Page 342 of 584
3424-5. Using the driving support systems
Normal mode
Use for normal driving.
While in Eco drive mode or Sport mode, press the “NORMAL” switch to
change the driving mode to normal mode.
Eco drive mode
Use Eco drive mode to help achieve low fuel consumption during
trips that involve frequent accelerating.
When the “ECO” switch is pressed, the “ECO MODE” indicator comes on
in the multi-information display.
Sport mode
Use sport mode when increased acceleration response and precise
handling is desired, for exampl e, when driving on mountain road s.
When the “SPORT” switch is pressed, the “SPORT” indicator comes on in
the multi-information display.
Driving mode select switches
The driving modes can be select ed to suit driving condition.
1
2
3
Page 351 of 584

351
4
Driving
4-6. 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/coo ling) will be minimized, improving
the fuel economy. ( P. 342)
◆Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the needle of H ybrid
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 effe ct on fuel consumption. In the N, the
gasoline engine operates but e lectricity cannot be generated. A lso,
when using the air conditioning s ystem, etc., the hybrid battery
(traction battery) 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.
Hybrid vehicle driving tips
For economical and ecological dri ving, pay attention to the fol-
lowing points:
Page 352 of 584

3524-6. 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.
◆Checking tire inflation pressure
Make sure to check the tire inflation pressure frequently. Impr oper
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 app ro-
priate for the season.
Page 353 of 584
3534-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
◆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 repeat edly
warm up, which can lead to excess fuel consumption.
Page 368 of 584

3685-1. 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 i ntake 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 dependin g on the
temperature setting or the inside temperature.
■ When the outside temperature exceeds 75°F (24°C) and the air co ndition-
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 pre ssing .
■ When the outside t emperature is low
The dehumidification function may not operate even when is pre ssed
or is selected.
■ Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco drive mode
●In the Eco drive mode, “ECO” is displayed on the air conditioni ng screen
and the air conditioning system is controlled as follows to pri oritize fuel effi-
ciency:
• Engine speed and compressor operation controlled to restrict h eating/
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 572 of 584

572Alphabetical index
Fuel consumption............ 106, 134
Fuel filler door.......................... 234If the fuel filler door
cannot be opened............... 238
Refueling............................... 234
Fuses ........................................ 464
Garage door opener ................ 399
Gauges ....................................... 98
Glove box ................................. 378
Grocery bag hooks .................. 383
Head restraints ........................ 168
Head-up display ....................... 123
Headlights ................................ 222 Automatic High Beam ........... 226
Light switch ........................... 222
Replacing light bulbs............. 467
Windshield wiper linked headlight illumination .......... 224
Heated steering wheel............. 371
Heaters Automatic air
conditioning system ............ 360
Outside rear view mirrors...... 365
Seat heaters ......................... 371
High mounted stoplight Replacing .............................. 467
High voltage components......... 79
Hill-start assist control............ 344
Hood ......................................... 423 Hooks
Coat hooks ........................... 398
Grocery bag hooks ............... 383
Retaining hooks (floor mat) .... 24
Horn .......................................... 171
HUD (Head-up display) ........... 123
Hybrid battery (traction battery) ..................... 79
Hybrid battery (traction battery) air
intake vent ....................... 80, 456
Hybrid system............................ 75 Acoustic Vehicle Alerting
System ................................. 76
Emergency shut off system .... 80
Energy monitor/ consumption screen ........... 130
EV drive mode ...................... 206
High voltage components ....... 79
Hybrid System Indicator ....... 100
Hybrid system precautions ..... 79
Hybrid vehicle driving tips ..... 351
If the hybrid system will not start ........................ 505
Overheating .......................... 517
Power (ignition) switch.......... 200
Starting the hybrid system .... 200
Hybrid System Indicator ......... 100
Hybrid transmission................ 209
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P .... 213
Paddle shift switches ............ 212
S mode ................................. 211
G
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