Page 172 of 604
1723-3. Adjusting the seats
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48D74U)■
Adjusting the height of the head restraints
■ Adjusting the third seat head restraints
Always raise the head restraint one level from the stowed position when
using. Make sure that the head restraints are
adjusted so that the center of the head
restraint is closest to the top of your ears.
WARNING
■Head restraint precautions
Observe the following precautions regarding the head restraints. Failure to
do so may result in death or serious injury.
● Use the head restraints designed for each respective seat.
● Adjust the head restraints to the correct position at all times.
● After adjusting the head restraints, push down on them and make sure
they are locked in position.
● Do not drive with the head restraints removed.
Page 207 of 604

2074-1. Before driving
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48D74U)
WARNING
■Things that must not be carried in the luggage compartment
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the luggage compart-
ment:
●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 luggage compartment whenever possi-
ble.
●Do not stack cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment higher
than the seatbacks.
●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 instrument panel
• On the dashboard
●Secure all items in the occupant compartment.
●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 luggage compartment. It is not
designed for passengers. They should ride in their seats with their seat
belts properly fastened.
Page 323 of 604

3234-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48D74U)
NOTICE
■To prevent water damage
Take all necessary safety measures to ensure that water damage to the
hybrid battery, hybrid system or other components does not occur.
● Water entering the engine compartment may cause severe damage to the
hybrid system. Water entering the interior may cause the hybrid battery
stowed under the rear seats to short circuit.
● Water entering the hybrid transaxle will cause deterioration in transmission
quality. The malfunction indicator may come on, and the vehicle may not
be drivable.
● Water can wash the grease from wheel bearings, causing rusting and pre-
mature failure, and may also enter the transaxle 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 driving
● Sand and mud that has accumulated 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 driv-
ing 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”.
Page 326 of 604
326
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48D74U)
5-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
■Adjusting the temperature setting
To adjust the temperature setting, turn clockwise to increase
the temperature and countercloc kwise to decrease the tempera-
ture.
The temperature for the driver, front passenger and rear seats can be
adjusted separately when: • is pressed. (The “SYNC” displays disappear.)
• The front passenger side dial is turned. (The “PASS SYNC”
display changes to “PASS”.)
• The “
” or “” side of is pressed. (The “REAR SYNC” display
changes to “REAR”.)
The air conditioning system switches between individual and synchro-
nized modes each time is pressed.
Front automatic air conditioning system
Air outlets and fan speed are automatically adjusted according
to the temperature setting.
Air conditioning controls
Page 336 of 604

3365-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48D74U)
Heated steering wheel/seat heaters/seat
ventilator s
: If equipped
The heated steering wheel and seat heaters heat the side grips
of the steering wheel and seats, respectively. Seat ventilators
maintain good airflow by blowing air from the seats.
WARNING
● Care should be taken to prevent injury if anyone in the following categories
comes in contact with the steering wheel and seats when the heater is on:
• Babies, small children, the elderly, the sick and the physically chal-
lenged
• Persons with sensitive skin
• Persons who are fatigued
• Persons who have taken alcohol or drugs that induce sleep (sleeping drugs, cold remedies, etc.)
● Observe the following precautions to prevent minor burns or overheating
• Do not cover the seat with a blanket or cushion when using the seat heater.
• Do not use the seat heaters more than necessary.
NOTICE
● Do not put heavy objects that have an uneven surface on the seat and do
not stick sharp objects (needles, nails, etc.) into the seat.
● To prevent 12-volt battery discharge, do not use the functions when the
hybrid system is off.
Page 345 of 604
3455-3. Using the storage features
5
Interior features
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48D74U)■
Front
■Rear (second seats)
Ty p e A
Pull the armrest down.
( P. 358)
Ty p e B
Fold the side table up for use.
( P. 360)
Cup holders
Page 346 of 604
3465-3. Using the storage features
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48D74U)■
Rear (third seats)
■
Removing the cup holder insert (front cup holder)
The cup holder insert may be removed for
cleaning.
WARNING
Do not place anything other than cups or aluminum cans in the cup holders.
Other items may be thrown out of the holders in the event of an accident or
sudden braking, causing injury. If possible, cover hot drinks to prevent
burns.
Page 350 of 604
3505-3. Using the storage features
HIGHLANDER_HV_U (OM48D74U)
Pull the strap upwards to open
the center deck board.
To secure the center deck
board, remove the hook on the
backside of the center deck
board and attach the hook to
the head restraint on the third
seats as shown.
Center deck under tray
1
2
WARNING
Do not drive with the deck board opened. Items may fall out and cause
injury.