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34 1-1. Hybrid system
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Vehicle proximity notification system
When driving with the gasoline engine stopped, a sound, which
changes in accordance with the dr iving speed, will be played in order
to warn people nearby of the vehicle’s approach. The sound will stop
when the vehicle speed exceeds a pproximately 15 mph (25 km/h).
■Regenerative braking
In the following situations, kinetic energy is converted to electric energy and
deceleration force can be obtained in conjunction with the recharging of the
hybrid battery (traction battery).
●The accelerator pedal is released while driving with the shift position in D
or B.
● The brake pedal is depressed while driving with the shift position in D or
B.
■ Hybrid System Indicator
Hybrid System Indicator represents the
hybrid system power output and regener-
ative charging. (
P. 227) 
     
        
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35
1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
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■
Conditions in which the gasoline engine may not stop
The gasoline engine starts and stops automatically. However, it may not stop
automatically in the following conditions
*:
● During gasoline engine warm-up
● When the temperature of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is high or
low
● During hybrid battery (traction battery) charging
● When the heater is switched on
*: Depending on the circumstances, the gasoline engine may also not stop
automatically in situations other than those above.
■ Charging the hybrid battery (traction battery)
●As the gasoline engine charges the hybrid battery (traction battery), the
battery does not need to be charged from an outside source. However, if
the vehicle is left parked for a long time the hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) will slowly discharge. For this reason, be sure to drive the vehicle at
least once every few months for at least 30 minutes or 10 miles (16 km). 
If the hybrid battery (traction battery) becomes fully discharged and you
are unable to jump-start the vehicle with the 12-volt battery, contact your
Toyota dealer.
● If the shift position is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will not be
charged. Always shift the shift position in P when the vehicle is stopped.
When driving in heavy traffic, operate the vehicle with the shift position in
D or B to avoid discharging the hybrid battery (traction battery).
■ Charging the 12-volt battery
P. 558
■ After  the  12-volt  battery  has  di scharged  or  has  been  changed  or
removed 
The gasoline engine may not stop even if the vehicle is running on the hybrid
battery (traction battery). If this continues for a few days, contact your Toyota
dealer. 
     
        
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46 1-1. Hybrid system
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These images are examples only, and may vary slightly from actual conditions.
ConditionDisplay
When the vehicle is charging the 
hybrid battery (traction battery)
When there is no energy flow
Hybrid battery (traction battery) 
status Low Full 
     
        
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49
1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
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These images are examples only, and may va
ry slightly from actual conditions.
ConditionDisplay
When the vehicle is charging the 
hybrid battery (traction battery)
When there is no energy flow
Hybrid battery (traction battery) 
status Low Full 
     
        
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1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
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These images are examples only, and may va
ry slightly from actual conditions.
ConditionDisplay
When the vehicle is powered by 
the gasoline engine
When the vehicle is charging the 
hybrid battery (traction battery)
When there is no energy flow
Hybrid battery (traction battery) 
status Low Full 
     
        
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77
1-3. Opening, closing and locking the doors
1
Before driving
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■
If the smart key system  does not operate properly
● Locking and unlocking the doors: Use the mechanical key. ( P. 553)
● Starting the hybrid system: P. 554
■ Electronic key battery depletion
●The standard battery life is 1 to 2 years.
● If the battery becomes low, an alarm will sound in the cabin when the
hybrid system stops. (P. 68)
● As the electronic key always receives radio waves, the battery will
become depleted even if the electronic key is not used. The following
symptoms indicate that the electronic key battery may be depleted.
Replace the battery when necessary. ( P. 464)
• The smart key system or the wireless remote control does not operate.
• The detection area becomes smaller.
• The LED indicator on the key surface does not turn on.
● To avoid serious deterioration, do not leave the electronic key within 3 ft.
(1 m) of the following electrical appliances that produce a magnetic field:
•TVs
• Personal computers
• Cellular phones, cordless phones and battery chargers
• Recharging cellular phones or cordless phones
• Induction cookers
• Table lamps
■ When the electronic key battery is fully depleted
P. 464
■ Customization
Settings (e.g. smart key system) can be changed. 
(Customizable features  P. 602) 
     
        
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198 2-1. Driving procedures
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■Auto power off function
If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode for more than 20 minutes or ON
mode (the hybrid system is not operating) for more than an hour with the
shift position in P, the “POWER” switch will automatically turn off. However,
this function cannot entirely prevent the 12-volt battery from discharging. Do
not leave the vehicle with the “POWER” switch in ACCESSORY or ON mode
for long periods of time when the hybrid system is not operating.
■ Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle
P.  3 6
■ Electronic key battery depletion
P.  7 7
■ When  the  ambient  temperature  is  lo w,  such  as  during  winter  driving
conditions
The “READY” indicator may flash for a long time when the hybrid system is
starting. Driving will become possible once the “READY” indicator has illumi-
nated. Wait until the “READY” indicator has illuminated.
■ Conditions affecting operation
P.  7 3
■ Notes for the entry function
P.  7 4
■ If the hybrid system does not start
The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. ( P. 137)
Contact your Toyota dealer. 
     
        
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2-1. Driving procedures
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2
When driving
■
About engine braking 
When shift position B is selected, releasing the accelerator pedal will apply
engine braking.
●When the vehicle is driven at high speeds, compared to ordinary gaso-
line-fueled vehicles, the engine braking deceleration is felt less than that
of other vehicles.
● The vehicle can be accelerated even when shift position B is selected.
If the vehicle is driven continuously in the B position, fuel efficiency will
become low. Usually, shift the shift position to D.
■ When driving with cruise control  or radar cruise control activated
Even if switching the driving mode to power mode with the intent of enabling
engine braking, engine braking will not activate because cruise control or
radar cruise control will not be canceled.
■ When canceling Eco drive mode/power mode
●Press the switch again. Also, power mode will be canceled automatically
when the “POWER” switch is turned off. However, Eco drive mode will
not be canceled automatically until the switch is pressed, even if the
“POWER” switch is turned off.
● When in Eco drive mode, if the power mode switch is pressed or the
operation is reversed, the mode will switch to that of the last switch to be
pressed.
■ Switching the drive mode  when in EV drive mode
P. 204
■ After recharging/reconnecting the 12-volt battery
P. 442
■ Customization
Settings (e.g. Reverse warning buzzer) can be changed. 
(Customizable features  P. 602)