2023 TOYOTA PRIUS Owners Manual

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4-1. Before driving
Driving
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Cargo and luggage
Take notice of the following information about storage precau-
tions, cargo capacity and load.
WARNING
■ Things that must not be carried in the luggage compartment
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the luggage compartment:
● Receptacles containing gasoline
● Aerosol cans
■ Storage precautions
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may prevent t he pedals from being depressed properly,
may block the driver’s vision, or may re sult in items hitting the driver or pas-
sengers, possibly causing an accident.
● Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever possible.
● Do not stack cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment higher than
the seatbacks.
● When you fold down the rear seats, long items should not be placed
directly behind the front seats.
● Never allow anyone to ride in the luggage compartment. It is not designed
for passengers. They should ride in their seats with their seat belts prop-
erly fastened.
● Do not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations.
• At the feet of the driver
• On the front passenger or rear seats (when stacking items)
• On the luggage cover
• On the instrument panel
• On the dashboard
● Secure all items in the occupant compartment.

2324-1. Before driving
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WARNING
■Load and distribution
● Do not overload your vehicle.
● Do not apply loads unevenly.
Improper loading may cause deteriorati on of steering or braking control
which may cause death or serious injury.

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4-1. Before driving
Driving
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Trailer towing (2WD models)
For Russia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Madeira, New Caledonia,
Saint Martin, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Israel
Toyota does not recommend
towing a trailer with your vehi-
cle. Toyota also does not rec-
ommend the installation of a
tow hitch or the use of a tow
hitch carrier for a wheelchair,
scooter, bicycle, etc. Your
vehicle is not designed for
trailer towing or for the use of
tow hitch mounted carriers.
Except for Russia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Madeira, New
Caledonia, Saint Martin, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Israel
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger carrying vehi-
cle. Towing a trailer will have an adverse effect on handling, per-
formance, braking, durability, and fuel consumption. Your safety
and satisfaction depend on the proper use of correct equipment
and cautious driving habits. For your safety and the safety of
others, do not overload the vehicle or trailer.
To tow a trailer safely, use extreme care and drive the vehicle in
accordance with the trailer’s characteristics and operating con-
ditions.
Toyota warranties do not apply to damage or malfunction
caused by towing a trailer for commercial purposes.
Ask your local authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized
repairer, or any reliable repairer for further details before towing,
as there are additional legal requirements in some countries.

2344-1. Before driving
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◆Weight limits
Check the allowable towing capacity, GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass),
MPAC (Maximum Permissible Axle Capacity), and permissible
drawbar load before towing. (P. 654)
◆Towing hitch/bracket
Toyota recommends the use of the Toyota hitch/bracket for your
vehicle. Other products of a suitable nature and comparable quality
may also be used.
For vehicles where the towing device blocks any of the lights or
license plate, the following shall be observed:
●Do not use towing devices that cannot be easily removed or
repositioned.
●Towing devices must be removed or repositioned when not in
use.
Please consult at any authorized dealer or repairer, or another duly
qualified and equipped professional when installing trailer lights, as
incorrect installation may cause damage to the vehicle’s lights. Please
take care to comply with your state’s laws when installing trailer lights.
■Total trailer weight and permissible drawbar load
Total trailer weight
Weight of the trailer itself plus
the trailer load should be within
the maximum towing capacity.
Exceeding this weight is danger-
ous. (P. 654)
When towing a trailer, use a fric-
tion coupler or friction stabilizer
(sway control device).
Permissible drawbar load
Allocate the trailer load so that the drawbar load is greater than 25 kg
(55.1 lb.) or 4% of the towing capacity. Do not let the drawbar load
exceed the indicated weight. (P. 654)
Connecting trailer lights
Important points regarding trailer loads
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2

2354-1. Before driving
4
Driving
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■Information tag (manufacturer’s label)
Gross vehicle mass
The combined weight of the
driver, passengers, luggage,
towing hitch, total curb mass
and drawbar load should not
exceed the gross vehicle mass
by more than 100 kg (220.5 lb.).
Exceeding this weight is danger-
ous.
Maximum permissible rear axle capacity
The weight borne by the rear axle should not exceed the maximum per-
missible axle capacity by 15% or more. Exceeding this weight is danger-
ous.
The values for towing capacity were derived from testing conducted at
sea level. Take note that engine output and towing capacity will be
reduced at high altitudes.
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2
WARNING
■ When the gross vehicle mass or maximum permissible axle capacity is
exceeded
Failing to observe this precaution may lead to an accident causing death or
serious injury.
● Add an additional 20.0 kPa (0.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 3 psi) to the recommended
tire inflation pressure value. ( P. 665)
● Do not exceed the established speed limit for towing a trailer in built-up
areas or 100 km/h (62 mph), whichever is lower.

2364-1. Before driving
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Installation positions for the towing hitch/bracket and hitch ball

2374-1. Before driving
4
Driving
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517 mm (20.4 in.)
517 mm (20.4 in.)
981 mm (38.6 in.)
650 mm (25.6 in.)
389 mm (15.3 in.)
381 mm (15.0 in.)
*1
404 mm (15.9 in.)*2
*1: Vehicles without raised vehicle height
*2: Vehicles with raised vehicle height
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2
3
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6

2384-1. Before driving
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■Tire information
●Increase the tire inflation pressure to 20.0 kPa (0.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 3 psi)
greater than the recommended value when towing. (P. 665)
●Increase the air pressure of the trailer tires in accordance with the total
trailer weight and according to the values recommended by the manufac-
turer of your trailer.
■Break-in schedule
Toyota recommends that vehicles fitted with new power train components
should not be used for towing trailers for the first 800 km (500 miles).
■Safety checks before towing
●Check that the maximum load limit for the towing hitch/bracket and hitch ball
is not exceeded. Bear in mind that the coupling weight of the trailer will add
to the load exerted on the vehicle. Also make sure that the total load exerted
on the vehicle is within the range of the weight limits. (P. 234)
●Ensure that the trailer load is secure.
●Supplementary outside rear view mirrors should be added to the vehicle if
the traffic behind cannot be clearly seen with standard mirrors. Adjust the
extending arms of these mirrors on both sides of the vehicle so that they
always provide maximum visibility of the road behind.
■Maintenance
●Maintenance must be performed more frequently when using the vehicle for
towing due to the greater weight burden placed on the vehicle compared to
normal driving.
●Retighten all bolts securing the hitching ball and bracket after towing for
approximately 1000 km (600 miles).