Page 12 of 36

10
FEATURES/OPERATIONS
Transmission
1 The “POWER”/ignition switch must be “ON” and the brake pedal depressed to
shift from Park.
2 The engine brake is the equivalent of downshifting. Shift to “B” when engine
braking is desired (i.e. downhill driving, coasting to a stop, etc.).
Eco Driving Mode
Auto lock/unlock
Automatic door locks can be programmed to operate in four different modes, or
turned OFF.
-Doors lock when shifting from Park.
-Doors lock when the vehicle speed goes above approximately 12 mph.
-Doors unlock when shifting into Park.
Vehicles without Smart Key system
-Doors unlock when the ignition switch is set from “ON” to “ACC” or “LOCK” and
driver’s door is opened.
Vehicles with Smart Key system
-Doors unlock when the “POWER” switch is set to OFF and driver’s door is opened.
Refer to the Owner’s Manual for more details.
Eco Driving Mode helps achieve low fuel consumption during trips that involve
frequent accelerating and braking.
Refer to the Owner’s Manual for more details.
(1) Put the selector lever in “P.”
(2) Vehicles with Smart Key system:
Depress the brake pedal, and press the “POWER” switch briefly and firmly.
Vehicles without Smart Key system:
Depress the brake pedal, and turn the key to the “START” position.
(3) The “READY” light will blink. After a few seconds, when the light remains steady and a beep sounds, you may begin driving.
Starting your vehicle
The Hybrid Synergy Drive System utilizes a computer-controlled gasoline engine
and electric motor to provide the most efficient combination of power for the
vehicle. To conserve energy, when the brakes are applied the braking force
generates electricity which is then sent to the traction battery. In addition,
the engine shuts off when the vehicle is stopped. The benefits are better fuel
economy, reduced vehicle emissions and improved performance.
NOTE: Fuel consumption and energy information of the Hybrid System is shown on the Multi-Information Display and/or navigation system
screen (if equipped).
Tips for improved fuel economy
-Ensure tire pressures are maintained at levels specified in the Owner’s Manual.
-When possible, link trips to reduce engine cold starts.
-Avoid driving at speeds that are higher than necessary, especially on the highway.
-When possible, avoid sudden stops to maximize regenerative braking energy.
-Minimize use of the Air Conditioning.
Hybrid Synergy Drive System
2013Highlander-HV.indd 108/8/12 9:06 PM
Page 13 of 36

OVERVIEW
FEATURES/OPERATIONS
SAFETY AND EMERGENCY FEATURES
11
Transmission
1 The “POWER”/ignition switch must be “ON” and the brake pedal depressed to
shift from Park.
2 The engine brake is the equivalent of downshifting. Shift to “B” when engine
braking is desired (i.e. downhill driving, coasting to a stop, etc.).
Park1
Reverse
Neutral
Drive
BEngine braking2
Eco Driving Mode
Push
Auto lock/unlock
Automatic door locks can be programmed to operate in four different modes, or
turned OFF.
-Doors lock when shifting from Park.
-Doors lock when the vehicle speed goes above approximately 12 mph.
-Doors unlock when shifting into Park.
Vehicles without Smart Key system
-Doors unlock when the ignition switch is set from “ON” to “ACC” or “LOCK” and
driver’s door is opened.
Vehicles with Smart Key system
-Doors unlock when the “POWER” switch is set to OFF and driver’s door is opened.
Refer to the Owner’s Manual for more details.
Eco Driving Mode helps achieve low fuel consumption during trips that involve
frequent accelerating and braking.
Refer to the Owner’s Manual for more details.
(1) Put the selector lever in “P.”
(2) Vehicles with Smart Key system:
Depress the brake pedal, and press the “POWER” switch briefly and firmly.
Vehicles without Smart Key system:
Depress the brake pedal, and turn the key to the “START” position.
(3) The “READY” light will blink. After a few seconds, when the light remains steady and a beep sounds, you may begin driving.
The Hybrid Synergy Drive System utilizes a computer-controlled gasoline engine
and electric motor to provide the most efficient combination of power for the
vehicle. To conserve energy, when the brakes are applied the braking force
generates electricity which is then sent to the traction battery. In addition,
the engine shuts off when the vehicle is stopped. The benefits are better fuel
economy, reduced vehicle emissions and improved performance.
NOTE: Fuel consumption and energy information of the Hybrid System is shown on the Multi-Information Display and/or navigation system
screen (if equipped).
-Ensure tire pressures are maintained at levels specified in the Owner’s Manual
.
-When possible, link trips to reduce engine cold starts.
-Avoid driving at speeds that are higher than necessary, especially on the highway.
-When possible, avoid sudden stops to maximize regenerative braking energy.
-Minimize use of the Air Conditioning.
2013Highlander-HV.indd 118/8/12 9:06 PM
Page 14 of 36

12
FEATURES/OPERATIONS
Hold wheel, push lever down, set angle and length, and return lever.
NOTE: Do not attempt to adjust while the vehicle is in motion.
AngleLength
Lock release lever
Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
Seat adjustments-Rear
Second row seat
Seat position (forward/backward)
Seatback angle
Third seat access lever
Seatback release
Refer to the Owner’s Manual for more details.
Seat adjustments-Front
Seatback angle
Seat position (forward/backward)
Driver seat leg support (if equipped)
Seat position, cushion angle and height
Lumbar support (driver side only)
Manual seat (passenger side only)
Power seat
EV-Drive Mode
EV-Drive Mode allows the electric motor (traction motor), powered by the hybrid
battery (traction battery), to be used to drive the vehicle.
Refer to the Owner’s Manual for more details.
Push
Steering lock release
Turn
Push
Parking brake
Set: Depress
Release: Depress again
With Smart Key systemWithout Smart Key system
Turn
Push
Turn
2013Highlander-HV.indd 128/8/12 9:06 PM