
OVERVIEW
FEATURES/OPERATIONS
SAFETY AND EMERGENCY FEATURES
1
This Quick Reference Guide is a summary of basic vehicle 
operations. It contains brief descriptions of fundamental operations 
so you can locate and use the vehicle’s main equipment quickly 
and easily.
The  Quick Reference Guide is not intended as a substitute for the  
Owner’s Manual  located in your vehicle’s glove box. We strongly 
encourage you to review the  Owner’s Manual and supplementary 
manuals so you will have a better understanding of your vehicle’s 
capabilities and limitations.
Your dealership and the entire staff of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., 
Inc. wish you many years of satisfied driving in your Highlander 
Hybrid.
A word about safe vehicle operations
This  Quick Reference Guide is not a full description of Highlander 
Hybrid operations. Every Highlander Hybrid owner should review 
the  Owner’s Manual that accompanies this vehicle.
Pay special attention to the boxed 
  
information highlighted in
  
color throughout the Owner’s Manual. Each box contains safe 
operating instructions to help you avoid injury or equipment 
malfunction.
All information in this Quick Reference Guide is current at the 
time of printing. Toyota reserves the right to make changes at 
any time without notice.
2015 
Highlander Hybrid
INDEX
Engine maintenance 9
Fuel  tank door release and cap  8
Hood release  8
Indicator 
symbols  
4-5
Instrument 
cluster  
4
Instrument 
panel  
2-3
Keyless entry1    6
Light 
control-Instrument panel  9
Smart Key system1,2 7  Air Conditioning/Heating 24-25
Audio   23
Auto lock/unlock
1 13
Bluetooth® Device Pairing Section 35-44
Clock
  26
Cruise control
 
26-27
Door locks
 
12
Door-Power 
back (rear liftgate)  
15-16
Driver Easy Speak 24
EV Drive Mode
 
11
Garage 
door opener (HomeLink
®)3 27
Hybrid 
Synergy Drive System
 
10
Lights1 & turn signals 18-19
Moonroof  14
Multi-Information Display2 20
Pairing 
a Bluetooth Device
 22
Panoramic 
Moonroof 
 14
Parking 
Brake
 
13
Power outlets-12V 
DC
 
19
Power outlet-120V 
AC
 
19
Rear 
seat entertainment system  
22
Seat 
adjustments-Front
 
16
Seat 
adjustments-Rear
 
17
Seats-Head 
restraints
 
17
Seat 
heaters / Seat ventilators  
25-26
Seats-Returning 
third row seats  
17
Seats-Stowing 
third row seats  
17
Steering 
lock release
 
13
Steering 
wheel controls and Bluetooth
® 21
Tilt and 
telescopic steering wheel
 14
Transmission
  12
Windows-Power
  20
Windshield wipers & washers
 
18  Doors-Child safety locks 29
Floor  mat installation  32
Seat 
belts  
28
Seat 
belts-Shoulder belt anchor  
29
Spare 
tire & tools  
30
Star 
Safety System
TM 31-32
Third row center seat belt
 29
Tire Pres
sure Monitoring (warning) System
 
28
OVERVIEW
FEATURES/OPERATIONS
SAFETY AND EMERGENCY 
FEATURES
1 Visit your Toyota dealer for information on customizing this feature.2 Programmable by customer. Refer to the Owner’s Manual for instructions and more information.3 HomeLink® is a registered trademark of Gentex Corporation.    

OVERVIEW
FEATURES/OPERATIONS
SAFETY AND EMERGENCY FEATURES
45
OVERVIEW
Indicator symbols 
Instrument cluster
Charging system warning1
Brake system warning (red light)1
1 If indicator does not turn off within a few seconds of starting hybrid system, there may be a  
malfunction. Have vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.
2 If this light flashes, refer to “Cruise control,” Section 4-5, 2015 Owner’s Manual.   
Anti-lock Brake System warning1
Headlight low/high beam indicator
Turn signal indicator
Vehicle Stability Control OFF indicator
1
EV indicator
Cruise control/Cruise control “SET” indicator2
Tire Pressure Warning1
Open door warning
Airbag SRS warning1
Master warning1
Driver seat belt reminder (alarm will sound if speed is over 12 mph)
Low engine oil pressure warning1
Malfunction/Check Engine indicator1
Pre-collison warning system indicator1
Low fuel level warning
Electric power steering system warning1
Front fog light indicator
Slip indicator1
For details, refer to “Warning lights and indicators,” Section 2,  2014 Owner’s 
Manual .
123
Hybrid System Indicator
Multi-Information Display 
Speedometer 
Engine coolant temperature gauge
Meter panel lights control button
Shift position and shift range1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Odometer
Outside temperature
Trip meter reset knob
Fuel gauge
10
45678910Automatic high beam indicator
LDA (Lane Departure Alert) indicator
Intuitive parking assist indicator
BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) outside rear view  indicator
Security indicator
READY indicator
Air Bag ON/OFF indicator
1
Brake system warning (yellow light)1
Vehicle proximity notification system warning1
“ECO MODE” indicator
Pre-collision system warning1
EV drive mode indicator 

Power liftgate operation
OVERVIEW
FEATURES/OPERATIONS
SAFETY AND EMERGENCY FEATURES
67
OVERVIEW
Keyless entry
Push
Push
 
ONCE: Driver door TWICE: All doors
Locking operation
Unlocking operation
Smart Key system
Start function
Accessories such as the radio will operate.
Power ON; the hybrid system not running.
All systems OFF.
ACCESSORY
ON
OFF
NOTE: Check that the parking brake is set. Shift lever is set to P.
Push Depress 
brake pedal will be displayed on the 
multi-information display.  If 
it is not displayed, the Hybrid 
System cannot be started.
Without depressing the brake pedal, pressing the POWER switch will change the 
operation mode in succession from:
Power (without starting Hybrid System)
Panic button
Push and hold
Push and hold
NOTE: If a door is not opened within 60 seconds of unlocking, all doors will relock 
for safety.
* Driver door unlocking function can be programmed to unlock driver door only, or 
all doors. Grasping passenger door handle will unlock all doors.
NOTE: Doors may also be locked/unlocked using remote.
Glass hatch unlock
Locking operationUnlocking operation
Carry remote to lock Carry remote to unlock
Front door lockFront door unlock*
Push
Grasp
1. Push
Back door lock/unlock
Push
Lock
Push
Unlock
Carry remote to unlock Carry remote to lock/unlock
NOTE: Power back door will not open if glass hatch is open.
2. Lift 

OVERVIEW
FEATURES/OPERATIONS
SAFETY AND EMERGENCY FEATURES
89
Hood release
Fuel tank door release and cap
* It may take up to 10 seconds after 
pushing the button for the door to open 
if the internal tank pressure is high.
NOTE: Tighten until one click is 
heard.  If the cap is not tightened 
enough, Check Engine “
” 
indicator may illuminate.
PullTurn to openStore
Windshield washer fluid tank
Brake fluid reservoir
Engine oil filler cap
Engine oil level dipstick
Engine coolant reservoir
NOTE: Regularly scheduled maintenance, including oil changes, will help  extend the life of your vehicle and maintain performance. Please refer 
to the “Warranty & Maintenance Guide.”
Engine maintenance
Light control-Instrument panel
The brightness level of the meters
when the surroundings are bright
(day mode) and dark (night mode)
can be adjusted individually. 
However,when in day mode, 
adjusting the brightness level will 
also change the brightness level of
night mode.
Engage support rod
OVERVIEW
PullPush*
When the fuel door 
cannot be opened by 
pressing the inside 
switch. Remove the 
cover inside the 
luggage compartment 
and pull the lever.
Pull up the 
auxiliary catch 
lever and raise 
hood
123
1
2
3
4
4
5
5 

OVERVIEW
FEATURES/OPERATIONS
SAFETY AND EMERGENCY FEATURES
1011
FEATURES/OPERATIONS
(1) Put the selector lever in “P.”
(2) Depress the brake pedal, and “
” will be displayed on the Multi-Information  
 
Display 
(a message will also be displayed on color displays)
(3) Press the “POWER” switch briefly and firmly.  
(4) 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 multimedia system/ 
navigation system screen.
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 SystemEco Drive Mode
Push
Eco Driving Mode helps achieve low fuel consumption during trips that involve 
frequent accelerating.
Refer to the  Owner’s Manual  for more details.
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 

OVERVIEW
FEATURES/OPERATIONS
SAFETY AND EMERGENCY FEATURES
13
12
Transmission
* The “POWER” switch must be in ON mode and the brake pedal depressed to shift 
from Park.
Shift the shift lever to “S” position from “D” position.
 +: Upshift (push  and release)
  -: Downshift (pull and release)
Downshifting increases power going uphill, or provides engine braking downhill. 
For best fuel economy during normal driving conditions, always drive with the shift 
lever in the “D” position.
“S” (Sequential) mode
Park*
Reverse
Neutral
Drive
N
“S” mode
Steering lock release
Turn
Door locks
Push
Auto lock/unlock
Automatic door locks can be programmed to operate in two 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.
-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.
Parking brake
LockUnlock
Set: Depress
Release: Depress againUnlock
Lock
FEATURES/OPERATIONS 

OVERVIEW
FEATURES/OPERATIONS
SAFETY AND EMERGENCY FEATURES
27
26
FEATURES/OPERATIONS
Hi temperature
OFF switch
Low temperature
Clock
Press “H” for Hours and “M” for minutes to set or change the time.
Second row seat heaters (if equipped)
Hi temperature
OFF switch
Low temperature
Hour
Minute
Cruise control
Turning system ON/OFF
System ON/OFF
Garage door opener (HomeLink®)*
(if equipped)
Garage door openers manufactured under license from HomeLink®* can  be 
programmed to operate garage doors, estate gates, security lighting, etc\
.
Refer to “Garage door opener,” Section 5-4 in the  Owner’s Manual for more 
details.
For programming assistance, contact HomeLink
® at 1-800-355-3515, or visit 
http://www.homelink.com.
* HomeLink ®
 is a registered trademark of Johnson Controls, Inc.
1  The set speed may also be cancelled by depressing the brake pedal.2 The set speed may be resumed once vehicle speed exceeds 25 mph.
Functions
Increase speed
Decrease speed
Cancel1
Resume2
Set
12HomeLink ®
 indicator light
Garage door operation 
indicator1
2 

OVERVIEW
FEATURES/OPERATIONS
SAFETY AND EMERGENCY FEATURES
31
30
Spare tire & tools
Tool location
Removing the spare tire
(1)(3)(2)
Spare tire
Jack handles
Wheel nut wrench
Jack
Adapter socket
(1) Remove the cover under the center deck board to find the spare tire clamp bolt.
(2) Assemble the jack handle.
(3) Put the socket adapter on the spare tire clamp bolt. Loosen the bolt by turning  it counterclockwise with the jack handle.
Refer to the  Owner’s Manual  for tire changing and jack positioning procedures.1
2
3
4
5
12345
SAFETY AND EMERGENCY FEATURES 
Star Safety SystemTM
VSC helps prevent loss of traction during cornering by reducing Hybrid System 
output and applying brake force to selected wheels. 
Toyota’s VSC monitors steering angle and the direction your vehicle is traveling. 
When it senses that the front or rear wheels begin to lose traction, VSC reduces 
Hybrid System output and applies braking to selected wheels. This helps restore 
traction and vehicle control.
Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
ABS helps prevent brakes from locking up by “pulsing” brake pressure to each 
wheel. This limits brake lockup and helps provide directional control for the 
current road conditions. 
Toyota’s ABS sensors detect which wheels are locking up and limits wheel lockup 
by “pulsing” each wheel’s brakes independently. Pulsing releases brake pressure 
repeatedly for fractions of a second. This helps the tires attain the traction that 
current road conditions will allow, helping you to stay in directional control. VSC helps prevent loss of traction during cornering by reducing Hybrid System 
output, and Traction Control helps maintain traction on loose gravel and wet, icy, 
or uneven surfaces by applying brake force to the spinning wheel(s). 
Toyota’s TRAC sensors are activated when one of the drive wheels starts to slip. 
TRAC limits Hybrid System output and applies the brakes to the spinning wheel. 
This transfers power to the wheels that still have traction to help keep you on 
track.
Traction Control (TRAC)
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
Toyota’s ABS technology has Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) to help 
maintain control and balance when braking. Abrupt stops can cause a vehicle 
to tilt forward, reducing the braking power of the rear wheels. EBD responds to 
sudden stops by redistributing brake force to enhance the braking effectiveness of 
all four wheels.
All new Toyota vehicles come standard with the Star Safety System
TM, which 
combines Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock 
Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) 
and Smart Stop Technology (SST).
Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM)
Provides integrated control of the ABS, brake assist, TRAC, VSC, hill-start assist 
control, and EPS systems. Helps to maintain vehicle stability when swerving on 
slippery road surfaces by controlling the brakes and hybrid system output.