Page 173 of 712
1733-4. Adjusting the steering wheel and mirrors
3
Operation of each component
HIGHLANDER_U (OM48E98U)
WARNING
■Caution while driving
Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving.
Doing so may cause the driver to mishandle the vehicle and cause an acci-
dent, resulting in death or serious injury.
■ After adjusting the steering wheel
Make sure that the steering wheel is securely locked.
Otherwise, the steering wheel may move suddenly, possibly causing an
accident, and resulting in death or serious injury. Also, the horn may not
sound if the steering wheel is not securely locked.
Page 174 of 712
1743-4. Adjusting the steering wheel and mirrors
HIGHLANDER_U (OM48E98U)
The height of the rear view mirror can be adjusted to suit your driving
posture.
Adjust the height of the rear view
mirror by moving it up and down.
Manual anti-glare inside rear view mirror
Reflected light from the headlights of vehicles behind can be reduced
by operating the lever.
Normal position
Anti-glare position
Inside rear view mirror
The rear view mirror’s position can be adjusted to enable suffi-
cient confirmation of the rear view.
Adjusting the height of rear view mirror
Anti-glare function
1
2
Page 175 of 712
1753-4. Adjusting the steering wheel and mirrors
3
Operation of each component
HIGHLANDER_U (OM48E98U)
Auto anti-glare inside rear view mirror
Responding to the level of brightness of the headlights of vehicles
behind, the reflected light is automatically reduced.
Changing automatic anti- glare function mode
ON/OFF
■ To prevent sensor error (vehicles with an auto anti-glare inside rear view
mirror)
Ty p e A : Ty p e B :
When the automatic anti-glare function is in ON mode, the indicator illumi-
nates.
The function will set to ON mode each time the engine switch is turned to
IGNITION ON mode.
Pressing the button turns the function to OFF mode. (The indicator also
turns off.)
To ensure that the sensors operate prop-
erly, do not touch or cover them.
WARNING
Do not adjust the position of the mirror while driving.
Doing so may lead to mishandling of the vehicle and cause an accident,
resulting in death or serious injury.
IndicatorIndicator
Page 176 of 712
1763-4. Adjusting the steering wheel and mirrors
HIGHLANDER_U (OM48E98U)
To select a mirror to adjust, turn
the switch.Left
Right
To adjust the mirror, move the
switch. Up
Right
Down
Left
Push the mirror back in the direc-
tion of the vehicle’s rear.
Outside rear view mirrors
Adjustment procedure
1
1
2
2
1
2
3
4
Folding the mirrors
Page 177 of 712

1773-4. Adjusting the steering wheel and mirrors
3
Operation of each component
HIGHLANDER_U (OM48E98U)
■Mirror angle can be adjusted when
Vehicles without a smart key system
The engine switch is in the “ACC” or “ON” position.
Vehicles with a smart key system
The engine switch is in ACCESSORY or IGNITION ON mode.
■ When the mirrors are fogged up (vehicles with outside rear view mirror
defoggers)
The outside rear view mirrors can be cleared using the mirror defoggers. Turn
on the rear window defogger to turn on the outside rear view mirror defog-
gers. ( P. 424 430)
■ Automatic adjustment of th e mirror angle (if equipped)
A desired mirror face angle can be entered to memory and recalled automa\
ti-
cally by the driving position memory. ( P. 164)
WARNING
■Important points while driving
Observe the following precautions while driving.
Failure to do so may result in loss of control of the vehicle and cause an
accident, resulting in death or serious injury.
● Do not adjust the mirrors while driving.
● Do not drive with the mirrors folded.
● Both the driver and passenger side mirrors must be extended and properly
adjusted before driving.
■ When the mirror defoggers are ope rating (vehicles with outside rear
view mirror defoggers)
Do not touch the rear view mirror surfaces, as they can become very hot
and burn you.
Page 191 of 712

191
4Driving
HIGHLANDER_U (OM48E98U)4-1. Before driving
Driving the vehicle ............. 192
Cargo and luggage ........... 201
Vehicle load limits ............. 206
Trailer towing..................... 207
Dinghy towing ................... 224
4-2. Driving procedures Engine (ignition) switch (vehicles without a
smart key system) ........... 225
Engine (ignition) switch (vehicles with a smart
key system) ..................... 228
Automatic transmission ..... 234
Turn signal lever................ 239
Parking brake .................... 240
4-3. Operating the lights and wipers
Headlight switch ................ 241
Automatic High Beam ....... 246
Fog light switch ................. 252
Windshield wipers and washer ............................ 253
Rear window wiper and washer ............................ 255
4-4. Refueling Opening the fuel tank cap .................................. 257 4-5. Using the driving support
systems
Cruise control .................... 261
Dynamic radar cruise control ............................. 266
LDA (Lane Departure Alert) .... 280
Rear view monitor system ............................ 288
All-wheel drive lock switch .............................. 297
Driving assist systems ...... 298
Downhill assist control system ............................ 304
PCS (Pre-Collision System) .... 306
BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) ........ 313
• The Blind Spot Monitor function ......................... 317
• The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function ................. 320
4-6. Driving tips Winter driving tips ............. 323
Utility vehicle precautions ..................... 327
Page 192 of 712

192
HIGHLANDER_U (OM48E98U)
4-1. Before driving
P. 225, 228
With the brake pedal depressed, shift the shift lever to D.
( P. 234)
Release the parking brake. ( P. 240)
Gradually release the brake pedal and gently depress the accelera-
tor pedal to accelerate the vehicle.
With the shift lever in D, depress the brake pedal.
If necessary, set the parking brake.
If the vehicle is to be stopped for an extended period of time, shift the shift
lever to P or N. ( P. 234)
With the shift lever in D, depress the brake pedal.
Shift the shift lever to P. ( P. 234)
Set the parking brake. ( P. 240)
Vehicles without a smart key system:
Turn the engine switch to the “L OCK” position to stop the engine.
Vehicles with a smart key system:
Press the engine switch to stop the engine.
Lock the door, making sure that you have the key on your person.
If parking on a hill, block the wheels as needed.
Driving the vehicle
The following procedures should be observed to ensure safe
driving:
Starting the engine
Driving
Stopping
Parking the vehicle
1
2
3
1
2
1
2
3
4
5
Page 195 of 712

1954-1. Before driving
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER_U (OM48E98U)
WARNING
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
■When driving the vehicle
● Use engine braking (downshift) to maintain a safe speed when driving
down a steep hill.
Using the brakes continuously may cause the brakes to overheat and lose
effectiveness. ( P. 234)
● Do not adjust the positions of the steering wheel, the seat, or the inside or
outside rear view mirrors while driving.
Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle control.
● Always check that all passengers’ arms, heads or other parts of their body
are not outside the vehicle.
● Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the legal speed limit per-
mits it, do not drive over 85 mph ( 140 km/h) unless your vehicle has high-
speed capability tires. Driving over 85 mph (140 km/h) may result in tire
failure, loss of control and possible injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer
to determine whether the tires on y our vehicle are high-speed capability
tires or not before driving at such speeds.
■ When driving on slippery road surfaces
● Sudden braking, acceleration and steering may cause tire slippage and
reduce your ability to control the vehicle.
● Sudden acceleration, engine braking due to shifting, or changes in engine
speed could cause the vehicle to skid.
● After driving through a puddle, lightly depress the brake pedal to make
sure that the brakes are functioning properly. Wet brake pads may prevent
the brakes from functioning properly. If the brakes on only one side are wet
and not functioning properly, steering control may be affected.