1734-1. Before driving
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78578_en
4
Driving
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 designed for trailer
towing or for the use of tow hitch
mounted carriers.
Dinghy towing
Your vehicle is not designed to be
dinghy towed (with 4 wheels on the
ground) behind a motor home.
NOTICE
■To avoid serious damage to your vehi-
cle
Do not tow your vehicle with the four
wheels on the ground.
■To prevent causing serious damage to
the hybrid transmission and AWD
system
Never tow this vehicle with any of the
wheels on the ground. This may cause
serious damage to the hybrid transmis-
sion and AWD system.
1804-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78578_en
*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.182)
●When switching the driving mode to
Sport mode while driving in D position.
( P.270)
■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.182)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.
2714-5. Using the driving support systems
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78578_en
4
Driving
“Eco” indicator will be shown on the multi-
information display.
3Sport mode
Assists acceleration response by con-
trolling the hybrid system and steering.
Suitable for when precise handling is desir-
able, for example when driving on moun-
tain roads.
When not in Sport mode and the driving
mode select switch is turned to the right,
“Sport” indicator will be shown on the
multi-information display and the hybrid
system indicator changes to the tachome-
ter. ( P.84)
Vehicles with Adaptive Variable
Suspension System
1 Normal/Custom mode
Press the switch and select Normal mode
or Custom mode. Each time the switch is
pressed, the system changes between
Normal mode and Custom mode. When
Custom mode is selected, the “Custom”
indicator comes on.
When in Eco mode or Sport mode, when
the switch is pressed, the system returns to Normal mode. Press th
e switch to change
the driving mode to Normal mode when
selected to Eco mode or Sport mode.
Custom mode can be setup on the naviga-
tion system or multimedia system screen.
• Normal mode
Suitable when driving in the city, for good
fuel consumption efficiency, silence, and
drive-ability.
• Custom mode
Driving is possible by setting the desired
function for power train control, chassis
control or air conditioning operations.
Custom mode settings can only be
changed using the Remote Touch.
( P.286)
2 Eco mode
In contrast to Normal mode when stepping
on the accelerator pedal, torque genera-
tion becomes slower, air conditioning
operations (heating/cooling) are
restrained, and driving is suited for
improved fuel consumption.
When not in Eco mode and the driving
mode select switch is turned to the left,
“Eco” indicator will be shown on the multi-
information display.
3Sport mode
• Sport S mode
Assists acceleration response by con-
trolling the hybrid system and transmission.
Suitable for when powe rful acceleration is
desirable.
When not in Sport S mode and the driving
mode select switch is turned to the right,
“Sport S” indicator will be shown on the
multi-information display.
•Sport S+ mode
Helps to ensure superior vehicle stability
by simultaneously cont rolling the steering
and suspension in addi tion to the hybrid
system and transmission. Suitable for
sporty driving.
2834-6. Driving tips
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78578_en
4
Driving
restrict travel.
Stay on established roads. When
conditions are wet, driving tech-
niques should be changed or travel
delayed to prevent damage to
roads.
Avoid driving on very steep, slippery
roads and other surfaces, such as
sand, where the tires are liable to
lose traction. Your vehicle may not
perform as well as conventional
AWD on-road vehicles on these
surfaces.
■Additional informatio n for off-road driv-
ing
For owners in U.S. mainland, Hawaii and
Puerto Rico:
To obtain additional information pertaining
to driving your vehicle off-road, consult the
following organizations.
●State and Local Parks and Recreation
Departments
●State Motor Vehicle Bureau
●Recreational Vehicle Clubs
●U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land
Management
WARNING
■Off-road driving precautions
Always observe the following precau-
tions to minimize the risk of death or seri-
ous injury or damage to your vehicle:
●Drive carefully when off the road. Do
not take unnecessary risks by driving in
dangerous places.
●Do not grip the steering wheel spokes
when driving off-road. A bad bump
could jerk the wheel and injure your
hands. Keep both hands and especially
your thumbs on the outside of the rim.
●Always check your brakes for effec-
tiveness immediately after driving in
sand, mud, water or snow.
●After driving through tall grass, mud,
rock, sand, water, et c., check that there
is no grass, bush, paper, rags, stone,
sand, etc. adhering or trapped to the
underbody. Clear of f any such matter
from the underbody. If the vehicle is
used with these materials trapped or
adhering to the underbody, a break-
down or fire could occur.
●When driving off-road or in rugged
terrain, do not drive at excessive
speeds, jump, make sharp turns, strike
objects, etc. This may cause loss of
control or vehicle rollover causing
death or serious injury. You are also
risking expensive damage to your
vehicle’s suspension and chassis.
NOTICE
■To prevent water damage
Take all necessary safety measures to
ensure that water damage to the hybrid
battery (traction battery), hybrid system
or other components does not occur.
●Water entering the engine compart-
ment may cause seve re damage to the
hybrid system. Water entering the inte-
rior may cause the hybrid battery
stowed under the re ar seats to short
circuit.
●Water entering the hybrid transmis-
sion and rear electric motor (traction
motor) will cause deterioration in
transmission quality. The malfunction
indicator may come on, and the vehi-
cle may not be drivable.
●Water can wash the grease from wheel
bearings, causing rusting and prema-
ture failure, and may also enter the
hybrid transmission case, reducing the
gear oil’s lubricating qualities.
3847-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78578_en
The following may indicate a problem
with your hybrid transmission. Contact
your Lexus dealer or commercial tow-
ing service before towing. ( P.383)
The hybrid system warning message
is shown on the multi-information
display and the vehicle does not
move.
The vehicle makes an abnormal
sound.
From the front
Use a towing dolly under the rear
wheels.
From the rear
Use a towing dolly under the front
wheels.
When using a flat-bed truck to trans-
port the vehicle, use tire strapping
belts. Refer to the owner’s manual of
the flat-bed truck for the tire strapping
method.
NOTICE
■Recreational towing (behind motor
home, etc.)
Never dinghy tow your vehicle to pre-
vent causing serious damage to the
Hybrid AWD system and transmission.
( P.173)
Situations when it is necessary to
contact dealers before towing
Towing with a wheel-lift type
truck
NOTICE
■Towing with a sling-type truck
Do not tow with a sling-type truck to pre-
vent body damage.
Using a flatbed truck
4288-1. Specifications
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78578_en
*: The coolant capacity is the quantity of reference.
If replacement is necessary, contact your Lexus dealer.
■Spark plug
■12-volt battery
■Charging rates
*: The fluid capacity is the quantity of reference.If replacement is necessary, contact your Lexus dealer.
Ignition system
MakeDENSO FK16HR-A8
Gap0.03 in. (0.8 mm)
NOTICE
■Iridium-tipped spark plugs
Use only iridium-tipped spark plugs. Do not adjust the spark plug gap.
Electrical system
Specific voltage reading
at 68°F (20°C):12.0 V or higher
If the voltage is lower than the standard value,
charge the battery.
(After charging the battery, turn on the high beam
headlights for 30 seconds with the power switch
off, and turn the headlights off.)
Quick charge
Slow charge15 A max.
5 A max.
Hybrid transmission
Fluid capacity*Front
4.0 qt. (3.8 L, 3.3 Imp.qt.)
Fluid typeToyota Genuine ATF WS
4298-1. Specifications
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78578_en
8
Vehicle specifications
*: The fluid capacity is the quantity of reference.
If replacement is necessary, contact your Lexus dealer.
*: Minimum pedal clearance when depressed with a force of 110 lbf (490 N, 50.0 kgf)
while the hybrid system is operating.
NOTICE
■Transmission fluid type
Using transmission fluid other than the above type may cause abnormal noise or vibra-
tion, or ultimately damage the transmission of your vehicle.
Rear differential (Rear electric motor)
Fluid capacity*1.9 qt. (1.8 L, 1.6 Imp.qt.)
Fluid typeToyota Genuine ATF WS
NOTICE
■Transmission fluid type
Using transmission fluid other than the above type may cause abnormal noise or vibra-
tion, or ultimately damage the transmission of your vehicle.
Brakes
Pedal clearance*4.13 in. (105 mm) Min.
Brake pad wear limit0.04 in. (1.0 mm)
Pedal free play0.04 — 0.24 in. (1.0 — 6.0 mm)
Fluid type• FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703
• FMVSS No. 116 DOT 4 or SAE J1704
Steering
Free playLess than 1.2 in. (30 mm)
4388-1. Specifications
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78578_en
nation, can cause heat buildup and
possible tire failure.
Glossary of tire terminology
Tire related
termMeaning
Cold tire
inflation
pressure
Tire pressure when the vehi-
cle has been parked for
three hours or more, or has
not been driven more than 1
mile or 1.5 km under that
condition
Maximum
inflation
pressureThe maximum cold inflated
pressure to which a tire may
be inflated, shown on the
sidewall of the tire
Recom-
mended
inflation
pressureCold tire inflation pressure
recommended by a manu-
facturer
Accessory
weight
The combined weight (in
excess of those standard
items which may be
replaced) of transmission,
power steering, power
brakes, power windows,
power seats, radio and
heater, to the extent that
these items are available as
factory-installed equipment
(whether installed or not)
Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehi-
cle with standard equip-
ment, including the
maximum capacity of fuel,
oil and coolant, and if so
equipped, air conditioning
and additional weight
optional engine
Maximum
loaded vehi-
cle weight
The sum of:
(a) Curb weight
(b) Accessory weight
(c) Vehicle capacity weight
(d) Production options
weight
Normal
occupant
weight150 lb. (68 kg) times the
number of occupants speci-
fied in the second column of
Table 1
* that follows
Occupant
distribution
Distribution of occupants in
a vehicle as specified in the
third column of Table 1
*
below
Production
options
weight
The combined weight of
installed regular production
options weighing over 5 lb.
(2.3 kg) in excess of the
standard items which they
replace, not previously con-
sidered in curb weight or
accessory weight, including
heavy duty brakes, ride lev-
elers, roof rack, heavy duty
12-volt battery, and special
trim
Rim
A metal support for a tire or
a tire and tube assembly
upon which the tire beads
are seated
Rim diame-
ter
(Wheel
diameter)
Nominal diameter of the
bead seat
Rim size des-
ignationRim diameter and width
Tire related termMeaning