Toyota Corolla Hybrid (2020 year). Owner's manual - part 9

134

4-1. Before driving

WARNING

■

When starting the vehicle

Always keep your foot on the 

brake pedal while stopped with 

the “READY” indicator is illumi-

nated. This prevents the vehicle 

from creeping.

■

When driving the vehicle

●

Do not drive if you are unfamil-

iar with the location of the brake 

and accelerator pedals to avoid 

depressing the wrong pedal.

• Accidentally depressing the 

accelerator 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 a 

difficulty in operating the pedals. 

Make sure to operate the pedals 

properly.

• Make sure to keep a correct 

driving posture even when mov-

ing 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 emer-

gency, resulting in an accident.

●

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 mis-

judge the vehicle’s movement. 

Even with the vehicle proximity 

notification system activate, 

drive with care as pedestrians in 

the vicinity may still not notice 

the vehicle if the surrounding 

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 

flammable material nearby.

●

During normal driving, do not 

turn off the hybrid system. Turn-

ing the hybrid system off while 

driving will not cause loss of 

steering or braking control, how-

ever, power assist to the steer-

ing 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.

In the event of an emergency, 

such as if it becomes impossible 

to stop the vehicle in the normal 

way: 



P.443

●

Use engine braking (shift posi-

tion B) to maintain a safe speed 

when driving down a steep hill.

Using the brakes continuously 

may cause the brakes to over-

heat and lose effectiveness. 

(



P.149)

●

Do not adjust the positions of 

the steering wheel, the seat, or 

the inside or outside rear view 

mirrors while driving.

Doing so may result in a loss of 

vehicle control.

●

Always check that all passen-

gers’ arms, heads or other parts 

of their body are not outside the 

vehicle.

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4-1. Before driving

4

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WARNING

●

Do not drive in excess of the 

speed limit. Even if the legal 

speed limit permits it, do not 

drive over 85 mph (140 km/h) 

unless your vehicle has 

high-speed capability tires. Driv-

ing 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 

capability tires or not before 

driving at such speeds.

■

When driving on slippery 

road surfaces

●

Sudden braking, acceleration 

and steering may cause tire 

slippage and reduce your ability 

to control the vehicle.

●

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 properly. Wet 

brake pads may prevent the 

brakes from functioning prop-

erly. 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 back-

ward while a forward driving 

position is selected, or roll for-

ward while the shift lever is in R.

Doing so may result in an acci-

dent or damage to the vehicle.

●

Do not shift the shift lever to P 

while the vehicle is moving.

Doing so can damage the trans-

mission and may result in a loss 

of vehicle control.

●

Do not shift the shift lever to R 

while the vehicle is moving for-

ward.

Doing so can damage the trans-

mission and may result in a loss 

of vehicle control.

●

Do not shift the shift lever to a 

driving position while the vehicle 

is moving backward.

Doing so can damage the trans-

mission and may result in a loss 

of vehicle control.

●

Moving the shift lever to N while 

the vehicle is moving will disen-

gage the hybrid system. Engine 

braking is not available with the 

hybrid system disengaged.

●

Be careful not to shift the shift 

lever with the accelerator pedal 

depressed. Shifting the shift 

lever to any positions other than 

P or N may lead to unexpected 

rapid acceleration of the vehicle 

that may cause an accident and 

result in death or serious injury.

■

If you hear a squealing or 

scraping noise (brake pad 

wear indicators)

Have the brake pads checked and 

replaced by your Toyota 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 any position 

other than P or N, the vehicle 

may accelerate suddenly and 

unexpectedly, causing an acci-

dent.

136

4-1. Before driving

WARNING

●

In order to prevent accidents 

due to the vehicle rolling away, 

always keep depressing the 

brake pedal while stopped with 

the “READY” indicator is illumi-

nated, and apply the parking 

brake as necessary.

●

If the vehicle is stopped on an 

incline, in order to prevent acci-

dents caused by the vehicle roll-

ing forward or backward, 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 fol-

lowing:

• 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 plastic 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 cir-

cuit 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 metallized film 

such as a silver-colored one. 

Reflected sunlight may cause 

the glass to act as a lens, caus-

ing a fire.

●

Always apply the parking brake, 

shift the shift lever to P, stop the 

hybrid system and lock the vehi-

cle.

Do not leave the vehicle unat-

tended while the “READY” indi-

cator is illuminated.

If the vehicle is parked with the 

shift lever in P but the parking 

brake is not set, the vehicle may 

start to move, possibly 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.

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4-1. Before driving

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WARNING

■

When taking a nap in the vehi-

cle

Always turn the hybrid system off. 

Otherwise, if you accidentally 

move the shift lever or depress 

the accelerator pedal, this could 

cause an accident or fire due to 

hybrid system overheating. Addi-

tionally, if the vehicle is parked in 

a poorly ventilated area, exhaust 

gases may collect and enter the 

vehicle, leading to death or a seri-

ous 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 

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 pos-

sible, 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 sys-

tems; 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 brak-

ing distance will increase. Have 

your brakes fixed immediately.

■

If the vehicle becomes stuck

Do not spin the wheels exces-

sively when a driven wheel is up 

in the air, or the vehicle is stuck in 

sand, mud, etc. This may damage 

the driveline components or pro-

pel the vehicle forward or back-

ward, 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 out-

put.

●

Do not use the accelerator 

pedal or depress the accelera-

tor and brake pedals at the 

same time to hold the vehicle on 

a hill.

■

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 acceler-

ate suddenly if the accelerator 

pedal is accidentally depressed.

■

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.

138

4-1. Before driving

Cargo capacity depends on the 
total weight of the occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load 
capacity) — (Total weight of 
occupants)
Steps for Determining Correct 
Load Limit —
(1) Locate the statement “The 
combined 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 passen-
gers that will be riding in your 
vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined 
weight of the driver and passen-
gers 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 passen-
gers in your vehicle, the amount 
of available cargo and luggage 
load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 − 

NOTICE

■

If you get a flat tire while driv-

ing

A flat or damaged tire may cause 

the following situations. Hold the 

steering wheel firmly and gradu-

ally depress the brake pedal to 

slow down the vehicle.

●

It may be difficult to control your 

vehicle.

●

The vehicle will make abnormal 

sounds or vibrations.

●

The vehicle will lean abnor-

mally.

Information on what to do in case 

of a flat tire (



P.473)

■

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 vehicle:

●

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 

becomes flooded or stuck in mud 

or sand, be sure to have your Toy-

ota dealer check the following:

●

Brake function

●

Changes in quantity and quality 

of oil and fluid used for the 

engine, hybrid transmission, 

etc.

●

Lubricant condition for the bear-

ings and suspension joints 

(where possible), and the func-

tion of all joints, bearings, etc.

Cargo and luggage

Take notice of the following 
information about storage 
precautions, cargo capacity 
and load:

Capacity and distribution

139

4-1. Before driving

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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 
luggage load capacity calcu-
lated in Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing 
a trailer, load from your trailer 
will be transferred to your vehi-
cle. Consult this manual to 
determine how this reduces the 
available cargo and luggage 
load capacity of your vehicle. 
(P.141)

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

Cargo capacity
Total load capacity (vehicle 
capacity weight) (P.496)

When 2 people with the com-
bined weight of A lb. (kg) are rid-
ing in your vehicle, which has a 

total load capacity (vehicle 
capacity weight) of B lb. (kg), 
the available amount of cargo 
and luggage 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 passen-
gers 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 lug-
gage 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 num-
ber of occupants causes an 
excess of the total load capacity 
(combined weight of occupants 
plus cargo and luggage load), 
you must reduce the cargo and 
luggage on your vehicle.

Calculation formula for 
your vehicle

140

4-1. Before driving

WARNING

■

Things that must not be car-

ried in the trunk

The following things may cause a 

fire if loaded in the trunk:

●

Receptacles containing gaso-

line

●

Aerosol cans

■

Storage precautions

Observe the following precau-

tions.

Failure to do so may prevent the 

pedals from being depressed 

properly, may block the driver’s 

vision, or may result in items hit-

ting the driver or passengers, pos-

sibly causing an accident.

●

Stow cargo and luggage in the 

trunk whenever possible.

●

To prevent cargo and luggage 

from sliding forward during 

braking, do not stack anything in 

the enlarged trunk. Keep cargo 

and luggage low, as close to the 

floor as possible.

●

When you fold down the rear 

seats, long items should not be 

placed directly behind the front 

seats.

●

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 package tray

• On the instrument panel

• On the dashboard

●

Secure all items in the occupant 

compartment.

●

Never allow anyone to ride in 

the enlarged trunk. It is not 

designed for passengers. They 

should ride in their seats with 

their seat belts properly fas-

tened.

■

Capacity and distribution

●

Do not exceed the maximum 

axle weight rating or the total 

vehicle weight rating.

●

Even if the total load of occu-

pant’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.

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4-1. Before driving

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■

Total load capacity and seating 

capacity

These details are also described on 

the tire and loading information 

label. (P.422)

Vehicle load limits

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



Total load capacity (vehicle 
capacity weight): P.496

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



Seating capacity: 5 occu-
pants (Front 2, Rear 3)

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



Towing capacity

Toyota does not recommend tow-
ing a trailer with your vehicle.



Cargo capacity

Cargo capacity may increase or 
decrease depending on the 
weight and the number of occu-
pants.

WARNING

■

Overloading the vehicle

Do not overload the vehicle.

It may not only cause damage to 

the tires, but also degrade steer-

ing and braking ability, resulting in 

an accident.

Trailer towing

Toyota does not recom-
mend towing a trailer with 
your vehicle. Toyota also 
does not recommend the 
installation of a tow hitch or 
the use of a tow hitch carrier 
for a wheelchair, scooter, 
bicycle, etc. Your vehicle is 
not designed for trailer tow-
ing or for the use of tow 
hitch mounted carriers.

142

4-1. Before driving

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 vehicle

Do not tow your vehicle with the 

four wheels on the ground.

143

4-2. Driving procedures

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4-2.Driving procedures

1

Check that the parking brake 
is set. (P.153)

2

Check that the shift lever is in 
P.

3

Firmly depress the brake 
pedal.

 and a message will be dis-

played on the multi-information dis-

play. If it is not displayed, the hybrid 

system cannot 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 nor-

mally.
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” indi-
cator is illuminated.

The vehicle cannot be driven if the 

“READY” indicator is off.

■

If the hybrid system does not 

start

●

The immobilizer system may not 

have been deactivated. (P.75)

Contact your Toyota dealer.

●

If a message related to start-up is 

shown on the multi-information 

display, read the message and fol-

low the instructions.

■

When the ambient temperature 

is low, such as during winter 

driving conditions

When starting the hybrid system, 

the flashing 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 vehicle

P.70

■

If the 12-volt battery is dis-

charged

The hybrid system cannot be started 

using the smart key system. Refer 

to P.485 to restart the hybrid sys-

tem.

■

Electronic key battery depletion

P.102

Power (ignition) 

switch

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

Starting the hybrid sys-
tem

144

4-2. Driving procedures

■

Conditions affecting operation

P.113

■

Notes for the entry function

P.114

■

Steering lock function

●

After turning the power switch off 

and opening and closing the 

doors, the steering wheel will be 

locked due to the steering lock 

function. Operating the power 

switch again automatically can-

cels the steering lock.

●

When the steering lock cannot be 

released, “Push Power Switch 

while Turning Steering Wheel in 

Either Direction” will be displayed 

on the multi-information display. 

Press the power switch shortly 

and firmly while turning the steer-

ing wheel left and right.

●

To prevent the steering lock motor 

from overheating, the motor may 

be suspended if the hybrid system 

is turned on and off repeatedly in 

a short period of time. In this case, 

refrain from operating the power 

switch. After about 10 seconds, 

the steering lock motor will 

resume functioning.

■

If the “READY” indicator does 

not come on

In the event that the “READY” indi-

cator does not come on even after 

performing the proper procedures 

for starting the vehicle, contact your 

Toyota dealer immediately.

■

If the hybrid system is malfunc-

tioning

P.74

■

Electronic key battery

P.431

■

Operation of the power switch

●

If the switch is not pressed shortly 

and firmly, the power switch mode 

may not change or the hybrid sys-

tem 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 sec-

onds before restarting the hybrid 

system.

■

Customization

If the smart key system has been 

deactivated in a customized setting, 

refer to P.483.

WARNING

■

When starting the hybrid sys-

tem

Always start the hybrid system 

while sitting 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 

resulting in death or serious injury.

■

Caution while driving

If hybrid system 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 steer-

ing lock in this circumstance may 

lead to an accident, resulting in 

death or serious injury.

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4-2. Driving procedures

4

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1

Stop the vehicle completely.

2

Set the parking brake 
(P.153), and shift the shift 
lever to P.

Check the parking brake indicator 

is illuminated.

3

Press the power switch.

The hybrid system will stop, and the 

meter display will be extinguished.

4

Release the brake pedal and 
check that “ACCESSORY” or 
“IGNITION ON” is not shown 
on the multi-information dis-
play.

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

NOTICE

■

When starting the hybrid sys-

tem 

If the hybrid system becomes diffi-

cult to start, have your vehicle 

checked by your Toyota dealer 

immediately.

■

Symptoms indicating a mal-

function with the power 

switch

If the power switch seems to be 

operating somewhat differently 

than usual, such as the switch 

sticking slightly, there may be a 

malfunction. Contact your Toyota 

dealer immediately.

Stopping the hybrid sys-
tem

WARNING

■

Stopping the hybrid system 

in an emergency

●

If you want to stop the hybrid 

system in an emergency while 

driving the vehicle, press and 

hold the power switch for more 

than 2 seconds, or press it 

briefly 3 times or more in suc-

cession. (P.443)

However, do not touch the 

power switch while driving 

except in an emergency. Turn-

ing the hybrid system off while 

driving will not cause loss of 

steering or braking control, how-

ever, power assist to the steer-

ing 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 message will be shown 

on the multi-information display 

and a buzzer sounds.

●

To restart the hybrid system 

after performing an emergency 

shutdown, shift the shift lever to 

N and then press the power 

switch.

Changing power switch 
modes

146

4-2. Driving procedures

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 multi-information display.

3

ON

All electrical components can be 
used.
“IGNITION ON” will be displayed on 
the multi-information display.

*

: 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 automatically 

turn off. However, this function can-

not entirely prevent 12-volt battery 

discharge. Do not leave the vehicle 

with the power switch in ACC or ON 

for long periods 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 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 “ACCESSORY” is 
displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display and press the 
power switch shortly and 
firmly.

4

Check that “ACCESSORY” 
or “IGNITION ON” on the 

NOTICE

■

To prevent 12-volt battery dis-

charge

●

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-information display, the 

power switch is not off. Exit the 

vehicle after turning the power 

switch off.

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

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4-2. Driving procedures

4

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multi-information display are 
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 cannot be turned on

It may not be possible to turn EV 

drive mode on in the following situa-

tions. If it cannot be turned on, a 

NOTICE

■

To prevent 12-volt battery dis-

charge

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 

power switch will not be turned off 

but instead be turned to ACC 

mode. If the vehicle is left in ACC, 

battery discharge may occur.

EV drive mode

In EV drive mode, electric 
power is supplied by the 
hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery), and only the electric 
motor (traction motor) is 
used to drive the vehicle.

This mode allows you to 
drive in residential areas 
early in the morning and 
late at night, or in indoor 
parking lots etc. without 
concern for noises and gas 
emissions. 

Operating instructions 

148

4-2. Driving procedures

buzzer will sound and a message 

will be shown on the multi-informa-

tion display.

●

The temperature of the hybrid sys-

tem is high.

The vehicle has been left in the 

sun, driven on a hill, driven at high 

speeds, etc. 

●

The temperature of the hybrid sys-

tem is low.

The vehicle has been left in tem-

peratures lower than about 32°F 

(0°C ) for a long period of time etc.

●

The gasoline engine is warming 

up.

●

The hybrid battery (traction bat-

tery) is low.

The remaining battery level indi-

cated in the energy monitor dis-

play is low. (P.98)

●

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 gasoline engine is cold, the gas-

oline 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 illu-

minated, press the EV drive mode 

switch before the gasoline engine 

starts to switch to EV drive mode.

■

Automatic cancelation of EV 

drive mode

When driving in EV drive mode, the 

gasoline engine may start automati-

cally and the vehicle may be driven 

by the gasoline engine and electric 

motor (traction motor) in the follow-

ing situations. When EV drive mode 

is canceled, a buzzer will sound, the 

EV drive mode indicator will flash, 

and a message will be displayed on 

the multi-information display.

●

The hybrid battery (traction bat-

tery) becomes low.

The remaining battery level indi-

cated in the energy monitor dis-

play is low. (P.98)

●

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 [trac-

tion battery] level and driving condi-

tions.) 

■

Fuel economy

The hybrid system is designed to 

achieve the best possible fuel econ-

omy during normal driving (using 

the gasoline engine and electric 

motor [traction motor]). Driving in 

EV drive mode more than neces-

sary 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 auto-

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4-2. Driving procedures

4

Dr

iv

ing

matically 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.

*

: To improve fuel efficiency and 

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

■

Restraining sudden start 

(Drive-Start Control)

P.133

WARNING

■

Caution while driving

When driving in EV drive mode, 

pay special attention to the area 

around the vehicle. Because 

there is no engine noise, pedestri-

ans, 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 vehicle 

proximity notification system is 

active.

Hybrid transmission

Select the shift position 
depending on your purpose 
and situation.

Shift position purpose 
and functions

Shift posi-

tion

Objective or function

P

Parking the vehi-

cle/starting the hybrid 

system

R

Reversing

N

Neutral (Condition in 

which the power is not 

transmitted)

D

Normal driving

*

B

Applying moderate 

engine braking driving 

down hills

WARNING

■

When driving on slippery 

road surfaces

Do not accelerate or shift gears 

suddenly. 

Sudden changes in engine brak-

ing may cause the vehicle to spin 

or skid, resulting in an accident.