
9
FEATURES & OPERATIONS
The Hybrid Synergy Drive System utilizes a computer-controlled gasoline engine 
and electric motor to provide the most efficient combination of power for the 
vehicle. To conserve energy, when the brakes are applied the braking force 
generates electricity which is then sent to the traction battery. In addition, the 
engine shuts off when the vehicle is stopped. The benefits are better fuel economy, 
reduced vehicle emissions and improved performance.
NOTE: Fuel consumption and energy information of the Hybrid System are 
shown on the Multi-Information Display (MID) and/or display audio system/
navigation system screen (if equipped).
1. Ensure tire pressures are maintained at levels specified in the Owner’s Manual.
2. Link trips to reduce engine cold starts whenever possible. 
3. Avoid driving at speeds that are higher than necessary, especially on the highway. 
4. When possible, avoid sudden stops to maximize regenerative braking energy.
5. Minimize use of the air conditioning.
OVERVIEW FEATURES & OPERATIONS TOYOTA SAFETY SENSE SAFETY & EMERGENCY FEATURES
Hybrid Synergy Drive System
TIPS FOR IMPROVED FUEL ECONOMY
(1) Put the selector lever in “P.”
(2) Depress the brake pedal, and messages will be displayed on the Multi-
Information Display.
(3) Press the “POWER” switch briefly and firmly.    
(4) The “READY” light will blink. After a few seconds, when the light remains  steady 
and a beep sounds, you may begin driving.
STARTING THE HYBRID SYSTEM 

26
FEATURES & OPERATIONS
The VSC OFF switch can be used to help free a stuck vehicle in surroundings like 
mud, dirt or snow. While car is stopped, press switch to disable the TRAC system.
To disable both VSC and TRAC systems, press and hold the switch for at least 3 
seconds.
Refer to the Owner’s Manual for more details.
Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)/ 
TRAC OFF switch
When parking, this available system scans for stationary objects, like walls or 
lampposts. Should the system anticipate a collision, it will emit an audible and 
visible alert, reduce engine or motor output, and automatically apply the brakes 
if needed. If your vehicle is equipped with ICS, the RCTA system will also have a 
braking function that may apply the vehicle’s brakes if the system detects crossing 
vehicles while the Avalon HV is backing up. 
Note: Use “” or “” and “” of the meter control switches to select 
 and  in the Multi-Information Display (MID) to change settings. The 
system will continue in the last state it was in (ON or OFF) when the engine is 
started again.
Refer to the Owner‘s Manual for more details on this system.
CHANGE SETTINGS
Intelligent Clearance Sonar with Rear Cross 
Traffic Braking (ICS w/RCTB) 
(if equipped) 

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Pre-Collision System with  
Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD)
OVERVIEW FEATURES & OPERATIONS TOYOTA SAFETY SENSE SAFETY & EMERGENCY FEATURES
The Pre-Collision System uses a radar sensor and camera sensor to help detect a 
vehicle or pedestrian in front of your vehicle.
As there is a limit to the degree of recognition accuracy and control performance 
that this system can provide, do not overly rely on this system. This system will not 
prevent collisions or lessen collision damage or injury in every situation. Do not use 
PCS instead of normal braking operations under any circumstances. Do not attempt 
to test the operation of the pre-collision system yourself, as the system may not 
operate or engage, possibly leading to an accident. In some situations, such as 
when driving in inclement weather such as heavy rain, fog, snow or a sandstorm or 
while driving on a curve and for a few seconds after driving on a curve, a vehicle 
may not be detected by the radar and camera sensors, preventing the system from 
operating or engaging properly.
Refer to a Toyota Owner’s Manual for a list of additional situations in which the 
system may not operate properly.
Refer to a Toyota Owner’s Manual for additional information on PCS w/PD operation, 
settings adjustments, limitations, and precautions before attempting to use it. Pre-Collision Warning
When the system determines that the possibility of a frontal collision is high, a 
buzzer will sound and a warning message will be displayed on the Multi-Information 
Display (MID) to urge the driver to take evasive action.
Pre-Collision Brake Assist
If the driver notices the hazard and brakes, the system may provide additional 
braking force using Brake Assist. This system may prime the brakes and may apply 
greater braking force in relation to how strongly the brake pedal is depressed.
Pre-Collision Braking
If the driver does not brake in a set time and the system determines that the 
possibility of a frontal collision with a preceding vehicle is extremely high, the 
system may automatically apply the brakes, reducing speed in order to help the 
driver reduce the impact and in certain cases avoid the collision. 

36
TOYOTA SAFETY SENSE™
ADJUSTING DISTANCE
This mode employs a radar sensor to detect the presence of a preceding vehicle 
up to approximately 328 ft (100m) ahead, determines the current vehicle-to-vehicle 
following distance and operates to maintain a preset following distance from the 
vehicle ahead. These distances vary based on vehicle speed.
(1) (2) (3) 
(1) Constant speed cruising when there are no vehicles ahead
The vehicle travels at the speed set by the driver. The desired vehicle-to-     
vehicle distance can also be set by operating the vehicle-to-vehicle distance   
control.
(2) Deceleration cruising and follow-up cruising when a preceding vehicle      
     driving slower than the set speed appears
When a vehicle is detected running ahead of you, the system automatically
decelerates your vehicle. When a greater reduction in vehicle speed is 
necessary, the system applies the brakes (the brake lights will come on at this 
time). The system will respond to changes in the speed of the vehicle ahead 
in order to maintain the vehicle-to-vehicle distance set by the driver. A warning 
tone warns you when the system cannot decelerate sufficiently to prevent your 
vehicle from closing in on the vehicle ahead. Note: Vehicle-to-vehicle distance will close in when traveling on long downhill 
slopes.
To change the vehicle-to-vehicle distance
 
Push the “
” button to cycle
through the settings, which will
change progressively. 
LONG
(default setting)MIDDLESHORT
Preceding vehicle 
mark 

43
Star Safety System™
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)
Toyota’s ABS sensors detect which wheels are locking up and limits wheel lockup 
by “pulsing” each wheel’s brakes independently. Pulsing releases brake pressure 
repeatedly for fractions of a second. This helps the tires attain the traction that 
current road conditions will allow, helping you to stay in directional control.
BRAKE ASSIST (BA)
Brake Assist is designed to detect sudden or “panic” braking, and then add braking 
pressure to help decrease the vehicle’s stopping distance. When there’s only a split 
second to react, Brake Assist can add additional brake pressure more quickly than 
just the driver alone can.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE FORCE DISTRIBUTION (EBD)
Toyota’s ABS technology has Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) to help 
maintain control and balance when braking. Abrupt stops can cause a vehicle to tilt 
forward, reducing the braking power of the rear wheels. EBD responds to sudden 
stops by redistributing brake force to enhance the braking effectiveness of all four 
wheels. Your vehicle comes standard with the Star Safety System
TM, which combines Anti-
lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Brake-force Distribution 
(EBD), Smart Stop Technology (SST), Traction Control (TRAC) and Vehicle Stability 
Control (VSC), 
 5 H I H U  W R  W K H  2 Z Q H U 

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Floor mat installation
There are two types of Toyota floor mats: carpeted and all-weather. Each vehicle 
has model-specific floor mats. Installation is easy. 
To keep your floor mat properly positioned, follow these steps:
• Only use Toyota floor mats designed for your specific model.
• Use only one floor mat at a time, using the retaining hooks to keep the mat in 
place.
• Install floor mats right side up. 
Always align the  ¨ marks
SAFETY & EMERGENCY FEATURES
TRACTION CONTROL (TRAC)
VSC helps prevent loss of traction during cornering by reducing engine power, and 
Traction Control helps maintain traction on loose gravel and wet, icy, or uneven 
surfaces by applying brake force to the spinning wheel(s). 
Toyota’s TRAC sensors are activated when one of the drive wheels starts to slip. 
TRAC limits engine output and applies the brakes to the spinning wheel. This 
transfers power to the wheels that still have traction to help keep you on track.