Page 330 of 560

3304-6. Driving tips
◆Using Eco drive mode
When using Eco drive mode, the torque corresponding to the accel-
erator pedal depression amount can be generated more smoothly
than it is in normal conditions. In addition, the operation of the air
conditioning system (heating/cooling) will be minimized, improving
the fuel economy. (P. 321)
◆Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the needle of Hybrid
System Indicator within Eco area. (P. 100)
◆Shift lever operation
Shift the shift lever to D when stopped at a traffic light, or driving in
heavy traffic etc. Shift the shift lever to P when parking. When using
the N, there is no positive effect on fuel consumption. In the N, the
gasoline engine operates but electricity cannot be generated. Also,
when using the air conditioning system, etc., the hybrid battery
(traction battery) power is consumed.
◆Accelerator pedal/brake pedal operation
●Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid abrupt acceleration and
deceleration. Gradual acceleration and deceleration will make
more effective use of the electric motor (traction motor) without
having to use gasoline engine power.
●Avoid repeated acceleration. Repeated acceleration consumes
hybrid battery (traction battery) power, resulting in poor fuel con-
sumption. Battery power can be restored by driving with the
accelerator pedal slightly released.
Hybrid vehicle driving tips
For economical and ecological driving, pay attention to the fol-
lowing points:
Page 331 of 560

3314-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
◆When braking
Make sure to operate the brakes gently and in a timely manner. A
greater amount of electrical energy can be regenerated when slow-
ing down.
◆Delays
Repeated acceleration and deceleration, as well as long waits at
traffic lights, will lead to bad fuel economy. Check traffic reports
before leaving and avoid delays as much as possible. When driving
in a traffic jam, gently release the brake pedal to allow the vehicle to
move forward slightly while avoiding overuse of the accelerator
pedal. Doing so can help control excessive gasoline consumption.
◆Highway driving
Control and maintain the vehicle at a constant speed. Before stop-
ping at a toll booth or similar, allow plenty of time to release the
accelerator and gently apply the brakes. A greater amount of elec-
trical energy can be regenerated when slowing down.
◆Air conditioning
Use the air conditioning only when necessary. Doing so can help
reduce excessive gasoline consumption.
In summer: When the ambient temperature is high, use the recircu-
lated air mode. Doing so will help to reduce the burden on the air
conditioning system 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 consumption can be improved by avoiding overuse of the
heater.
◆Checking tire inflation pressure
Make sure to check the tire inflation pressure frequently. Improper
tire inflation 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 appro-
priate for the season.
Page 332 of 560
3324-6. Driving tips
◆Luggage
Carrying heavy luggage will lead to poor fuel economy. Avoid carry-
ing unnecessary luggage. Installing a large roof rack will also cause
poor fuel economy.
◆Warming up before driving
Since the gasoline engine starts up and cuts out automatically
when cold, warming up the engine is unnecessary. Moreover, fre-
quently driving short distances will cause the engine to repeatedly
warm up, which can lead to excess fuel consumption.
Page 346 of 560

3465-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
■When driving on dusty roads
Close all windows. If dust thrown up by the vehicle is still drawn into the vehi-
cle after closing the windows, it is recommended that the air intake mode be
set to outside air mode and the fan speed to any setting except off.
■Outside/recirculated air mode
●Setting to the recirculated air mode temporarily is recommended in prevent-
ing dirty air from entering the vehicle interior and helping to cool the vehicle
when the outside air temperature is high.
●Outside/recirculated air mode may automatically switch depending on the
temperature setting or the inside temperature.
■When the outside temperature exceeds 75°F (24°C) and the air condition-
ing system is on
●In order to reduce the air conditioning power consumption, the air condition-
ing system may switch to recirculated air mode automatically. This may also
reduce fuel consumption.
●Recirculated air mode is selected as a default mode when the power switch
is turned to ON mode.
●It is possible to switch to outside air mode at any time by pressing .
■When the outside temperature is low
The dehumidification function may not operate even when is pressed
or is selected.
■Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco drive mode
●In the Eco drive mode, “ECO” is displayed on the air conditioning screen
and the air conditioning system is controlled as follows to prioritize fuel effi-
ciency:
• Engine speed and compressor operation controlled to restrict heating/
cooling capacity
• Fan speed restricted when automatic mode is selected
●To improve air conditioning performance, perform the following operations:
• Adjust the fan speed
• Turn off Eco drive mode
Page 548 of 560

548Alphabetical index
Engine
ACCESSORY mode ............. 197
Compartment ........................ 403
Engine switch........................ 196
Hood ..................................... 401
How to start the hybrid
system ................................ 196
Identification number ............ 503
If your vehicle has to be
stopped in an
emergency.......................... 449
Ignition switch
(power switch) .................... 196
Overheating .......................... 494
Power switch......................... 196
Engine coolant
Capacity ................................ 506
Checking ............................... 407
Preparing and checking
before winter....................... 333
Engine coolant temperature
gauge........................................ 98
Engine oil
Capacity ................................ 505
Checking ............................... 404
Preparing and checking
before winter....................... 333
Engine switch .......................... 196
Enhanced VSC ......................... 323
EPS
(Electric Power Steering)...... 324
Warning light ......................... 457
EV drive mode.......................... 202
Event data recorder
(EDR) ........................................ 10
Exclusive jump starting
terminal .................................. 487Flat tire ..................................... 471
Floor mats .................................. 24
Fluid
Brake .................................... 507
Hybrid transmission .............. 507
Washer ................................. 410
Front interior light ................... 353
Front passenger occupant
classification system .............. 48
Front passenger’s seat belt
reminder light ........................ 458
Front personal lights............... 353
Front seat heaters ................... 349
Front seats ............................... 155
Adjustment............................ 155
Cleaning ............................... 389
Correct driving posture ........... 26
Driving position memory ....... 159
Head restraints ..................... 164
Power easy access
system ................................ 159
Seat heaters ......................... 349
Seat ventilators ..................... 349
Front side marker lights
Light switch ........................... 218
Replacing light bulbs ............ 445
Front turn signal lights
Replacing light bulbs ............ 445
Turn signal lever ................... 211
Fuel
Capacity................................ 504
Fuel gauge.............................. 98
Information............................ 510
Refueling .............................. 230
Type.............................. 504, 510
Warning light......................... 458
Fuel consumption ........... 106, 131
Fuel filler door ......................... 230
If the fuel filler door
cannot be opened .............. 234
Refueling .............................. 230
Fuses ........................................ 442F