CAUTIONlControl of the braking force does not en-
hance the stopping performance of the vehi-
cle, therefore, pay careful attention to the safety of your surroundings when driving.
Left-right differential limiting
function
The left-right differential limiting function is
a function that enhances driving performance and vehicle stability by preventing idle spin-
ning of a wheel when driving on a slippery road or when the road surfaces of left andright wheels are different.
Yaw control function
The yaw control function is a function thatenhances vehicle cornering performance and vehicle stability with management of vehicle
turning power (yaw moment) by controlling the brake force when the vehicle does not
turn in response to steering input, such as
when the steering wheel is turned quickly or when driving on a slippery road.
4WD lock switch
E00637000063
If the 4WD lock switch is pressed when the
power mode is “ON”, it will switch to “4WD LOCK.”
It can be used from a low-speed to high-
speed operation, and the driving stability im- proves on a wet road surface or a snowyroad, etc.
If the 4WD lock switch is pressed once again, it will return to “NORMAL”.
When the 4WD LOCK mode is activated, the
following display appears on the information
screen in the multi-information display for a few seconds.
CAUTIONl Use tyres of the same specified size, same
type, same brand and with no wear differ- ence. If tyres of a different size, type, brandor degree of wear are used, a warning of EVsystem abnormality may be displayed.S-AWC operation display
E00623101217
The S-AWC operation status can be dis-
played on the information screen in the multi-
information display.
To display the status, press the multi-infor-
mation display switch to change the informa- tion screen.
Refer to “Information screen (when the oper- ation mode is ON)” on page 6-08.
Display example
The S-AWC operation status is displayed.
S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control)
7-22OGGE17E1Starting and driving7
Yaw control function display
The amount of the yaw moment is displayed
as a bar graph.
A,D-Clockwise yaw moment about the vehicle’s center of gravityB,C-Anticlockwise yaw moment about
the vehicle’s center of gravity
Torque distribution function display
The torque distribution between the front and rear wheels is displayed in section E of the
meter as a bar graph.
WARNINGl Always concentrate on your driving first.
Keep your eyes and mind on the road.
Distractions while driving can lead to an accident.When the ECO mode switch is
ON
E00636501026
While the drive mode is in the “4WD
LOCK” position, if the ECO mode switch is switched ON, the drive mode will be changed to “ECO LOCK” mode.
If the ECO mode switch is switched OFF, the
drive mode will be returned to “4WD LOCK” mode.
Refer to “ECO mode switch” on page 6-62.
4-wheel drive operation
E00606602083
Your vehicle has been designed primarily foruse on paved roads.
But its unique 4-wheel drive system allows
you to occasionally travel on unpaved roads, to campgrounds, picnic sites, and similar lo-
cations.
Not only does this ensure better handling on
dry, paved roads but also permits better trac-
tion when driving on slippery, wet or snow- covered roads and when moving out of mud.
But it is not suitable for heavy off road use or
towing in rough conditions.
It is particularly important to note that 4-
wheel drive may not give sufficient hill
climbing ability with the regenerative brake on steep slopes. You should try to avoid driv- ing on steep slopes.
Also, you must exercise caution when driving on sand and mud and when driving through
water because sufficient traction may not be
available in certain circumstances.
Please avoid driving the vehicle through
areas where the tyres may get stuck in deep sand or mud.WARNINGl Do not over-rely on the 4-wheel drive ve-
hicles. Even 4-wheel drive vehicles have
limits to the system and ability to main- tain control and traction. Reckless driving may lead to accidents. Always drive care-
fully, taking account of the road condi-
tions.
l Improperly operating this vehicle on or
off-paved roads can cause an accident or
rollover in which you and your passengers
could be seriously injured or killed.
• Follow all instructions and guidelines in
the owner’s manual.
• Keep your speed low and do not drive
faster than conditions allow you to.
4-wheel drive operation
7-23OGGE17E1Starting and driving7
When the operation mode of the power
switch is put in OFF, the EV priority mode will be cancelled.
If the EV priority mode is activated, the fol-lowing display appears on the information
screen in the multi-information display.
NOTEl While driving the vehicle in the EV priority
mode, if the engine automatically startswhile the vehicle is accelerating, the vehicle
may accelerate more quickly.NOTEl In the following conditions, the EV priority
mode cannot be used even if the EV switch
is pressed, a buzzer will sound and the mes-
sage will appear in the multi information
display.
• When the remaining power in the drive
battery is low.
Charge the drive battery.
• When using the EV priority mode is limi-
ted to protect the Plug-in Hybrid EV Sys- tem, or when outside temperature is toocold.
NOTEl While the following message is displayed in
the multi information display, the EV priori- ty mode cannot be used even if the EV
switch is pressed, a buzzer will sound.
l In any of the situations listed below, the en-
gine will automatically start, and then the EV priority mode will be automatically can-celled and the message will appear in the
multi information display.
• When the remaining power in the drive
battery became low.
Charge the drive battery.
EV switch
7-26OGGE17E1Starting and driving7
NOTE•When the protecting device of the Plug-in
Hybrid EV System is working.
l When the battery charge mode switch or the
battery save mode switch is turned on while
driving in the EV priority mode, the mode changes to the selected mode.
If the EV switch is pressed, the mode is re- turned to the EV priority mode.
However, the mode may not return to the
EV priority mode depending on the remain- ing power in the drive battery.
l In any of the situations listed below, the EV
priority mode continues even if the engine is automatically started.
• When the accelerator pedal is fully de-
pressed.
• When the vehicle speed is over 120 km/h
(74 mph).
• When the cruise control or Adaptive
Cruise Control System (ACC) is operat-
ing.
• When the demister switch is pressed.
NOTEl If the ambient temperature is low, the engine
may start for heating when the air condition- er is operated.
If you want to stop the engine running for heating, select the EV priority mode before
operating the air conditioner.
l In the EV priority mode, the accelerator ped-
al response may be negative even if the ac-
celerator pedal is depressed or released.
l The motor output in the EV priority mode
may decrease due to the deteriorated drive
battery or the ambient temperature falls. In such a case, start the engine by cancelling
the EV priority mode to secure the motor output.Battery save mode switch
E00636800064
The remaining quantity of the drive battery
can be kept if you drive in the EV driving mode at a residential area or use electric
power at the destination.
Moreover, the electric power consumption of
the drive battery can also be held down by
pressing the battery save mode switch while high-speed driving.
If the battery save mode switch is pressed
while the ready indicator is on, the engine will start to keep the remaining quantity of
the drive battery, the vehicle operates in the series hybrid mode or the parallel hybrid mode.
It can be cancelled, if it is pressed once again.
If the battery save mode is activated, the fol-
lowing image is displayed on the information
screen in the multi-information display.
Battery save mode switch
7-27OGGE17E1Starting and driving7
NOTElThe engine may stop when the vehicle stops
or is running.
l Even if the battery save mode switch is
pressed, the battery save mode may not beactivated depending on the remaining drive
battery capacity or the remaining fuel quan- tity.
l When the battery charge mode switch or the
EV switch is turned on while driving in the
battery save mode, the mode changes to se- lected mode.
Refer to “Battery charge mode switch” on page 7-28 or “EV switch” on page 7-25.
If the battery save mode switch is pressed,
the mode is returned to the battery save mode.Battery charge mode switch
E00636900065
It can be used when increasing the remainingquantity of the drive battery.
Use the battery charge mode switch before
driving at long up hills, such as mountains with a steep slope.
By charging the drive battery before driving, it becomes possible to continue hill-climbing
performance (driving force).
If the battery charge mode switch is pressed
while the ready indicator is on, the engine
will start and it can charge the drive battery
to near the full charge during the vehicle is run and stopped.
It can be cancelled if pressed once again.
If the battery charge mode is activated, the
following image is displayed on the informa-
tion screen in the multi-information display.
WARNINGl When you leave the vehicle, be sure that
you have stopped the Plug-in Hybrid EV
System. Refer to “Parking” on page 7-06.
l Since the engine will start also in the vehi-
cle stops if the battery charge mode
switch is pressed, do not use it for the around of the garage or the vehicle in the
situation such as snow lay etc. while stop- ping and parking.
Doing so, the exhaust gas enters into the vehicle and there is a possibility of becom-
ing carbon monoxide poisoning.
Be sure to use at the well-ventilated place.
l Do not use the battery charge switch near
flammable objects such as dried grass or
a paper etc.
There is a possibility of becoming a fire
because the exhaust pipe is high tempera-
ture.CAUTIONl While the battery charge mode is activated,
do not cover the front of the vehicle withanything including a car cover. Doing so
could cause the engine to overheat.NOTEl Use the battery charge mode switch before
the uphill climb.
Battery charge mode switch
7-28OGGE17E1Starting and driving7
BrakingE00607002967
All the parts of the brake system are critical
to safety. We recommend you to have the ve- hicle checked at regular intervals according
to the service booklet.CAUTIONl Avoid driving habits that cause heavy brak-
ing and never “ride” the brakes by resting
your foot on the brake pedal while driving.
It causes brake overheating and fade.
Brake system
The service brake is divided into two brake
circuits. And your vehicle is equipped with
power brakes. If one brake circuit fails, the other is available to stop the vehicle. If you
should lose the power assist for some reason, the brakes will still work. In these situations,
even if the brake pedal moves down to the very end of its possible stroke or resists being
depressed, keep depressing the brake pedal
down harder and further than usual; stop
driving as soon as possible and have the brake system repaired.
WARNINGl Do not turn off the Plug-in Hybrid EV
System while your vehicle is in motion. If
you turn off the Plug-in Hybrid EV Sys- tem while driving, the power assistancefor the braking system will stop working
and your brakes will not work effectively.
l If the power assist is lost or if either brake
hydraulic system stops working properly,
have your vehicle checked immediately.
Warning display
The brake warning lamp illuminates to indi-
cate a fault in the braking system. A warning
is also displayed on the multi information display. Refer to "Brake warning lamp" and "Brake warning display" 6-50, 6-52.
When brakes are wet
Check the brake system while driving at a
low speed immediately after starting, espe- cially when the brakes are wet, to confirm
they work normally.
A film of water can be formed on the brake discs and prevent normal braking after driv-
ing in heavy rain or through large puddles, or after the vehicle is washed. If this occurs, dry
the brakes out by driving slowly while lightly
depressing the brake pedal.
When driving downhillWARNINGl Do not leave any objects near the brake
pedal or let a floor mat slide under it; do- ing so could prevent the full pedal stroke
that would be necessary in an emergency. Make sure that the pedal can be operated freely at all times. Make sure that thefloor mat is securely held in place.CAUTIONl Put the selector lever to “B” position accord-
ing to the grade of a slope or the speed in along downward slope, and use the regenera-
tive brake together.
If you depress the brake pedal and slowing down is repeated frequently, the foot brake
may be overheated and effectiveness may worsen.
Braking
7-31OGGE17E1Starting and driving7
NOTElWhen the brake auto hold system cannot be
used, a buzzer will sound and the message will appear on the information screen in the
multi information display.
l If the brake auto hold switch is pressed
while the driver’s seat belt is not fastened, a buzzer will sound and the message will ap-
pear on the information screen in the multi
information display.
l If any of the following occurs while the sys-
tem is standby state, the brake auto hold sys-
tem will be turned off automatically and the indication lamp on the switch goes off.
A buzzer will sound and the message will
appear on the information screen in the multi information display.
• When the driver’s seat belt is unfastened.
• When the driver’s door is opened.
NOTE•When there is a malfunction in the sys-
tem.
l If you keep pressing the brake auto hold
switch after setting the brake auto hold toON (stand by), the brake auto hold will re-
turn to OFF as a protection function is oper- ated.
After returning to OFF, the brake auto hold will not be switched to ON (stand by) even
if the brake auto hold switch is pressed. To set the brake auto hold to ON, restart the
Plug-in hybrid EV system and press the
brake auto hold switch again.
To activate brake auto hold
When the vehicle is stopped by depressing
the brake pedal with the select position in any
position other than “P” (PARK) or “R” (RE-
VERSE), the brake auto hold activates and
the vehicle will be held stationary.
The brake auto hold indication lamp in the
instrument cluster will come on while the
system activates.CAUTIONl Release the brake pedal after the brake auto
hold indication lamp is illuminated.NOTEl If the following operation is performed, the
brake auto hold will be deactivated automat- ically and the brake auto hold indicationlamp in the instrument cluster goes off.
• When putting the select position to the
“P” (PARK) or “R” (REVERSE) position while depressing the brake pedal.
• When the Electric parking brake is ap-
plied by using the Electric parking brake switch.
Brake auto hold
7-33OGGE17E1Starting and driving7
NOTElWhile the vehicle is held stationary with the
brake auto hold system, the Electric parking brake will be automatically applied under
the following conditions, and a buzzer will sound and the message will appear on the in-
formation screen in the multi information display.
• After approximately 10 minutes have
elapsed while applying the brake auto
hold system.
• When the driver’s seat belt is unfastened.
• When the driver’s door is opened.
• When the operation mode of the power
switch is put in OFF.
• When the system detects the vehicle slid-
ing down a slope.
If the Electric parking brake cannot be applied au- tomatically due to the system malfunction, the
message will appear on the information screen in
the multi information display. Depress the brake pedal.
NOTE
To start the vehicle
Depress the acceleration pedal with the select
position in any position other than “P” (PARK) or “N” (NEUTRAL).
The brakes are released, and the brake auto hold indication lamp in the instrument cluster
will go off.
To turn off brake auto hold
Press the brake auto hold switch to turn brake
auto hold off. The indication lamp on the switch goes off.
If you want to turn off the system while the brake auto hold indication lamp is illumina-
ted, press the switch while depressing the brake pedal.
NOTEl If the brake auto hold system is turned off
without the brake pedal being depressed, abuzzer will sound and the message will ap-
pear on the information screen in the multi
information display.Hill start assist
E00628001237
The hill start assist makes it easy to start offon a steep uphill slope by preventing the ve-
hicle from moving backwards. It keeps the
braking force for about 2 seconds when you move your foot from the brake pedal to the
accelerator pedal.
Hill start assist
7-34OGGE17E1Starting and driving7