2018 LEXUS RX450h Owners Manual

3774-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85UWARNING ■
When using the Lexus parking assist monitor system
The parking assist monitor is a supplemental device intended to assist the driver when
backing up. When backin g up, be sure to check visually behind and all around the vehi-
cle before proceeding.
Observe the following precautions to avoid an accident that could result in death or
serious injuries. ●
Never depend on the parking assist monitor entirely when backing up. The image
and the position of the guide lines displaye d on the screen may differ from the actual
state.
Use caution, just as you woul d when backing up any vehicle.●
Be sure to back up slowly, depressing the brake pedal to control vehicle speed. ●
If you seem likely to hit nearby vehicles, obstacles, people or mount the shoulder,
depress the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. ●
The instructions given are only guidelines.
When and how much to turn the steering wheel will vary according to traffic condi-
tions, road surface conditions, vehicle condit ion, etc. when parking. It is necessary to
be fully aware of this before using the parking assist system. ●
When parking, be sure to check that the parking space will accommodate your vehi-
cle before maneuvering into it. ●
Do not use the parking assist monitor in the following cases:
• On icy or slick road surfaces, or in snow
• When using tire chains or emergency tires
• When the back door is not closed completely
• On roads that are not flat or stra ight, such as curves or slopes.●
In low temperatures, the screen may darken or the image may become faint. The
image could distort when the vehicle is movi ng, or you may become unable to see the
image on the screen. Be sure to check dire ct visually and with the mirrors all around
the vehicle before proceeding. ●
If the tire sizes are changed, the position of the guide lines displayed on the screen
may change. ●
The camera uses a special lens. The distances between objects and pedestrians that
appear in the image displayed on the screen will differ from the actual distances.
( → P. 371) ●
Estimated course line display mode: If the st eering wheel is stra ight and the vehicle
width guide lines and the estimated course lines are not in alignment, have the vehicle
inspected by your Lexus dealer.

378 4-5. Using the driving support systems
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85UNOTICE ■
How to use the camera ●
The parking assist monitor may not oper ate properly in the following cases.
• If the back of the vehicle is hit, the position and mounting angle of the camera may
change.
• As the camera has a water proof construction, do not detach, disassemble or
modify it. This may cause incorrect operation.
• When cleaning the camera lens, flush the camera with a large quantity of water
and wipe it with a soft and wet cloth. Strongly rubbing the camera lens may cause
the camera lens to be scratched and unable to transmit a clear image.
• Do not allow organic solvent, car wax, window cleaner or glass coat to adhere to
the camera. If this happens, wi pe it off as soon as possible.
• If the temperature changes rapidly, such as when hot water is poured on the vehi-
cle in cold weather, the system may not operate normally.
• When washing the vehicle, do not apply intensive bursts of water to the camera or
camera area. Doing so may result in the camera malfunctioning.
• When the camera is used under fluorescen t lights, sodium light or mercury light
etc., the lights and the illuminated areas may appear to flicker. ●
Do not expose the camera to strong impact as this could cause a malfunction.
If this happens, have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.

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

382 4-5. Using the driving support systems
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U◆ ECB (Electronically Controlled Brake System)
The electronically controlled system generates braking force corresponding
to the brake operation
◆ ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the br akes are applied suddenly, or if the
brakes are applied while drivin g on a slippery road surface
◆ Brake assist
Generates an increased level of br aking force after the brake pedal is
depressed when the system detects a panic stop situation
◆ VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to contro l 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.
◆ Trailer Sway Control (if equipped)
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.
◆ TRAC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and pr event the drive wheels from spinning
when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads
◆ Hill-start assist control
Helps to reduce the backward movement of the vehicle when starting on an
uphillDriving assist systems To keep driving safety and performance, the following systems operate auto-
matically in response to various drivin g situations. Be aware, however, that
these systems are supplementary and shou ld not be relied upon too heavily
when operating the vehicle.

3834-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U◆ EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn the
steering wheel
◆ E-Four
Electronic On-Demand AWD system. Automatically switches from front-
wheel drive to all-wheel drive (AWD) according to the driving conditions,
helping to ensure reliable handling and st ability. Examples of conditions where
the system will switch to AWD are when cornering, going uph ill, starting off or
accelerating, and when the road surface is slippery due to snow, rain, etc.
◆ Adaptive Variable Suspen sion System (if equipped)
Controls the damping force of the shock absorber of each wheel according to
the road and driving conditions, helpin g 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. 380)
◆ VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management)
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 hybrid system output

384 4-5. Using the driving support systems
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85UThe slip indicator light will flash while
the TRAC/VSC/ABS/Trailer Sway
Control systems are operating.
If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt or snow, the TRAC system may reduce
power from the hybrid system to the wheels. Pressing to turn the system
off may make it easier for you to ro ck 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-informa-
tion display. Press again to
turn the system back on.When the TRAC/VSC/ABS/ Trailer Sway Control systems are operat-
ing
Disabling the TRAC system