Page 185 of 464

1854-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
NOTICE
To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Do not leave the power switch in ACCESSORY or ON mode for long peri-
ods of time without the hybrid system on.
If the smart entry & start system indicator light (green) is illuminated, the
power switch is not off. Exit the vehicle after turning the power switch off.
Do not stop the hybrid system when the shift lever is in a position other
than P. If the hybrid system is stopped in another shift lever position, the
power switch will not be turned off but instead be turned to ACCESSORY
mode. If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode, 12-volt battery dis-
charge may occur.
When starting the hybrid system
If the hybrid system becomes difficult to start, have your vehicle checked by
any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional immediately.
Symptoms indicating a malfunction 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 any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified
and equipped professional immediately.
Page 186 of 464

1864-2. Driving procedures
EV drive mode
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 situations. If it
cannot be turned on, a buzzer will sound.
The temperature of the hybrid system is high.
The vehicle has been left in the sun, driven on a hill, driven at high speeds,
etc.
The temperature of the hybrid system is low.
The vehicle has been left in temperatures lower than about 0°C (32°F) for a
long period of time etc.
The gasoline engine is warming up.
The hybrid battery (traction battery) is low.
• In the instrument cluster, the low traction battery warning light comes on.
(P. 372)
• The remaining battery level indicated in the energy monitor display is low.
(P. 102)
Vehicle speed is high.
The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.
The windshield defogger is in use.
In EV drive mode the electric motor (traction motor), powered by
the hybrid battery (traction battery), 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.
Page 187 of 464

1874-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
Switching to EV drive mode when the gasoline engine is cold
If the hybrid system is started while the gasoline engine is cold, the gasoline
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 illumi-
nated, 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 automatically restart
in the following situations. When EV drive mode is canceled, a buzzer will
sound and the EV drive mode indicator will flash and go off.
The hybrid battery (traction battery) becomes low.
• In the instrument cluster, the low traction battery warning light comes on.
(P. 372)
• The remaining battery level indicated in the energy monitor display is low.
(P. 102)
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 1 km (0.6 miles). 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 [traction battery]
level and driving conditions.)
Fuel economy
The hybrid system is designed to achieve the best possible fuel economy
during normal driving (using the gasoline engine and electric motor [traction
motor]). Driving in EV drive mode more than necessary may lower fuel econ-
omy.
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, pedestrians, people riding bicy-
cles or other people and vehicles in the area may not be aware of the vehi-
cle starting off or approaching them, so take extra care while driving.
Page 190 of 464
1904-2. Driving procedures
Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco drive mode
Eco drive mode controls the heating/cooling operations and fan speed of the
air conditioning system to enhance fuel efficiency. (P. 266) To improve air
conditioning performance, adjust the temperature setting or fan speed, or turn
off Eco drive mode.
When in heavy traffic
If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will not be
charged. To help prevent the battery from discharging, avoid putting the shift
lever in N for an extended period of time.
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
P. 412
WARNING
When driving on slippery road surfaces
Do not accelerate or shift gears suddenly.
Sudden changes in engine braking may cause the vehicle to spin or skid,
resulting in an accident.
Page 197 of 464

1974-3. Operating the lights and wipers
4
Driving
Light reminder buzzer
Vehicles without a smart entry & start system
A buzzer sounds when the key is removed from the power switch and the
driver’s door is opened while the lights are turned on.
Vehicles with a smart entry & start system
A buzzer sounds when the power switch is turned off or turned to ACCES-
SORY mode and the driver’s door is opened while the lights are turned on.
Battery-saving function
In all conditions following below, the headlights and the other remaining lights
will go off automatically after 20 minutes in order to prevent the vehicle bat-
tery from being discharged:
The headlights and/or tail lights are on.
The light switch is in or .
Vehicles without a smart entry & start system: The power switch is in the
“ACC” or the “LOCK” position.
Vehicles with a smart entry & start system: The power switch is turned to
ACCESSORY mode or turned off.
This function will be canceled in any of the following situations:
Vehicles without a smart entry & start system: When the power switch is
turned to the “ON” position.
Vehicles with a smart entry & start system: When the power switch is turned
to ON mode.
When the light switch is operated.
When the door is opened or closed.
Customization
Settings (e.g. light sensor sensitivity) can be changed.
(Customizable features: P. 439)
NOTICE
To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Do not leave the lights on longer than necessary when the hybrid system is
off.
Page 219 of 464

219
4
4-6. Driving tips
Driving
Hybrid vehicle driving tips
Using Eco drive mode
When using Eco drive mode, the torque corresponding to the accel-
erator pedal depression amount can be generated more smoothly
than it is in normal conditions. In addition, the operation of the air
conditioning system (heating/cooling) will be minimized, improving
the fuel economy. (P. 189)
Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the indicate of
Hybrid System Indicator within Eco area. (P. 97)
Shift lever operation
Shift the shift lever to D when stopped at a traffic light, or driving in
heavy traffic etc. Shift the shift lever to P when parking. When using
the N, there is no positive effect on fuel consumption. In the N, the
gasoline engine operates but electricity cannot be generated. Also,
when using the air conditioning system, etc., the hybrid battery
(traction battery) power is consumed.
For economical and ecological driving, pay attention to the fol-
lowing points:
Page 220 of 464

2204-6. Driving tips
Acceleration pedal/brake pedal operation
Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid abrupt acceleration and
deceleration. Gradual acceleration and deceleration will make
more effective use of the electric motor (traction motor) without
having to use gasoline engine power.
Avoid repeated acceleration. Repeated acceleration consumes
hybrid battery (traction battery) power, resulting in poor fuel con-
sumption. Battery power can be restored by driving with the
accelerator pedal slightly released.
When braking
Make sure to operate the brakes gently and in a timely manner. A
greater amount of electrical energy can be regenerated when slow-
ing down.
Delays
Repeated acceleration and deceleration, as well as long waits at
traffic lights, will lead to bad fuel economy. Check traffic reports
before leaving and avoid delays as much as possible. When driving
in a traffic jam, gently release the brake pedal to allow the vehicle to
move forward slightly while avoiding overuse of the accelerator
pedal. Doing so can help control excessive gasoline consumption.
Highway driving
Control and maintain the vehicle at a constant speed. Before stop-
ping at a toll booth or similar, allow plenty of time to release the
accelerator and gently apply the brakes. A greater amount of elec-
trical energy can be regenerated when slowing down.
Page 227 of 464
2275-1. Basic Operations
5
Audio system
Vehicles without a Navigation/Multimedia system
CD player and AM/FM radio
The illustration below is for left-hand drive vehicles. Some button posi-
tions are reversed for right-hand drive vehicles.
Using cellular phones
Interference may be heard through the audio system’s speakers if a cellular
phone is being used inside or close to the vehicle while the audio system is
operating.
NOTICE
To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Do not leave the audio system on longer than necessary when the hybrid
system is stopped.
To avoid damaging the audio system
Take care not to spill drinks or other fluids over the audio system.