
1594-1. Before driving
4
Driving
4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a
trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult
this manual to determine how this
reduces the available cargo and lug-
gage load capacity of your vehicle.
( P.160)
Lexus does not recommend towing a
trailer with your vehicle. Your vehicle is
not designed for trailer towing.
Cargo capacity
Total load capacity (vehicle capac-
ity weight) ( P.416)
When 2 people with the combined weight of A lb. (kg) are riding in your
vehicle, which has a total load capacity
(vehicle capacity weight) of B lb. (kg),
the available amount of cargo and lug-
gage load capacity will be C lb. (kg) as
follows:
B
*2 lb. (kg)
− A*1 lb. (kg) = C*3 lb. (kg)
*1: A = Weight of people
*2: B = Total load capacity
*3: C = Available cargo and luggage load
In this condition, if 3 more passengers with
the combined weight of D lb. (kg) get on,
the available cargo and luggage load will
be reduced E lb. (kg) as follows:
C lb. (kg) − D*4 lb. (kg) = E*5 lb. (kg)
*4: D = Additional weight of people
*5: E = Available cargo and luggage load
As shown in the example above, if the
number of occupant s increases, the
cargo and luggage load will be
reduced by an amount that equals the
increased weight due to the additional
occupants. In other words, if an
increase in the number of occupants
causes an excess of the total load
capacity (combined weight of occu-
pants plus cargo and luggage load),
you must reduce the cargo and lug-
gage on your vehicle.
WARNING
■Capacity and distribution
●Do not exceed the maximum axle
weight rating or the total vehicle
weight rating.
●Even if the total load of occupant’s
weight and the cargo load is less than
the total load capacity, do not apply the
load unevenly. Improper loading may
cause deterioration of steering or
braking control which may cause
death or serious injury.
Calculation formula for your
vehicle
A
B

1624-2. Driving procedures
4-2.Driving procedures
1Press the parking brake switch to
check that the parking brake is set.
(P.172)
Parking brake indicator will come on.
2 Check that the shift lever is in P.
3 Firmly depress the brake pedal.
and a message will be displayed on the
multi-information display.
If it is not displayed, the hybrid system can-
not be started.
4 Press the power switch shortly and
firmly.
When operating the power switch, one
short, firm press is enough.
It is not necessary to press and hold the
switch.
If the “READY” indicator turns on, the
hybrid system will operate normally.
Continue depressing the brake pedal until
the “READY” indicator is illuminated.
The hybrid system can be started from any
power switch mode.
5Check that the “READY” indicator
is illuminated.
The vehicle will not move when the
“READY” indicator is off.
■Power switch illumination
According to the situation, the power
switch illumination operates as follows.
●When a door is opened, or the power
switch mode is changed from ACC or
ON to OFF, the power switch illumina-
tion slowly blinks.
●When depressing the brake pedal with
carrying the electronic key on your per-
son, the power switch illumination rapidly
blinks.
●When the power switch is in ACC or
ON, the power switch illumination illumi-
nates.
■If the hybrid system does not start
●The immobilizer system may not have
been deactivated. ( P.69)
Contact your Lexus dealer.
●If a message related to start-up is shown
on the multi-information display, read the
message and follow the instructions.
●The smart access system with push-but-
ton start may not be operating prop-
erly.( P.404)
■When the ambient temperature is low,
such as during winter driving conditions
When starting the hybrid system, the flash-
ing time of the “READY” indicator may be
long. Leave the vehicle as it is until the
“READY” indicator is steady on, as steady
means the vehicle is able to move.
■Sounds and vibrations specific to a
hybrid vehicle
P.64
■Electronic key battery depletion
P.104
■Conditions affecting operation
P.125
■Note for the entry function
P.126
Power (ignition) switch
Performing the following opera-
tions when carryin g the electronic
key on your person starts the hybrid
system or changes power switch
modes.
Starting the hybrid system

1654-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
operating.
If the hybrid system is stopped with the
shift lever in a position other than P, the
power switch will not be turned off but
instead be turned to ACC. Perform the
following procedure to turn the switch
off:
1
Check that the parking brake is set.
2
Shift the shift lever to P.
3
Check that “Turn Power Off” is dis-
played on the multi-information dis-
play and then press the power
switch shortly and firmly once.
4
Check that “Turn Power Off” on the
multi-information display is off. Turns EV drive mode on/off
When EV drive mode is turned on, the EV
drive mode indicator will come on.
Pressing the switch wh
en in EV drive mode
will return the vehicle to normal driving
(using the gasoline engine and electric
motor [traction motor]).
■Situations in which EV drive mode can-
not be turned on
It may not be possible to turn EV drive
mode on in the following situations. If it can-
not be turned on, a buzzer will sound and a
message will be shown on the multi-infor-
NOTICE
■To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
●Do not leave the power switch in ACC
or ON for long periods of time without
the hybrid system on.
●If “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION
ON” is displayed on the multi-informa-
tion display while the hybrid system is
not operating, the power switch is not
OFF. Exit the vehicle after turning the
power switch off.
●Do not stop the hybrid system when
the shift lever is in
a position other than
P. If the hybrid system is stopped in
another shift lever position, the power
switch will not be turned off but instead
be turned to ACC. If the vehicle is left
in ACC, 12-volt battery discharge may
occur.
When stopping the hybrid sys-
tem with the shift lever in a posi-
tion other than P
EV drive mode
In EV drive mode, electric power is
supplied by the hybrid battery
(traction battery), and only the
electric motor (traction motor) is
used to drive the vehicle.
This mode allows you to drive in res-
idential areas early in the morning
and late at night, or in indoor park-
ing lots, etc., without concern for
noises and gas emissions.
However, when the vehicle proxim-
ity notification system is active, the
vehicle may produce sound.
Operating instructions

1664-2. Driving procedures
mation display.
●The temperature of the hybrid system is
high.
The vehicle has been left in the sun,
driven on a hill, driven at high speeds, etc.
●The temperature of the hybrid system is
low.
The vehicle has been left in temperatures
lower than about 32 °F (0 °C) for a long
period of time, etc.
●The gasoline engine is warming up.
●The hybrid battery (traction battery) is
low.
The remaining battery level indicated in
the “Energy Monitor” display is low.
( P.97)
●Vehicle speed is high.
●The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly
or the vehicle is on a hill, etc.
●The windshield defogger is in use.
■Switching to EV drive mode when the
gasoline engine is cold
If the hybrid system is started while the gas-
oline engine is cold, the gasoline engine will
start automatically after a short period of
time in order to warm up. In this case, you
will become unable to switch to EV drive
mode.
After the hybrid system has started and the
“READY” indicator has illuminated, press
the EV drive mode switch before the gaso-
line engine starts to switch to EV drive
mode.
■Automatic cancelation of EV drive
mode
When driving in EV drive mode, the gaso-
line engine may automatically restart in the
following situations. When EV drive mode
is canceled, a buzzer will sound, the EV
drive mode indicator w ill go off after flash-
ing, and a message is displayed on the
multi-information display.
●The hybrid battery (traction battery)
becomes low.
The remaining battery level indicated in
the “Energy Monitor” display is low.
( P.97)
●Vehicle speed is high.
●The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly
or the vehicle is on a hill, etc.
■Possible driving distan ce when driving in
EV drive mode
EV drive mode’s possible driving distance
ranges from a few hundred meters to
approximately 0.6 mile (1 km). However,
depending on vehicle conditions, there are
situations when EV drive mode cannot be
used. (The distance that is possible depends
on the hybrid battery [traction battery] level
and driving conditions.)
■Fuel economy
The hybrid system is designed to achieve
the best possible fuel economy during nor-
mal driving (using the gasoline engine and
electric motor [tractio n motor]). Driving in
EV drive mode more than necessary may
lower fuel economy.
■If “EV Mode Unavailable” is shown on
the multi-information display
The EV drive mode is not available. The rea-
son the EV drive mode is not available (the
vehicle is idling, batter y charge is low, vehi-
cle speed is higher than the EV drive mode
operating speed range or accelerator pedal
is depressed too much) may be displayed.
Use the EV drive mode when it becomes
available.
■If “EV Mode Deactivated” is shown on
the multi-information display
The EV drive mode has been automatically
canceled. The reason the EV drive mode is
not available (the batt ery charge is low,
vehicle speed is higher than the EV drive
mode operating speed range or accelera-
tor pedal is depressed too much) may be
displayed. Drive the vehicle for a while
before attempting to turn on the EV drive
mode again.

1674-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
*1: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise, shift the shift lever to D for normal
driving.
*2: By selecting shift ranges using S mode, you can control accelerating force and
engine braking force.
■Reverse warning buzzer
When shifting into R, a buzzer will sound to
inform the driver that the shift lever is in R.
■When driving with dynamic radar cruise
control with full-speed range activated
Even when performing the following
actions with the intent of enabling engine
braking, engine braking will not activate
because dynamic radar cruise control with
full-speed range will not be canceled.
●While driving in S mode, downshifting to
5 or 4. ( P.170)
●When switching the driving mode to
Sport mode while driving in D position.
WARNING
■Caution while driving
When driving in EV drive mode, pay spe-
cial attention to the area around the vehi-
cle. Because there is no engine noise,
pedestrians, people riding bicycles or
other people and vehicles in the area
may not be aware of the vehicle starting
off or approaching th em, so take extra
care while driving. Th erefore, take extra
care while driving even if the vehicle
proximity notification system is active.
Hybrid transmission
Select the shift position depending
on your purpose and situation.
Shift position purpose and func-
tions
Shift posi-
tionObjective or function
PParking the vehicle/starting the hybrid system
RReversing
N
Neutral
(Condition in which the
power is not transmitted)
DNormal driving*1
SS mode driving*2 ( P.170)

1684-2. Driving procedures
( P.255)
■Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start
Control)
P.153
While the power switch is in
ON and the brake pedal depressed*,
shift the shift lever while pushing the
shift release button on the shift knob. Shift the shift lever while push-
ing the shift release button on the shift
knob.
Shift the shift lever normally.
When shifting the shift lever between P
and D, make sure that the vehicle is com-
pletely stopped and the brake pedal is
depressed.
*: For the vehicle be able to be shifted from P, the brake pedal must be depressed
before the shift releas e button is pushed.
If the shift release button is pushed first,
the shift lock will not be released.
■Shift lock system
The shift lock system is a system to prevent
accidental operation of the shift lever in
starting.
The shift lever can be shifted from P only
when the power switch is in ON, the brake
pedal is depressed and the shift release but-
ton is pushed.
■If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
First, check whether the brake pedal is
being depressed.
If the shift lever cannot be shifted even
though the brake pedal is depressed and
the shift release button is pushed, there may
be a problem with th e shift lock system.
Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus
dealer immediately.
The following steps may be used as an
emergency measure to ensure that the shift
lever can be shifted.
Releasing the shift lock:
1
Press the parking brake switch to check
that the parking brake is set. ( P.172)
2
Turn the power switch off.
3
Depress the brake pedal.
4
Pry the cover up with a flathead screw-
driver or equivalent tool.
WARNING
■When driving on slippery road sur-
faces
Be careful of downshifting and sudden
acceleration, as this could result in the
vehicle skidding to the side or spinning.
NOTICE
■Hybrid battery (traction battery)
charge
If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery
(traction battery) will not be charged
even when the engine is running. There-
fore, if the vehicle is left with the shift
lever in N for a long period of time, the
hybrid battery (traction battery) will dis-
charge, and this may re sult in the vehicle
not being able to start.
Shifting the shift lever

1694-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
To prevent damage to the cover, cover the
tip of the screwdriver with a rag.
5
Press the shift lock override button.
The shift lever can be shifted while the but-
ton is pressed
P.255
To drive using temporary shift range
selection, operate the “-” or “+” paddle shift switch when driving with the shift
lever in D.
When the “-” paddle shift switch is
operated, the shift range switches to a
range that enables engine braking
force that is suitable to driving condi-
tions. When the “+” paddle shift switch
is operated, the shift range switches to
a range that is one range higher than
the current range.
Changing the shift range allows
restriction of the highest gear, prevent-
ing unnecessary upshifting and
enabling the level of engine braking
force to be selected.
1
Upshifting
2
Downshifting
The selected shift range, from D1 to D6,
will be displayed in the meter.
To return to normal D position driving, the
“+” paddle shift switch must be held down
for a period of time.
WARNING
■To prevent an accident when releas-
ing the shift lock
Before pressing the shift lock override
button, make sure to set the parking
brake and depress the brake pedal.
If the accelerator pe dal is accidentally
depressed instead of the brake pedal
when the shift lock override button is
pressed and the shift lever is shifted out
of P, the vehicle may suddenly start, pos-
sibly leading to an accident resulting in
death or serious injury.
Selecting the driving mode
Selecting shift ranges in the D
position (vehicles with paddle
shift switches)
Meter dis-
playFunction
D2 - D6
A gear in the range between D1 and the selected shift
range is automatically cho- sen depending on vehicle
speed and driving conditions
D1Setting the shift range at D1

1704-2. Driving procedures
A lower shift range will provide greater
engine braking forces than a higher shift
range.
■When the “-” paddle shift switch is oper-
ated with the shift lever in the D position
A shift range will be au tomatically selected.
The highest gear of the first shift range will
be one gear lower than the gear in use
during normal D position driving.
■Automatic deactivation of shift range
selection in the D position
Shift range selection in the D position will
be deactivated in the following situations:
●When the vehicle comes to a stop
●If the accelerator pedal is depressed for
more than a certain period of time in one
gear step
●When the shift lever is shifted to a posi-
tion other than D
●When the “+” paddle shift switch is
pressed and held
To enter S mode, shift the shift lever to
S. Shift ranges can be selected by
operating the shift lever or paddle shift
switches (if equipped). 1
Upshifting
2 Downshifting
The selected shift range, from S1 to S6, will
be displayed in the meter.
The initial shift range in S mode is 4.
■Shift ranges and their functions
You can choose from 6 levels of
accelerating force and engine brak-
ing force.
A lower shift range will provide
greater accelerating force and
engine braking force than a higher
shift range, and the engine revolu-
tions will also increase.
■S mode
●When the shift range is 4 or lower, hold-
ing the shift lever toward “+” sets the shift
range to 6.
●Automatically selects a higher shift range
before the engine speed becomes too
high.
Selecting shift ranges in the S
position