2021 LEXUS RX450h ECO mode

1644-1. Before driving
4-1.Before driving
■Starting the hybrid system
 P.184
■Driving
1 With the brake pedal depressed,
shift the shift lever to D. ( P.191)
2 Release the parking brake.
(P.195)
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.196)
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.195)
If the vehicle is to be stopped for an
extended period of time, shift the shift lever
to P or N. ( P.191)
■Parking the vehicle
1 With the shift lever in D, depress the
brake pedal.
2 Set the parking brake ( P.195),
and shift the shift lever to P
( P.191).
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 a steep uphill
1 With the brake pedal depressed,
shift the shift lever to D. ( P.191)
2 Pull the parking brake switch and
parking brake is set manually.
(P.195)
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.
■When starting off on a uphill
The hill-start assist control will activate.
(  P.284)
■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.289)
■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.
■Restraining the hybrid system output
(Brake Override System)
●When the accelerato r and brake pedals
are depressed at the same time, the
Driving the vehicle
The following procedures should be
observed to ensure safe driving:
Driving procedure

1784-1. Before driving
The gross trailer weight must never
exceed 3500 lb. (1585 kg).
 The gross combinat ion weight must
never exceed 9500 lb. (4309 kg).
 The gross vehicle weight must never
exceed the GVWR indicated on the
Certification Label. ( P.460)
 The gross axle weight on each axle
must never exceed the GAWR indi-
cated on the Certification Label.
( P.460)
 If the gross trailer weight is over the
unbraked TWR, trailer service
brakes are required.
 If the gross trailer weight is over
2000 lb. (907 kg), a sway control
device with sufficient capacity is
required.
Confirm that the gross trailer weight,
gross combination weight, gross vehi-
cle weight, gross axle weight and
tongue weight are all within the limits.
■GCWR*
9500 lb. (4309 kg)
■TWR*
3500 lb. (1585 kg)
■Unbraked TWR*
1000 lb. (453 kg)
*: This models meet the tow-vehicle traile- ring requirement of SAE International
per SAE J2807.
 A recommended tongue weight
varies in accordance with the types
of trailers or towing as described
below.
 To ensure the recommended values
shown below, the trailer must be
loaded by referring to the following
instructions.
•Tongue Weight
The gross trailer weight should be distrib-
uted so that the tongue weight is 9% to
11%.
(Tongue weight/Gross trailer weight x 100
= 9% to 11%)
The gross trailer weight , gross axle weight
and tongue weight can be measured with
platform scales found at a highway weigh-
ing station, building supply company,
trucking company, junk yard, etc.
Weight limits
GCWR, TWR and Unbraked
TWR
Trailer Tongue Weight

1854-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
■Electronic key battery depletion
 P.106
■Conditions affe cting operation
 P.126
■Note for the entry function
 P.127
■Steering lock function
●After turning the power switch off and
opening and closing the doors, the steer-
ing wheel will be lock ed due to the steer-
ing lock function. Operating the power
switch again automatically cancels the
steering lock.
●When the steering lock cannot be
released, “Steering Wheel Lock Press
Power Switch while Turning Wheel” will
be displayed on the multi-information dis-
play.
Check that the shift leve r is in P. Press the
power switch shortly and firmly while
turning the steering wheel left and right.
●To prevent the steering lock motor from
overheating, operation of the motor may
be suspended if the hybrid system is
turned on and off repeatedly in a short
period of time. In this case, refrain from
operating the hybrid system. After about
10 seconds, the stee ring lock motor will
resume functioning.
■When “Access System with Elec. Key
Malfunction See Owner’s Manual” is
displayed on the mu lti-information dis-
play
The system may be malfunctioning. Have
the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.
■If the “READY” indicator does not come
on
In the event that the “READY” indicator does not come on even after performing
the proper procedures for starting the vehi-
cle, contact your Lexus dealer immediately.
■If the hybrid system
is malfunctioning
 P.72
■Electronic key battery
 P.393
■Operation of the power switch
●If the switch is no t pressed shortly and
firmly, the power switch mode may not
change or the hybrid system may not
start.
●If attempting to restart the hybrid system
immediately after turning the power
switch off, the hybrid system may not start
in some cases. After turning the power
switch off, please wait a few seconds
before restarting the hybrid system.
■Customization
If the smart access system with push-button
start has been deactivated in a customized
setting, refer to P.447.
WARNING
■When starting the hybrid system
Always start the hybrid system while sit-
ting in the driver’s seat. Do not depress
the accelerator pedal while starting the
hybrid system under any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident result-
ing in death or serious injury.
WARNING
■Caution while driving
If hybrid system failure occurs while the
vehicle is moving, do not lock or open the
doors until the vehicle reaches a safe and
complete stop. Activation of the steering
lock in this circumstance may lead to an
accident, resulting in death or serious
injury.

1894-2. Driving procedures
4
DrivingTurns EV drive mode on/off
When EV drive mode is turned on, the EV
drive mode indicator will come on. Press-
ing the switch when in EV drive mode will
return the vehicle to normal driving (using
the gasoline engine and electric motor
[traction motor]).
■Situations in which EV drive mode can-
not be turned on
It may not be possible to turn EV drive
mode on in the following situations. If it can-
not be turned on, a buzzer will sound and a
message will be shown on the multi-infor-
mation display.
●The temperature of the hybrid system is
high.
The vehicle has been left in the sun, driven 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 will 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.
EV drive mode
In EV drive mode, electric power is
supplied by the hybrid battery
(traction battery), and only the
electric motor (traction motor) is
used to drive the vehicle.
This mode allows you to drive in res-
idential areas early in the morning
and late at night, or in indoor park-
ing lots, etc., without concern for
noises and gas emissions.
Operating instructions

1904-2. Driving procedures
■Possible driving distance 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 [traction motor]). Driving in
EV drive mode more than necessary may
lower fuel economy.
■If “EV Mode Unavailable” is shown on
the multi-inform ation display
The EV drive mode is not available. The rea-
son the EV drive mode is not available (the
vehicle is idling, batter y charge is low, vehi-
cle speed is higher than the EV drive mode
operating speed range or accelerator pedal
is depressed too much) may be displayed.
Use the EV drive mode when it becomes
available.
■If “EV Mode Deactivated” is shown on
the multi-inform ation display
The EV drive mode has been automatically
canceled. The reason the EV drive mode is
not available (the battery charge is low,
vehicle speed is higher than the EV drive
mode operating speed range or accelera-
tor pedal is depressed too much) may be
displayed. Drive the vehicle for a while
before attempting to turn on the EV drive
mode again.
WARNING
■Caution while driving
When driving in EV drive mode no
engine noise is made. As such, pedestri-
ans, people riding bicycles or other peo-
ple and vehicles in the surrounding area
may not be aware of the vehicle starting
off or approaching them. Therefore, take
extra care while driving even if the
Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System is
active.

1944-2. Driving procedures
ically set to S4 or S5 according to the vehi-
cle speed.
■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.
 If you accelerate while in ranges 1 to
4, the shift range may automatically
increase in accordance with the
vehicle speed.
■S mode
●When the shift range is S4 or lower, hold-
ing the shift lever towa rd “+” sets the shift
range to S6.
●Automatically selects a higher shift range
before the engine speed becomes too
high.1 Right turn
2 Lane change to the right (move the
lever partway and release it)
The right hand signals will flash 3 times.
3Lane change to the left (move the
lever partway and release it)
The left hand signals will flash 3 times.
4Left 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.
■If the turn signals stop flashing before a
lane change has been performed
Operate the lever again.
■Customization
Some functions can be customized.
Turn signal lever
Operating instructions

1974-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
■If “Parking Brake Overheated Parking
Brake Unavailable” is displayed on the
multi-information display
If the parking brake is operated repeatedly
over a short period of time, the system may
restrict operation to prevent overheating. If
this happens, refrain from operating the
parking brake. Normal operation will return
after about 1 minute.
■If “EPB Activation Stopped Incom-
pletely” or “Parking Brake Unavailable”
is displayed on th e multi-information
display
Operate the parking brake switch. If the
message does not disappear after operat-
ing the switch several times, the system may
be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle
inspected by your Lexus dealer immedi-
ately.
■Parking brake operation sound
When the parking brake operates, a motor
sound (whirring sound) may be heard. This
does not indicate a malfunction.
■Parking brake indicator light and park-
ing brake light
●Depending on the power switch mode,
the parking brake in dicator light and
parking brake light will turn on and stay
on as described below:
ON mode: Comes on until the parking
brake is released.
Not in ON mode: Stays on for approxi-
mately 15 seconds.
●When the power switch is turned off with
the parking brake set, the parking brake
indicator light and parking brake light will
stay on for about 15 seconds. This does
not indicate a malfunction.
■Changing the mode
When changing the automatic mode on/off,
the message will be shown on the
multi-information display and the buzzer
sounds.
■Parking the vehicle
 P.164
■Parking brake engaged warning buzzer
A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is driven
with the parking brake engaged. “Release Parking Brake” is displayed on the
multi-information display.
■Warning messages and buzzers
Warning messages and buzzers are used to
indicate a system malfunction or to inform
the driver of the need for caution. If a warn-
ing message is shown on the multi-informa-
tion display, read the message and follow
the instructions.
■If the brake system warning light comes
on
 P.418
■Usage in winter time
 P.293
WARNING
■When parking the vehicle
Do not leave a child in the vehicle alone.
The parking brake may be released unin-
tentionally and there is the danger of the
vehicle moving that may lead to an acci-
dent resulting in death or serious injury.
■Parking brake switch
Do not set any objects near the parking
brake switch. Objects may interfere with
the switch and may lead the parking
brake to unexpectedly operate.
NOTICE
■When parking the vehicle
Before you leave the vehicle, shift the
shift lever to P, set the parking brake and
make sure that the vehicle does not
move.
■When the system malfunctions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and
check the warning messages.

2004-3. Operating the lights and wipers
4-3.Operating the lights and wipers
Operating the switch turns on
the lights as follows:U.S.A.
Canada
1 The side marker, parking, tail,
license plate, instrument panel
lights, and daytime running lights
( P.200) turn on.
2 The headlights and all lights
listed above (except daytime run-
ning lights) turn on.
3 The headlights, daytime run-
ning lights ( P.200) and all the lights listed above turn on and off
automatically.
(When the power switch is in ON
mode.)
4 (U.S.A.) Off
■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 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.: Daytime 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
economy.
■Headlight control sensor
The sensor may not function properly if an
object is placed on the sensor, or anything
that blocks the sensor is affixed to the wind-
shield.
Headlight switch
The headlights can be operated
manually or automatically.
Operating instructions
A
B