2010 TOYOTA PRIUS load capacity

248 2-4. Using other driving systems
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
CAUTION
■When the Enhanced VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes and a warning buzzer sounds. Always drive
carefully. 
Reckless driving may cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the
indicator light flashes and a buzzer sounds.
■ Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the same size, brand, tread pattern and total
load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the speci-
fied tire pressure level.
The ABS and Enhanced VSC will not function correctly if different tires are
fitted on the vehicle.
Contact your Toyota dealer for further information when replacing tires or
wheels.
■ Handling of tires and suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the driving assist systems, and may cause the system to malfunction.

255
2
When driving
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
2-5. Driving information
Cargo and luggage
Take notice of the following information about storage precau-
tions, cargo capacity and load.
●Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment when-
ever possible. Be sure all items are secured in place.
● Be careful to keep the vehicle le vel. Placing the weight as far
forward as possible helps maintain vehicle balance.
● For better fuel economy, do no t carry unnecessary weight.

256 2-5. Driving information
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
Capacity and distributionCargo capacity depends on the total weight of the occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capa city) — (Total weight of occupants)
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit—
(1) Locate the statement “The comb ined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehi-
cle’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 avail-
able 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 tr ailer, load from your trailer will
be transferred to your vehicle. C onsult this manual to determine
how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity
of your vehicle. ( P. 260)
Toyota does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle.
Your vehicle is not designed for trailer towing.

257
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
Example on your vehicle
Cargo capacity
Total load capacity
When 2 people with the combined weight of 366 lb. (166 kg) are
riding in your vehicle, which has a total load capacity of 825 lb. (370
kg), the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity will be
as follows:
825 lb. — 366 lb. = 459 lb. (370 kg — 166 kg = 204 kg)
In this condition, if 3 more pass engers with the combined weight of
388 lb. (176 kg) get on , the available cargo and luggage load will be
reduced as follows:
459 lb. — 388 lb. = 71 lb. (204 kg — 176 kg = 28 kg)
As shown in the above example, if the number of occupants
increases, the cargo and luggage l oad equaling the combined weight
of the occupants who got on later, by an amount. In other words, if an
increase in the number of occupants causes an excess of the total
load capacity (combined weight of occupants plus cargo and luggage
load), you must reduce the carg o and luggage on your vehicle.

259
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
CAUTION
■Weight of the load
●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 no t apply the load unevenly. Improper
loading may cause deterioration of st eering or braking control which
may cause death or serious injury.

260
2-5. Driving information
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
Vehicle load limits
■Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire and loading information
label. (P. 451)
CAUTION
■Overloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle. 
It may not only cause damage to the ti res, but also degrade steering and
braking ability, resulting in an accident.
Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity,
towing capacity and cargo capacity.
■ Total load capacity: 825 lb. (370 kg)
Total load capacity means the combined weight of occupants,
cargo and luggage.
■ Seating capacity: 5 occupants (Front 2, Rear 3)
Seating capacity means the ma ximum number of occupants
whose estimated average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.
Even if the number of occupants are within the seating capacity,
do not exceed the total load capacity.
■ Towing capacity
Toyota 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.

446 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
■Tire types
1 Summer tiresSummer tires are high-speed performance tires best suited to highway
driving under dry conditions. Since summer tires do not have the same
traction performance as snow tire s, summer tires are inadequate for
driving on snow-covered or icy ro ads. For driving on snow-covered
roads or icy roads, the use of snow tires is recommended. When
installing snow tires, be sure to replace all four tires.
2 All season tires All season tires are designed to provide better traction in snow and to
be adequate for driving in most winter conditions, as well as for use
year round. All season tires, however, do not have adequate traction
performance compared with snow tires in heavy or loose snow. Also,
all season tires fall short in acceleration and handling performance
compared with summer tires in highway driving.
3Snow tires
For driving on snow-covered roads or icy roads, we recommend using
snow tires. If you need snow tires, select tires of the same size, con-
struction and load capacity as the or iginally installed tires. Since your
vehicle has radial tires as original equipment, make sure your snow
tires also have radial construction. Do not install studded tires without
first checking local regulations for possible restriction. Snow tires
should be installed on all wheels. ( P. 261)

455
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
PRIUS_U (OM47668U) U.S.A.
Wheels
If a wheel is bent, cracked or heavily corroded, it should be
replaced. 
Otherwise, the tire may separate from the wheel or cause loss of
handling control.
■ Wheel selection
When replacing wheels, care shou ld be taken to ensure that
they are equivalent to those removed in load capacity, diameter,
rim width, and inset
*. 
Replacement wheels are available at your Toyota dealer.
*: Conventionally referred to as “offset”.
Toyota does not recommend using:
● Wheels of different sizes or types
● Used wheels
● Bent wheels that have been straightened
■ Aluminum wheel precautions
●Use only Toyota wheel nuts and wrenches designed for use
with your aluminum wheels.
● When rotating, repairing or changing your tires, check that the
wheel nuts are still tight after driving 1000 miles (1600 km).
● Be careful not to damage the aluminum wheels when using
tire chains.
● Use only Toyota genuine balance weights or equivalent and a
plastic or rubber hammer when balancing your wheels.