Page 447 of 770

4454-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
PRIUS_OM_OM47F32E_(EE)■Automatic reactivation of TRC and VSC systems
After turning the TRC and VSC systems off, the systems will be automatically
re-enabled in the following situations:
●When the power switch is turned off
●If only the TRC system is turned off, the TRC will turn on when vehicle
speed increases
If both the TRC and VSC systems are turned off, automatic re-enabling will
not occur when vehicle speed increases.
■Operating conditions of Active Cornering Assist
The system operates when the following occurs.
●TRC/VSC can operate
●The driver is attempting to accelerate while turning
●The system detects that the vehicle is drifting to the outer side
●The brake pedal is released
■Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is reduced to prevent the system from
overheating when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of
time. The steering wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this 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 warning light (warning buzzer)
P. 581
■Operating conditions of emergency brake signal
When the following conditions are met, the emergency brake signal will oper-
ate:
●The emergency flashers are off.
●Actual vehicle speed is over 55 km/h (35 mph).
●The system judges from the vehicle deceleration that it is a sudden braking
operation.
■Automatic system cancelation of emergency brake signal
The emergency brake signal will be canceled in any of the following situa-
tions:
●The emergency flashers are turned on.
●The system judges from the vehicle deceleration that is not a sudden brak-
ing operation.
Page 449 of 770

4474-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
PRIUS_OM_OM47F32E_(EE)
WARNING
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
● The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded (such as
excessively worn tires on a snow covered road).
● The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick 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, especially 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
■ TRC/VSC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRC/VSC system is operating. Drive the
vehicle carefully in conditions where stability and power may be 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 Cornering
Assist may temporarily stop operating to ensure proper operation of the
brakes, TRC and VSC.
■ Hill-start assist control does not operate effectively when
● Do not overly rely on hill-start assist control. Hill-start assist control may
not operate effectively on steep inclines and roads covered with ice.
● Unlike the parking brake, hill-start assist control is not intended 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 TRC/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.
Page 451 of 770

449
4
4-6. Driving tips
Driving
PRIUS_OM_OM47F32E_(EE)
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/cooling) will be minimized, improving
the fuel economy. (P. 351)
◆Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the Hybrid System
Indicator within Eco area. (P. 132)
◆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 parking. When
using the N, there is no positive 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 hybrid
battery (traction battery) power is consumed.
◆Accelerator pedal/brake pedal operation
●Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid abrupt acceleration and
deceleration. Gradual acceleration and deceleration will make
more effective use of the electric motor (traction motor) without
having to use gasoline engine power.
●Avoid repeated acceleration. Repeated acceleration consumes
hybrid battery (traction 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 driving, pay attention to the fol-
lowing points:
Page 452 of 770

4504-6. Driving tips
PRIUS_OM_OM47F32E_(EE)
◆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 at
traffic lights, will lead to bad fuel economy. Check traffic reports
before leaving and avoid delays as much as possible. When driving
in a traffic jam, gently release the brake pedal to allow the vehicle 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 stop-
ping at a toll booth or similar, allow plenty of time to release the
accelerator and gently apply the brakes. A greater amount of elec-
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 temperature 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 gasoline engine will not automatically cut out
until it and the interior of the vehicle are warm, it will consume fuel.
Also, fuel consumption can be improved by avoiding overuse of the
heater.
Page 454 of 770

4524-6. Driving tips
PRIUS_OM_OM47F32E_(EE)
Winter driving tips
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.
• Engine oil
• Engine/power control unit coolant
• Washer fluid
●Have a service technician inspect the condition of the 12-volt bat-
tery.
●Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of tire
chains for the front tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains match
the size of the tires.
Perform the following according to the driving conditions:
●Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is frozen.
Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe away
the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.
●To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents in
front of the windshield.
●Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have accu-
mulated on the exterior lights, vehicle’s roof, chassis, around the
tires or on the brakes.
●Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before
getting in the vehicle.
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before
driving the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a man-
ner appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions.
Preparation for winter
Before driving the vehicle
Page 459 of 770

457
5Interior features
PRIUS_OM_OM47F32E_(EE)5-1. Using the air conditioning
system and defogger
Automatic air conditioning
system ............................. 458
Seat heaters ...................... 468
5-2. Using the interior lights
Interior lights list ................. 470
• Front interior light .......... 471
• Front personal lights ...... 471
• Rear interior light ........... 472
5-3. Using the storage features
List of storage features ...... 473
• Glove box ...................... 474
• Console box .................. 474
• Cup holders ................... 475
• Bottle holders/
door pockets .................. 476
• Auxiliary boxes .............. 477
• Seat back pockets ......... 478
Luggage compartment
features............................ 479
5-4. Using the other interior
features
Other interior features ........ 485
• Sun visors...................... 485
• Vanity mirrors ................ 485
• Power outlets................. 486
• Wireless charger ........... 487
• Armrest .......................... 493
• Coat hooks .................... 493
• Assist grips .................... 494
Page 471 of 770
4695-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
PRIUS_OM_OM47F32E_(EE)
5
Interior features
Heats the seat at low tempera-
ture (LO)
Heats the seat at high tempera-
ture (HI)
The indicator light comes on when
one side of the switch is pressed.
To stop operation, gently press the
other side of the switch.
● The seat heaters can be used when the power switch is in ON mode.
● When not in use, turn off the switch. The indicator light turns off.
Operating instructions
Indicator
Indicator
1
2
Page 472 of 770
4705-2. Using the interior lights
PRIUS_OM_OM47F32E_(EE)
Interior lights list
Rear interior light (P. 472)
Front personal/interior lights (P. 471)
Shift lever lighting
Footwell lights
Front door courtesy lights1
2
3
4
5