2020 LEXUS NX300h engine

1784-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78530_endriven 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.99)
●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.99)
●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.
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.

1794-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78530_en
4
Driving
*1: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise, shift the shift lever to D for normal
driving.
You can choose gear range suitable for
your driving situation by operating the
paddle shift switches.
*2: By selecting shift ra nges using S mode,
you can control accelerating force and
engine braking force.
■S mode
●When the shift range is 4 or lower, hold-
ing the shift lever towa rd “+” sets the shift
range to 6.
●Automatically selects a higher shift range
before the engine speed becomes too
high.
■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.181)
●When switching the driving mode to
Sport mode while driving in D position.
( P.269)
■Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start
Control)
When the following unusual operation is
performed, the hybrid system 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 S) 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.
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.181)WARNING
■When driving on slippery road sur-
faces
Be careful of downsh ifting and sudden
acceleration, as this could result in the
vehicle skidding to the side or spinning.
NOTICE
■Hybrid battery (t raction battery)
charge
If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery
(traction battery) will not be charging,
even when the engine is running. There-
fore, if the vehicle is left with the shift
lever in N, the hybrid battery (traction
battery) will discharge, and this may
result in the vehicl e not being able to
start.

1814-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78530_en
4
Driving
To drive using temporary shift range
selection, operate the “-” paddle shift
switch while the shift lever in D. Chang-
ing the shift range enables the level of
engine braking force to be selected.
The shift range can then be selected by
operating the “-” and “+” paddle shift
switches.
1 Upshifting
2 Downshifting
The selected shift range, from 1 to 6, will be
displayed on the multi-information display.
The initial shift range is 4 when the “-” pad-
dle shift switch is operated.
To return to normal D position driving, the
“+” paddle shift switch must be held down
for a period of time.
■Shift ranges and their functions
 You can choose from 6 levels of
engine braking force.
 A lower shift range will provide
greater engine braking force than a
higher shift range, and the engine
revolutions will also increase.
■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 pe
dal is depressed for
more than a certai n period of time
●When the shift lever is shifted to a posi-
tion other than D
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 choice. The shift
range can be selected by operating the
shift lever or the “-” and “+” paddle shift
switches.
1 Upshifting
2 Downshifting
The selected shift range, from 1 to 6, will be
displayed.
The initial shift range in S mode is 4.
Selecting shift ranges in the D
position
Selecting shift ranges in the S
position

1824-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78530_en
■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.
■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.)
1 Right turn
2 Lane change to the right (move the
lever partway and release it)
The right hand signals will flash 3
times.
3 Lane change to the left (move the
lever partway and release it)
The left hand signals will flash 3
times.
4 Left turn
■Turn signals can be operated when
The power switch is in ON mode.
■If the indicator flashes faster than usual
Check that a light bulb in the front or rear
turn signal lights has not burned out.
■Customization
 P.441
Turn signal lever
Operating instructions

1874-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78530_en
4
Driving
tion display, read the message and follow
the instructions.
■If the brake hold operated indicator
flashes
 P.390
*: If equipped
1 Louder
2 Lower
The indicator comes on when the ASC
system is on.
When the dial is turned to the lowest
volume, the ASC system will be turned
off and the indicator will go off.
■Operating conditions
When the driving mode select switch is not
WARNING
■When the vehicle is on a steep incline
When using the brake hold system on a
steep incline, exercise caution. The brake
hold function may not hold the vehicle in
such a situation.
■When stopped on a slippery road
The system cannot stop the vehicle when
the gripping ability of the tires has been
exceeded. Do not use the system when
stopped on a slippery road.
NOTICE
■When parking the vehicle
The brake hold system is not designed
for use when parking the vehicle for a
long period of time. Turning the power
switch off while the system is holding the
brake may release the brake, which
would cause the vehicle to move. When
operating the power switch, depress the
brake pedal, shift the shift lever to P and
set the parking brake.
ASC (Active Sound Con-
trol)*
The ASC system is an electronic
sound system that generates
engine sound, conveying the
kinetic situations of the vehicle’s
acceleration and deceleration to
the driver through the speakers
inside the instrument panel.
The vehicle’s response to the
driver’s acceleration behavior and
shift operations are also conveyed
in sound.
When Sport mode is selected, the
sound conveyed to the driver will be
louder.
Controlling volume

2494-5. Using the driving support systems
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78530_en
4
Driving
Lexus dealer.
■Sensor detectio n information
●The sensor’s detection areas are limited
to the areas around the vehicle’s bumper.
●Certain vehicle conditions and the sur-
rounding environment may affect the
ability of a sensor to correctly detect an
obstacle. Particular instances where this
may occur are listed below.
• There is dirt, snow or ice on the sensor. (Wiping the sensors will resolve this
problem.)
• The sensor is frozen. (Thawing the area will resolve this problem.)
In especially cold weather, if a sensor is
frozen the screen may show an abnormal
display, or obstacles may not be
detected.
• The sensor is covered in any way.
• The vehicle is leaning considerably to one side.
• 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.
• The sensor is coated with a sheet of spray or heavy rain.
• The vehicle is equipped with a fender
pole or wireless antenna.
• Towing eyelets are installed.
• The bumper or sensor receives a strong impact.
• A backlit license plate, license plate holder, etc., are installed.
• The vehicle is approaching a tall or curved curb.
• In harsh sunlight or intense cold weather.
• The area directly under the bumpers is
not detected.
• If obstacles draw too close to the sensor.
• A non-genuine Lexus suspension (low- ered suspension etc.) is installed.
• People may not be detected if they are wearing certain types of clothing.
In addition to the examples above, there are
instances in which, because of their shape,
signs and other objects may be judged by a
sensor to be closer than they are.
●The shape of the obstacle may prevent a
sensor from detecting it. Pay particular
attention to the following obstacles:
• Wires, fences, ropes, etc.
• Cotton, snow and other materials that absorb sound waves
• Sharply-angled objects
• Low obstacles
• Tall obstacles with upper sections pro- jecting outwards in the direction of your
vehicle
●The following situations may occur
during use.
• Depending on the shape of the obstacle
and other factors, the detection distance
may shorten, or detection may be impos-
sible.
• Obstacles may not be detected if they are too close to the sensor.
• There will be a short delay between
obstacle detection and display. Even at
slow speeds, there is a possibility that the
obstacle will come within the sensor’s
detection areas befo re the display is
shown and the buzzer sounds.
• Thin posts or object s lower than the sen-
sor may not be detected when
approached, even if they have been
detected once.
• It might be difficult to hear beeps due to the volume of audio system or air flow
noise of the air conditioning system.
■Customization
Some functions can be customized.
(Customizable features: P.441)
WARNING
■When using the intuitive parking
assist
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in the vehicle
being unable to be driven safely and pos-
sibly cause an accident.
●Do not use the sensor at speeds in
excess of 6 mph (10 km/h).

2574-5. Using the driving support systems
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78530_en
4
Driving
clothing they are wearing.)
●Objects not perpendicular with the
ground, objects not at a right angle to the
traveling direction of the vehicle, uneven
objects or waving objects
●Low objects
●Thin objects such as wires, fences, ropes
and signposts
●Objects that are extremely close to the
bumper
■Situations in which the Parking Support
Brake function (for static objects) may
not operate
When driving with the shift lever in N
■Situations when the system may operate
even though there is no possibility of a
collision
In the following situations, the system may
operate even though there is no possibility
of a collision.
●Environmental influence
• The vehicle is driven on a narrow road
• The vehicle is driven on a gravel road or in an area with tall grass
• The vehicle is driven toward a banner or flag, a low-hanging branch or a boom
barrier (such as those used at railroad
crossings, toll gates and parking lots).
• There is a static obje ct on the shoulder of
the road (when the vehicle is driven in a
narrow tunnel, on a narrow bridge or on a narrow road)
• The vehicle is be ing parallel parked
• There is a rut or hole in the surface of the
road
• When the vehicle is driven on a metal cover (grating), such as those used for
drainage ditches
• The vehicle is driven on a steep slope
• The sensor is covered by water on a flooded road
●Influence from the weather
• Ice, snow, dirt, etc., has adhered to the sensor (if removed, the system returns to
normal)
• Heavy rain or water strikes the vehicle
• In severe weather such as fog, snow or a sand storm
●Influence from other sonic waves
• An ultrasonic wave source is nearby, such
as the horn or clearance sonar of another
vehicle, a vehicle detector, a motorcycle
engine or the air brake of a large vehicle
• Electronic components (such as a backlit license plate (especially fluorescent
types), fog lights, a fe nder pole or a wire-
less antenna) are installed near the sen-
sors
●Changes in the vehicle
• The vehicle is tilted a large amount
• The height of the vehicle has drastically changed due to the carried load (the
nose tilts up or down)
• The direction of the sensor has deviated
due to a collision or other impact
■Situations in which the system may not
operate normally
In the following situations, the system may
not operate normally.
●Environmental influence
• There is a static object that cannot be detected between the vehicle and
another static object that can be
detected
• A static object such as another vehicle, a motorcycle, a bicycle or a pedestrian cuts
in front of the vehicle or jumps out from
the side.
●Influence from the weather
• The area around the sensor is extremely hot or cold

2584-5. Using the driving support systems
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78530_en• The wind is strong
• Ice, snow, dirt, etc., has adhered to the
sensor (if removed, the system returns to
normal)
• Heavy rain or water strikes the vehicle
• In severe weather such as fog, snow or a
sand storm
●Influence from other sonic waves
• An ultrasonic wave source is nearby, such as the horn or clearance sonar of another
vehicle, a vehicle detector, a motorcycle
engine or the air brake of a large vehicle
• Electronic components (such as a backlit
license plate (especially fluorescent
types), fog lights, a fender pole or a wire-
less antenna) are inst alled near the sen-
sors
●Changes in the vehicle
• The vehicle is tilted a large amount
• The height of the vehicle has drastically changed due to the carried load (the
nose tilts up or down)
• The direction of the sensor has deviated due to a collision or other impact
■When “Parking Support Brake Unavail-
able” is displayed on the multi-informa-
tion display and the PKSB OFF indicator
flashes
●Ice, snow, dirt, etc., may have adhered to
the sensor. If this occurs, remove the ice,
snow, dirt, etc., from the sensor to return
the system to normal.
Also, a warning message may be dis- played at low temperatures due to ice
forming on the sensor, and the sensor
may not detect static objects. Once the
ice melts, the system will return to normal.
●If this message is shown even after
removing dirt from the sensor, or shown
when the sensor was not dirty to begin
with, have the vehicle inspected by your
Lexus dealer.
●System initialization may not have been
performed after remova
l and installation
of the 12-volt battery. Perform system ini-
tialization.
■When removing and installing the 12-
volt battery
The system needs to be initialized.
The system can be init ialized by driving the
vehicle straight ahead for 5 seconds or
more at a speed of approximately 22 mph
(35 km/h) or higher.
■When “Parking Support Brake Mal-
function Visit Your Dealer” is displayed
on the multi-information display, the
PKSB OFF indicator flashes and the
buzzer sounds
The system may not be operating properly.
Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus
dealer.
WARNING
■In order for the system to operate
properly
Make sure to observe the following pre-
cautions regarding the sensors
(  P.250). Failure to observe these pre-
cautions may cause the sensors not to
operate properly, and may result in an
unexpected accident.
●Do not perform work such as modifi-
cation, disassembly or painting
●Only perform replacements using
genuine parts
●Do not subject the area around the
sensors to any impacts