
1704-1. Before driving
■When  starting  off on  an  uphill  (v ehicles  with  the  hill-start  assist  control
system)
The hill-start assist control will activate. ( P. 323)
■ Driving in the rain
●Drive carefully when it is raining, because visibility will be  reduced, the win-
dows may become fogged-up, and the road will be slippery.
● Drive carefully when it starts to rain, because the road surface will be espe-
cially slippery.
● Refrain  from  high  speeds  when  driving  on  an  expressway  in  the  r ain,
because there may be  a layer of  water  between the tires  and  the  road sur-
face, preventing the steering and brakes from operating properl y.
■ Engine speed while driving (vehic les with an automatic transmission)
In the following conditions, the engine speed may become high w hile driving.
This is due to automatic up-shifting control or down-shifting implementation to
meet driving conditions. It does not indicate sudden acceleration.
● The vehicle is judged to be driving uphill or downhill
● When the accelerator pedal is released
● When the brake pedal is depressed while power mode is selected
■ Restraining the engine out put (Brake Override System)
● When the accelerator and brake pedals are depressed at the same  time, the
engine output may be restrained.
● A  warning  message  is  displayed  on  the  multi-information  display  while the
system is operating. ( P. 493)
■ Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start Control: vehicles with an  automatic
transmission)
● When  the following  unusual operation is performed,  the  engine  o utput  may
be 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  accelerator  pedal  depressed,  a  warnin g  mes-
sage appears on the multi-information display.
• When the accelerator pedal is depressed too much while the veh icle is in
reverse.
● While  Drive-Start  Control  is  being  activated,  your  vehicle  may  have  trouble
escaping  from  the  mud  or  fresh  snow.  In  such  case,  perform  the  following
actions to cancel Drive-Start Control so that the vehicle may b ecome able to
escape from the mud or fresh snow.
• Deactivate TRAC ( P. 323)
• When the AUTO LSD system is turned on. 
(P. 306)
• 4WD models: The four-wheel drive control switch is in “4L” pos ition. 
(P. 302) 

1724-1. Before driving
WARNING
Observe the following precautions. 
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
■When starting the vehicle (vehicles with an automatic transmission)
Always  keep  your  foot  on  the  brake  pedal  while  stopped  with  the  engine
running. This prevents the vehicle from creeping.
■ When driving the vehicle
● Do not drive if you are unfamiliar with the location of the brake and accel-
erator pedals to avoid depressing the wrong pedal. 
• Accidentally  depressing  the  accelerator  pedal  instead  of  the  b rake
pedal will result in sudden acceleration that may lead to an accident.
• When backing up, you may twist your body around, leading to difficulty
in operating the pedals. Make sure to operate the pedals proper l y.
• Make  sure  to  keep  a  correct  driving  posture  even  when  moving  t he
vehicle only slightly. This allows you to depress the brake and accelera-
tor pedals properly.
• Depress  the  brake  pedal  using  your  right  foot.  Depressing  the  brake
pedal using your left foot may delay response in an emergency,  result-
ing in an accident.
● Do not drive the vehicle over or stop the vehicle near flammable materials.
The  exhaust  system  and  exhaust  gases  can  be  extremely  hot. Thes e  hot
parts may cause a fire if there is any flammable material nearby.
● During  normal  driving,  do  not  turn  off  the  engine.  Turning  the  engine  off
while  driving  will  not  cause  loss  of  steering  or  braking  control,  but  the
power assist to these systems will be lost. This will make it more difficult to
steer and brake, so you should pull over and stop the vehicle as soon as it
is safe to do so. 
However, in  the  event of  an emergency, such  as if  it becomes  im possible
to stop the vehicle in the normal way:  P. 473
● Use  engine  braking  (downshift)  to  maintain  a  safe  speed  when  driving
down a steep hill. 
Using the brakes continuously may cause the brakes to overheat and lose
effectiveness. ( P. 210, 215)
● Do not adjust the positions of the steering wheel, the seat, or  the inside or
outside rear view mirrors while driving.
Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle control.
● Always check that all passengers’ arms, heads or other parts of  their body
are not outside the vehicle. 

1734-1. Before driving
4
Driving
WARNING
Observe the following precautions. 
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
■When driving the vehicle
● Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the legal sp eed limit per-
mits it, do not drive over 85 mph (140 km/h) unless your vehicl e has high-
speed  capability  tires.  Driving  over  85  mph  (140  km/h)  may  resu lt  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  slippa ge  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 m ay prevent
the brakes from functioning properly. If the brakes on only one  side are wet
and not functioning properly, steering control may be affected.
■ When shifting the shift lever
● On  vehicles  with  an  automatic  transmission,  do  not  let  the  vehicle  roll
backward while the shift lever is  in a  driving  position, or rol l  forward while
the shift lever is in R.
Doing so may cause the engine to stall or lead to poor brake an d steering
performance, resulting in an accident or damage to the vehicle.
● On vehicles with an automatic transmission, do not shift the sh ift lever to P
while the vehicle is moving. 
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss o f vehicle
control.
● Do not shift the shift lever to R while the vehicle is moving forward. 
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle
control.
● Do not shift the shift lever to a driving position while the ve hicle is moving
backward. 
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle
control.
● Moving  the  shift  lever  to  N  while  the  vehicle  is  moving  will  di sengage  the
engine  from  the  transmission.  Engine  braking  is  not  available  w hen  N  is
selected.
● On vehicles with an automatic transmission, be careful not to s hift the shift
lever  with  the  accelerator  pedal  depressed.  Shifting  the  shift  lever  to  a
gear  other  than  P  or  N  may  lead  to  moving  unexpectedly  of  the  vehicle
that may cause an accident. 

1764-1. Before driving
NOTICE
■When driving the vehicle
● Do not depress the accelerator and brake pedals at the same tim e during
driving, as this may restrain the engine output.
Vehicles with an automatic transmission
● Do  not  use  the  accelerator  pedal  or  depress  the  accelerator  and  brake
pedals at the same time to hold the vehicle on a hill.
Vehicles with a manual transmission
● Do not shift gears unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed. After shifting,
do not release the clutch abruptly. Doing so may damage the clutch, trans-
mission and gears.
● Do not rest your foot on the clutch pedal while driving. 
Doing so may cause clutch trouble.
● Do not use any gear other than the first gear when starting off and moving
forward. 
Doing so may damage the clutch.
● Do not use the clutch to hold the vehicle when stopping on an uphill grade. 
Doing so may damage the clutch.
● Do  not  shift  the  shift  lever  to  R  when  the  vehicle  is  still  moving.  Doing  so
may damage the clutch, transmission and gears.
■ When parking the vehicle (vehicles with an automatic transmissi on)
Always set the parking brake, and shift the shift lever to P. Failure to do so
may  cause  the  vehicle  to  move  or  the  vehicle  may  move  suddenly  if  the
accelerator pedal is accidentally depressed.
■ Avoiding damage to vehicle parts
● Do not turn the steering wheel fully in either direction and ho ld it there for
an extended period of time. 
Doing so may damage the power steering pump.
● When driving over bumps in the road, drive as slowly as possible to avoid
damaging the wheels, underside of the vehicle, etc.  

1774-1. Before driving
4
Driving
NOTICE
■If you get a flat tire while driving 
A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering
wheel firmly  and  gradually  depress  the  brake  pedal to  slow  down  the  vehi-
cle.
● It may be difficult to control your vehicle.
● The vehicle will make abnormal sounds or vibrations.
● The vehicle will lean abnormally.
Information on what to do in case of a flat tire ( P. 511)
■ When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain, etc.  Doing so may
cause the following serious damage to the vehicle:
● Engine stalling
● Short in electrical components
● Engine damage caused by water immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle i s flooded, be
sure to have your Toyota dealer check the following:
● Brake function
● Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, trans-
mission, transfer (4WD models) differentials, etc.
● Lubricant condition for the propeller shaft, bearings and suspe nsion joints
(where possible), and the function of all joints, bearings, etc. 

1814-1. Before driving
4
Driving
WARNING
■Things that must not be carried in the luggage compartment
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the luggage compart-
ment:
●Receptacles containing gasoline
●Aerosol cans
■Storage precautions
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may prevent the pedals from being depressed pr operly,
may block the driver’s vision, or may result in items hitting t he driver or
passengers, possibly causing an accident.
●Do  not  stack  anything  behind  the  front  seats  higher  than  the  se at-
backs.
●Do not place cargo or luggage in  or on the following locations.
• At the feet of the driver
• On the front passenger or rea r seats (when stacking items)
• On the instrument panel
• On the dashboard
• On the auxiliary box or tray that has no lid
●Secure all items in the occupant compartment.
●Never allow anyone to ride in the rear deck. It is not designed  for pas-
sengers.  They  should  ride  in  their  seats  with  their  seat  belts  properly fastened.
■Capacity and distribution
●Do  not  exceed  the  maximum  axle  weight  rating  or  the  total  vehic le
weight rating.
●Even  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.  I mproper
loading  may  cause  deterioration  of  steering  or  braking  control  which
may cause death or  serious injury. 

1824-1. Before driving
Vehicle load limits
◆Total load capacity (vehicle capacity weight): P. 541
Total load capacity means the co mbined weight of occupants, cargo
and luggage. 
◆Seating capacity:  P.   5 4 1
Seating capacity means the max imum number of occupants whose
estimated average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.
Even if the number of occupants are within the seating capacity , do
not exceed the tota l load capacity.
◆TWR (Trailer Weight Rating):  P. 187
TWR  means  the  maximum  gross  trai ler  weight  (trailer  weight  plus
its cargo weight) that your vehicle  is able to tow.
◆Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending on the weight
and the number of occupants.
■Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire and loading information label. 
( P. 442)
Vehicle  load  limits  include  total  load  capacity,  seating  capaci t y,
TWR (Trailer Weight Rati ng) and cargo capacity. 
WARNING
■
Overloading 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.  

1934-1. Before driving
4
Driving
Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. To help avoid
an  accident,  death  or  serious  injury,  keep  the  following  in  min d when
towing:
● Speed  limits  for  towing  a  trailer  vary  by  state  or  province.  Do  not
exceed the posted to wing speed limit.
● Toyota  recommends  that  the  vehicl e-trailer  speed  limit  is  65  mph
(104 km/h) on a flat, straight, dry road. Do not exceed this li mit, the
posted  towing  speed  limit  or  the  speed  limit  for  your  trailer  a s  set
forth  in  your  trailer owner’s  manu al,  whichever is  lowest.  Instability
of the towing vehicle-trailer combination (trailer sway) increa ses as
speed increases. Exceeding speed limits may cause loss of contr ol.
● Before  starting  out,  check  the  trailer  lights,  tires  and  the  vehicle-
trailer connections. Recheck af ter driving a short distance.
● Practice turning, stopping and reversing with the trailer attac hed in
an area away from traffic until you become accustomed  to  the fe el
of the vehicle-trailer combination.
● Reversing with a trailer attached is difficult and requires pra ctice.
Grip  the  bottom  of  the  steering  wheel  and  move  your  hand  to  the
left  to  move  the  trailer  to  the  left.  Move  your  hand  to  the  rig ht  to
move the trailer to the right. (This is generally opposite to r eversing
without  a  trailer  attached.) Avoid  sharp  or  prolonged  turning.  Have
someone  guide  you  when  reversing  to  reduce  the  risk  of  an  acci-
dent.
● As stopping distance is increased when towing a trailer, vehicl e-to-
vehicle  distance  should  be  increased.  For  each  10  mph  (16  km/h)
of speed, allow at least one v ehicle and trailer length.
● Avoid sudden braking as you may  skid, resulting in the trailer  jack-
knifing and a loss of vehicle control. This is especially true  on wet or
slippery surfaces.
● Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.
● Avoid jerky steering  and sharp turns, and slow down before maki ng
a turn.
● Note that when making a turn, the trailer wheels will be closer  than
the vehicle wheels to the inside  of the turn. Compensate by mak ing
a wider than normal turning radius.
Trailer towing tips