10
FEATURES/OPERATIONS
Starting the Hybrid System
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 are
shown on the multi-information display or the Display Audio System.
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 System
(1) Put the selector lever in “P.”
(2) Vehicles with Smart Key system:
Depress the brake pedal, and press the “POWER” switch briefly and firmly.
Vehicles without Smart Key system:
Depress the brake pedal, and turn the key to the “START” position.
(3) The “READY” light will blink. After a few seconds, when the light remains
steady and a beep sounds, you may begin driving.
OVERVIEW FEATURES/OPERATIONS TOYOTA SAFETY SENSE SAFETY AND EMERGENCY FEATURES
33
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.
Brake Assist (BA)
Brake Assist is designed to detect sudden or “panic” braking, and then add braking
pressure to help decrease the vehicle’s stopping distance. When there’s only a
split second to react, Brake Assist can add additional brake pressure more quickly
than just the driver alone can. 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).
