2022 LEXUS ES300h steering

1454-1. Before driving
4
Driving
Cargo capacity
Total load capacity (vehicle capac-
ity weight) (P.402)
When 2 people with the combined
weight of A lb. (kg) are riding in your
vehicle, which has a total load capacity
(vehicle capacity weight) of B lb. (kg),
the available amount of cargo and lug-
gage load capacity will be C lb. (kg) as
follows:
B
*2 lb. (kg) - A*1 lb. (kg) = C*3 lb. (kg)
*1: A = Weight of people
*2: B = Total load capacity
*3: C = Available cargo and luggage load In this condition, if 3 more passengers with
the combined weight of D lb. (kg) get on,
the available cargo and luggage load will
be reduced E lb. (kg) as follows:
C lb. (kg) - D*4 lb. (kg) = E*5 lb. (kg)
*4: D = Additional weight of people
*5: E = Available cargo and luggage load
As shown in the example above, if the
number of occupants increases, the
cargo and luggage load will be
reduced by an amount that equals the
increased weight due to the additional
occupants. In other words, if an
increase in the number of occupants
causes an excess of the total load
capacity (combined weight of occu-
pants plus cargo and luggage load),
you must reduce the cargo and lug-
gage on your vehicle.
WARNING
QCapacity and distribution
ODo not exceed the maximum axle
weight rating or the total vehicle
weight rating.
OEven if the total load of occupant’s
weight and the cargo load is less than
the total load capacity, do not apply
the load unevenly. Improper loading
may cause deterioration of steering or
braking control which may cause
death or serious injury.
Calculation formula for your
vehicle
A
B

1464-1. Before driving
QTotal load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire
and loading information label. ( P.338)
Vehicle load limits
Vehicle load limits include total
load capacity, seating capacity,
towing capacity and cargo capac-
ity.
 Total load capacity (vehicle
capacity weight): P.402
Total load capacity means the com-
bined weight of occupants, cargo
and luggage.
 Seating capacity: P.402
Seating capacity means the maxi-
mum number of occupants whose
estimated average weight is 150 lb.
(68 kg) per person.
 Towing capacity
Lexus does not recommend towing
a trailer with your vehicle.
 Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or
decrease depending on the weight
and the number of occupants.
WARNING
QOverloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle.
It may not only cause damage to the tires,
but also degrade steering and braking
ability, resulting in an accident.
Trailer towing
Lexus does not recommend towing
a trailer with your vehicle. Lexus
also does not recommend the
installation of a tow hitch or the use
of a tow hitch carrier for a wheel-
chair, scooter, bicycle, etc. Your
vehicle is not designed for trailer
towing or for the use of tow hitch
mounted carriers.

1494-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
system. In this case, try to start the hybrid
system again after the temperature of the
hybrid battery increases due to the out-
side temperature increase etc.
QSounds and vibrations specific to a
hybrid vehicle
 P.60
QIf the 12-volt battery is discharged
The hybrid system cannot be started using
the smart access system with push-button
start. Refer to P.391 to restart the hybrid
system.
QElectronic key battery depletion
 P.100
QConditions affecting operation
 P.117
QNotes for the entry function
 P.117
QSteering lock function
OAfter turning the power switch off and
opening and closing the doors, the steer-
ing wheel will be locked due to the steer-
ing lock function. Operating the power
switch again automatically cancels the
steering lock.
OWhen the steering lock cannot be
released, “Push Power Switch while
Turning Steering Wheel in Either Direc-
tion” will be displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display.
Check that the shift lever is set in P. Press
the power switch shortly and firmly while
turning the steering wh eel left and right.
OTo prevent the steering lock motor from
overheating, the motor may be sus-
pended if the hybrid system is turned on
and off repeatedly in a short period of
time. In this case, refrain from operating
the power switch. After about 10 sec- onds, the steering lock motor will resume
functioning.
QIf there is a malfunction in the smart
access system with push-button start
If “Access System with Elec. Key Malfunc-
tion See Owner’s Manual” is displayed on
the multi-information display, the system
may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle
inspected by your Lexus dealer immedi-
ately.
QIf 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.
QIf the hybrid system is malfunctioning
 P.65
QElectronic key battery
 P.347
QOperation of the power switch
OIf the switch is not pressed shortly and
firmly, the power switch mode may not
change or the hybrid system may not
start.
OIf 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.
QCustomization
If the smart access system with push-button
start has been deactivated in a customized
setting, refer to P.421.
WARNING
QWhen 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.

1504-2. Driving procedures
1Stop the vehicle completely.
2 Set the parking brake ( P.159),
and shift the shift lever to P
(  P.155).
3 Press the power switch.
4 Release the brake pedal and check
that “ACCESSORY” or “IGNI-
TION ON” is not shown on the
meter.
QAutomatic hybrid system shut off fea-
ture
OThe vehicle is equipped with a feature
that automatically shuts off the hybrid sys-
tem when the shift lever is in P with the
hybrid system operating for an extended
period.
OThe hybrid system will automatically shut
off after approximately 1 hour if it has
been left running while the shift lever is in
P.
OThe timer for the automatic hybrid system
shut off feature will reset if the brake
pedal is depressed or if the shift lever is in
a position other than P.
OAfter the vehicle is parked, if the door is
locked with the door lock switch
( P.106) from the inside or the mechan-
ical key from the outside, the automatic
hybrid system shut off feature will be dis-
abled. The timer for the automatic hybrid
system shut off feature will be re-enabled
if the driver’s door is opened.
QLocking the door from outside with the
hybrid system operating
1 With the driver’s door open, pull the
driver’s door handle and insert the
mechanical key.
2 Turn the mechanical key counterclock-
wise.
3 Pull out the mechanical key and close
the door.
WARNING
QCaution 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.
NOTICE
QWhen starting the hybrid system
If the hybrid system becomes difficult to
start, have your vehicle checked by your
Lexus dealer immediately.
QSymptoms indicating a malfunction
with the power switch
If the power switch seems to be operat-
ing somewhat differently than usual, such
as the switch sticking slightly, there may
be a malfunction. Contact your Lexus
dealer immediately.
Stopping the hybrid system

1514-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
Modes can be changed by pressing
the power switch with the brake pedal
released. (The mode changes each
time the switch is pressed.)
1Off
*
The emergency flashers can be used.
2ACCESSORY mode
Some electrical components such as the
audio system can be used.
“ACCESSORY” will be displayed on the
meter.
3ON mode
All electrical components can be used.
“IGNITION ON” will be displayed on the
meter.
WARNING
QStopping the hybrid system in an
emergency
OIf you want to stop the hybrid system in
an emergency while driving the vehi-
cle, press and hold the power switch
for more than 2 seconds, or press it
briefly 3 times or more in succession.
(  P.358)
However, do not touch the power
switch while driving except in an emer-
gency. Turning the hybrid system off
while driving will not cause loss of
steering or braking control, however,
power assist to the steering will be lost.
This will make it more difficult to steer
smoothly, so you should pull over and
stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to
do so.
OIf the power switch is operated while
the vehicle is running, a warning mes-
sage will be shown on the multi-infor-
mation display and a buzzer sounds.
OWhen restarting the hybrid system
after an emergency shutdown, shift the
shift lever to N and press the power
switch shortly and firmly.
QWhen parking
Exhaust gases include harmful carbon
monoxide (CO), which is colorless and
odorless. Observe the following precau-
tions.
Failure to do so may cause exhaust gases
to enter the vehicle and may lead to an
accident caused by light-headedness, or
may lead to death or a serious health
hazard.
OIf the vehicle is in a poorly ventilated
area or a closed area, such as a
garage, stop the hybrid system.
ODo 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.
ODo not leave the hybrid system oper-
ating in an area with snow build-up, or
where it is snowing. If snowbanks build
up around the vehicle while the hybrid
system is operating, exhaust gases
may collect and enter the vehicle.
Changing power switch modes

1654-3. Operating the lights and wipers
4
Driving
1With the headlights on, push the
lever away from you to turn on the
high beams.
Pull the lever toward you to the center
position to turn the high beams off.
2Pull the lever toward you and
release it to flash the high beams
once.
You can flash the high beams with the
headlights on or off.
When any of the following conditions is
met, while the headlights (low beam)
are on, the cornering lights will addi-
tionally turn on and light up the direc-
tion of movement for the vehicle. This is
to ensure excellent visibility when
either driving at intersections or park-
ing at night.
The steering wheel is operated 
The turn signal lever is operated
 The shift position is in R (both left
and right side cornering lights)
QCornering light control
OThe lights illuminate when the vehicle
speed is approximately 19 mph (30
km/h) or less. However, the lights turn off
when the vehicle speed increases to
approximately 22 mph (35 km/h) or
more.
OAfter the lights remain illuminated for 30
minutes, they automatically turn off.
NOTICE
QTo prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Do not leave the lights on longer than
necessary when the hybrid system is not
operating.
Turning on the high beam head-
lights
Cornering lights

1824-5. Using the driving support systems
The system can detect the following
(The detectable objects differs
depending on the function.):
Vehicles
 Bicyclists
 Pedestrians
QPre-collision warning
When the system determines that the
possibility of a frontal collision is high, a
buzzer will sound and a warning mes- sage will be displayed on the multi-
information display to urge the driver
to take evasive action.
QPre-collision brake assist
When the system determines that the
possibility of a frontal collision is high,
the system applies greater braking
force in relation to how strongly the
brake pedal is depressed.
QPre-collision braking
If the system determines that the possi-
bility of a frontal collision is extremely
high, the brakes are automatically
applied to help avoid the collision or
reduce the impact of the collision.
QEmergency steering assist
If the system determines that the possi-
bility of a frontal collision is high and
that there is sufficient space for the
vehicle to be steered into within its
lane, and the driver has begun evasive
maneuver or steering, emergency
steering assist will assist the steering
movements to help enhance the vehi-
cle stability and for lane departure pre-
vention. During operation, the
indicator will illuminate in green.
PCS (Pre-Collision System)
The pre-collision system uses a
radar sensor and front camera to
detect objects ( P.182) in front of
the vehicle. When the system
determines that the possibility of a
frontal collision with an object is
high, a warning operates to urge
the driver to take evasive action
and the potential br ake pressure is
increased to help the driver avoid
the collision. If the system deter-
mines that the possibility of a frontal
collision with an object is extremely
high, the brakes are automatically
applied to help avoid the collision or
help reduce the impact of the colli-
sion.
The pre-collision system can be dis-
abled/enabled and the warning tim-
ing can be changed. ( P.185)
Detectable objects
System functions

1844-5. Using the driving support systems
WARNING
OAlthough this system is designed to
help avoid a collision or help reduce
the impact of the collision, its effective-
ness may change according to various
conditions, therefore the system may
not always be able to achieve the same
level of performance.
Read the following conditions care-
fully. Do not overly rely on this system
and always drive carefully.
• Conditions under which the system may operate even if there is no possi-
bility of a collision: P.188
• Conditions under which the system may not operate properly: P.190
ODo not attempt to test the operation of
the pre-collision system yourself.
Depending on the objects used for
testing (dummies, cardboard objects
imitating detectable objects, etc.), the
system may not operate properly, pos-
sibly leading to an accident.
QPre-collision braking
OWhen the pre-collision braking func-
tion is operating, a large amount of
braking force will be applied.
OIf the vehicle is stopped by the opera-
tion of the pre-collision braking func-
tion, the pre-collision braking function
operation will be canceled after
approximately 2 seconds.
Depress the brake pedal as necessary.
OThe pre-collision braking function may
not operate if certain operations are
performed by the driver. If the acceler-
ator pedal is being depressed strongly
or the steering wheel is being turned,
the system may determine that the
driver is taking evasive action and pos-
sibly prevent the pre-collision braking
function from operating.
OIn some situations, while the pre-colli-
sion braking function is operating,
operation of the function may be can-
celed if the accelerator pedal is
depressed strongly or the steering
wheel is turned and the system deter-
mines that the driver is taking evasive
action.
OIf the brake pedal is being depressed,
the system may determine that the
driver is taking ev asive action and pos-
sibly delay the operation timing of the
pre-collision braking function.
QEmergency steering assist
OAs emergency steering assist opera-
tion will be canceled when the system
determines that lane departure pre-
vention function has been completed.
OEmergency steering assist may not
operate or may be cancel in the fol-
lowing cases as the system may deter-
mine the driver is taking actions.
• If the accelerator pedal is being depressed strongly, the steering wheel
is being operated sharply, the brake
pedal is being depressed or the turn
signal lever is bein g operated. In this
case, the system may determine that
the driver is taking evasive action and
the emergency steering assist may not
operate.
• In some situations, while the emer- gency steering assist is operating,
operation of the function may be can-
celed if the accelerator pedal is
depressed strongly, the steering wheel
is operated sharply or the brake pedal
is being depressed and the system
determines that the driver is taking
evasive action.
• When the emergency steering assist is operating, if the steering wheel is held
firmly or is operated in the opposite
direction to that which the system is
generating torque, the function may
be canceled.