2016 LEXUS RX350 Owners Manual

3694-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RX350_U_OM48E90U 
Vehicles without Adaptive Variable Suspension System
Normal mode
Provides an optimal balance of fuel economy, quietness, and dynamic perfor-
mance. Suitable for city driving. Press the switch to change the driving mode to normal mode when Eco drive mode or
sport mode is selected.
Eco drive mode
Helps the driver accelerate in an eco- friendly manner and improve fuel econ-
omy through moderate throttle characteristics and by controlling the opera-
tion of the air conditioning system (heating/cooling). When not in Eco drive mode, if the driving mode select switch is tu rned to the left, the
Eco drive mode indicator will come on.
Sport mode
Controls the transmission and engine to provide quick, powerful acceleration.
This mode also changes the steering f eel, making it suitable for when agile
driving response is desired, such as wh en driving on roads with many curves.When not in sport mode, if the driving mode select switch is turned to the right, the
“SPORT” indicator will comes on.Driving mode select switch The driving modes can be selected to suit driving conditions.
1
2
3

370 4-5. Using the driving support systems
RX350_U_OM48E90U 
Vehicles with Adaptive Variable Suspension System
Normal mode/Customized mode
Normal mode and customized mode are selected by pressing the driving
mode select switch. Each time the switch is pressed, the driving mode
changes between normal mode and customized mode. When customized
mode is selected, the “CUSTOMIZE” indicator will be illuminated. When Eco drive mode or sport mode is se lected, pressing the switch changes the
driving mode to normal mode.
• Normal mode
Provides an optimal balance of fuel economy, quietness, and dynamic per-
formance. Suitable for city driving.
• Customized mode
Allows you to drive with the following functions set to your preferred set-
tings.
Customized mode settings can only be changed on the drive mode cus-
tomization display of the audio system screen.
(Displaying the drive mode customization display:  P. 6 9 9 )1

3714-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RX350_U_OM48E90U Eco drive mode
Helps the driver accelerate in an eco- friendly manner and improve fuel econ-
omy through moderate throttle characteristics and by controlling the opera-
tion of the air conditioning system (heating/cooling). When not in Eco drive mode, if the driving mode select switch is tu rned to the left, the
Eco drive mode indicator will come on.
Sport mode
•SPORT S mode
Controls the transmission and engine to provide quick, powerful accelera-
tion. This mode is suitable for when agile driving response is desired, such
as when driving on roads with many curves. When not in SPORT S mode, if the driving mode select switch is turned to the
right, the “SPORT S” indicator will come on.
•SPORT S+ mode
Helps to ensure steering performanc e and driving stability by simulta-
neously controlling the steering and suspen sion in addition to the transmis-
sion and engine. Suitable for sportier driving. When in SPORT S mode, if the driving mode select switch is turned to the right,
the “SPORT S+” indicator will come on. Function Setting
Po w e r t r a i n Normal
Po w e r
Eco
Chassis Normal
Sport
Air conditioning system Normal
Eco2
3

372 4-5. Using the driving support systems
RX350_U_OM48E90U ■
Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco drive mode
Eco drive mode controls the heating/cooling operations and fan speed of the air condi-
tioning system to enhance fuel efficiency. To improve air conditioning performance,
adjust the fan speed or turn off Eco drive mode. ■
Automatic deactivation of sport mode and customized mode
If the engine switch is turned off after dr iving in sport mode or customized mode, the
drive mode will be changed to normal mode. ■
Driving mode pop-up display (12.3-inch display only)
When the driving mode is changed, the selected driving mode will be temporarily dis-
played on the side display. (  P. 4 9 2 )

3734-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RX350_U_OM48E90U Press the switch. The torque of the engine is distributed to
the rear wheels to the maximum extent
possible in accordance with driving con-
ditions.
Pressing the switch again cancels
all-wheel drive lock mode and returns
the Dynamic Torque Control AWD sys-
tem to normal mode. (  P. 3 7 5 )■
All-wheel drive lock mode can be operated when
The engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode. ■
Automatic release for the all-wheel drive lock mode ●
All-wheel drive lock mode is canceled when the brakes are applied to ensure the ABS
and VSC systems operate effectively. ●
All-wheel drive lock mode is canceled when the vehicle speed exceeds 25 mph
(40 km/h).All-wheel drive lock switch (AWD models) All-wheel drive lock mode can be used when a large amount of drive power
needs to be applied to all the wheels, such as when the vehicle gets stuck in
mud and you need to free it.

374 4-5. Using the driving support systems
RX350_U_OM48E90U ◆ ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if the
brakes are applied while drivin g on a slippery road surface
◆ Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
depressed when the system detects a panic stop situation
◆ VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning on
slippery road surfaces
◆ Enhanced VSC (Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control)
Provides cooperative control of the ABS, TRAC, VSC and EPS.
Helps to maintain directional stability when swerving on slippery road sur-
faces by controlling steering performance.
◆ TRAC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from spinning
when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads
◆ Hill-start assist control
Prevents the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on an incline or slip-
pery slope
◆ EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn the
steering wheelDriving assist systems To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following systems oper-
ate automatically in response to various driving situations. Be aware, however,
that these systems are supplementary and should not be relied upon too
heavily when operating the vehicle.

3754-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RX350_U_OM48E90U ◆ Dynamic Torque Control AWD system (AWD models)
Automatically switches from front-wheel drive to all-wheel drive (AWD)
according to the driving conditions, he lping to ensure reliable handling and
stability. Examples of conditions wher e the system will switch to AWD are
when cornering, going uph ill, starting off or accele rating, and when the road
surface is slippery due to snow, rain, etc.
◆ Adaptive Variable Suspension System (if equipped)
Controls the damping force of the shock absorber of each wheel according to
the road and driving conditions, helping achieve a comfortable ride, excellent
driveability and a high level of stability.
If SPORT S+ mode is selected using the driving mode select switch, the
damping force will become more su itable for sporty driving. (  P. 3 7 0 )
◆ VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management) (if equipped)
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 engine output
◆ Trailer Sway Control
Helps the driver to control trailer sway by selectively applying brake pressure
for individual wheels and reducing dr iving torque when trailer sway is
detected.
Trailer Sway Control is part of the VSC system and will not operate if VSC
turned off or experi ences a malfunction.

376 4-5. Using the driving support systems
RX350_U_OM48E90U The slip indicator light will flash while
the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control
systems are operating.
If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt or snow, the TRAC system may reduce
power from the engine to the wheels. Pressing to turn the system off may
make it easier for you to rock the vehicle in order to free it.
To turn the TRAC system off, quickly
press and release . The “Traction Control Turned Off” will
be shown on the multi-information dis-
play. Press again to turn the sys-
tem back on.When the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems are operating
Disabling the TRAC system