2020 LEXUS RX350 tow

155
4
4
Driving
Driving
.4-1. Before drivingDriving the vehicle ..................... 156
Cargo and luggage .................... 161
Vehicle load limits ...................... 164
Trailer towing (vehicles without towing package) ...................... 165
Trailer towing (vehicles with tow- ing package).............................. 165
Dinghy towing ............................. 175
4-2. Driving procedures Engine (ignition) switch ........... 176
Automatic transmission........... 180
Turn signal lever.......................... 184
Parking brake .............................. 185
Brake Hold.................................... 188
4-3. Operating the lights and wipers Headlight switch ......................... 190
Automatic High Beam ............. 193
Fog light switch ........................... 195
Windshield wipers and washer ......................................................... 196
Rear window wiper and washer ........................................................ 200
4-4. Refueling Opening the fuel tank cap..... 202
4-5. Using the driving support sys- tems
Lexus Safety System + 2.0 .... 205
PCS (Pre-Collision System)... 211
LTA (Lane Tracing Assist)...... 218RSA (Road Sign Assist)...........227
Dynamic radar cruise control with
full-speed range...................... 230
BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) .... 239
PKSA (Parking Support Alert) ....................................................... 245
Intuitive parking assist ............. 247
RCTA (Rear cross traffic alert) function....................................... 253
PKSB (Parking Support Brake) ....................................................... 258
Parking Support Brake function (static objects) ......................... 264
Parking Support Brake function (rear-crossing vehicles) ...... 270
Driving mode select switch .. 274
All-wheel drive lock switch ... 276
Driving assist systems.............. 277
4-6. Driving tips Winter driving tips .................... 283
Utility vehicle precautions..... 285

1574-1. Before driving
4
Driving
●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 and head-up
display (if equipped) while the system 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 and
head-up display (if equipped). If a warn-
ing message is shown on the multi-infor-
mation display and head-up display (if
equipped), 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.279)
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 500 miles (800 km):
Do not tow a trailer.
●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.
■Operating your vehicle in a foreign
country
Comply with the relevant vehicle registra-
tion laws and confirm the availability of the
correct fuel. ( P.454)
■Eco-friendly driving
 P.81
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 the engine running.
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 a 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.

1624-1. Before driving
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.164)
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.452)
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
*2 lb. (kg) - A*1 lb. (kg) = C*3 lb. (kg)
*1: A =Weight of people
*2: B =Total load capacity
*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 luggage 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 occupant s 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.
Calculation formula for your
vehicle
A
B
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.

1644-1. Before driving
■Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire
and loading information label. ( P.383)
Vehicle load limits
Vehicle load limits include total
load capacity, seating capacity,
trailer weight rating and cargo
capacity.
 Total load capacity (vehicle
capacity weight):  P.452
Total load capacity means the com-
bined weight of occupants, cargo
and luggage.
 Seating capacity (RX350)
5 occupants (Front 2, Rear 3)
Seating capacity means the maxi-
mum number of occupants whose
estimated average weight is 150 lb.
(68 kg) per person.
 Seating capacity (RX350L)
Vehicles with rear separate seat: 6
occupants (Front 2, Rear 4)
Vehicles with rear bench seat: 7
occupants (Front 2, Rear 5)
Seating capacity means the maxi-
mum number of occupants whose
estimated average weight is 150 lb.
(68 kg) per person.
 TWR (Trailer Weight Rating)
(vehicles with towing package):
P.170, 452
TWR means the maximum gross
trailer weight (trailer weight plus its
cargo weight) that your vehicle is
able to tow.
 TWR (Trailer Weight Rating)
(vehicles without towing pack-
age)
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.
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.

1654-1. Before driving
4
Driving
■Matching trailer ball height to trailer
coupler height
No matter which class of tow hitch applies,
Trailer towing (vehicles with-
out towing package)
Lexus does not recommend towing
a trailer with your vehicle. Lexus
also does not recommend the
installation of a tow hitch or the use
of a tow hitch carrier for a wheel-
chair, scooter, bicycle, etc. Your
vehicle is not desi gned for trailer
towing or for the use of tow hitch
mounted carriers.
Trailer towing (vehicles with
towing package)
Your vehicle is designed primarily
as a passenger-and-load-carrying
vehicle. Towing a tr ailer 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.
Contact your Lexus dealer for fur-
ther information about additional
requirements such as a towing kit,
etc.

1664-1. Before driving
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.457)
●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.
■Adaptive Variable Suspension System
(if equipped)
The suspension can be switched for
improvement in driveability. ( P.278)
■Break-in schedule
If your vehicle is new or equipped with any
new power train components (such as an
engine, transaxle, transfer [AWD models],
rear differential [AWD models] 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. (if enabled, Trailer Sway
A
B

1674-1. Before driving
4
Driving
Control can also help to stabilize the vehicle
and trailer.)
●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.
• Check the load in the vehicle. Make sure the vehicle is not overloaded
after occupants get in.
If you cannot find any problems, the speed
at which trailer swaying occurred is beyond
the limit of your particular vehicle-trailer
combination. Drive at a lower speed to pre-
vent instability. Remember that swaying of
the towing vehicle-trailer increases as
speed increases.
WARNING
■Trailer towing precautions
To tow a trailer safely, use extreme care
and drive the vehicle in accordance with
the trailer’s characteristics and operating
conditions. Failure to do so could cause
an accident resulting in death or serious
injury. Vehicle stabi lity and braking per-
formance are affected by trailer stability,
brake setting and performance, and the
hitch. Your vehicle will handle differently
when towing a trailer.
■To avoid accident or injury
●Do not exceed the TWR, unbraked
TWR, GCWR, GVWR or GAWR.
●If the gross trailer weight is over 2000
lb. (907 kg), a sway control device with
sufficient capacity is required.
●Adjust the tongue weight within the
appropriate range. Place heavier loads
as close to the trailer axle as possible.
●Do not exceed 65 mph (104 km/h),
the posted towing speed limit or the
speed limit for your trailer as set forth
in your trailer owner’s manual, which-
ever is lowest. Slow down sufficiently
before making a turn, in cross winds,
on wet or slippery surface, etc. to help
avoid an accident. If you experience a
vehicle-trailer instability from reduc-
ing a certain speed, slow down and
make sure you keep your vehicle
speed under the speed of which you
experience the instability.
●Do not make jerky, abrupt or sharp
turns.
●Do not apply the brakes suddenly as
you may skid, resulting in jackknifing
and loss of vehicle control. This is
especially true on wet or slippery sur-
faces.
●Do not exceed the trailer hitch assem-
bly weight, gross vehicle weight, gross
axle weight and tra iler tongue weight
capacities.
●Do not use the following systems when
trailer towing.
• Dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range
• LTA (Lane Tracing Assist)
• PCS (Pre-Collision System)
• BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) (if equipped)
●Slow down and downshift before
descending steep or long downhill
grades. Do not make sudden down-
shifts while descendi ng steep or long
downhill grades.

1684-1. Before driving
■GCWR (Gross Combination
Weight Rating)
The maximum allowable gross combi-
nation weight. The gross combination
weight is the sum of the total vehicle
weight (including the occupants, cargo
and any optional equipment installed
on the vehicle) and the weight of the
trailer being towed (including the
cargo in the trailer).
■GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating)
The maximum allowable gross vehicle
weight. The gross vehicle weight is the
total weight of the vehicle. When tow-
ing a trailer, it is the sum of the vehicle
weight (including the occupants, cargo
and any optional equipment installed
on the vehicle) and the tongue weight.
WARNING
●Vehicle-trailer instabil ity is more likely
on steep long downhills. Before
descending steep or long downhill
grades, slow down and downshift. Do
not make sudden downshifts when
descending steep or long downhill
grades. Avoid holding the brake pedal
down too long or applying the brakes
too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat and result in
reduced braking efficiency.
●Do not tow a trailer when the compact
spare tire is installed on your vehicle.
■When towing a trailer
Lexus recommends trailers with brakes
that conform to any applicable federal
and state/provincial regulations.
●If the gross trailer weight exceeds
unbraked TWR, trailer brakes are
required. Lexus recommends trailers
with brakes that conform to all applica-
ble federal and state/provincial regula-
tions.
●Never tap into your vehicle’s hydraulic
system, as this will lower the vehicle’s
braking effectiveness.
●Never tow a trailer without using a
safety chain securely attached to both
the trailer and the vehicle. If damage
occurs to the coupling unit or hitch
ball, there is danger of the trailer wan-
dering into another lane.
NOTICE
■When installing a trailer hitch
Use only the position recommended by
your Lexus dealer. Do not install the
trailer hitch on the bumper; this may
cause body damage.
■Do not directly splice trailer lights
Do not directly splice trailer lights.
Directly splicing trailer lights may dam-
age your vehicle’s electrical system and
cause a malfunction.
Towing related terms