
406
PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)
4-5. Using the driving support systems
Assume an ordinary driving
posture, rest your hands
lightly on the steering wheel
without applying any force,
directly confirm the safety of
the area to the front and
around the vehicle and
slowly proceed forward while
adjusting your speed by
depressing the brake pedal.
When this is done, a high-
pitched beep is emitted and
an indicator on the meter illu-
minates at the same time,
after which assist control will
start.
●When the steering wheel auto operation starts, the steering
wheel auto operation display ( P. 390) and assistance level
indicator ( P. 390) will be shown in the display area.
● To stop assist control, press the S-APGS switch.
● When the vehicle speed is too high, a sharp beeping sound is
emitted and assist c ontrol is stopped. (P. 391)
● If the space turns out to be too narrow after assist control
starts, a sharp beeping sound is emitted and assist control is
stopped.
When a beep sounds once
and the stop display ( P. 3 9 0 )
is shown on the display, stop
the vehicle.
Change the shift position to R.2
3
4

PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)
4074-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
Assume an ordinary posture for backing up, rest your hands
lightly on the steering wheel without applying any force, direc tly
confirm the safety of the area t o the rear and around the vehic le,
confirm that there are no obsta cles in the parking space, and
slowly back up while adjusting your speed by depressing the
brake pedal.
● When the vehicle cannot be cleanly entered within the target
parking spot on the first try and multi-turn maneuvering is nec -
essary, proceed to step .
● When multi-turn maneuvering is not necessary, proceed to
step . ( P. 408)
When a beep sounds once
and the stop display ( P. 3 9 0 )
is shown on the display, stop
the vehicle.
Change the shift position to D.
When you would like to end assist control at your current position,
change the shift position to P.
Assume an ordinary driving postu re, rest your hands lightly on
the steering wheel without applying any force, directly confirm
the safety of the area to the front and around the vehicle and
slowly proceed forward while adjusting your speed by depressing
the brake pedal.
When a beep sounds once
and the stop display ( P. 3 9 0 )
is shown on the display, stop
the vehicle.
Change the shift position to R.
5
6
12
6
7
8
9
10

408
PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)
4-5. Using the driving support systems
Assume an ordinary posture for backing up, rest your hands
lightly on the steering wheel without applying any force, direc tly
confirm the safety of the area to the rear and around the vehic le
slowly back up while adjusting your speed by depressing the
brake pedal.
Depending on the condition of the parking space, steps to may
need to be repeated.
When the vehicle is almost entire ly within the target parking spot,
a high-pitched beep is emitted and the stop display is shown on
the display ( P. 390), stop the vehicle.
This completes the back-in parking assist mode.
● For safety, the buzzer sounds slightly before the vehicle is
completely entered within the target parking spot. Further-
more, at that point, system operation will also finish. Firmly
hold the steering wheel and slowly back up while adjusting
your speed by depressing the brake pedal to reach the desired
parking spot.
● Be sure to back up while checking the area to the front and
rear of the vehicle direct ly and by using the mirrors.
■Back-in parking assist m ode operating conditions
● In order to operate the function correctly, drive slowly (at a speed at which
the vehicle can be quickly stopped).
● In order to operate the function correctly, drive slowly (at a speed at which
the vehicle can be quickly stopped). Come to a full stop so tha t the center of
the parking space is nearly perpendicular to the vehicle, and t hen operate
the S-APGS switch.
● The function cannot be used when the vehicle speed is approxima tely
19 mph (30 km/h) or higher.
● The front side sensors and rear side sensors are used to detect parked
vehicles and determine the parking spot. Therefore, when detection is not
possible ( P. 419), guidance is not issued.
● If there are no parked vehicles, the parking spot cannot be det ermined.
Therefore, the back-in parking assist mode cannot be operated.
● If unable to detect the environment surrounding the parking space, the
back-in parking assist mode may not be able to operate.
11
611
12

422
PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)
4-5. Using the driving support systems
If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt or snow, the TRAC system may
reduce power from the hybrid system to the wheels. Pressing
to turn the system off may make it easier for you to rock the vehicle in
order to free it.
To turn the TRAC system off,
quickly press and release
.
The “Traction Control Turned Off”
will be shown on the multi-informa-
tion display.
Press
again to turn the sys-
tem back on.
■ Turning off both TRAC and VSC systems
To turn the TRAC and VSC systems off, press and hold for more than
3 seconds while the vehicle is stopped.
The VSC OFF indicator will come on and the “Traction Control Tu rned Off”
will be shown on the multi-information display.
*
Press again to turn the systems back on.
*: On vehicles with pre-collision system, pre-collision brake ass ist and pre-
collision braking will also be disabled. The PCS warning light will come on
and the message will be shown on the multi-information display. ( P. 593)
■ When the message is displayed on the multi-information display show-
ing that TRAC has been disab led even if has not been pressed
TRAC is temporary deactivated. If the information continues to show, contact
your Toyota dealer.
■ Operating conditions of hill-start assist control
When the following four conditions are met, the hill-start assi st control will
operate:
● The shift position is in a position other than P or N (when sta rting off forward/
backward on an upward incline)
● The vehicle is stopped
● The accelerator pedal is not depressed
● The parking brake is not engaged
Disabling the TRAC system

424
PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)
4-5. Using the driving support systems
■Operating conditions of Active Cornering Assist
The system operates when the following occurs.
●TRAC/VSC can operate
● The driver is attempting to accelerate while turning
● The system detects that the vehicle is drifting to the outer si de
● The brake pedal is released
■ Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is reduced to prevent the s ystem from
overheating when there is frequent steering input over an exten ded period of
time. The steering wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should thi s occur, refrain
from excessive steering input or stop the vehicle and turn the hybrid system
off. The EPS system should return to normal within 10 minutes.
■ Electric power steering system wa rning light (warning buzzer)
P. 593
■ When a message related to AWD system is displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display (AWD models)
Perform the following actions.
MessageDetailsActions
“AWD System Overheated
Switching to 2WD Mode”AWD system is over-
heating.Stop the vehicle for a
certain amount of time
or drive the vehicle at
approximately 6 mph
(10 km/h) or more to
reduce the overload to
the system. Once the
display message on the
multi-information dis-
play turns off, there is
no problem continuing
to drive.
“AWD System Overheated 2WD Mode Engaged”
The vehicle switched
from all-wheel drive
(AWD) to front wheel
drive due to over-
heating.
“AWD System Malfunction
2WD Mode EngagedVisit Your Dealer”
A malfunction
occurred in the AWD
system, and the
vehicle switched to
front wheel drive.
Have the vehicle
inspected by your Toy-
ota dealer immediately.

PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)
4254-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
WARNING
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
● The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded (suc h as
excessively worn tires on a snow covered road).
● The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or s lick roads.
■ Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may exceed that of nor-
mal conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, espe cially in the
following situations:
● When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
● When driving with tire chains
● When driving over bumps in the road
● When driving over roads with potholes or uneven surfaces
■ TRAC/VSC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRAC/VSC system is operating. D rive the
vehicle carefully in conditions where stability and power may b e lost.
■ Active Cornering Assist does not operate effectively when
● Do not overly rely on Active Cornering Assist. Active Cornering Assist may
not operate effectively when accelerating down slopes or driving on slip-
pery road surfaces.
● When Active Cornering Assist frequently operates, Active Corner ing
Assist may temporarily stop operating to ensure proper operatio n of the
brakes, TRAC and VSC.
■ Hill-start assist control does not operate effectively when
● Do not overly rely on hill-start assist control. Hill-start ass ist control may
not operate effectively on steep inclines and roads covered wit h ice.
● Unlike the parking brake, hill-start assist control is not inte nded to hold the
vehicle stationary for an extended period of time. Do not attempt to use
hill-start assist control to hold the vehicle on an incline, as doing so may
lead to an accident.
■ When the TRAC/ABS/VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may
cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.

427
PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)
4-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
Hybrid vehicle 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/coo ling) will be minimized, improving
the fuel economy. ( P. 347)
◆Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the Hybrid Syst em
Indicator within Eco area. ( P. 129)
◆Shift position operation
Shift the shift position to D when stopped at a traffic light, or driving
in heavy traffic etc. Shift the shift position to P when parkin g. When
using the N, there is no positiv e effect on fuel consumption. In the
N, the gasoline engine operates but electricity cannot be gener -
ated. Also, when using the air conditioning system, etc., the h ybrid
battery (traction batt ery) power is consumed.
◆Accelerator pedal/brake pedal operation
●Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid abrupt acceleration and
deceleration. Gradual accelerat ion and deceleration will make
more effective use of the electric motor (traction motor) witho ut
having to use gaso line engine power.
● Avoid repeated acceleration. Repeated acceleration consumes
hybrid battery (tracti on battery) power, resulting in poor fuel con-
sumption. Battery power can be restored by driving with the
accelerator pedal slightly released.
For economical and ecological dri ving, pay attention to the fol-
lowing points:

428
PRIUS_OM_OM47E09U_(U)
4-6. Driving tips
◆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 a t
traffic lights, will lead to bad fuel economy. Check traffic re ports
before leaving and avoid delays as much as possible. When drivi ng
in a traffic jam, gently release the brake pedal to allow the v ehicle 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 st op-
ping at a toll booth or similar, allow plenty of time to releas e the
accelerator and gently apply the brakes. A greater amount of el ec-
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 tempe rature 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 gasolin e engine will not automatically cut out
until it and the interior of the vehicle are warm, it will cons ume fuel.
Also, fuel consumption can be improved by avoiding overuse of t he
heater.