2020 Lexus ES300h Engine

1394-1. Before driving
4
Driving
Cargo capacity depends on the total
weight of the occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capac-
ity)  (Total weight of occupants)
NOTICE
●Changes in quantity and quality of oil
and fluid used for the engine, hybrid
transmission, etc.
●Lubricant condition for the bearings
and suspension joints (where possi-
ble), and the function of all joints, bear-
ings, etc.
■When parking the vehicle
Always set the parking brake, and shift
the shift lever to P. Failure to do so may
cause the vehicle to move or the vehicle
may accelerate sudden ly if the accelera-
tor pedal is accidentally depressed.
Cargo and luggage
Take notice of the following infor-
mation about storage precautions,
cargo capacity and load:
WARNING
■Things that must not be carried in the
trunk
The following things may cause a fire if
loaded in the trunk:
●Receptacles containing gasoline
●Aerosol cans
■Storage precautions
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may prevent the pedals
from being depressed properly, may
block the driver’s vision, or may result in
items hitting the driver or passengers,
possibly causing an accident.
●Stow cargo and luggage in the trunk
whenever possible.
●Do not place cargo or luggage in or on
the following locations.
• At the feet of the driver
• On the front passenger or rear seats (when stacking items)
• On the package tray
• On the instrument panel
• On the dashboard
• In front of the Center Display
●Secure all items in the occupant com-
partment.
Capacity and distribution

1484-2. Driving procedures
Turns EV drive mode on/off
When EV drive mode is turned on, the EV
drive mode indicator will come on. Press-
ing the switch when 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- 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.88)
●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 and the EV
drive mode indicator will flash and go off.
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

1494-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
●The hybrid battery (traction battery)
becomes low.
The remaining battery level indicated in
the energy monitor display is low.
( P.88)
●Vehicle speed is high.
●The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly
or the vehicle is on a hill etc.
When it is possible to inform the driver of
automatic cancelation in advance, a prior
notice screen will appear on the multi-infor-
mation display.
■Possible driving distance 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 [traction 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 battery 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.
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 them, so take extra
care while driving. Therefore, take extra
care while driving even if the vehicle
proximity notification system is active.

1504-2. Driving procedures
*1: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise, set the shift lever in D for normal
driving. You can choose shift range suit-
able for your driving situation by oper-
ating the paddle shift switches.
*2: By selecting shift ranges using S mode, you can control accelerating force and
engine braking forces.
■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 the D position or S mode,
downshifting to 5 or 4. ( P.196)
●When switching the driving mode to
sport mode while driving in the D posi-
tion. ( P.212)
■Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start
Control)
 P.135
■AI-SHIFT
The AI-SHIFT automatica lly selects the suit-
able gear according to driver performance
and driving conditions.
The AI-SHIFT automatically operates when
the shift lever is in D. (Shifting the shift lever
to S cancels the function.)
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
NNeutral
DNormal driving*1
SS mode driving*2 ( P.153)
WARNING
■When driving on slippery road sur-
faces
Do not accelerate or shift gears sud-
denly.
Sudden changes in engine braking may
cause the vehicle to sp in or skid, resulting
in an accident.
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 certain period of time, the
hybrid battery (traction battery) will dis-
charge, and this may result in the vehicle
not being able to start.

1524-2. Driving procedures
emergency measure to ensure that the shift
lever can be shifted.
Releasing the shift lock:
1
If the parking brake is in manual mode,
set the parking brake. (P.155)
2
Turn the power switch off.
3
Depress the brake pedal.
4
Press down and release the cup holder
lid to open.
5
Pry the cover up with a flathead screw-
driver or equivalent tool.
To prevent damage to the cover, cover the
tip of the screwd river with a rag.
6
Press and hold the shift lock override
button and then push the button on the
shift knob.
The shift lever can be shifted while the but-
ton is pressed
 P.212
To drive using temporary shift range
selection, operate the “-” paddle shift
switch. The shift range can then be
selected by operating the “-” and “+”
paddle shift switches.
Changing the shift range allows
restriction of the highest shift range,
preventing unnecessary upshifting and
enabling the level of engine braking
force to be selected.
1
Upshifting
2
Downshifting
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

1534-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
The selected shift range, from D1 to D6,
will be displaye d in the meter.
■When the “-” paddle shift switch is oper-
ated with the shift le ver in the D position
The shift range is do wnshifted to a range
that enables engine br aking force that is
suitable to driv ing conditions.
■Automatic deactivation of shift range
selection in the D position
Shift range selection in the D position will
be deactivated in the following situations:
●The “+” paddle shift switch is held down
for a period of time
●When the vehicle comes to a stop
●If the accelerator pedal is depressed for
more than a certain period of time
●When the shift lever is shifted to a posi-
tion other than D
■Downshifting restriction warning
buzzer
To help ensure safety and driving perfor-
mance, downshifting operation may some-
times be restricted. In some circumstances,
downshifting may not be possible even
when the shift lever or paddle shift switch is
operated. (A buzzer will sound twice.)
To enter S mode, shift the shift lever to
S. Shift ranges can be selected by
operating the shift lever or paddle shift
switches, allowing you to drive in the
shift range of your choosing. 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 set
automatically to S5 or S4 according to
vehicle’s speed.
■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.
 If you accelerate while in ranges 1 to
4, the shift range may automatically
increase in accordance with the
vehicle’s speed.
■S mode
●When the shift range is S4 or lower, hold-
ing the shift lever toward “+” sets the shift
range to S6.
●To prevent the engine from over-revving,
upshifting may automatically occur.
Selecting shift ranges in S mode

2184-5. Using the driving support systems
and other factors, the detection distance
may shorten, or detection may be impos-
sible.
• There will be a short delay between
object detection and display. Even at low
speeds, there is a possibility that the
object will come within the sensor’s
detection areas before the display is
shown and the warning beep sounds.
• It might be difficult to hear the buzzer due
to the volume of the audio system or air
flow noise of the air conditioning system.
• It may be difficult to hear the buzzer if
buzzers for other systems are sounding.
■Conditions under which the function
may not function correctly
Certain vehicle conditions and the sur-
rounding environment may affect the ability
of a sensor to correctly detect objects. Par-
ticular instances where this may occur are
listed below.
●There is dirt, snow or ice on a sensor.
(Cleaning the sensors will resolve this
problem.)
●A sensor is frozen. (Thawing the area will
resolve this problem.)
In especially cold weather, if a sensor is
frozen the sensor display may be dis-
played abnormally, or objects, such as a
wall, may not be detected.
●A sensor is covered in any way.
●When a sensor or the area around a sen-
sor is extremely hot or cold.
●On an extremely bumpy road, on an
incline, on gravel, or on grass.
●The vicinity of the vehicle is noisy due to
vehicle horns, motorcycle engines, air
brakes of large vehicles, or other loud
noises producing ultrasonic waves.
●There is another vehicle equipped with
parking assist sensors in the vicinity.
●A sensor is coated with a sheet of spray
or heavy rain.
●If a sensor is hit by a large amount of
water, such as when driving on a flooded
road.
●If the vehicle is significantly tilted.
●The vehicle is approaching a tall or
curved curb.
●If objects draw too close to the sensor.
■Objects which may not be properly
detected
The shape of the object may prevent the
sensor from detectin g it. Pay particular
attention to the following objects:
●Wires, fences, ropes, etc.
●Cotton, snow and other materials that
absorb sound waves
●Sharply-angled objects
●Low objects
●Tall objects with upper sections project-
ing outwards in the direction of your vehi-
cle
People may not be de tected if they are
wearing certain types of clothing.
■Detection range of the sensors
Approximately 3.3 ft. (100 cm)
Approximately 4.9 ft. (150 cm)
Approximately 2.0 ft. (60 cm)
The diagram shows the detection range of
the sensors. Note that the sensors cannot
detect objects that are extremely close to
the vehicle.
Sensor detection display, object
distance
A
B
C

2384-5. Using the driving support systems
• When parallel parking
• When there is a rut or hole in the surface of the road
• When driving on a metal cover (grating),
such as those used for drainage ditches
• When driving on a steep slope
• If a sensor is hit by a large amount of water, such as when driving on a flooded
road
●Weather
• If a sensor is covered with ice, snow, dirt, etc. (when cleared, the system will return
to normal)
• If heavy rain or water strikes a sensor
• When driving in incl ement weather such
as fog, snow or a sandstorm
• When strong winds are blowing
●Other ultrasonic wave sources
• When vehicle horns, vehicle detectors, motorcycle engines, air brakes of large
vehicles, the clearance sonar of other
vehicles or other devices which produce
ultrasonic waves are near the vehicle
• If a sticker or an el ectronic component,
such as a backlit license plate (especially
fluorescent type), fog lights, fender pole
or wireless antenna is installed near a
sensor
●Changes in the vehicle posture
• If the vehicle is significantly tilted
• If the front of the vehicle is raised or low- ered due to the carried load
• If the orientation of a sensor has been changed due to a collision or other
impact
■Situations in which the Parking Support
Brake function (stati c objects) may not
operate properly
In some situations, such as the following, this
function may not operate properly.
●Weather
• When a sensor or the area around a sen- sor is extremely hot or cold • When strong winds are blowing
• If a sensor is covered with ice, snow, dirt,
etc. (when cleared, the system will return
to normal)
• If heavy rain or water strikes a sensor
• When driving in incl ement weather such
as fog, snow or a sandstorm
• A sensor is frozen. (Thawing the area will resolve this problem.)
●Vehicle surroundings
• When an object that cannot be detected is between the vehicle and a detected
object
• If an object such as a vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle or pedestrian cuts in front of the
vehicle or runs out from the side of the
vehicle
• The vehicle is approaching a tall or
curved curb.
• On an extremely bumpy road, on an incline, on gravel, or on grass.
• If objects draw too close to the sensor.
●Other ultrasonic waves sources
• When vehicle horns, vehicle detectors, motorcycle engines, air brakes of large
vehicles, the clearance sonar of other
vehicles or other de vices which produce
ultrasonic waves are near the vehicle
• If a sticker or an electronic component,
such as a backlit license plate (especially
fluorescent type), fog lights, fender pole
or wireless antenna is installed near a
sensor
●Changes in the vehicle posture