangerous to drive the vehicle when 

the wear limits of the brake pads and/or 

those of the brake discs are exceeded.

When the vehicle is stopped

Do not depress the accelerator pedal 

unnecessarily.

If the shift lever is in any position other 

than P or N, the vehicle may acceler-

ate suddenly and unexpectedly, caus-

ing an accident.

In order to prevent accidents due to 

the vehicle rolling away, always keep 

depressing the brake pedal while 

stopped with the “READY” indicator is 

illuminated, and apply the parking 

brake as necessary.

If the vehicle is stopped on an incline, 

in order to prevent accidents caused 

by the vehicle rolling forward or back-

ward, always depress the brake pedal 

and securely apply the parking brake 

as needed.

Avoid revving or racing the engine.

Running the engine at high speed 

while the vehicle is stopped may cause 

the exhaust system to overheat, which 

could result in a fire if combustible 

material is nearby.

When the vehicle is parked

Do not leave glasses, cigarette light-

ers, spray cans, or soft drink cans in the 

vehicle when it is in the sun.

Doing so may result in the following:

• Gas may leak from a cigarette lighter 

or spray can, and may lead to a fire.

• The temperature inside the vehicle 

may cause the plastic lenses and plas-

tic material of glasses to deform or 

crack.

• Soft drink cans may fracture, causing 

the contents to spray over the interior 

of the vehicle, and may also cause a 

short circuit in the vehicle’s electrical 

components.

Do not leave cigarette lighters in the 

vehicle. If a cigarette lighter is in a 

place such as the glove box or on the 

floor, it may be lit accidentally when 

luggage is loaded or the seat is 

adjusted, causing a fire.

Do not attach adhesive discs to the 

windshield or windows. Do not place 

containers such as air fresheners on 

the instrument panel or dashboard. 

Adhesive discs or containers may act 

as lenses, causing a fire in the vehicle.

Do not leave a door or window open if 

the curved glass is coated with a met-

allized film such as a silver-colored 

one. Reflected sunlight may cause the 

glass to act as a lens, causing a fire.

156

4-1. Before driving

WARNING

Always apply the parking brake, shift 

the shift lever to P, stop the hybrid sys-

tem and lock the vehicle.

Do not leave the vehicle unattended 

while the “READY” indicator is illumi-

nated.

If the vehicle is parked with the shift 

lever in P but the parking brake is not 

set, the vehicle may start to move, pos-

sibly leading to an accident.

Do not touch the exhaust pipes while 

the “READY” indicator is illuminated 

or immediately after turning the hybrid 

system off.

Doing so may cause burns.

When taking a nap in the vehicle

Always turn the hybrid system off. Oth-

erwise, if you accidentally move the shift 

lever or depress the accelerator pedal, 

this could cause an accident or fire due 

to hybrid system overheating. Addition-

ally, if the vehicle is parked in a poorly 

ventilated area, exhaust gases may col-

lect and enter the vehicle, leading to 

death or a serious health hazard.

When braking

When the brakes are wet, drive more 

cautiously.

Braking distance increases when the 

brakes are wet, and this may cause 

one side of the vehicle to brake differ-

ently than the other side. Also, the 

parking brake may not securely hold 

the vehicle.

If the electronically controlled brake 

system does not operate, do not follow 

other vehicles closely and avoid hills or 

sharp turns that require braking.

In this case, braking is still possible, but 

the brake pedal should be depressed 

more firmly than usual. Also, the brak-

ing distance will increase. Have your 

brakes fixed immediately.

The brake system consists of 2 or 

more individual hydraulic systems; if 

one of the systems fails, the other(s) 

will still operate. In this case, the brake 

pedal should be depressed more 

firmly than usual and the braking dis-

tance will increase. Have your brakes 

fixed immediately.

If the vehicle becomes stuck (AWD 

models)

Do not spin the wheels excessively when 

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

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

damage the driveline components or 

propel the vehicle forward or backward, 

causing an accident.

NOTICE

When driving the vehicle

Do not depress the accelerator and 

brake pedals at the same time during 

driving, as this may restrain the hybrid 

system output.

Do not use the accelerator pedal or 

depress the accelerator and brake 

pedals at the same time to hold the 

vehicle on a hill.

Avoiding damage to vehicle parts

Do not turn the steering wheel fully in 

either direction and hold it there for an 

extended period of time.

Doing so may damage the power 

steering motor.

When driving over bumps in the road, 

drive as slowly as possible to avoid 

damaging the wheels, underside of the 

vehicle, etc.

If you get a flat tire while driving

A flat or damaged tire may cause the fol-

lowing situations. Hold the steering 

wheel firmly and gradually depress the 

brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.

It may be difficult to control your vehi-

cle.

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4-1. Before driving

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

When the shift lever is shifted to R

*

.

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

*

.

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

*

: Depending on the situation, the shift 

position may not be changed.

Drive-Start Control (DSC)

When the TRAC is turned off (

P.261), 

sudden start restraint control also does 

not operate. If your vehicle has trouble 

escaping from the mud or fresh snow due 

to sudden start restraint control opera-

tion, deactivate TRAC (

P.261) so that 

the vehicle may become able to escape 

from the mud or fresh snow.

NOTICE

The vehicle will make abnormal 

sounds or vibrations.

The vehicle will lean abnormally.

Information on what to do in case of a flat 

tire (

P.392)

When encountering flooded roads

Do not drive on a road that has flooded 

after heavy rain, etc. Doing so may cause 

the following serious damage to the vehi-

cle:

Engine stalling

Short in electrical components

Engine damage caused by water 

immersion

In the event that you drive on a flooded 

road and the vehicle is flooded, be sure 

to have your Lexus dealer check the fol-

lowing:

Brake function

Changes in quantity and quality of oil 

and fluid used for the engine, hybrid 

transmission, etc.

Lubricant condition for the bearings 

and suspension joints (where possi-

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

ings, etc.

When parking the vehicle

Always set the parking brake, and shift 

the shift lever to P. Failure to do so may 

cause the vehicle to move or the vehicle 

may accelerate suddenly if the accelera-

tor pedal is accidentally depressed.

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

158

4-1. Before driving

Cargo and luggage

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

WARNING

Things that must not be carried in the 

luggage compartment

The following things may cause a fire if 

loaded in the luggage compartment:

Receptacles containing gasoline

Aerosol cans

Storage precautions

Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may prevent the pedals 

from being depressed properly, may 

block the driver’s vision, or may result in 

items hitting the driver or passengers, 

possibly causing an accident.

Stow cargo and luggage in the lug-

gage compartment whenever possi-

ble.

Do not stack cargo and luggage in the 

luggage compartment higher than the 

seatbacks.

When you fold down the rear seats, 

long items should not be placed 

directly behind the front seats.

Never allow anyone to ride in the lug-

gage compartment. It is not designed 

for passengers. They should ride in 

their seats with their seat belts prop-

erly fastened.

Do not place cargo or luggage in or on 

the following locations.

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

(when stacking items)

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

Secure all items in the occupant com-

partment.

When using a roof luggage carrier

Observe the following precautions:

Place the cargo so that its weight is 

distributed evenly between the front 

and rear axles.

If loading long or wide cargo, never 

exceed the vehicle overall length or 

width. (

P.408)

Before driving, make sure the cargo is 

securely fastened on the roof luggage 

carrier.

Loading cargo on the roof luggage 

carrier will make the center of gravity 

of the vehicle higher. Avoid high 

speeds, sudden starts, sharp turns, 

sudden braking or abrupt maneuvers, 

otherwise it may result in loss of con-

trol or vehicle rollover due to failure to 

operate this vehicle correctly and 

result in death or serious injury.

If driving for a long distance, on rough 

roads, or at high speeds, stop the vehi-

cle now and then during the trip to 

make sure the cargo remains in its 

place.

Do not exceed 176.3 lb. (80 kg) cargo 

weight on the roof luggage carrier.

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4-1. Before driving

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

 (Total weight of occupants)

Steps for Determining Correct Load 
Limit 

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

 750 

(5 

 150) = 650 lbs.)

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

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

P.160)

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

Cargo capacity

Total load capacity (vehicle capac-
ity weight) (

P.408)

When 2 people with the combined 

NOTICE

When loading cargo (vehicles with 

moon roof)

Be careful not to scratch the surface of 

the moon roof.

Capacity and distribution

WARNING

Capacity and distribution

Do not exceed the maximum axle 

weight rating or the total vehicle 

weight rating.

Even if the total load of occupant’s 

weight and the cargo load is less than 

the total load capacity, do not apply 

the load unevenly. Improper loading 

may cause deterioration of steering or 

braking control which may cause 

death or serious injury.

Calculation formula for your 
vehicle

A
B

160

4-1. Before driving

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

B

*2

 lb. (kg) 

 A

*1

 lb. (kg) = C

*3

 lb. (kg)

*1

: A = Weight of people

*2

: B = Total load capacity

*3

: C = Available cargo and luggage load

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

C lb. (kg) 

 D

*4

 lb. (kg) = E

*5

 lb. (kg)

*4

: D = Additional weight of people

*5

: E = Available cargo and luggage load

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

Total load capacity and seating capacity

These details are also described on the tire 

and loading information label. (

P.352)

Vehicle load limits

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

Total load capacity (vehicle 
capacity weight): 

P.408

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

Seating capacity: 

P.408

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

Towing capacity

Lexus does not recommend towing 
a trailer with your vehicle.

Cargo capacity

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

WARNING

Overloading the vehicle

Do not overload the vehicle.

It may not only cause damage to the tires, 

but also degrade steering and braking 

ability, resulting in an accident.

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4-1. Before driving

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Trailer towing

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

Dinghy towing

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

NOTICE

To avoid serious damage to your vehi-

cle

Do not tow your vehicle with the four 

wheels on the ground.

To prevent causing serious damage 

to the hybrid transmission and AWD 

system (AWD models)

2WD models: Never tow this vehicle 

from the rear with the front wheels on the 

ground.
This may cause serious damage to the 

transmission.

162

4-1. Before driving

NOTICE

AWD models: Never tow this vehicle 

with any of the wheels on the ground. 

This may cause serious damage to the 

hybrid transmission and AWD system.

163

4-2. Driving procedures

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4-2.Driving procedures

1

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

P.174)

Parking brake indicator will come on.

2

Check that the shift lever is in P.

3

Firmly depress the brake pedal.

 and a message will be displayed on the 

multi-information display.

If it is not displayed, the hybrid system can-

not be started.

4

Press the power switch shortly and 
firmly.

When operating the power switch, one 

short, firm press is enough.

It is not necessary to press and hold the 

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

hybrid system will operate normally.

Continue depressing the brake pedal until 

the “READY” indicator is illuminated.

The hybrid system can be started from any 

power switch mode.

5

Check that the “READY” indicator 
is illuminated.

The vehicle will not move when the 

“READY” indicator is off.

Power switch illumination

According to the situation, the power 

switch illumination operates as follows.

When a front door is opened, or the 

power switch mode is changed from 

ACC or ON to OFF, the power switch 

illumination slowly blinks.

When depressing the brake pedal with 

carrying the electronic key on your per-

son, the power switch illumination rapidly 

blinks.

When the power switch is in ACC or 

ON, the power switch illumination illumi-

nates.

If the hybrid system does not start

The immobilizer system may not have 

been deactivated. (

P.68)

Contact your Lexus dealer.

If a message related to start-up is shown 

on the multi-information display, read the 

message and follow the instructions.

The smart access system with push-but-

ton start may not be operating properly. 

(

P.397)

If the door is unlocked with the mechani-

cal key, the hybrid system cannot be 

started using the smart access system 

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

start the hybrid system. However, if the 

electronic key is carried inside the vehi-

cle and the doors are locked (

P.112), 

the hybrid system can be started.

When the ambient temperature is low, 

such as during winter driving conditions

When starting the hybrid system, the flash-

ing time of the “READY” indicator may be 

long. Leave the vehicle as it is until the 

“READY” indicator is steady on, as steady 

means the vehicle is able to move.

Sounds and vibrations specific to a 

Hybrid Electric Vehicle

P.62

Power (ignition) switch

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

Starting the hybrid system

164

4-2. Driving procedures

Electronic key battery depletion

P.104

Conditions affecting operation

P.128

Note for the entry function

P.128

If the “READY” indicator does not 

come on

In the event that the “READY” indicator 

does not come on even after performing 

the proper procedures for starting the vehi-

cle, contact your Lexus dealer immediately.

If the hybrid system is malfunctioning

P.67

Electronic key battery

P.359

Operation of the power switch

If the switch is not pressed shortly and 

firmly, the power switch mode may not 

change or the hybrid system may not 

start.

If attempting to restart the hybrid system 

immediately after turning the power 

switch off, the hybrid system may not start 

in some cases. After turning the power 

switch off, please wait a few seconds 

before restarting the hybrid system.

Customization

If the smart access system with push-button 

start has been deactivated in a customized 

setting, refer to P.396

1

Stop the vehicle completely.

2

Set the parking brake (

P.174), 

and shift the shift lever to P 
(

P.169).

3

Press the power switch.

4

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

Automatic hybrid system shut off fea-

ture

The vehicle is equipped with a feature 

that automatically shuts off the hybrid sys-

tem when the shift lever is in P with the 

hybrid system operating for an extended 

period.

The hybrid system will automatically shut 

off after approximately 1 hour if it has 

been left running while the shift lever is in 

P.

The timer for the automatic hybrid system 

shut off feature will reset if the brake 

pedal is depressed or if the shift lever is in 

a position other than P.

After the vehicle is parked, if the door is 

locked with the door lock switch 

(

P.112) from the inside or the mechani-

cal key from the outside, the automatic 

WARNING

When starting the hybrid system

Always start the hybrid system while sit-

ting in the driver’s seat. Do not depress 

the accelerator pedal while starting the 

hybrid system under any circumstances.

Doing so may cause an accident result-

ing in death or serious injury.

NOTICE

When starting the hybrid system

If the hybrid system becomes difficult to 

start, have your vehicle checked by your 

Lexus dealer immediately.

Symptoms indicating a malfunction 

with the power switch

If the power switch seems to be operat-

ing somewhat differently than usual, such 

as the switch sticking slightly, there may 

be a malfunction. Contact your Lexus 

dealer immediately.

Stopping the hybrid system

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4-2. Driving procedures

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hybrid system shut off feature will be dis-

abled. The timer for the automatic hybrid 

system shut off feature will be re-enabled 

if the driver’s door is opened.

Locking the door from outside with the 

hybrid system operating

1

With the driver’s door open, pull the 

driver’s door handle and insert the 

mechanical key.

2

Turn the mechanical key counterclock-

wise.

3

Pull out the mechanical key and close 

the door.

WARNING

Stopping the hybrid system in an 

emergency

If you want to stop the hybrid system in 

an emergency while driving the vehi-

cle, press and hold the power switch 

for more than 2 seconds, or press it 

briefly 3 times or more in succession. 

(

P.370)

However, do not touch the power 

switch while driving except in an emer-

gency. Turning the hybrid system off 

while driving will not cause loss of 

steering or braking control, however, 

power assist to the steering will be lost. 

This will make it more difficult to steer 

smoothly, so you should pull over and 

stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to 

do so.

If the power switch is operated while 

the vehicle is running, a warning mes-

sage will be shown on the multi-infor-

mation display and a buzzer sounds.

When restarting the hybrid system 

after an emergency shutdown, shift the 

shift lever to N and press the power 

switch shortly and firmly.

When parking

Exhaust gases include harmful carbon 

monoxide (CO), which is colorless and 

odorless. Observe the following precau-

tions.
Failure to do so may cause exhaust gases 

to enter the vehicle and may lead to an 

accident caused by light-headedness, or 

may lead to death or a serious health 

hazard.

If the vehicle is in a poorly ventilated 

area or a closed area, such as a 

garage, stop the hybrid system.

Do not leave the vehicle with the 

hybrid system operating for a long 

time. If such a situation cannot be 

avoided, park the vehicle in an open 

space and ensure that exhaust fumes 

do not enter the vehicle interior.

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4-2. Driving procedures

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

1

OFF

*

The emergency flashers can be used.

2

ACC

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

3

ON

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

meter.

*

: If the shift lever is in a position other than 

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

Auto power off function

If the vehicle is left in ACC for more than 

20 minutes or ON (the hybrid system is not 

operating) for more than an hour with the 

shift lever in P, the power switch will auto-

matically turn off. However, this function 

cannot entirely prevent 12-volt battery dis-

charge. Do not leave the vehicle with the 

power switch in ACC or ON for long peri-

ods of time when the hybrid system is not 

operating.

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

WARNING

Do not leave the hybrid system oper-

ating in an area with snow build-up, or 

where it is snowing. If snowbanks build 

up around the vehicle while the hybrid 

system is operating, exhaust gases 

may collect and enter the vehicle.

Changing power switch modes

NOTICE

To prevent 12-volt battery discharge

Do not leave the power switch in ACC 

or ON for long periods of time without 

the hybrid system on.

If “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION 

ON” is displayed on the multi-informa-

tion display while the hybrid system is 

not operating, the power switch is not 

OFF. Exit the vehicle after turning the 

power switch off.

Do not stop the hybrid system when 

the shift lever is in a position other than 

P. If the hybrid system is stopped in 

another shift lever position, the power 

switch will not be turned off but instead 

be turned to ACC. If the vehicle is left 

in ACC, 12-volt battery discharge may 

occur.

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

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4-2. Driving procedures

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

1

Check that the parking brake is set.

2

Shift the shift lever to P.

3

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

4

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

Turns EV drive mode on/off

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

Situations in which EV drive mode can-

not be turned on

It may not be possible to turn EV drive 

mode on in the following situations. If it can-

not be turned on, a buzzer will sound and a 

message will be shown on the multi-infor-

EV drive mode

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

Operating instructions

168

4-2. Driving procedures

mation display.

The temperature of the hybrid system is 

high.

The vehicle has been left in the sun, 

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

The temperature of the hybrid system is 

low.

The vehicle has been left in temperatures 

lower than about 68 °F (20 °C) for a 

long period of time, etc.

The gasoline engine is warming up.

The hybrid battery (traction battery) is 

low.

The remaining battery level indicated in 

the energy monitor display is low. 

(

P.99)

Vehicle speed is high.

The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly 

or the vehicle is on a hill, etc.

The windshield defogger is in use.

Switching to EV drive mode when the 

gasoline engine is cold

If the hybrid system is started while the gas-

oline engine is cold, the gasoline engine will 

start automatically after a short period of 

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

will become unable to switch to EV drive 

mode.

After the hybrid system has started and the 

“READY” indicator has illuminated, press 

the EV drive mode switch before the gaso-

line engine starts to switch to EV drive 

mode.

Automatic cancelation of EV drive 

mode

When driving in EV drive mode, the gaso-

line engine may automatically restart in the 

following situations. When EV drive mode 

is canceled, a buzzer will sound, the EV 

drive mode indicator will go off after flash-

ing, and a message is displayed on the 

multi-information display.

The hybrid battery (traction battery) 

becomes low.

The remaining battery level indicated in 

the energy monitor display is low. 

(

P.99)

Vehicle speed is high.

The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly 

or the vehicle is on a hill, etc.

Possible driving distance when driving 

in EV drive mode

EV drive mode’s possible driving distance 

ranges from a few hundred meters to 

approximately 0.6 mile (1 km). However, 

depending on vehicle conditions, there are 

situations when EV drive mode cannot be 

used. (The distance that is possible depends 

on the hybrid battery [traction battery] level 

and driving conditions.)

Fuel economy

The hybrid system is designed to achieve 

the best possible fuel economy during nor-

mal driving (using the gasoline engine and 

electric motor [traction motor]). Driving in 

EV drive mode more than necessary may 

lower fuel economy.

If “EV Mode Unavailable” is shown on 

the multi-information display

The EV drive mode is not available. The 

reason the EV drive mode is not available 

(the vehicle is idling, battery charge is low, 

vehicle speed is higher than the EV drive 

mode operating speed range or accelera-

tor pedal is depressed too much) may be 

displayed. Use the EV drive mode when it 

becomes available.

If “EV Mode Deactivated” is shown on 

the multi-information display

The EV drive mode has been automatically 

canceled. The reason the EV drive mode is 

not available (the battery charge is low, 

vehicle speed is higher than the EV drive 

mode operating speed range or accelera-

tor pedal is depressed too much) may be 

displayed. Drive the vehicle for a while 

before attempting to turn on the EV drive 

mode again.

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4-2. Driving procedures

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*1

: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce 

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

*2

: By selecting shift ranges using S mode, 

you can control accelerating force and 
engine braking force.

Reverse warning buzzer

When shifting into R, a buzzer will sound to 

inform the driver that the shift lever is in R.

When driving with dynamic radar cruise 

control with full-speed range activated

Even when performing the following 

actions with the intent of enabling engine 

braking, engine braking will not activate 

because dynamic radar cruise control with 

full-speed range will not be canceled.

While driving in S mode, downshifting to 

5 or 4. (

P.172)

When switching the driving mode to 

Sport mode while driving in D position. 

WARNING

Caution while driving

When driving in EV drive mode, pay spe-

cial attention to the area around the vehi-

cle. Because there is no engine noise, 

pedestrians, people riding bicycles or 

other people and vehicles in the area 

may not be aware of the vehicle starting 

off or approaching them, so take extra 

care while driving. Therefore, take extra 

care while driving even if the Acoustic 

Vehicle Alerting System is active.

Hybrid transmission

Select the shift position depending 
on your purpose and situation.

Shift position purpose and func-
tions

Shift posi-

tion

Objective or function

P

Parking the vehicle/starting 

the hybrid system

R

Reversing

N

Neutral

(Condition in which the 

power is not transmitted)

D

Normal driving

*1

S

S mode driving

*2

 (

P.172)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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