2021 TOYOTA PRIUS Owners Manual (in English)

PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)
2494-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
■Automatic hybrid system shut off feature
●The vehicle is equipped with a feature that automatically shuts off the hybrid
system when the shift position is in P with the hybrid system operating for an
extended period.
● The hybrid system will automatically shut off after approximately 1 hour if it
has been left running while the shift position is in P.
● The timer for the automatic hybrid system shut off feature will reset if the
brake pedal is depressed or if the shift position is in a posit ion other than P.
● After the vehicle is parked, if the door is locked with the door lock switch
(P. 187) from the inside or the mechanical key ( P. 647) from the outside,
the automatic hybrid system shut off feature will be disabled. The timer for
the automatic hybrid system shut off feature will be re-enabled if the driver’s
door is opened.
■ Automatic P position selection function
P. 258
■ When the shift contr ol system malfunctions
When attempting to turn the power switch off while there is a m alfunction in
the shift control system, the power switch mode may change to A CCES-
SORY mode. In this case, ACCESSORY mode may be turned off by ap plying
the parking brake and pressing the power switch again. If there is a malfunc-
tion in the system, have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota d ealer immedi-
ately.
■ Meter display
When the power switch is turned off, each display will turn off as follows.
● The shift position indicator will turn off after approximately 2 seconds.
● The multi-information display, clock, etc. will turn off after approximately 30
seconds. (Each display will also turn off immediately if a door is locked
before 30 seconds has elapsed.)
■ If the smart key system has been d eactivated in a customized setting
P. 648

250
PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)
4-2. Driving procedures
WARNING
■When starting the hybrid system
Always start the hybrid system while sitting in the driver’s se at. Do not
depress the accelerator pedal while starting the hybrid system under any
circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious in jury.
■ Stopping the hybrid system in an emergency
● If you want to stop the hybrid system in an emergency while dri ving the
vehicle, press and hold the power switch for more than 2 second s, or
press it briefly 3 times or more in succession. ( P. 581)
However, do not touch the power switch while driving except in an emer-
gency. Turning the hybrid system off while driving will not cau se loss of
steering or braking control, however, power assist to the steer ing will be
lost. This will make it more difficult to steer smoothly, so yo u should pull
over and stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
● If the power switch is operated while the vehicle is running, a warning
message will be shown on the multi-information display and a bu zzer
sounds.
● When restarting the hybrid system after an emergency shutdown w hile
driving, press the power switch. When restarting the hybrid sys tem after
stopping the vehicle, change the shift position to P and then press the
power switch.
■ When parking
Exhaust gases include harmful carbon monoxide (CO), which is colorless
and odorless. Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may cause exhaust gases to enter the vehicle a nd may
lead to an accident caused by light-headedness, or may lead to death or a
serious health hazard.
● If the vehicle is in a poorly ventilated area or a closed area, such as a
garage, stop the hybrid system.
● Do not leave the vehicle with the hybrid system operating for a long time. If
such a situation cannot be avoided, park the vehicle in an open space and
ensure that exhaust fumes do not enter the vehicle interior.
● Do not leave the hybrid system operating in an area with snow build-up, or
where it is snowing. If snowbanks build up around the vehicle w hile the
hybrid system is operating, exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehi-
cle.

PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)
2514-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
NOTICE
■To prevent 12-volt b attery discharge
● Do not leave the power switch in ACCESSORY or ON mode for long peri-
ods of time without the hybrid system on.
● If “Accessory”, “Ignition ON” or mileage display (P. 119) is displayed on
the main display while the hybrid system is not operating, the power switch
is not off. Exit the vehicle after turning the power switch off .
■ When starting the hybrid system
If the hybrid system becomes difficult to start, have your vehicle checked by
your Toyota dealer immediately.
■ Symptoms indicating a malfunction with the power switch
If the power switch seems to be operating somewhat differently than usual,
such as the switch sticking slightly, there may be a malfunctio n. Contact
your Toyota dealer immediately.

252
PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)
4-2. Driving procedures
EV drive mode
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 dri ve mode cannot be turned on
It may not be possible to turn EV drive mode on in the following situations. If it
cannot be turned on, a buzzer will sound and a message will be shown on the
multi-information 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 dis play is low.
( P. 128, 166)
● Vehicle speed is high.
● The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.
● The windshield defogger is in use.
In EV drive mode, electric power is supplied by the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery), and only the electric motor (traction
motor) is used to drive the vehicle.
This mode allows you to drive in residential areas late at nigh t,
or in indoor parking lots etc. without concern for noises and
exhaust gas emissions.

PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)
2534-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
■Switching to EV drive mode whe n the gasoline engine is cold
If the hybrid system is started while the gasoline 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 h as illumi-
nated, press the EV drive mode switch before the gasoline engin e starts to
switch to EV drive mode.
■ Automatic cancelation of EV drive mode
When driving in EV drive mode, the gasoline engine may automati cally restart
in the following situations. When EV drive mode is canceled, a buzzer will
sound and the EV drive mode indicator will flash and go off.
● The hybrid battery (traction battery) becomes low.
The remaining battery level indicated in the energy monitor dis play is low.
( P. 128, 166)
● Vehicle speed is high.
● The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.
When it is possible to inform the driver of automatic cancelation in advance, a
prior notice screen will appear on the multi-information displa y.
■ Possible driving distance when driving in EV drive mode
EV drive mode’s possible driving distance ranges from a few hun dred meters
to approximately 0.6 mile (1 km). However, depending on vehicle conditions,
there are situations when EV drive mode cannot be used. (The di stance that
is possible depends on the hybrid battery [traction battery] le vel and driving
conditions.)
■ Changing a driving mode when in EV drive mode
EV drive mode can be used in conjunction with Eco drive mode and power
mode.
However, EV drive mode may be automatically canceled when used in con-
junction with power mode.
■ Fuel economy
The hybrid system is designed to achieve the best possible fuel economy
during normal driving (using the gasoline engine and electric m otor [traction
motor]). Driving in EV drive mode more than necessary may lower fuel econ-
omy.

254
PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)
4-2. Driving procedures
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, pedestrians, people riding bicy-
cles or other people and vehicles in the area may not be aware of the vehi-
cle starting off or approaching them, so take extra care while driving.

255
PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)
4-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
Hybrid transmission
Shift lever
Operate the shift lever gently and ensure correct shifting operation.
Release the shift lever after each shifting operation to allow it to return to
the position.
When shifting from P to N, D or R, from D to R, or from R to D, ensure that
the brake pedal is being depressed and the vehicle is stationar y.
Shift position indicator
The current shift position is highlighted.
When any shift position other than D or B is selected, the arro w toward B
and B position indicator disappear from the shift position indicator.
When selecting the shift position, make sure that the shift pos ition has
been changed to the desired posi tion by checking the shift position
indicator provided on t he instrument cluster.
Shifting the shift lever
1
When shifting to the D or R, move the shift lever along the shi ft
gate.
To shift to the N, slide the shift lever to the left and hold i t. The shift
position will change to N.
To shift to the B, pull the shift lever down. Shifting to B is only pos-
sible when shift position D is selected.
2

256
PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)
4-2. Driving procedures
*: For good fuel economy and noise reduction, the D position should usually
be used.
 P. 3 4 7
■When shifting the shift position to P
Fully stop the vehicle and set
the parking brake, and then
press the P position switch.
When the shift position is
changed to P, the switch indica-
tor comes on.
Check that the P position is
highlighted on the shift position
indicator.
■
Shifting the shift position from P to other positions
● While depressing the brake pedal f irmly, operate the shift lever. I f
the shift lever is operated withou t depressing the brake pedal, the
buzzer will sound and the shifting operation will be disabled.
● When selecting the shift position, make sure that the shift pos i-
tion has been changed to the desired position by checking the
shift position indica tor provided on the in strument cluster.
● The shift position cannot be changed from P to B directly.
Shift position purpose
Shift positionObjective or function
PParking the vehicle/starting the hybrid system
RReversing
NNeutral
(Condition in which the power is not transmitted)
DNormal driving*
B
Applying engine braking or strong braking when the
accelerator pedal has been released on steep down-
ward slopes etc.
Selecting a driving mode
P position switch