155
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78530_en
4
4
Driving
Driving
4-1. Before drivingDriving the vehicle ..................... 156
Cargo and luggage .................... 161
Vehicle load limits ...................... 164
Trailer towing (vehicles with tow- ing package).............................. 165
Trailer towing (vehicles without towing package) ...................... 173
Dinghy towing ............................. 173
4-2. Driving procedures Power (ignition) switch ............ 174
EV drive mode ............................ 177
Hybrid transmission .................. 179
Turn signal lever.......................... 182
Parking brake .............................. 183
Brake Hold.................................... 186
ASC (Active Sound Control)187
4-3. Operating the lights and wipers Headlight switch ......................... 189
Automatic High Beam ............. 192
Fog light switch ........................... 195
Windshield wipers and washer ......................................................... 195
Rear window wiper and washer ........................................................ 200
4-4. Refueling Opening the fuel tank cap..... 2024-5. Using the driving support sys-
tems
Lexus Safety System+ 2.0..... 204
PCS (Pre-Collision System) . 210
LTA (Lane Tracing Assist) ...... 217
LDA (Lane Departure Alert with steering control) ..................... 226
RSA (Road Sign Assist).......... 234
Dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range...................... 236
PKSA (Parking Support Alert) ....................................................... 246
Intuitive parking assist ............. 247
Parking Support Brake function (for static objects) .................. 252
BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) ..... 261
Driving mode select switch .. 269
Driving assist systems.............. 270
4-6. Driving tips Hybrid vehicle driving tips .... 275
Winter driving tips .................... 277
Utility vehicle precautions..... 280
1564-1. Before driving
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78530_en
4-1.Before driving
■Starting the hybrid system
P.174
■Driving
1 With the brake pedal depressed,
shift the shift lever to D. ( P.179)
2 Release the parking brake.
(P.184)
If the parking brake is in automatic mode,
the parking brake is released automatically
when shifting the shift lever to any position
other than P. ( P.183)
3 Gradually release the brake pedal
and gently depress the accelerator
pedal to accelerate the vehicle.
■Stopping
1 With the shift lever in D, depress the
brake pedal.
2 If necessary, set the parking brake.
(P.184)
If the vehicle is to be stopped for an
extended period of time, shift the shift lever
to P. ( P.179)
■Parking the vehicle
1 With the shift lever in D, depress the
brake pedal.
2 Set the parking brake ( P.184),
and shift the shift lever to P
( P.179).
3 Press the power switch to stop the
hybrid system. 4
Lock the door, making sure that you
have the electronic key on your
person.
If parking on a hill, block the wheels as
needed.
■Starting off on an uphill
1 With the brake pedal depressed,
shift the shift lever to D. ( P.179)
2 Pull the parking brake switch and
parking brake is set manually.
(P.184)
3 Release the brake pedal and gently
depress the accelerator pedal to
accelerate the vehicle.
4 Press the parking brake switch and
parking brake is released manually.
(P.184)
■When starting off on an uphill
The hill-start assist control will activate.
( P.270)
■For fuel-efficient driving
Keep in mind that hybr id vehicles are similar
to conventional vehicles, and it is necessary
to refrain from activi ties such as sudden
acceleration. ( P.275)
■Driving in the rain
●Drive carefully when it is raining, because
visibility will be reduced, the windows
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 rain, because there
may be a layer of wa ter between the tires
and the road surface, preventing the
steering and brakes from operating prop-
erly.
Driving the vehicle
The specified procedures should be
observed to ensure safe driving:
Driving procedure
1574-1. Before driving
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78530_en
4
Driving
■Restraining the hybr id system output
(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 sys-
tem is operating.
■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.
●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.271) 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.430)
■Eco-friendly driving
P.87
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 with the “READY”
indicator is illuminated. This prevents the
vehicle from creeping.
■When driving the vehicle
●Do not drive if you are unfamiliar with
the location of the brake and accelera-
tor pedals to avoid depressing the
wrong pedal.
• Accidentally depressing the accelera- tor pedal instead of the brake pedal
will result in sudden acceleration that
may lead to an accident.
• When backing up, you may twist your body around, leading to difficulty in
operating the pedals. Make sure to
operate the pedals properly.
• Make sure to keep a correct driving posture even when moving the vehicle
only slightly. This allows you to depress
the brake and accelerator pedals
properly.
• Depress the brake pedal using your right foot. Depressing the brake pedal
using your left foot may delay
response in an emer gency, resulting in
an accident.
●The driver should pay extra attention
to pedestrians when the vehicle is
powered only by the electric motor
(traction motor). As there is no engine
noise, the pedestrians may misjudge
the vehicle’s movement.
1654-1. Before driving
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78530_en
4
Driving
Contact your Lexus dealer for further
information about additional 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. Coupler
Trailer ball
■Before towing
Check that the following conditions are
met:
●Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are prop-
erly inflated. ( P.428)
●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.
■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
Trailer towing (vehicles with
towing package)
Your vehicle is de signed 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.
A
B
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.
1904-3. Operating the lights and wipers
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78530_en
turn on. (P.190)
■AUTO mode can be used when
The power switch is in ON mode.
■Daytime running light system
●The daytime running lights illuminate
using the same lights as the parking lights
and illuminate brighter than the parking
lights.
●To make your vehicle more visible to
other drivers during daytime driving, the
daytime running lights turn on automati-
cally when all of the following conditions
are met. (The daytime running lights are
not designed for use at night.)
• The hybrid system is started
• The parking brake is released
• The headlight switch is in the
(type B), or
* position
*: When the surroundings are bright
The daytime running lights remain on after
they illuminate, even if the parking brake is
set again.
●For the U.S.A.: Dayt ime running lights
can be turned off by operating the switch.
●Compared to turning on the headlights,
the daytime running light system offers
greater durability and consumes less
electricity, so it can help improve fuel
●If a turn signal light is in use, the daytime
running light, on the same side, is turned
off. For emergency flashers, both are
turned off.
■Headlight control sensor
The sensor may not function properly if an
object is placed on th e sensor, or anything
that blocks the sensor is affixed to the wind-
shield.
Doing so interferes with the sensor detect-
ing the level of ambient light and may cause
the automatic headlight system to malfunc-
tion.
■Automatic light off system
●When the headlights come on: The head-
lights and tail lights turn off 30 seconds
after a door is opened and closed if the
power switch is turned to ACCESSORY
mode or turned off. (The lights turn off
immediately if on the key is
pressed after all the doors are locked.)
●When only the tail lights come 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
.
■Light reminder buzzer
A buzzer sounds when the power switch is
turned off or turned to ACCESSORY
mode and the driver’s door is opened while
the lights are turned on.
■Automatic headlight leveling system (if
equipped)
The level of the headlights is automatically
adjusted according to the number of pas-
sengers and the loadin g condition of the
vehicle to ensure that the headlights do not
interfere with other road users.
■12-volt battery-saving function
In order to prevent the 12-volt battery of the
vehicle from discharging, if the headlights
and/or tail lights are on when the power
switch is turned off the 12-volt battery sav-
ing function will operate and automatically
turn off all the lights after approximately 20
minutes. When the power switch is turned
to ON mode, the 12-volt battery-saving
2024-4. Refueling
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78530_en
4-4.Refueling
Turn the power switch off and
ensure that all the doors and win-
dows are closed.
Confirm the type of fuel.
■Fuel types
P.430
■Fuel tank opening for unleaded gasoline
To help prevent incorrect fueling, your vehi-
cle has a fuel tank opening that only accom-
modates the special nozzle on unleaded
fuel pumps.
■If the malfunction indicator lamp illumi-
nates
The malfunction indicator lamp may illumi-
nate erroneously if refueling is performed
repeatedly when the fuel tank is nearly full.
1 With all doors unlocked, press the
center of the rear edge of the fuel
filler door.
Push inward and take your hand away to
slightly open the fuel filler door. Then open
Opening the fuel tank cap
Before refueling the vehicle
WARNING
■When refueling the vehicle
Observe the following precautions while
refueling the vehicle. Failure to do so may
result in death or serious injury.
●After exiting the vehicle and before
opening the fuel door, touch an
unpainted metal surface to discharge
any static electricity. It is important to
discharge static electricity before refu-
eling because sparks resulting from
static electricity can cause fuel vapors
to ignite while refueling.
●Always hold the grips on the fuel tank
cap and turn it slowly to remove it.
A whooshing sound may be heard
when the fuel tank cap is loosened.
Wait until the sound cannot be heard
before fully removing the cap. In hot
weather, pressurized fuel may spray
out of the filler neck and cause injury.
●Do not allow anyone that has not dis-
charged static electricity from their
body to come close to an open fuel
tank.
●Do not inhale vaporized fuel.
Fuel contains substances that are
harmful if inhaled.
●Do not smoke while refueling the vehi-
cle.
Doing so may cause the fuel to ignite
and cause a fire.
●Do not return to the vehicle or touch
any person or object that is statically
charged. This may cause static elec-
tricity to build up, re sulting in a possible
ignition hazard.
■When refueling
Observe the following precautions to
prevent fuel overflowing from the fuel
tank:
●Securely insert the fuel nozzle into the
fuel filler neck.
●Stop filling the tank after the fuel noz-
zle automatically clicks off.
●Do not top off the fuel tank.
NOTICE
■Refueling
Do not spill fuel during refueling.
Doing so may damage the vehicle, such
as causing the emission control system to
operate abnormally, damaging fuel sys-
tem components or the vehicle’s painted
surface.
Opening the fuel tank cap