2021 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID ECO mode

1914-1. Before driving
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER HV_Uslippery.
●Drive carefully whe
n it starts to
rain, because the road surface will
be especially slippery.
●Refrain from high speeds when
driving on an expressway in the
rain, because there may be a
layer of water between the tires
and the road surface, preventing
the steering and brakes from
operating properly.
■ECO Accelerator Guidance
(  P.94, 103)
It is easier to drive in an Eco-friendly
manner by driving while referring to
the ECO Accelerator Guidance dis-
play. Also, by using the ECO Accel-
erator Guidance it is easier to
increase the “Eco Score” evaluation.
●When starting off:
While staying within the ECO
Accelerator Guidance range,
gradually depress the accelerator
pedal and accelerate to the
desired speed. If excessive accel-
eration is avoid ed, the “Start”
score will increase.
●When driving:
After accelerating to the desired
speed, release the accelerator
pedal and drive at a stable speed
within the ECO Ac celerator Guid-
ance range. By keeping the vehi-
cle within the ECO Accelerator
Guidance range, the “Cruise”
score will increase.
●When stopping:
When stopping the vehicle, early
releasing the accelerator pedal
will cause the “Stop” score to
increase.
■Restraining the hybrid system
output (Brake Override System)
●When the accelerator and brake
pedals are depressed at the same
time, the hybrid system output
may be restrained.
●A warning messag e 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 oper-
ation is performed, the hybrid sys-
tem output may b
e 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 accel-
erator pedal depressed, a warning
message appears on the
multi-information display and
head-up display (i f equipped). If a
warning message is shown on the
multi-information 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
activated, your v ehicle may have
trouble escaping from the mud or
fresh snow. In such case, deacti-
vate TRAC ( P.326) to cancel
Drive-Start Cont rol so that the
vehicle may become able to
escape from the mud or fresh
snow.
●AWD models: Drive-Start Control
does not work when Trail Mode is
turned on.
■Breaking in your new Toyota
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 600 miles (1000 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.

1934-1. Before driving
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER HV_U
WARNING
●Always check that all passen-
gers’ arms, heads or other parts
of their body are not outside the
vehicle.
●AWD models: Do not drive the
vehicle off-road.
This is not an AWD vehicle
designed for off-road driving.
Proceed with all due caution if it
becomes unavoidable to drive
off-road.
●Do not drive across a river or
through other bodies of water.
This may cause electric/elec-
tronic components to short cir-
cuit, damage the hybrid system
or cause other serious damage
to the vehicle.
●Do not drive in excess of the
speed limit. Even if the legal
speed limit permits it, do not
drive over 85 mph (140 km/h)
unless your vehicle has
high-speed capability tires. Driv-
ing over 85 mp h (140 km/h)
may result in tire failure, loss of
control and possible injury. Be
sure to consult a tire dealer to
determine whether the tires on
your vehicle are high-speed
capability tires or not before
driving at such speeds.
■When driving on slippery
road surfaces
●Sudden braking, acceleration
and steering may cause tire
slippage and reduce your ability
to control the vehicle.
●Sudden acceleration, engine
braking due to shifting, or
changes in engine speed could
cause the vehicle to skid.
●After driving through a puddle,
lightly depress the brake pedal
to make sure that the brakes
are functioning properly. Wet
brake pads may prevent the
brakes from functioning prop-
erly. If the brakes on only one
side are wet and not functioning
properly, steering control may
be affected.
■When shifting the shift lever
●Do not let the vehicle roll back-
ward while a fo rward driving
position is selected, or roll for-
ward while the shift lever is in R.
Doing so may result in an acci-
dent or damage to the vehicle.
●Do not shift the sh ift lever to P
while the vehicle is moving.
Doing so can damage the trans-
mission and may result in a loss
of vehicle control.
●Do not shift the sh ift lever to R
while the vehicle is moving for-
ward.
Doing so can damage the trans-
mission and may result in a loss
of vehicle control.
●Do not shift the shift lever to a
driving position while the vehicle
is moving backward.
Doing so can damage the trans-
mission and may result in a loss
of vehicle control.
●Shifting the shift lever to N while
the vehicle is moving will disen-
gage the hybrid system. Engine
braking is not a vailable when N
is selected.
●Be careful not to shift the shift
lever with the accelerator pedal
depressed. Shifting the shift
lever to any position other than
P or N may lead to unexpected
rapid acceleration of the vehicle
that may cause an accident and
result in death or serious injury.

1954-1. Before driving
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER HV_U
WARNING
●Always apply the parking brake,
shift the shift lever to P, stop the
hybrid system and lock the vehi-
cle.
Do not leave the vehicle unat-
tended while the “READY” indi-
cator is illuminated.
If the vehicle is parked with the
shift lever in P but the parking
brake is not set, the vehicle may
start to move, possibly leading
to an accident.
●Do not touch the exhaust pipes
while the “READY” indicator is
illuminated or immediately after
turning the hybrid system off.
Doing so may cause burns.
■When taking a nap in the vehi-
cle
Always turn the hybrid system off.
Otherwise, if you accidentally
move the shift lever or depress
the accelerator pedal, this could
cause an accident or fire due to
hybrid system overheating. Addi-
tionally, if the vehicle is parked in
a poorly ventilated area, exhaust
gases may collect and enter the
vehicle, leading to death or a seri-
ous health hazard.
■When braking
●When the brakes a re wet, drive
more cautiously.
Braking distance increases
when the brakes are wet, and
this may cause one side of the
vehicle to brake differently than
the other side. Also, the parking
brake may not securely hold the
vehicle.
●If the electronically controlled
brake system does not operate,
do not follow other vehicles
closely and avoid hills or sharp
turns that require braking. In this
case, braking is still possible,
but the brake pedal should be
depressed more firmly than
usual. Also, the braking dis-
tance will increase. Have your
brakes fixed immediately.
●The brake system consists of 2
or more individual hydraulic sys-
tems; if one of the systems fails,
the other(s) will still operate. In
this case, the brake pedal
should be depressed more
firmly than usual and the brak-
ing distance will increase. Have
your brakes fixed immediately.
■If the vehicle becomes stuck
(AWD models)
Do not spin the wheels exces-
sively when any of the tires is up
in the air, or the vehicle is stuck in
sand, mud, etc. This may damage
the driveline components or pro-
pel the vehicle forward or back-
ward, causing an accident.
NOTICE
■When driving the vehicle
●Do not depress the accelerator
and brake pedals at the same
time while driving, as this may
restrain the hybrid system out-
put.
●Do not use the accelerator
pedal or depress the accelera-
tor and brake pedals at the
same time to hold the vehicle on
a hill.

2064-1. Before driving
HIGHLANDER HV_U
Certification Label. (P.510)
 If the gross trailer weight is
over the unbraked TWR,
trailer service brakes are
required. 
If the gross trailer weight is
over 2000 lb. (900 kg), a sway
control device with sufficient
capacity is required.
Confirm that the gross trailer we ight, gross combination weight,
gross vehicle weight, gross axle weight and tongue weight are all
within the limits.
■GCWR*1 and TWR*1
■Unbraked TWR*1
1000 lb. (450 kg)
*1: These models meet the tow-vehicle trailering requirement of SA E Inter-
national per SAE J2807.
*2: The model code is indicated o n the Certification Label. (P.510)
*3: For 7-seat models
*4: For 8-seat models
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
GCWR, TWR and Unbraked TWR
Model code*2EngineDriving
systemGCWRTWR
 AXUH70L-ARXNHA
 AXUH70L-ARXMHA
 AXUH70L-ARXGHA
2.5L L4
(A25A-FX
S) engine
2WD9460 lb.
(4290 kg)
3500 lb.
(1590 kg) AXUH78L-ARXNHA
 AXUH78L-ARXMHA
 AXUH78L-ARXGHA
*3AWD
9500 lb.
(4310 kg)
AXUH78L-ARXGHA*49565 lb.
(4340 kg)
Trailer Tongue Weight

2144-2. Driving procedures
HIGHLANDER HV_U
■Conditions affecting operation
 P. 1 4 7
■Note for the entry function
 P. 1 4 8
■Steering lock function
●After turning the power switch off
and opening and closing the
doors, the steering wheel will be
locked due to the steering lock
function. Operating the power
switch again automatically can-
cels the steering lock.
●When the steering lock cannot be
released, “Push Power Switch
while Turning Steering Wheel in
Either Direction” will be displayed
on the multi-information display.
Check that the shift lever is in P.
Press the power switch shortly
and firmly while turning the steer-
ing 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 steering
lock motor will resume functioning.
■If the “READY” indicator does
not come on
In the event that the “READY” indi-
cator does not come on even after
performing the proper procedures
for starting the vehicle, contact your
Toyota dealer immediately.
■If the hybrid system is malfunc-
tioning
 P. 7 8
■Electronic key battery
 P.444
■Operation of the power switch
●If the switch is not pressed shortly
and firmly, the power switch mode
may not change o r the hybrid sys-
tem 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 sec-
onds before restarting the hybrid
system.
■Customization
If the smart key system has been
deactivated in a customized setting,
refer to P.496.
WARNING
■When starting the hybrid sys-
tem
Always start the hybrid system
while sitting in the driver’s seat.
Do not depress t he accelerator
pedal while starting the hybrid
system under any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident
resulting in death o r serious injury.
■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 com-
plete stop. Activation of the steer-
ing lock in this circumstance may
lead to an accident, resulting in
death or serious injury.

2184-2. Driving procedures
HIGHLANDER HV_U
Turns EV drive mode on/off
When EV drive mode is turned on,
the EV drive mode indicator will
come on. Pressing 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 cannot be turned on
It may not be po ssible to turn EV
drive mode on in the following situa-
tions. If it cannot be turned on, a
buzzer will sound and a message
will be shown on the multi-informa-
tion display.
●The temperature of the hybrid sys-
tem is high.
The vehicle has been left in the
sun, driven on a hill, driven at high
speeds, etc.
●The temperature of the hybrid sys-
tem is low.
The vehicle has been left in tem-
peratures lower than about 32°F
(0 °C) for a long period of time,
etc.
●The gasoline engine is warming
up.
●The hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) is low.
The remaining batt ery level indi-
cated in the energy monitor dis-
play is low. ( P. 1 1 7 )
●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 gasoline engine is cold, the gas-
oline engine will st art 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 s ystem has started
and the “READY” indicator has illu-
minated, press the EV drive mode
switch before the gasoline engine
starts to switch to EV drive mode.
EV drive mode
In EV drive mode, electric
power is supplied by the
hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery), and only the electric
motor (traction motor) is
used to drive the vehicle.
This mode allows you to
drive in residential areas
early in the morning and
late at night, or in indoor
parking lots, etc., without
concern for noises and gas
emissions.
However, when the Acoustic
Vehicle Alerting System is
active, the vehicle may pro-
duce sound.
Operating instructions

2194-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER HV_U
■Automatic cancelation of EV
drive mode
When driving in EV drive mode, the
gasoline 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 bat-
tery) becomes low.
The remaining batt ery level indi-
cated in the energy monitor dis-
play is low. ( P. 1 1 7 )
●Vehicle speed is high.
●The accelerator pedal is
depressed firmly or the vehicle is
on a hill, etc.
■Possible driving distance when
driving in EV drive mode
EV drive mode’s possible driving
distance ranges from a few hundred
meters to approxima tely 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 [trac-
tion battery] level and driving condi-
tions.)
■Fuel economy
The hybrid system is designed to
achieve the best possible fuel econ-
omy during normal driving (using
the gasoline engi ne and electric
motor [traction motor]). Driving in
EV drive mode more than neces-
sary may lower fuel economy.
■If “EV Mode Unavailable” is
shown on the multi-information
display
The EV drive mode is not available.
The reason the EV drive mode is
not available (the vehicle is idling,
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. Use the EV drive
mode when it becomes available.
■If “EV Mode Deactivated” is
shown on the multi-information
display
The EV drive mode has been auto-
matically 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 r ange 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,
pay special attention to the area
around the vehicle. Because
there is no engine noise, pedestri-
ans, people riding bicycles or
other people and vehicles in the
area may not be aware of the
vehicle starting off or approaching
them, so take extra care while
driving. Therefore, take extra care
while driving even if the acoustic
vehicle alerting system is active.

2254-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
HIGHLANDER HV_U
When the shift lever is moved
into P, the parking brake will
be set, and the parking brake
indicator light and parking
brake light turn on.
Operate the shift lever with the
brake pedal depressed.
■Turns automatic mode off
While the vehicle is stopped,
press and hold the parking
brake switch until a “EPB Shift
Interlock Function Deactivated”
is shown on the multi-informa-
tion display.
■Parking brake operation
●When the power s witch is not in
ON, the parking brake cannot be
released using the parking brake
switch.
●When the power s witch is not in
ON, automatic mode (automatic
brake setting and releasing) is not
available.
■Parking brake automatic
release function
The parking brake will be released
automatically when the accelerator
pedal is slowly depressed under the
following conditions:
●The driver’s door is closed
●The driver is wearing the seat belt
●The shift lever is in a forward or reverse position.
●The malfunction in
dicator lamp or
brake system warning light is not
illuminated
If the automatic release function
does not operate, release the park-
ing brake manually.
■If “Parking Brake Temporarily
Unavailable” is displayed on
the multi-info rmation display
If the parking brake is operated
repeatedly over a short period of
time, the system may restrict opera-
tion to prevent ove rheating. If this
happens, refrain from operating the
parking brake. Normal operation will
return after about 1 minute.
■If “Parking Brake Unavailable”
is displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display
Operate the parking brake switch. If
the message does not disappear
after operating the switch several
times, the system may be malfunc-
tioning. Have the vehicle inspected
by your Toyota dealer immediately.
■Parking brake operation sound
When the parking brake operates, a
motor sound (whirr ing sound) may
be heard. This does not indicate a
malfunction.
■Parking brake indicator light
and parking brake light
●Depending on the power switch
mode, the parking brake indicator
light and parking brake light will
turn on and stay on as described
below:
ON: Comes on until the parking
brake is released.
Not in ON: 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.