1714-1. Before driving
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78578_en
4
Driving
Your vehicle will handle differently
when towing a trailer. Help to avoid an
accident, death or serious injury, keep
the following in mind when towing:
Speed limits for towing a trailer vary
by state or province. Do not exceed
the posted towing speed limit.
Lexus recommends that the vehicle-
trailer speed limit is 65 mph (104
km/h) on a flat, straight, dry road.
Do not exceed this limit, the posted
towing speed limit or the speed limit
for your trailer as set forth in your
trailer owner’s manual, whichever is
lowest. Instability of the towing vehi-
cle-trailer combination (trailer
sway) increases as speed increases.
Exceeding speed limits may cause
loss of control.
Before starting out, check the trailer
lights, tires and the vehicle-trailer
connections. Recheck after driving
a short distance.
Practice turning, stopping and
reversing with the trailer attached in
an area away from traffic until you
become accustomed to the feel of
the vehicle-trailer combination.
Reversing with a tr ailer attached is
difficult and requires practice. Grip
the bottom of the steering wheel
and move your hand to the left to
move the trailer to the left. Move
your hand to the right to move the
trailer to right. (This is generally
opposite to reversing without a
trailer attached.) Avoid sharp or prolonged turning. Have someone
guide you when reversing to reduce
the risk of an accident.
As stopping distance is increased
when towing a trailer, vehicle-to
vehicle distance should be
increased. For each 10 mph (16
km/h) of speed, allow at least one
vehicle and trailer length.
Avoid sudden braking as you may
skid, resulting in the trailer jackknif-
ing and a loss of vehicle control. This
is especially true on wet or slippery
surfaces.
Avoid jerky starts or sudden accel-
eration.
Avoid jerky steering and sharp
turns, and slow down before making
turn.
Note that when making a turn, the
trailer wheels will be closer than the
vehicle wheels to the inside of the
turn. Compensate by making a
wider than normal turning radius.
Slow down before making a turn, in
cross winds, on wet or slippery sur-
faces, etc.
Increasing vehicle speed can desta-
bilize the trailer.
Take care when passing other vehi-
cles. Passing requires considerable
distance. After pass ing a vehicle, do
not forget the length of your trailer,
and be sure you have plenty of room
before changing lanes.
To maintain engine braking effi-
ciency and charging system perfor-
mance when using engine braking,
Trailer towing tips
1944-3. Operating the lights and wipers
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78578_en
curves, road dividers or roadside trees
●High beam may be turned off if an
oncoming vehicle that is using fog lights
without using the head
lights is detected.
●House lights, street lights, red traffic sig-
nals, and illuminated billboards or signs
may cause the high beam to turn off.
●The following factors may affect the
amount of time taken to turn high beam
on or off:
• The brightness of headlights, fog lights, and tail lights of oncoming and preceding
vehicles
• The movement and direction of oncom- ing and preceding vehicles
• When a oncoming or preceding vehicle only has operational lights on one side
• When a oncoming or preceding vehicle
is a two-wheeled vehicle
• The condition of the road (gradient, curve, condition of th e road surface, etc.)
• The number of passengers and amount of luggage
●High beam may be turned on or off when
unexpected by the driver.
●In the situations below, the system may
not be able to correctly detect the sur-
rounding brightness levels, and may flash
or expose nearby pedestrians to the high
beam. Therefore, you should consider
turning the high beams on or off manually
rather than relying on the Automatic
High Beam system.
• In bad weather (rain, snow, fog, sand-
storms, etc.)
• The windshield is obscured by fog, mist, ice, dirt, etc.
• The windshield is cracked or damaged.
• The camera sensor is deformed or dirty.
• The camera sensor temperature is extremely high.
• Surrounding brightness levels are equal to those of headlights, tail lights or fog
lights.
• Vehicles ahead have headlights or tail lights that are either switched off, dirty,
are changing color, or are not aimed
properly.
• When driving through an area of inter-
mittently changing brightness and dark-
ness.
• When frequently and repeatedly driving ascending/descending roads, or roads
with rough, bumpy or uneven surfaces
(such as stone-paved roads, gravel
tracks, etc.).
• When frequently and repeatedly taking curves or driving on a winding road.
• There is a highly re flective object ahead
of the vehicle, such as a sign or a mirror.
• The back of a vehicle ahead is highly
reflective, such as a container on a truck.
• The vehicle’s headlights are damaged or dirty.
• The vehicle is listing or tilting, due to a flat tire, a trailer being towed, etc.
• The driver believes that the high beam
may be causing problems or distress to
other drivers or pedestrians nearby.
NOTICE
■Notes when using the Automatic
High Beam system
Observe the following to ensure that the
Automatic High Beam functions cor-
rectly.
●Do not touch the camera sensor.
●Do not subject the camera sensor to a
strong impact.
●Do not disassemble the camera sen-
sor.
●Do not spill liquids onto the camera
sensor.
●Do not apply window tinting or stickers
to the camera sensor or the area of
windshield near the camera sensor.
2134-5. Using the driving support systems
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78578_en
4
Driving
■Enabling/disabling the pre-colli-
sion system
The pre-collision system can be
enabled/disabled on ( P.92) of
the multi-information display.
The system is automatically enabled each
time the power switch is turned to ON
mode.
If the system is disabled, the PCS warn-
ing light will turn on and a message will
be displayed on the multi-information
display. “Pre-Collision System Off”
■Changing the pre-collision warn-
ing timing
The pre-collision warning timing can
be changed on ( P.92) of the
multi-information display.
The warning timing setting is retained
when the power switch is turned off. How-
ever, if the pre-collision system is disabled
and re-enabled, the operation timing will
return to the default setting (middle).
1 Early
2 Middle
This is the default setting.
3Late
WARNING
●If the vehicle cannot be driven in a sta-
ble manner, such as when the vehicle
has been in an accident or is malfunc-
tioning
●When the vehicle is driven in a sporty
manner or off-road
●When the tires are not properly
inflated
●When the tires are very worn
●When tires of a size other than speci-
fied are installed
●When tire chains are installed
●When a compact spare tire or an
emergency tire puncture repair kit is
used
●If equipment (snow plow, etc.) that may
obstruct the radar sensor or front cam-
era is temporarily installed to the vehi-
cle
Changing settings of the pre-col-
lision system
A
2174-5. Using the driving support systems
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78578_en
4
Driving
ground clearance
• If a vehicle ahead is carrying a load which protrudes past its rear bumper
• If a vehicle ahead is irregularly shaped, such as a tractor or side car
• If a vehicle ahead is a child sized bicycle, a bicycle that is carrying a large load, a
bicycle ridden by more than one person,
or a uniquely shaped bicycle (bicycle with
a child seat, tandem bicycle, etc.)
• If a pedestrian/or the riding height of a
bicyclist ahead is shorter than approxi-
mately 3.2 ft. (1 m) or taller than approxi-
mately 6.5 ft. (2 m)
• If a pedestrian/bicyclist is wearing over- sized clothing (a rain coat, long skirt,
etc.), making their silhouette obscure
• If a pedestrian is bending forward or squatting or bicyclist is bending forward
• If a pedestrian/bicyclist is moving fast
• If a pedestrian is pushing a stroller, wheel-
chair, bicycle or other vehicle
• When driving in incl ement weather such
as heavy rain, fog, snow or a sandstorm
• When driving through steam or smoke
• When the surrounding area is dim, such as at dawn or dusk, or while at night or in
a tunnel, making a detectable object
appear to be nearly the same color as its
surroundings
• When driving in a place where the sur- rounding brightness changes suddenly,
such as at the entrance or exit of a tunnel
• After the hybrid system has started the vehicle has not been driven for a certain
amount of time
• While making a left/right turn and for a few seconds after makin g a left/right turn
• While driving on a curve and for a few
seconds after driving on a curve
• If your vehicle is skidding
• If the front of the vehicle is raised or low- ered • If the wheels are misaligned
• If a wiper blade is blocking the front cam-
era
• The vehicle is being driven at extremely high speeds
• When driving on a hill
• If the radar sensor or front camera is mis-
aligned
●In some situations su ch as the following,
sufficient braking force may not be
obtained, preventing the system from
performing properly:
• If the braking functions cannot operate to their full extent, such as when the brake
parts are extremely cold, extremely hot,
or wet
• If the vehicle is not properly maintained
(brakes or tires are excessively worn,
improper tire inflation pressure, etc.)
• When the vehicle is being driven on a
gravel road or other slippery surface
■If VSC is disabled
●If VSC is disabled ( P.274), the pre-col-
lision brake assist and pre-collision brak-
ing functions are also disabled.
●The PCS warning light will turn on and
“VSC Turned Off Pre-Collision Brake
System Unavailable” will be displayed on
the multi-information display.
2184-5. Using the driving support systems
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78578_en
*:If equipped
When driving on highways and free-
ways with white (yellow) lane lines, this
function alerts the driver when the
vehicle might depart from its lane or
course
* and provides assistance by
operating the steering wheel to keep
the vehicle in its lane or course
*. Fur-
thermore, the system provides steering
assistance when dynamic radar cruise
control with full-speed range is operat-
ing to keep the vehicle in its lane.
The LTA system recognizes white (yel-
low) lane lines or a course
* using the
front camera. Additionally, it detects
preceding vehicles using the front
camera and radar.
*: Boundary between asphalt and the side of the road, such as grass, soil, or a curb
LTA (Lane Tracing Assist)*
Summary of functions
WARNING
■Before using LTA system
●Do not rely solely upon the LTA sys-
tem. The LTA system does not auto-
matically drive the vehicle or reduce
the amount of attention that must be
paid to the area in front of the vehicle.
The driver must always assume full
responsibility for driving safely by pay-
ing careful attention to the surround-
ing conditions and operating the
steering wheel to correct the path of
the vehicle. Also, the driver must take
adequate breaks when fatigued, such
as from driving for a long period of
time.
●Failure to perform appropriate driving
operations and pay careful attention
may lead to an accident, resulting in
death or serious injury.
●When not using the LTA system, use
the LTA switch to turn the system off.
■Situations unsuitable for LTA system
In the following situations, use the LTA
switch to turn the system off. Failure to do
so may lead to an accident, resulting in
death or serious injury.
●Vehicle is driven on a road surface
which is slippery due to rainy weather,
fallen snow, freezing, etc.
●Vehicle is driven on a snow-covered
road.
●White (yellow) lines are difficult to see
due to rain, snow, fog, dust, etc.
●Vehicle is driven in a temporary lane or
restricted lane due to construction
work.
●Vehicle is driven in a construction
zone.
●A spare tire, tire chains, etc. are
equipped.
●When the tires have been excessively
worn, or when the tire inflation pres-
sure is low.
2284-5. Using the driving support systems
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78578_en
WARNING
■Before using LDA system
●Do not rely solely upon the LDA sys-
tem. The LDA system does not auto-
matically drive the vehicle or reduce
the amount of attention that must be
paid to the area in front of the vehicle.
The driver must always assume full
responsibility for driving safely by pay-
ing careful attention to the surround-
ing conditions and operating the
steering wheel to correct the path of
the vehicle. Also, the driver must take
adequate breaks when fatigued, such
as from driving for a long period of
time.
●Failure to perform appropriate driving
operations and pay careful attention
may lead to an accident, resulting in
death or serious injury.
●When not using the LDA system, use
the LDA switch to turn the system off.
■Situations unsuitable for LDA system
In the following situations, use the LDA
switch to turn the system off. Failure to do
so may lead to an acc ident, resulting in
death or serious injury.
●Vehicle is driven on a road surface
which is slippery due to rainy weather,
fallen snow, freezing, etc.
●Vehicle is driven on a snow-covered
road.
●White (yellow) lines are difficult to see
due to rain, snow, fog, dust, etc.
●A spare tire, tire chains, etc. are
equipped.
●When the tires have been excessively
worn, or when the tire inflation pres-
sure is low.
●When tires of a size other than speci-
fied are installed.
●Vehicle is driven in traffic lanes other
than that highways and freeways.
●When your vehicle is towing a trailer
or during emergency towing.
■Preventing LDA system malfunctions
and operations performed by mistake
●Do not modify the headlights or place
stickers, etc. on the surface of the
lights.
●Do not modify the su spension, etc. If
the suspension, etc. needs to be
replaced, contact your Lexus dealer.
●Do not install or place anything on the
hood or grille. Also, do not install a
grille guard (bull bars, kangaroo bar,
etc.).
●If your windshield needs repairs, con-
tact your Lexus dealer.
■Conditions in which functions may
not operate properly
In the following situations, the functions
may not operate properly and the vehicle
may depart from its la ne. Drive safely by
always paying careful attention to your
surroundings and operate the steering
wheel to correct the path of the vehicle
without relying solely on the functions.
●Vehicle is being driven around a sharp
curve.
●Objects or patterns that could be mis-
taken for white (yellow) lines are pres-
ent on the side of the road (guardrails,
reflective poles, etc.).
2764-5. Using the driving support systems
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78578_en
WARNING
■Active Cornering Assist does not
operate effectively when
●Do not overly rely on Active Corner-
ing Assist. Active Cornering Assist
may not operate effectively when
accelerating down slopes or driving on
slippery road surfaces.
●When Active Cornering Assist fre-
quently operates, Active Cornering
Assist may temporarily stop operating
to ensure proper operation of the
brakes, TRAC and VSC.
■Hill-start assist control does not oper-
ate effectively when
●Do not overly rely on hill-start assist
control. Hill-start assist control may
not operate effectively on steep
inclines and roads covered with ice.
●Unlike the parking brake, hill-start
assist control is not intended to hold
the vehicle stationary for an extended
period of time. Do not attempt to use
hill-start assist control to hold the vehi-
cle on an incline, as doing so may lead
to an accident.
■When the TRAC/ABS/VSC/Trailer
Sway Control is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always
drive carefully. Re ckless driving may
cause an accident. Exercise particular
care when the indicator light flashes.
■When the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway
Control systems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed
appropriate to the road conditions. As
these are the system s to help ensure
vehicle stability and driving force, do not
turn the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Con-
trol systems off unle ss necessary. Trailer
Sway Control is part of the VSC system
and will not operate if VSC is turned off
or experiences a malfunction.
■Replacing tires
Make sure that all ti res are of the speci-
fied size, brand, tread pattern and total
load capacity. In addition, make sure that
the tires are inflated to the recom-
mended tire inflation pressure level. The
ABS, TRAC, Trailer Sway Control and
VSC systems will not function correctly if
different tires are installed on the vehicle.
Contact your Lexus dealer for further
information when replacing tires or
wheels.
■Handling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or
modifying the suspensi on will affect the
driving assist systems, and may cause a
system to malfunction.
■Trailer Sway Control precaution
The Trailer Sway Control system is not
able to reduce trailer sway in all situa-
tions. Depending on many factors such
as the conditions of the vehicle, trailer,
road surface and driving environment,
the Trailer Sway Control system may not
be effective. Refer to your trailer owner’s
manual for information on how to tow
your trailer properly.
■If trailer sway occurs
Observe the following precautions.
Failing to do so may cause death or seri-
ous injury.
●Firmly grip the steering wheel. Steer
straight ahead. Do not try to control
trailer sway by turning the steering
wheel.
●Begin releasing the 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. ( P.273)
2784-6. Driving tips
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78578_en
Control and maintain the vehicle at a
constant speed. Before stopping at a
toll booth or similar, allow plenty of
time to release the accelerator and
gently apply the brakes. A greater
amount of electrical energy can be
regenerated when slowing down.
Use the air conditioning only when
necessary. Doing so can help reduce
excessive gasoline consumption.
In summer: When the ambient tem-
perature is high, use the recirculated
air mode. Doing so will help to reduce
the burden on the air conditioning sys-
tem and reduce fuel consumption as
well.
In winter: Because the gasoline engine
will not automatically cut out until it and
the interior of the vehicle are warm, it
will consume fuel. Also, fuel consump-
tion can be improved by avoiding over-
use of the heater.
Make sure to check the tire inflation
pressure frequently. Improper tire infla-
tion pressure can cause poor fuel
economy.
Also, as snow tires can cause large
amounts of friction, their use on dry
roads can lead to poor fuel economy.
Use tires that are appropriate for the
season. Carrying heavy luggage will lead to
poor fuel economy. Avoid carrying
unnecessary luggage.
Installing a large
roof rack will also cause poor fuel
economy.
Since the gasoline engine starts up and
cuts out automatically when cold,
warming up the engine is unnecessary.
Moreover, frequently driving short dis-
tances will cause the engine to repeat-
edly warm up, which can lead to excess
fuel consumption.
Highway driving
Air conditioning
Checking tire inflation pressure
Luggage
Warming up before driving