2018 LEXUS RX450h suspension

3614-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U■
Situations in which the Rear Cross Traffic Auto Brake function may not operate prop-
erly
In some situations such as the following , this function may not operate properly.●
Objects and vehicles which the radar sensors are not designed to detect
• Stationary objects
• Vehicles which are moving away from your vehicle
• Pedestrians, motorcycles, bicycles, etc.*
• Objects which are extremely close to a radar sensor
• Vehicles which are approaching from the right or left at the rear of the vehicle at a
traveling speed of less than approximately 5 mph (8 km/h)
• Vehicles which are approaching from the right or left at the rear of the vehicle at a
traveling speed of more than approximately 15 mph (24 km/h)
* : Depending on conditions, detection of a vehicle and/or object may occur.●
Situations in which the radar sensors may not be able to detect an object
• When a sensor or the area around a sensor is extremely hot or cold
• If the rear bumper is covere d with ice, snow, dirt, etc.
• If heavy rain or water strikes the vehicle
• When the detection area of a radar sensor is obstructed by an adjacent vehicle
• If the vehicle is significantly tilted
• If towing eyelets are installed
• If the suspension has been modified or tires of a size othe r than specified are
installed
• If the front of the vehicle is raised or lowered due to the carried load
• If a sticker or an electronic component, su ch as a backlit license plate (especially flu-
orescent type), fog lights, a fender pole or wireless antenna is installed near a radar
sensor
• If the orientation of a rada r sensor has been changed due to a collision or other
impact or removal and installation
• When multiple vehicles are approaching wi th only a small gap between each vehicle
• When a vehicle is approaching at high speed ●
Situations in which the radar sensor may not detect a vehicle
• When a vehicle approaches from the right
or left at the rear of the vehicle while you
are turning while backing up
• When turning while backing up
• When backing out of a shallow angle park-
ing spot

3794-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U 
Vehicles without Adaptive Variable Suspension System
Normal mode
Provides an optimal balance of fuel ec onomy, 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-fr iendly manner and improve fuel econ-
omy through moderate throttle charact eristics 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 hybrid system to prov ide quick, powerful acceleration. This
mode also changes the steering feel, maki ng it suitable for when agile driving
response is desired, such as when 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

380 4-5. Using the driving support systems
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U 
Vehicles with Adaptive Variable Suspension System
Normal mode/Customized mode
Normal mode and customized mode ar e 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. 736)1

3814-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85UEco drive mode
Helps the driver accelerate in an eco-fr iendly manner and improve fuel econ-
omy through moderate throttle charact eristics 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 hybrid system to prov ide quick, powerful acceleration. This
mode is suitable for when agile drivin g 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 simultane-
ously controlling the steering and suspension in addition to the hybrid sys-
tem. 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.■
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 power switch is turned off after driv ing 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 sele cted driving mode will be temporarily dis-
played on the side display. ( → P. 504)Function Setting
Powertrain Normal
Power
Eco
Chassis Normal
Sport
Air conditioning system Normal
Eco2
3

3874-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85UWARNING ■
Hill-start assist control does not operate effectively when ●
Do not overly rely on hill-start assist control. Hill-start assist control may not operate
effectively on steep inclines and roads covered with ice. ●
Unlike the parking brake, hill-start assist co ntrol is not intended to hold the vehicle
stationary for an exte nded period of time. Do not atte mpt to use hill-start assist con-
trol to hold the vehicle on an incline, as doing so may lead to an accident. ■
When the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sw ay Control is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckle ss driving may cause an
accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.■
When the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road conditions. As these
are the systems to help ensure vehicle stab ility and driving force, do not turn the
TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Contro l systems off unless necessary.
Trailer Sway Control is part of the VSC syst em and will not operate if VSC is turned off
or experiences a malfunction. ■
Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, brand, tread pattern and total load
capacity. In addition, make sure that the tire s are inflated to the recommended tire infla-
tion pressure level.
The ABS, TRAC, Trailer Sway Control and VS C systems will not function correctly if
different tires are installed on the vehicle.
Contact your Lexus dealer for further in formation when replacing tires or wheels.■
Handling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modi fying the suspension w ill affect the driving
assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction. ■
Trailer Sway Control precaution
The Trailer Sway Control system is not able to reduce trailer sway in all situations.
Depending on many factors such as the condit ions of the vehicle, trailer, road surface,
and driving environment, the Trailer Sway Control system may not be effective. Refer to
your trailer owner’s manual for information on how to tow your trailer properly. ■
If trailer sway occurs
Observe the following precautions.
Failing to do so may cause death or serious injury. ●
Firmly grip the steering wh eel. Steer straight ahead.
Do not try to control trailer sway by turning the steering wheel.●
Begin releasing the accelerator pedal immediately but very gradually to reduce
speed.
Do not increase speed. Do not apply vehicle brakes.
If you make no extreme correction with the steering or brakes, your vehicle and trailer
should stabilize. ( → P. 234)

396 4-6. Driving tips
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U [
WARNING ■
Off-road driving precautions
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of death, serious injury
or damage to your vehicle: ●
Drive carefully when off the road. Do not ta ke unnecessary risks by driving in danger-
ous places. ●
Do not grip the steering wheel spokes when driving off-road. A bad bump could jerk
the wheel and injure your hands. Keep both hands and especially your thumbs on the
outside of the rim. ●
Always check your brakes for effectiveness immediately after driving in sand, mud,
water or snow. ●
After driving through tall grass, mud, rock , sand, rivers, etc., check that there is no
grass, bush, paper, rags, stone, sand, etc. adhering or trapped on the underbody.
Clear off any such matter from the underbody. If the vehicle is used with these materi-
als trapped or adhering to the underbody, a breakdown or fire could occur. ●
When driving off-road or in rugged terrain , do not drive at excessive speeds, jump,
make sharp turns, strike obje cts, etc. This may cause loss of control or vehicle rollover
causing death or serious injury. You are also risking expensive damage to your vehi-
cle’s suspension and chassis.
NOTICE ■
To prevent water damage
Take all necessary safety measures to ensure that water damage to the hybrid battery
(traction battery), hybrid system or other components does not occur.●
Water entering the engine compartment may cause severe damage to the hybrid
system. Water entering the interior may cause the hybrid battery (traction battery)
stowed under the rear seats to short circuit.●
Water entering the hybrid transmission and rear electric motor (traction motor) will
cause deterioration in transmission qualit y. The malfunction indicator may come on,
and the vehicle may not be drivable. ●
Water can wash the grease from wheel be arings, causing rusting and premature fail-
ure, and may also enter the hybrid transmissi on case, reducing the gear oil’s lubricat-
ing qualities. ■
When you drive through water
If driving through water, such as when cro ssing shallow streams, first check the depth of
the water and the bottom of the riverbed for firmness. Drive slowly and avoid deep
water. ■
Inspection after off-road driving ●
Sand and mud that has accumulated around brake discs may affect braking efficiency
and may damage brake system components. ●
Always perform a maintenance inspection afte r each day of off-road driving that has
taken you through rough terrain, sand, mud, or water. For scheduled maintenance
information, refer to the “Warranty and Services Guide/Owner’s Manual Supple-
ment/Scheduled Maintenance”.

5837-1. Maintenance and care
7
Maintenance and care
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85UNOTICE ■
To prevent paint deterioration and corrosion on the body and components (aluminum
wheels, etc.) ●
Wash the vehicle immediatel y in the following cases:
• After driving near the sea coast
• After driving on salted roads
• If you see coal tar or tree sap on the paint surface
• If you see dead insects, insect droppings or bird droppings on the paint
• After driving in an area contaminated wi th soot, oily smoke, mine dust, iron pow-
der or chemical substances
• If the vehicle becomes heavily soiled with dust or mud
• If liquids such as benzene and gasoli ne are spilled on the paint surface●
If the paint is chipped or scratched, have it repaired immediately. ●
To prevent the wheels from corroding, remove any dirt and store in a place with low
humidity when storing the wheels. ■
Cleaning the exterior lights ●
Wash carefully. Do not use organic subs tances or scrub with a hard brush.
This may damage the surfaces of the lights.●
Do not apply wax to the surfaces of the lights.
Wax may cause damage to the lenses. ■
When using an automatic car wash
Set the wiper switch to the off position.
If the wiper switch is in “AUTO”, the wipers may operate and the wiper blades may be
damaged. ■
When using a high pressure car wash ●
When washing the vehicle, do not let water of the high pressure washer hit directly or
the vicinity of the camera. Due to the shock from the high pressure water, it is possible
the device may not operate as normal. ●
Do not bring the nozzle tip close to boots (rubber or resin manufactured cover), con-
nectors or the following parts. The parts may be damaged if they come into contact
with high-pressure water.
• Traction related parts
• Steering parts
• Suspension parts
•Brake parts ●
Do not point the nozzle of a high pressure
washer at the areas sh own in the illustration,
as high pressure water may damage the oil
cooler.

658 8-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85UNOTICE ■
To prevent damage to the vehicle when towing using a wheel-lift type truck●
Do not tow the vehicle from the rear when the power switch is off. The steering lock
mechanism is not strong enough to hold the front wheels straight. ●
When raising the vehicle, en sure adequate ground cleara nce for towing at the oppo-
site end of the raised vehicle. Without ad equate clearance, the vehicle could be dam-
aged while being towed. ■
To prevent damage to the vehicle wh en towing with a sling-type truck
Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either from the front or rear. ■
To prevent damage to the ve hicle during emergency towing
Do not secure cables or chains to the suspension components. ■
Recreational towing (behind motor home, etc)
Never dinghy tow your vehicle to prevent caus-
ing serious damage to the Hybrid AWD system
and transmission. ( → P. 238)