
1974-1. Before driving
4
Driving
■When starting off on an uphill
The hill-start assist control will activate. ( P. 291)
■ For fuel-efficient driving
Keep in  mind  that hybrid  vehicles  are similar  to  conventional vehicles,  and  it
is necessary to refrain from activities such as sudden acceleration. ( P. 342)
■ Coasting (Auto Glide Control)
When Eco drive mode is selected, under certain conditions, Auto  Glide Con-
trol  will  operate  automatically  and  allow  the  vehicle  coast,  en hancing  fuel
economy. ( P. 341)
■ Driving in the rain
●Drive carefully when it is raining, because visibility will be  reduced, the win-
dows may become fogged-up, and the road will be slippery.
● Drive carefully when it starts to rain, because the road surface will be espe-
cially slippery.
● Refrain  from  high  speeds  when  driving  on  an  expressway  in  the  r ain,
because there may be  a layer of  water  between the tires  and  the  road sur-
face, preventing the steering and brakes from operating properl y.
■ Restraining hybrid system out put (Brake Override System)
● When the accelerator and brake pedals are depressed at the same  time, the
hybrid system output may be restrained.
● A  warning  message  is  displayed  on  the  multi-information  display  while the
system is operating.
■ ECO Accelerator Guidance ( P. 123)
Eco-friendly  driving  may  be  achieved  more  easily  by  staying  wit hin  the  zone
of  Eco  acceleration. Also,  by  staying  within  the  zone  of  Eco  ac celeration,  it
will be easier to obtain a good Eco score.
● When starting off:
Gradually depress the accelerator pedal to stay within the zone  of Eco accel-
eration  and  accelerate  to  the  desired  speed.  By  refraining  from   excessive
acceleration, a good eco start score will be obtained.
● When driving:
After  accelerating  to  the  desired  speed,  release  the  accelerato r  pedal  and
drive at a stable speed while staying within the zone of Eco acceleration. By
staying  within  the  zone  of  Eco  acceleration,  a  good  eco  cruise  score  will  be
obtained.
● When stopping:
 By starting to release the accelerator pedal early before dece lerating, a good
eco stop score will be obtained. 

2134-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
■When the steering  lock cannot be released
■ Steering lock motor overheating prevention
To  prevent  the  steering  lock  motor  from  overheating,  the  motor  may  be  sus-
pended if the hybrid system is turned on and off repeatedly in  a short period
of time. In this case, refrain from operating the hybrid system . After about 10
seconds, the steering lock motor will resume functioning.
■ When  a  message  requesting  the  smart  key  system  be  inspected  is  dis-
played on the multi-information display
The  system  may  be  malfunctioning.  Have  the  vehicle  inspected  by   your
Toyota dealer immediately.
■ If the “READY” indicator does not come on
In the event that the “READY” indicator does not come on even a fter perform-
ing the proper procedures for starting the vehicle, contact you r Toyota dealer
immediately.
■ If the hybrid system is malfunctioning
P. 84
■ If the electronic key battery is depleted
P. 451
■ Operation of the power switch
●If  the  switch  is  not  pressed  shortly  and  firmly,  the  power  swit ch  mode  may
not change or the hybrid system may not start.
● If attempting to restart the hybrid system immediately after tu rning the power
switch off, the hybrid system may not start in some cases. Afte r turning the
power switch off, wait a few seconds before restarting the hybrid system.
■ If the smart key system has been d eactivated in a customized setting
P. 505 A  message  informing  the  driver  that  the
steering  wheel  is  locked  will  be  displayed
on the multi-information display. 
Check that the shift lever is set in P. Press
the  power  switch  while  turning  the  steer-
ing wheel left and right. 

2154-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
NOTICE
■To prevent 12-volt b attery discharge
● Do not leave the power switch in ACCESSORY or ON mode for long  peri-
ods of time without the hybrid system on.
● If “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION ON” is displayed on the multi-infor mation
display, the power switch is not off. Exit the vehicle after tu rning 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 ACCESSORY
mode.  If  the  vehicle  is  left  in  ACCESSORY  mode,  12-volt  battery  dis-
charge may occur.
■ When starting th e hybrid system 
● Do not depress the accelerator pedal unnecessarily.
● If  the  hybrid  system  becomes  difficult  to  start,  have  your  vehicle  checked
by your Toyota dealer immediately.
■ Symptoms indicating a malfunc tion with the power switch
If the power switch seems to be operating somewhat differently  than usual,
such  as  the  switch  sticking  slightly,  there  may  be  a  malfunctio n.  Contact
your Toyota dealer immediately. 

2174-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
■Switching to EV drive mode whe n the gasoline engine is cold
If the hybrid system is started while the gasoline 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  h as  illumi-
nated,  press  the  EV  drive  mode  switch  before  the  gasoline  engin e  starts  to
switch to EV drive mode.
■ Automatic cancelation of EV drive mode
When driving in EV drive mode, the gasoline engine may automati cally restart
in  the  following  situations.  When  EV  drive  mode  is  canceled,  a  buzzer  will
sound and the EV drive mode indicator will flash and go off.
● The hybrid battery (traction battery) becomes low.
The  remaining  battery  level  indicated  in  the  energy  monitor  on  the  multi-
information display is low. ( P. 141)
● Vehicle speed is high.
● The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on  a hill etc.
■ Possible driving distance when driving in EV drive mode
EV drive mode’s possible driving distance ranges from a few hun dred meters
to approximately 0.9 miles (1 km). However, depending on vehicl e conditions,
there are situations when EV drive mode cannot be used. 
(The distance that is possible depends on the hybrid battery [t raction battery]
level and driving conditions.)
■ Fuel economy
The  hybrid  system  is  designed  to  achieve  the  best  possible  fuel   economy
during  normal  driving  (using  the  gasoline  engine  and  electric  m otor  [traction
motor]). Driving in EV drive mode more than necessary may lower fuel econ-
omy.
■ If “EV Mode Unavailable” is shown  on the multi-information display
The  EV  drive  mode  is  not  available.  The  reason  the  EV  drive  mod e  is  not
available  (the  vehicle  is  idling,  battery  charge  is  low,  vehicle  speed  is  higher
than  the  EV  drive  mode  operating  speed  range  or  accelerator  ped al  is
depressed  too  much)  may  be  displayed.  Use  the  EV  drive  mode  whe n  it
becomes available.
■ If “EV Mode Deactivated” is shown on the multi-information display
The  EV  drive  mode  has  been  automatically  canceled.  The  reason  t he  EV
drive mode is not available (the battery charge is low, vehicle  speed is higher
than  the  EV  drive  mode  operating  speed  range  or  accelerator  ped al  is
depressed  too  much)  may  be  displayed.  Drive  the  vehicle  for  a  while  before
attempting to turn on the EV drive mode again. 

2284-2. Driving procedures
■Parking the vehicle
P. 196
■ Parking brake operation
●When  the  power  switch  is  not  in  ON  mode,  the  parking  brake  cannot  be
released using the parking brake switch.
● When  the  power  switch  is  not  in  ON  mode,  automatic  mode  (automa tic
brake setting and releasing) is not available.
■ Automatic release function
The parking brake is automatica lly released when slowly depress  the acceler-
ator pedal.
The  parking  brake  will  be  released  automatically  under  the  foll owing  condi-
tions:
● The driver’s door is closed.
● The driver’s seatbelt is fastened.
● Shift the shift lever is in a forward or reverse position.
● The  malfunction  indicator  lamp  or  brake  system  warning  light  is  not  illumi-
nated.
If the automatic release function does not operate, manually re lease the park-
ing brake.
■ If  “Parking  Brake  Temporarily  Un available”  is  displayed  on  the multi-
information display
If  the  parking  brake  is  operated  repeatedly  over  a  short  period   of  time,  the
system may restrict operation to prevent overheating. If this happens, refrain
from  operating  the  parking  brake.  Normal  operation  will  return  after  about  1
minute.
■ If “Parking Brake Unavailable” is displayed on the multi-information dis-
play
Operate  the  parking  brake  switch.  If  the  message  does  not  disappear  after
operating the switch several times, the system may be malfuncti oning. Have
the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer immediately.
■ Parking brake operation sound
When  the  parking  brake  operates,  a  motor  sound  (whirring  sound)  may be
heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.
■ Parking brake indicator light and parking brake light
●Depending on the power switch mode, the parking brake indicator light and
parking brake light will turn on and stay on as described below :
ON mode: Comes on until the parking brake is released.
Not in ON mode: Stays on for approximately 15 seconds.
● When the power switch is turned off with the parking brake set, the parking
brake  indicator  light  and  parking  brake  light  will  stay  on  for  about  15  sec-
onds. This does not indicate a malfunction. 

2354-3. Operating the lights and wipers
4
Driving
■Automatic light off system
●When  the  headlights  are  on:  The  headlights  and  tail  lights  turn  off  30  sec-
onds  after  the  power  switch  is  turned  to ACCESSORY  mode  or  turn ed  off
and a door is opened and closed. (The lights turn off immediate ly if   on
the key is pressed twice after all the doors are closed.)
● When  only  the  tail  lights  are  on:  The  tail  lights  turn  off  automatically  if  the
power switch is turned to ACCESSORY mode or turned off and the  driver’s
door is opened.
To turn the lights on again, turn the power switch to ON mode,  or turn the light
switch off once and then back to  or .
If  any  of  the  doors  or  trunk  lid  is  kept  open,  the  lights  automatically  turn  off
after 20 minutes.
■ Light reminder buzzer (except  when the light switch is in  )
A  buzzer  sounds  when  the  power  switch  is  turned  off  or  turned  to ACCES-
SORY mode and the driver's door is opened while the lights are  turned on.
■ Windshield wiper linked h eadlight illumination
When driving during daytime with the headlight switch turned to  , if the
windshield  wipers  are  used,  the  headlights  will  turn  on  automat ically  after
several seconds to help enhance the visibility of your vehicle.
■ Automatic headlight level ing system (if equipped)
The level of the headlights is automatically adjusted according  to the number
of  passengers  and  the  loading  condition  of  the  vehicle  to  ensur e  that  the
headlights do not interfere with other road users.
■ 12-volt battery-saving function
In  the  following  conditions,  the  remaining  lights will  go  off  a utomatically  after
20 minutes in order to prevent the 12-volt battery from being discharged:
● The headlights and/or tail lights are on.
● The power switch is in ACCESSORY mode or turned off. 
This function will be canceled in any of the following situatio ns:
● When the power switch is turned to ON mode.
● When the light switch is operated.
● When a door or the trunk is opened or closed.
■ Customization
Some functions can be customized. ( P. 547)
NOTICE
■To prevent 12-volt b attery discharge
Do not leave the lights on longer than necessary when the hybri d system is
off. 

2394-3. Operating the lights and wipers
4
Driving
●In the following situations the system may not be able to correctly detect the
surrounding  brightness  level.  This  may  cause  the  low  beams  to  r emain  on
or the high beams to flash or dazzle pedestrians or vehicles ah ead. In such
a case, it is necessary to manually switch between the high and  low beams.
• When  driving  in  inclement  weather  (heavy  rain,  snow,  fog,  sand storms,
etc.)
• When the windshield is obscured by fog, mist, ice, dirt, etc.
• When the windshield is cracked or damaged
• When the camera sensor is deformed or dirty
• When the temperature of the camera sensor is extremely high
• When  the  surrounding  brightness  level  is  equal  to  that  of  head lights,  tail
lights or fog lights
• When  headlights  or  tail  lights  of  vehicles  ahead  are  turned  off,  dirty, changing color, or not aimed properly
• When the vehicle is hit by water, snow, dust, etc. from a prec eding  vehi-
cle
• When  driving  through  an  area  of  intermittently  changing  brightness  and
darkness
• When  frequently  and  repeatedly  driving  ascending/descending  roads,  or roads  with  rough,  bumpy  or  uneven  surfaces  (such  as  stone-paved
roads, gravel roads, etc.)
• When  frequently  and  repeatedly  taking  curves  or  driving  on  a  w inding
road
• When  there  is  a  highly  reflective  object  ahead  of  the  vehicle,  such  as  a sign or mirror
• When the back of a preceding vehicle is highly reflective, suc h as a con-
tainer on a truck
• When  the  vehicle's  headlights  are  damaged  or  dirty,  or  are  not  aimed
properly
• When the vehicle is listing or titling due to a flat tire, a trailer being towed, etc.
• When  the  headlights  are  changed  between  the  high  beams  and  low
beams repeatedly in an abnormal manner
• When the driver believes that the high beams may be flashing or dazzling pedestrians or other drivers
■ Temporarily lowering sensor sensitivity
The sensitivity of the sensor can be temporarily lowered.
Turn the power switch off while the following conditions are me t.
• The headlight switch is in  .
• The headlight switch lever is in high beam position.
Turn the power switch to the ON mode.
Within  5  seconds  after  ,  repeat  pulling  the  headlight  switch  le ver  to  the
original  position  then  pushing  it  to  the  high  beam  position  qui ckly 9 times,
then leave the lever in high beam position.
Automatic  High  Beam  (headlights)  may  turn  on  even  when  the  vehi cle  is
stopped.
1
2
32 

2414-3. Operating the lights and wipers
4
Driving
Washer/wiper dual oper-
ation
Pulling  the  lever  operates  the  wip-
ers and washer.
Wipers will automatically operate a
couple  of  times  after  the  washer
squirts.
(After  operating  several  times,  the
wipers  operate  once  more  time
after  a  short  delay  to  prevent  drip-
ping.  However,  the  dripping  pre-
vention  does  not  operate  while  the
vehicle is moving.)
■The windshield wiper and washer can be operated when
The power switch is in ON mode.
■ If no windshield washer fluid sprays
Check that the washer nozzles  are not  blocked if there is  washe r  fluid in the
windshield washer fluid reservoir.
■ When stopping the hybrid system in an emergency while driving
If the windshield wipers are operating when the hybrid system is stopped, the
windshield  wipers  will  operate  in  high  speed  operation.  After  t he  vehicle  is
stopped,  operation  will  return  to  normal  when  the  power  switch  is  turned  to
ON mode, or operation will stop when the driver's door is opene d.
7
WARNING
■Caution regarding the use of washer fluid
When  it  is  cold,  do  not  use  the  washer  fluid  until  the  windshie ld  becomes
warm. The  fluid may freeze  on  the  windshield and cause low visi bility. This
may lead to an accident, resulting in death or serious injury.
NOTICE
■ When the windshield is dry
Do not use the wipers, as they may damage the windshield.
■ When the washer fluid tank is empty
Damage  to  the  washer  fluid  pump  may  be  caused  if  the  lever  is  p ulled
toward you and held continually.
■ When a nozzle becomes blocked
In this case, contact your Toyota dealer.
Do not try to clear it with a pin or other object. The nozzle will be damaged.