2020 LEXUS NX300 tow

1373-4. Adjusting the steering wheel and mirrors
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
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Before driving
the driving position memory. ( P.128)
■Linked mirror function when reversing
(vehicles with driving position memory)
When the mirror select switch is in the “L”
or “R” position, the outside rear view mir-
rors will automatically angle downwards
when the vehicle is reversing in order to
give a better view of the ground.
To disable this function, move the mirror
select switch to the neutral position
(between “L” or “R”)
With the shift lever in R, adjust the mirror
angle to a desired position to set the mirror
angle used when the vehicle is reversing.
The adjusted angle will be memorized and
the mirror will automatically tilt to the mem-
orized angle whenever the shift lever is
shifted to R from next time.
The memorized downward tilt position of
the mirror is linked to the normal position
(angle adjusted with th e shift lever in other
than R). Therefore, if the normal position is
changed after adjustment, the tilt position
will also change.
When the normal position is changed, read-
just the angle in reversing.
When used in cold weather, the door mirror
could be frozen and may not automatically
point the mirror surface downward. In this
event, remove any ice and snow from the
mirror surface.
1Folds the mirrors
2
Extends the mirrors
Putting the outside rear view mirror folding
switch in the neutral position sets the mir-
rors to automatic mode. Automatic mode
allows the folding or extending of the mir-
rors to be linked to locking/unlocking of
the doors.
■When using in cold weather
When automatic mode is used in cold
weather, the door mirror could freeze up
and automatic stowing and return may not
be possible. In this event, after removing any
ice and snow from the door mirror, operate
the mirror using manual mode or move it by
hand.
■Customization
The automatic mirror folding and extending
operation can be changed. (Customizable
features: P.427)
Folding and extending the mir-
rors
WARNING
■When a mirror is moving
To avoid personal injury and mirror mal-
function, be careful not to get your hand
caught by the moving mirror.

145
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4
Driving
Driving
4-1. Before driving
Driving the vehicle ..................... 146
Cargo and luggage ................... 152
Vehicle load limits ...................... 154
Trailer towing (vehicles with tow- ing package).............................. 155
Trailer towing (vehicles without towing package) ...................... 163
Dinghy towing ............................. 164
4-2. Driving procedures Engine (ignition) switch ........... 165
Automatic transmission........... 168
Turn signal lever.......................... 172
Parking brake .............................. 172
Brake Hold.................................... 175
ASC (Active Sound Control) 177
4-3. Operating the lights and wipers Headlight switch ......................... 178
Automatic High Beam .............. 181
Fog light switch ........................... 184
Windshield wipers and washer ......................................................... 184
Rear window wiper and washer ......................................................... 189
4-4. Refueling Opening the fuel tank cap....... 1914-5. Using the driving support sys-
tems
Lexus Safety System+ 2.0...... 193
PCS (Pre-Collision System) . 199
LTA (Lane Tracing Assist) .... 206
LDA (Lane Departure Alert with steering control) ...................... 215
RSA (Road Sign Assist).......... 223
Dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range...................... 225
PKSA (Parking Support Alert) ....................................................... 235
Intuitive parking assist ............. 236
Parking Support Brake function (for static objects) .................... 241
BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) .... 250
Driving mode select switch .. 258
Driving assist systems.............. 260
All-wheel drive lock switch (AWD models)....................................... 264
4-6. Driving tips Winter driving tips .................... 266
Utility vehicle precautions..... 269

1474-1. Before driving
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
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Driving
or downhill
●When the accelerator pedal is released
●When the brake pedal is depressed while
Sport mode is selected
■Restraining the engine output (Brake
Override System)
●When the accelerator and brake pedals
are depressed at the same time, the
engine output may be restrained.
●A warning message is displayed on the
multi-information display while the sys-
tem is operating.
■Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start
Control)
●When the following unusual operation is
performed, the engine output may be
restrained.
• When the shift lever is shifted from R to D,
D to R, N to R, P to D, or P to R (D
includes M) with the accelerator pedal
depressed, a warning message appears
on the multi-information display. If a
warning message is shown on the multi-
information display, read the message
and follow the instructions.
• When the accelerator pedal is depressed
too much while the vehicle is in reverse.
●While Drive-Start Control is being acti-
vated, your vehicle may have trouble
escaping from the mud or fresh snow. In
such case, deactivate TRAC ( P.261) to
cancel Drive-Start Control so that the
vehicle may become able to escape from
the mud or fresh snow.
■Breaking in your new Lexus
To extend the life of the vehicle, observing
the following precautions is recommended:
●For the first 200 miles (300 km):
Avoid sudden stops.
●For the first 1000 miles (1600 km):
• Do not drive at extremely high speeds.
• Avoid sudden acceleration.
• Do not drive continuously in low gears.
• Do not drive at a constant speed for extended periods.
●For the first 500 miles (800 km):
Do not tow a trailer. (vehicles with towing
package)
■Operating your vehicle in a foreign
country
Comply with the relevant vehicle registra-
tion laws and confirm the availability of the
correct fuel. ( P.416)
■Idling time before engine stop
To prevent damage to the turbocharger,
allow the engine to idle immediately after
high-load driving.
■Eco-friendly driving
 P.78
Driving conditionIdling time
Normal city driving or high-
speed driving (at the highway speed limit or recommended speed)
Not neces-sary
Steep hill driving, continuous driving (race track driving, etc.), or towing a trailer or
another vehicle (vehicles with towing package)
Approxi-mately 1 minute
WARNING
Observe the-following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or
serious injury.
■When starting the vehicle
Always keep your foot on the brake
pedal while stopped en gine running. This
prevents the vehicle from creeping.

1524-1. Before driving
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
Cargo capacity depends on the total
weight of the occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capac-
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
luggage compartment
The following things may cause a fire if
loaded in the luggage compartment:
●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 lug-
gage compartment whenever possi-
ble.
●Do not stack cargo and luggage in the
luggage compartment higher than the
seatbacks.
●When you fold down the rear seats,
long items should not be placed
directly behind the front seats.
●Never allow anyone to ride in the lug-
gage compartment. It is not designed
for passengers. They should ride in
their seats with their seat belts prop-
erly fastened.
●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 luggage cover
• On the instrument panel
• On the dashboard
●Secure all items in the occupant com-
partment.
■When using a roof luggage carrier
(vehicles with roof rails)
Observe the following precautions:
●Place the cargo so that its weight is dis-
tributed evenly between the front and
rear axles.
●If loading long or wide cargo, never
exceed the vehicle overall length or
width. ( P.408)
●Before driving, make sure the cargo is
securely fastened on the roof luggage
carrier.
●Loading cargo on the roof luggage
carrier will make the center of gravity
of the vehicle higher. Avoid high
speeds, sudden starts, sharp turns,
sudden braking or abrupt maneuvers,
otherwise it may result in loss of con-
trol or vehicle rollover due to failure to
operate this vehicle correctly and
result in death or serious injury.
●If driving for a long distance, on rough
roads, or at high sp eeds, stop the vehi-
cle now and then during the trip to
make sure the cargo remains in its
place.
●Do not exceed 176.3 lb. (80 kg) cargo
weight on the roof luggage carrier.
NOTICE
■When loading cargo (vehicles with
moon roof)
Do not set luggage on the moon roof.
Failure to observe so may lead to cause
damage.
Capacity and distribution

1534-1. Before driving
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Driving
ity) — (Total weight of occupants)
Steps for Determining Correct Load
Limit
(1) Locate the statement “The com-
bined weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX kg or XXX
lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of
the driver and passengers that will be
riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of
the driver and passengers from XXX
kg or XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount
equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five
150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 — 750
(5 × 150) = 650 lbs.)
(5) Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and lug-
gage load capacity calculated in Step
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.154)
Vehicles without towing package: 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.408)
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
*2lb. (kg) — A*1 lb. (kg) = C*3 lb. (kg)
*1: A = Weight of people
*2: B = Total load capacity
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

1544-1. Before driving
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
*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 lug-
gage 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 occupants 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.
■Total load capacity (vehicle capac-
ity weight):
 P.408
Total load capacity means the com-
bined weight of occupants, cargo and
luggage.
■Seating capacity: 5 occupants
(Front 2, Rear 3)
Seating capacity means the maximum
number of occupants whose esti-
mated average weight is 150 lb. (68
kg) per person.
■TWR (Trailer Weight Rating) (vehi-
cles with towing package):
 P.160, 408
TWR means the maximum gross trailer
weight (trailer weight plus its cargo
weight) that your vehicle is able to tow.
■TWR (Trailer Weight Rating) (vehi-
cles without towing package)
Lexus does not recommend towing a
trailer with your vehicle.
■Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or
decrease depending on the weight and
the number of occupants.
Vehicle load limits
Vehicle load limits include total
load capacity, seating capacity,
towing capacity and cargo capac-
ity.
Description

1554-1. Before driving
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Driving
■Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire
and loading information label. ( P.351)
Contact your Lexus dealer for further
information about ad ditional require-
ments such as a towing kit, etc.
■Matching trailer ball height to trailer
coupler height
No matter which class of tow hitch applies,
for a more safe trailer hookup, the trailer
ball setup must be the proper height for the
coupler on the trailer.
WARNING
■Overloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle.
It may not only cause damage to the tires,
but also degrade steering and braking
ability, resulting in an accident.
Trailer towing (vehicles with
t
owing package)
Your vehicle is designed primarily
as a passenger-and-load-carrying
vehicle. Towing a trailer can have an
adverse impact on handling, per-
formance, braking, durability, and
fuel consumption. For your safety
and the safety of others, you must
not overload your vehicle or trailer.
You must also ensure that you are
using appropriate towing equip-
ment, that the towing equipment
has been installed correctly and
used properly, and that you employ
the requisite driving habits.
Vehicle-trailer stability and braking
performance are affected by trailer
stability, brake performance and
setting, trailer brakes, the hitch and
hitch systems (if equipped).
To tow a trailer safely, use extreme
care and drive the vehicle in accor-
dance with your trailer’s character-
istics and operating conditions.
Lexus warranties do not apply to
damage or malfunction caused by
towing a trailer for commercial pur-
poses.

1564-1. Before driving
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
Coupler
Trailer ball
■Before towing
Check that the following conditions are
met:
●Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are prop-
erly inflated. ( P.413)
●Trailer tires are inflated according to the
trailer manufacturer’s recommendation.
●All trailer lights work as required by law.
●All lights work each time you connect
them.
●The trailer ball is set at the proper height
for the coupler on the trailer.
●The trailer is level when it is hitched.
Do not drive if the trailer is not level, and
check for improper tongue weight, over-
loading, worn suspension, or other possi-
ble causes.
●The trailer cargo is securely loaded.
●The rear view mirrors conform to all
applicable federal, state/provincial or
local regulations. If they do not, install
rear view mirrors appropriate for towing
purposes.
■AVS (Adaptive Variable Suspension
System) (if equipped)
The suspension can be switched for
improvement in driveability. ( P.261)
■Break-in schedule
If your vehicle is new or equipped with any
new power train components (such as an
engine, transmission, differential or wheel
bearing), Lexus recommends that you do
not tow a trailer until the vehicle has been
driven for over 500 miles (800 km).
After the vehicle has been driven for over
500 miles (800 km), you can start towing.
However, for the next 500 miles (800 km),
drive the vehicle at a speed of less than 50
mph (80 km/h) when towing a trailer, and
avoid full throttle acceleration.
■Maintenance
●If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will
require more frequent maintenance due
to the additional load. (See “Warranty
and Services Guide”, “Owner’s Manual
Supplement” or “Scheduled Mainte-
nance”.)
●Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing
ball and bracket after approximately 600
miles (1000 km) of trailer towing.
■If trailer sway occurs
One or more factors (crosswinds, passing
vehicles, rough roads, etc.) can adversely
affect handling of your vehicle and trailer,
causing instability.
●If trailer swaying occurs:
• Firmly grip the steering wheel. Steer
straight ahead.
Do not try to control trailer swaying by
turning the steering wheel.
• Begin releasing th e accelerator pedal
immediately but very gradually to reduce
speed.
Do not increase speed. Do not apply
vehicle brakes.
If you make no extreme correction with the
steering or brakes, your vehicle and trailer
should stabilize.
●After the trailer swaying has stopped:
• Stop in a safe place. Get all occupants out of the vehicle.
• Check the tires of the vehicle and the trailer.
• Check the load in the trailer.
Make sure the load has not shifted.
Make sure the tongue weight is appropri-
ate, if possible.
A
B