Page 388 of 792

388
RX450h_RX450hL_U4-6. Driving tips
◆Using Eco drive mode
When using Eco drive mode, the torque corresponding to the accelerator
pedal depression amount can be generate
d more smoothly than it is in normal
conditions. In addition, the operation of the air conditioning system (heat-
ing/cooling) will be minimized, improving the fuel economy. (P. 379)
◆Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the indicator needle (except F
SPORT models) or bar display (F SPOR T models) of Hybrid System Indicator
within Eco area. ( P. 99)
◆Shift lever operation
Shift the shift lever to D when stopped at a traffic light, or driving in heavy traf-
fic, etc. Shift the shift lever to P when parking. When using the N, there is no
positive effect on fuel consumption. In the N, the gasoline engine operates but
electricity cannot be generated. Also, wh en using the air conditioning system,
etc., the hybrid battery (tractio n battery) power is consumed.
◆Accelerator pedal/brake pedal operation
●Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid ab rupt acceleration and deceleration.
Gradual acceleration and deceleration will make more effective use of the
electric motor (traction motor) without having to use gasoline engine
power.
●Avoid repeated acceleration. Repeated acceleration consumes hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) power, resulting in poor fuel consumption. Battery
power can be restored by driving with the accelerator pedal slightly
released.
◆When braking
Make sure to operate the brakes gently and in a timely manner. A greater
amount of electrical energy can be regenerated when slowing down.
Hybrid vehicle driving tips
For economical and ecological driving, pay attention to the following points:
Page 389 of 792

3894-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
RX450h_RX450hL_U
◆Delays
Repeated acceleration and deceleration, as well as long waits at traffic lights,
will lead to bad fuel economy. Check traffic reports before leaving and avoid
delays as much as possible. When drivin g in a traffic jam, gently release the
brake pedal to allow the vehicle to move forward slightly while avoiding over-
use of the accelerator pedal. Doing so can help control excessive gasoline
consumption.
◆Highway driving
Control and maintain the vehicle at a co nstant speed. Before stopping at a toll
booth or similar, allow plenty of ti me to release the accelerator and gently
apply the brakes. A greater amount of electrical energy can be regenerated
when slowing down.
◆Air conditioning
Use the air conditioning only when necessary. Doing so can help reduce
excessive gasoline consumption.
In summer: When the ambient temperature is high, use the recirculated air
mode. Doing so will help to reduce the burden on the air conditioning system
and reduce fuel consumption as well.
In winter: Because the gasoline engine will not automatically cut out until it
and the interior of the vehicle are warm , it will consume fuel. Also, fuel con-
sumption can be improved by av oiding overuse of the heater.
◆Checking tire inflation pressure
Make sure to check the tire inflation pr essure frequently. Improper tire infla-
tion pressure can cause poor fuel economy.
Also, as snow tires can cause large amou nts of friction, their use on dry roads
can lead to poor fuel economy. Use tires that are appropriate for the season.
◆Luggage
Carrying heavy luggage will lead to poor fuel economy. Avoid carrying
unnecessary luggage. Installing a large roof rack will also cause poor fuel
economy.
◆Warming up before driving
Since the gasoline engine starts up an d cuts out automatically when cold,
warming up the engine is unnecessary. Moreover, frequently driving short dis-
tances will cause the engine to repeated ly warm up, which can lead to excess
fuel consumption.
Page 488 of 792
488
RX450h_RX450hL_U5-12. Other function
Go to “Information”: “MENU” button
“Info”
Display the fuel consumption.
( P. 127)
Display the “USB Photo” screen.
( P. 490)
Display the Traffic Map picture.
Available when in a traffic supported
HD Radio coverage area
Display the weather information.
( P. 492)
Go to “Traffic Map”: “MENU” button “Info” “Traffic Incidents”
Current position of your car
Traffic information line
The line color means the following:
Red: Heavy congestion
Yellow: Moderate traffic
Green: Free flowing traffic
“Information” screen
Display “Information” screen
1
2
3
4
Traffic information map
1
2
Page 519 of 792

5196-2. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
RX450h_RX450hL_U
6
Interior features
■When the outside temperature exceeds 75 F (24 C) and the air conditioning system
is on
●In order to reduce the air co nditioning power consumption, the air conditioning system
may switch to recirculated air mode automatically.
This may also reduce fuel consumption.
●Recirculated air mode is selected as a default mode when the power switch is turned to
ON mode.
●It is possible to switch to outside air mode at any time by pressing the outside/recircu-
lated air mode button.
■Automatic mode for air intake control
In automatic mode, the system detects exhaust gas and other pollutants and automati-
cally switches between outside air and recirculated air modes.
When the dehumidification function is off, and the fan is operating, turning automatic
mode on will activate the dehumidification function.
■Fogging up of the windows
●The windows will easily fog up when the humidity in the vehicle is high. Selecting “A/C”
will dehumidify the air from the outlets and defog the windshield effectively.
●If you turn “A/C” off, the windows may fog up more easily.
●The windows may fog up if the recirculated air mode is used.
■Windshield fog detection function
When automatic mode is set, the humidity sensor ( P. 521) detects fog on the wind-
shield and controls the air cond itioning system to prevent fog.
■Outside/recirculated air mode
●When driving on dusty roads such as tunnels or in heavy traffic, set the outside/recircu-
lated air mode button to the recirculated air mode. This is effective in preventing out-
side air from enteri ng the vehicle interior. During cooling operation, setting the
recirculated air mode will also cool the vehicle interior effectively.
●Outside/recirculated air mode may automa tically switch depending on the tempera-
ture setting or the inside temperature.
■When the outside temperature is low
The dehumidification function may not operate even when “A/C” is selected.
■Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco drive mode
●In the Eco drive mode, the air conditioning sy stem is controlled as follows to prioritize
fuel efficiency
• Engine speed and compressor operation controlled to restrict heating/cooling capacity
• Fan speed restricted when automatic mode is selected
●To improve air conditioning performance, perform the following operations:
• Adjust the fan speed
• Turn off Eco drive mode