Toyota Highlander Hybrid (2022 year). Manual in english - page 21

333

4-6. Driving tips

4

Dr

iv

ing



Specific design characteris-
tics give it a higher center of 
gravity than ordinary passen-
ger cars. This vehicle design 
feature causes this type of 
vehicle to be more likely to 
rollover. And, utility vehicles 
have a significantly higher 
rollover rate than other types 
of vehicles.



An advantage of the higher 
ground clearance is a better 
view of the road allowing you 
to anticipate problems.



It is not designed for corner-
ing at the same speeds as 
ordinary passenger cars any 
more than low-slung sports 
cars are designed to perform 
satisfactorily under off-road 
conditions. Therefore, sharp 
turns at excessive speeds 
may cause the vehicle to roll-
over.

Utility vehicle precau-

tions

This vehicle belongs to the 
utility vehicle class, which 
has higher ground clear-
ance and narrower tread in 
relation to the height of its 
center of gravity.

Utility vehicle feature

WARNING

■

Utility vehicle precautions

Always observe the following pre-

cautions to minimize the risk of 

death, serious injury or damage to 

your vehicle:

●

In a rollover crash, an unbelted 

person is significantly more 

likely to die than a person wear-

ing a seat belt. Therefore, the 

driver and all passengers 

should always fasten their seat 

belts.

●

Avoid sharp turns or abrupt 

maneuvers, if at all possible.

Failure to operate this vehicle 

correctly may result in loss of 

control or vehicle rollover caus-

ing death or serious injury.

●

Loading cargo on the roof lug-

gage carrier (if equipped) will 

make the center of the vehicle 

gravity higher. Avoid high 

speeds, sudden starts, sharp 

turns, sudden braking or abrupt 

maneuvers, otherwise it may 

result in loss of control or vehi-

cle rollover due to failure to 

operate this vehicle correctly.

●

Always slow down in gusty 

crosswinds. Because of its pro-

file and higher center of gravity, 

your vehicle is more sensitive to 

side winds than an ordinary 

passenger car. Slowing down 

will allow you to have better 

control.

●

Do not drive horizontally across 

steep slopes. Driving straight up 

or straight down is preferred. 

Your vehicle (or any similar 

off-road vehicle) can tip over 

sideways much more easily 

than forward or backward.

334

4-6. Driving tips

Your vehicle is not designed to 
be driven off-road. However, in 
the event that off-road driving 
cannot be avoided, please 
observe the following precau-
tions to help avoid the areas 
prohibited to vehicles.



Drive your vehicle only in 
areas where off-road vehicles 
are permitted to travel.



Respect private property. Get 
owner’s permission before 
entering private property.



Do not enter areas that are 
closed. Honor gates, barriers 
and signs that restrict travel.



Stay on established roads. 
When conditions are wet, 
driving techniques should be 
changed or travel delayed to 
prevent damage to roads.

■

Additional information for 

off-road driving



For owners in U.S. mainland, 

Hawaii and Puerto Rico:

To obtain additional information per-

taining to driving your vehicle 

off-road, consult the following orga-

nizations.

●

State and Local Parks and Recre-

ation Departments

●

State Motor Vehicle Bureau

●

Recreational Vehicle Clubs

●

U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of 

Land Management

Off-road driving

WARNING

■

Off-road driving precautions

Always observe the following pre-

cautions to minimize the risk of 

death, serious injury or damage to 

your vehicle:

●

Drive carefully when off the 

road. Do not take unnecessary 

risks by driving in dangerous 

places.

●

Do not grip the steering wheel 

spokes when driving off-road. A 

bad bump could jerk the wheel 

and injure your hands. Keep 

both hands and especially your 

thumbs on the outside of the 

rim.

●

Always check your brakes for 

effectiveness immediately after 

driving in sand, mud, water or 

snow.

●

After driving through tall grass, 

mud, rock, sand, rivers, etc., 

check that there is no grass, 

bush, paper, rags, stone, sand, 

etc. adhering or trapped on the 

underbody. Clear off any such 

matter from the underbody. If 

the vehicle is used with these 

materials trapped or adhering to 

the underbody, a breakdown or 

fire could occur.

●

When driving off-road or in rug-

ged terrain, do not drive at 

excessive speeds, jump, make 

sharp turns, strike objects, etc. 

This may cause loss of control 

or vehicle rollover causing 

death or serious injury. You are 

also risking expensive damage 

to your vehicle’s suspension 

and chassis.

335

4-6. Driving tips

4

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iv

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NOTICE

■

To prevent water damage

Take all necessary safety mea-

sures to ensure that water dam-

age to the hybrid battery (traction 

battery), hybrid system or other 

components does not occur.

●

Water entering the engine com-

partment may cause severe 

damage to the hybrid system. 

Water entering the interior may 

cause the hybrid battery (trac-

tion battery) stowed under the 

rear seats to short circuit.

●

Water entering the hybrid trans-

mission will cause deterioration 

in transmission quality. The mal-

function indicator may come on, 

and the vehicle may not be driv-

able.

●

Water can wash the grease 

from wheel bearings, causing 

rusting and premature failure, 

and may also enter the hybrid 

transmission case, reducing the 

gear oil’s lubricating qualities.

■

When you drive through 

water

If driving through water, such as 

when crossing shallow streams, 

first check the depth of the water 

and the bottom of the riverbed for 

firmness. Drive slowly and avoid 

deep water.

■

Inspection after off-road driv-

ing

●

Sand and mud that has accu-

mulated in brake drums and 

around brake discs may affect 

braking efficiency and may 

damage brake system compo-

nents.

●

Always perform a maintenance 

inspection after each day of 

off-road driving that has taken 

you through rough terrain, sand, 

mud, or water. For scheduled 

maintenance information, refer 

to the “Scheduled Maintenance 

Guide” or “Owner’s Manual 

Supplement”.

336

4-6. Driving tips

337

5

5

Interior

 featur

es

Interior features

.

5-1. Toyota multi-operation 

touch

Toyota multi-operation touch

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

338

5-2. Using the air conditioning 

system and defogger

Front automatic air condi-

tioning system ...........

340

Rear automatic air condi-

tioning system ...........

352

Heated steering wheel/seat 

heaters/seat ventilators

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

356

5-3. Using the interior lights

Interior lights list ..........

360

5-4. Using the storage features

List of storage features

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

363

Luggage compartment fea-

tures ..........................

368

5-5. Using the other interior 

features

Other interior features .

372

Garage door opener....

388

338

5-1. Toyota multi-operation touch

5-1.Toyota multi-operation touch

*

: Vehicle with the 12.3-inch display

The following functions can be 
displayed and operated on the 
toyota multi-operation touch.

Operate a switch to change the dis-
played function screen.
The displayed function can also be 
changed by performing an up or 
down flick operation on the Toyota 
multi-operation touch.

Select to display the air con-
ditioning control screen. 
(



P.347, 354)

Select to display the seats cli-
mate screen. (



P.357, 359)

Select to display the audio 
control screen.

*

Select to display the energy 
monitor/fuel consumption 
screen. (



P.117)

2WD models: Select to dis-
play the setting screen. 
(



P.339)

AWD models: Select to dis-
play the vehicle information 
screen. (



P.97)

*

: Refer to the “NAVIGATION AND 

MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM 
OWNER’S MANUAL”.

■

Moving screens on the Toy-
ota multi-operation touch

Selecting 

 or 

 to change 

its displayed position on the Toy-
ota multi-operation touch.

The screen position can also be 
changed by perform a left or right 
flick operation on a screen.

■

Displaying a screen in full 
screen

Selecting 

 or 

 on the 

energy monitor/consumption 
screen or vehicle information 
screen will display that screen in 
full screen.

Select 

 or 

 to return to the 

split-screen display.

Toyota multi-opera-

tion touch

*

The Toyota multi-operation 
touch allows a screen, such 
as the air conditioning con-
trol screen, and the naviga-
tion screen to be displayed 
and operated simultane-
ously.

Toyota multi-operation 
touch overview

Toyota multi-operation 
touch operation

339

5-1. Toyota multi-operation touch

5

Interior

 featur

es

AWD models: Select “Setting” 
on the vehicle information 
screen to display the setting 
screen.

Select slide operation on/off
Display the software informa-
tion

Toyota multi-operation 
touch settings

Copyright

340

5-2. Using the air conditioning system and defogger

5-2.Using the air conditioning system and defogger

Automatic mode switch (



P.349)

Left-hand side temperature control switch
“OFF” switch
Windshield defogger switch
Rear air conditioning system on/off switch (



P.353)

S-FLOW mode switch (



P.349)

Right-hand side temperature control switch
“A/C” switch
Outside/recirculated air mode switch
“REAR CLIMATE” switch (



P.353)

Rear seat temperature contorl knob (



P.353)

Airflow mode control knob
Fan speed control knob
“SYNC” control knob
Rear window defogger and outside rear view mirror defoggers 
switch

Front automatic air conditioning system

Air outlets and fan speed are automatically adjusted accord-
ing to the temperature setting.

Vehicles with a 12.3-inch display: The air conditioning system 
can be displayed and operated on the toyota multi-operation 
touch.

Air conditioning controls (vehicle with a 8-inch display)

341

5-2. Using the air conditioning system and defogger

5

Interior

 featur

es

Windshield wiper de-icer switch

■

Adjusting the temperature 
setting

Turn driver’s side temperature 
control switch clockwise to 
increases the temperature and 
turn the switch counterclockwise 
to decreases the temperature.

If “A/C” switch is not pressed, the 
system will blow ambient tempera-
ture air or heated air.

The temperature for the driver, 
front passenger and rear seats 
can be adjusted separately 
when:



“SYNC” control knob is 
moved upward or downward. 
(The “PASS” and “REAR” dis-
plays disappear)



The passenger’s side tem-
perature control switch is 
turned. (The “PASS” display 
disappears)



The rear seat temperature 
contorl knob is moved upward 
or downward. (The “REAR” 
display disappears)

To the air conditioning system 
switches between individual and 
simultaneous modes move “SYNC” 
control knob upward or downward.

■

Setting the fan speed

To set the fan speed, move the 
fan speed control knob upward 
or downward.

Upward: Increases the fan speed
Downward: Decreases the fan 

speed
Pressing the “OFF” switch to turns 
off the fan.

■

Change the airflow mode

To change the airflow mode, 
move the airflow mode control 
knob upward or downward.

1

Upper body

2

Upper body and feet

3

Feet

4

Feet and the windshield 
defogger operates

■

Switching between outside 
air and recirculated air 
modes

Press the outside/recirculated 
air mode switch.

The mode switches between out-
side air mode and recirculated air 
mode each time the switch is oper-
ated.
When recirculated air mode is 
selected, the indicator illuminates 
on the outside/recirculated air 

342

5-2. Using the air conditioning system and defogger

mode switch.

■

Set cooling and dehumidifi-
cation function

Press the “A/C” switch.

When the function is on, the indica-
tor illuminates on the “A/C” switch.

■

Defogging the windshield

Defoggers are used to defog the 
windshield and front side win-
dows.
Press the windshield defogger 
switch.

Set the outside/recirculated air 
mode switch to outside air mode if 
the recirculated air mode is used. (It 
may switch automatically.)
To defog the windshield and the 
side windows quickly, turn the air 
flow and temperature up.
To return to the previous mode, 
press the windshield defogger 
switch again when the windshield is 
defogged.
When the windshield defogger 
switch is on, the indicator illumi-
nates on the windshield defogger 
switch.

■

Defogging the rear window 
and outside rear view mir-
rors

Defoggers are used to defog the 
rear window and to remove rain-
drops, dew and frost from the 
outside rear view mirrors.
Press the rear window defogger 
and outside rear view mirror 
defoggers switch.

When the rear window defogger 

and outside rear view mirror defog-
gers switch is on, the indicator illu-
minates on the rear window 
defogger and outside rear view mir-
ror defoggers switch.
The defoggers will automatically 
turn off after a while.

■

Windshield wiper de-icer

This feature is used to prevent 
ice from building up on the wind-
shield and wiper blades.
Press the windshield wiper 
de-icer switch.

When the windshield wiper de-icer 
switch is on, the indicator illumi-
nates on the windshield wiper 
de-icer switch.
The windshield wiper de-icer will 
automatically turn off after a period 
of time.

■

When the outside temperature 

exceeds 75°F (24°C) and the air 

conditioning system is on

●

In order to reduce the air condi-

tioning power consumption, the air 

conditioning system may switch to 

recirculated air mode automati-

cally. This may also reduce fuel 

consumption.

●

Recirculated air mode is selected 

as a default mode when the power 

switch is turned to ON.

●

It is possible to switch to outside 

air mode at any time by pressing 

the outside air mode switch.

■

Fogging up of the windows

●

The windows will easily fog up 

when the humidity in the vehicle is 

high. Turning “A/C” on will dehu-

midify the air from the outlets and 

defog the windshield effectively.

●

If you turn “A/C” off, the windows 

may fog up more easily.

343

5-2. Using the air conditioning system and defogger

5

Interior

 featur

es

●

The windows may fog up if the 

recirculated air mode is used.

■

When driving on dusty roads

Close all windows. If dust thrown up 

by the vehicle is still drawn into the 

vehicle after closing the windows, it 

is recommended that the air intake 

mode be set to outside air mode and 

the fan speed to any setting except 

off.

■

Outside/recirculated air mode

●

Setting to the recirculated air 

mode temporarily is recom-

mended in preventing dirty air 

from entering the vehicle interior 

and helping to cool the vehicle 

when the outside air temperature 

is high.

●

Outside/recirculated air mode may 

automatically switch depending on 

the temperature setting or the 

inside temperature.

■

Operation of the air condition-

ing system in Eco drive mode

●

In Eco drive mode, the air condi-

tioning system is controlled as fol-

lows to prioritize fuel efficiency:

• Engine speed and compressor 

operation controlled to restrict 

heating/cooling capacity

• Fan speed restricted when auto-

matic mode is selected

●

To improve air conditioning perfor-

mance, perform the following 

operations:

• Adjust the fan speed

• Turn off Eco drive mode (



P.319)

■

When the outside temperature 

is low

The dehumidification function may 

not operate even when the “A/C” 

switch is pressed.

■

Ventilation and air conditioning 

odors

●

To let fresh air in, set the air condi-

tioning system to the outside air 

mode.

●

During use, various odors from 

inside and outside the vehicle may 

enter into and accumulate in the 

air conditioning system. This may 

then cause odor to be emitted 

from the vents.

●

To reduce potential odors from 

occurring:

• It is recommended that the air 

conditioning system be set to out-

side air mode prior to turning the 

vehicle off.

• The start timing of the blower may 

be delayed for a short period of 

time immediately after the air con-

ditioning system is started in auto-

matic mode.

●

When parking, the system auto-

matically switches to outside air 

mode to encourage better air cir-

culation throughout the vehicle, 

helping to reduce odors that occur 

when starting the vehicle.

■

Air conditioning filter



P.437

■

Air conditioning system refrig-

erant

●

A label regarding the refrigerant of 

the air conditioning system is 

attached to the hood at the loca-

tion shown in the following illustra-

tion.

●

The meaning of each symbol on 

the label are as follows:

Caution

Air conditioning sys-
tem

344

5-2. Using the air conditioning system and defogger

■

Customization

Some functions can be customized. 

(



P.528)

Air conditioning sys-
tem lubricant type

Requires registered 
technician to service 
air conditioning sys-
tem

Flammable refrigerant

WARNING

■

To prevent the windshield 

from fogging up

Do not use the windshield defog-

ger switch during cool air opera-

tion in extremely humid weather. 

The difference between the tem-

perature of the outside air and 

that of the windshield can cause 

the outer surface of the wind-

shield to fog up, blocking your 

vision.

■

When the outside rear view 

mirror defoggers are operat-

ing

Do not touch the rear view mirror 

surfaces when the outside rear 

view mirror defoggers are on.

■

When the windshield wiper 

de-icer is operating

Do not touch the glass at lower 

part of the windshield or to the 

side of the front pillars when the 

windshield wiper de-icer is on.

NOTICE

■

To prevent 12-volt battery dis-

charge

Do not leave the air conditioning 

system on longer than necessary 

when the hybrid system is off.

■

When repairing/replacing 

parts of the air conditioning 

system

Have repair/replacement per-

formed by your Toyota dealer.

When a part of the air conditioning 

system, such as the evaporator, is 

to be replaced, it must be 

replaced with a new one.

345

5-2. Using the air conditioning system and defogger

5

Interior

 featur

es

Left-hand side temperature control switch
Automatic mode switch (



P.349)

Fan speed increase switch
Windshield defogger switch
Right-hand side temperature control switch
Rear window defogger and outside rear view mirror defoggers 
switch
Fan speed decrease switch
“OFF” switch

■

Adjusting the temperature 
setting

Press 

 to increase the 

temperature and 

 to 

decrease the temperature.

If “A/C” switch is not pressed, the 
system will blow ambient tempera-
ture air or heated air.

■

Setting the fan speed

Operate the 

 switch to 

increase the fan speed and the 

 switch to decrease the 

fan speed.

Pressing the “OFF” switch to turns 
off the fan.

■

Defogging the windshield

Defoggers are used to defog the 
windshield and front side win-
dows.
Press the windshield defogger 
switch.

Set the outside/recirculated air 
mode switch to outside air mode if 
the recirculated air mode is used. (It 
may switch automatically.)
To defog the windshield and the 
side windows quickly, turn the air 
flow and temperature up.
To return to the previous mode, 
press the windshield defogger 
switch again when the windshield is 
defogged.

Air conditioning controls (vehicle with a 12.3-inch dis-
play)

346

5-2. Using the air conditioning system and defogger

When the windshield defogger 
switch is on, the indicator illumi-
nates on the windshield defogger 
switch.

■

Defogging the rear window 
and outside rear view mir-
rors

Defoggers are used to defog the 
rear window and to remove rain-
drops, dew and frost from the 
outside rear view mirrors.
Press the rear window defogger 
and outside rear view mirror 
defoggers switch.

When the rear window defogger 
and outside rear view mirror defog-
gers switch is on, the indicator illu-
minates on the rear window 
defogger and outside rear view mir-
ror defoggers switch.
The defoggers will automatically 
turn off after a while.

■

Air conditioning filter



P.437

■

Air conditioning system refrig-

erant

●

A label regarding the refrigerant of 

the air conditioning system is 

attached to the hood at the loca-

tion shown in the following illustra-

tion.

●

The meaning of each symbol on 

the label are as follows:

■

Customization

Some functions can be customized. 

(



P.528)

Caution

Air conditioning sys-
tem

Air conditioning sys-
tem lubricant type

Requires registered 
technician to service 
air conditioning sys-
tem

Flammable refrigerant

WARNING

■

To prevent the windshield 

from fogging up

Do not use the windshield defog-

ger switch during cool air opera-

tion in extremely humid weather. 

The difference between the tem-

perature of the outside air and 

that of the windshield can cause 

the outer surface of the wind-

shield to fog up, blocking your 

vision.

■

When the outside rear view 

mirror defoggers are operat-

ing

Do not touch the rear view mirror 

surfaces when the outside rear 

view mirror defoggers are on.

NOTICE

■

To prevent 12-volt battery dis-

charge

Do not leave the air conditioning 

system on longer than necessary 

when the hybrid system is off.

347

5-2. Using the air conditioning system and defogger

5

Interior

 featur

es

■

Main control screen

Adjust the left side seat tem-
perature setting
Select the air flow mode

: Air flows to the upper body

: Air flows to the upper body and 

feet

: Air flows to the feet

: Air flows to the feet and the 

windshield defogger operates

Display the option control 
screen.
Adjust the fan speed setting
Adjust the right side seat 
temperature setting

“SYNC” switch

If the indicator on the “SYNC” 
switch is off, the temperature for the 
driver, passenger and rear seats 
can be adjusted separately.

Display the rear air condition-
ing control screen (



P.354)

Select the outside air and 
recirculated air modes
Set eco air conditioning 
mode

The air conditioning is controlled 
with low fuel consumption priori-
tized such as reducing fan speed, 
etc.

Set cooling and dehumidifi-
cation function

If “A/C” switch is not pressed, the 
system will blow ambient tempera-
ture air or heated air.

■

Option control screen

Select “Option” to display the 
option control screen.

The functions can be switched on 
and off.
When the function is on, the indica-
tor illuminates on the screen.

Select to display the previous 
screen.

NOTICE

■

When repairing/replacing 

parts of the air conditioning 

system

Have repair/replacement per-

formed by your Toyota dealer.

When a part of the air conditioning 

system, such as the evaporator, is 

to be replaced, it must be 

replaced with a new one.

Front air conditioning 
control screen (vehicle 
with a 12.3-inch display)

348

5-2. Using the air conditioning system and defogger

Select front seat concen-
trated airflow mode 
(S-FLOW) (



P.349)

■

When the outside temperature 

exceeds 75°F (24°C) and the air 

conditioning system is on

●

In order to reduce the air condi-

tioning power consumption, the air 

conditioning system may switch to 

recirculated air mode automati-

cally. This may also reduce fuel 

consumption.

●

Recirculated air mode is selected 

as a default mode when the power 

switch is turned to ON.

●

It is possible to switch to outside 

air mode at any time by pressing 

the outside air mode switch.

■

Fogging up of the windows

●

The windows will easily fog up 

when the humidity in the vehicle is 

high. Turning “A/C” on will dehu-

midify the air from the outlets and 

defog the windshield effectively.

●

If you turn “A/C” off, the windows 

may fog up more easily.

●

The windows may fog up if the 

recirculated air mode is used.

■

When driving on dusty roads

Close all windows. If dust thrown up 

by the vehicle is still drawn into the 

vehicle after closing the windows, it 

is recommended that the air intake 

mode be set to outside air mode and 

the fan speed to any setting except 

off.

■

Outside/recirculated air mode

●

Setting to the recirculated air 

mode temporarily is recom-

mended in preventing dirty air 

from entering the vehicle interior 

and helping to cool the vehicle 

when the outside air temperature 

is high.

●

Outside/recirculated air mode may 

automatically switch depending on 

the temperature setting or the 

inside temperature.

■

Eco air conditioning mode

When Eco drive mode is selected 

using the driving mode select 

switch, eco air conditioning mode 

turns on.
When a drive mode other than Eco 

drive mode is selected, eco air con-

ditioning mode may turn off.

■

Operation of the air condition-

ing system in Eco drive mode

●

In Eco drive mode, the air condi-

tioning system is controlled as fol-

lows to prioritize fuel efficiency:

• Engine speed and compressor 

operation controlled to restrict 

heating/cooling capacity

• Fan speed restricted when auto-

matic mode is selected

●

To improve air conditioning perfor-

mance, perform the following 

operations:

• Adjust the fan speed

• Turn off Eco drive mode (



P.319)

• Turn off Eco air conditioning mode

●

When the driving mode is set to 

Eco driving mode, the air condi-

tioning eco mode will be turned on 

automatically. Even in this case, 

the air conditioning eco mode can 

be turned off by pressing the Eco 

air conditioning mode switch.

■

When the outside temperature 

is low

The dehumidification function may 

not operate even when “A/C” is 

pressed.

■

Ventilation and air conditioning 

odors

●

To let fresh air in, set the air condi-

tioning system to the outside air 

mode.

●

During use, various odors from 

inside and outside the vehicle may 

enter into and accumulate in the 

air conditioning system. This may 

then cause odor to be emitted 

from the vents.