Select a shift position appropriate for the driving conditions.

Shifting the shift lever

While the “POWER” switch is in ON
mode, depress the brake
pedal and move the shift lever.

When shifting the shift lever between P and D, make sure that the vehicle is completely stopped.

Shift position purpose

*1: Shifting to the D position allows the system to select a gear suitable for the
driving conditions. Setting the shift lever to the D position is recommended for normal driving.

*2: Selecting shift ranges using S mode controls engine braking forces.

Selecting eco mode

When the vehicle is driven in eco mode, vehicle driving force and operation of the air conditioning system is controlled to improve fuel efficiency.

1. Press the menu switch.

The multi-information display will change modes to electronic features control mode.

2. Press the “ENTER” switch upwards or downwards until “ECO MODE” appears.

Press the “ENTER” switch to change to “ON”.

The “ECO MODE” indicator will be displayed.

Each pressing of the switch turns eco mode on and off.

Press the menu switch to change to the normal display.

Selecting snow mode

Use snow mode for accelerating and driving on slippery road surfaces such as snow.

1. Press the menu switch.

The multi-information display will change modes to electronic features control mode.

2. Press the “ENTER” switch upwards or downwards until “HYBRID SNOW” appears.

Press the “ENTER” switch to change to “ON”.

The “Hybrid SNOW” indicator will be displayed.

Each pressing of the switch turns snow mode on and off.

Press the menu switch to change to the normal display.

Selecting EV drive mode

In EV drive mode, the electric motor (traction motor), powered by the hybrid battery (traction battery), is used to drive the vehicle.

This mode allows you to drive in residential areas late at night or in indoor parking lots etc. without concern for noises and exhaust gas emissions.

1. Press the menu switch.

The multi-information display will change modes to electronic features control mode.

When the menu switch is
pressed within 10 seconds of the hybrid system being started, “EV” will be the first mode displayed.

2. Press the “ENTER” switch upwards or downwards until “EV” appears.

Press the “ENTER” switch to change to “ON”.

The EV drive mode indicator will be displayed.

Each pressing of the switch turns EV drive mode on and off.

Press the menu switch to change to the normal display.

Changing shift ranges in S mode

When the shift lever is in the S position, the shift lever can be operated as follows:

1. For upshifting.

2. For downshifting.

The initial shift range in S mode is set automatically to “5” or “4” according
to vehicle speed.

Shift ranges and their functions

l You can choose from 6 levels of engine braking force.

A lower shift range will provide greater engine braking force than a higher shift range, and the engine speed will also increase.

Automatic return to normal driving mode

If snow mode or EV drive mode is selected, the driving mode will automatically
return to normal mode when the hybrid system is turned off.

S mode

l When the shift range is “5” or lower, holding the shift lever toward “+” sets the
shift range to “6”.

To prevent the engine from over-revving, upshifting may automatically occur.

AI-SHIFT

AI-SHIFT automatically selects the optimal gear according to driver performance
and driving conditions.

AI-SHIFT automatically operates when the shift lever is in the D position. (Shifting
the shift lever to the S position cancels the function.)

When driving with the cruise control or dynamic radar cruise control

Engine braking will not occur in S mode, even when downshifting to “5” or “4”.

If S does not come on even after shifting the shift lever to S

This may indicate a malfunction in the hybrid transmission system. Have the vehicle
inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.

(In this situation, the hybrid transmission will operate in the same as manner as when
the shift lever is in D.)

Downshift restriction warning buzzer (S mode)

To help ensure safety and driving performance, downshifting operation may sometimes
be restricted. In some circumstances, downshifting may not be possible even when the shift lever is operated. (The buzzer will sound twice.)

Situations in which EV drive mode cannot be turned on

It may not be possible to turn EV drive mode on in the following situations. If it cannot
be turned on, a buzzer will sound and a message will be shown on the multiinformation
display.

The temperature of the hybrid system is high.

The vehicle has been left in the sun, driven on a hill, driven at high speeds, etc.

The temperature of the hybrid system is low.

The vehicle has been left in extremely low temperatures for a long period of time etc.

The gasoline engine is warming up.

The hybrid battery (traction battery) is low.

Vehicle speed is about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more.

The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.

The windshield defogger is in use.

Automatic cancelation of EV drive mode

When driving in EV drive mode, the gasoline engine may automatically restart in
the following situations. When EV drive mode is canceled, a buzzer will sound and
the EV drive mode indicator will flash and go off.

The hybrid battery (traction battery) becomes low.

Vehicle speed becomes more than about 25 mph (40 km/h).

The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.

Possible driving distance when driving in EV drive mode

In EV drive mode, it is possible to drive up about 0.5 mile (1 km) if driving at a speed of
about 25 mph (40 km/h) or less. (The distance that is possible depends on the hybrid
battery [traction battery] level and driving conditions.)

Fuel economy

RX450h is designed to achieve the best possible fuel economy during normal driving
(using the gasoline engine and electric motor [traction motor]). Driving in EV drive mode more than necessary may lower fuel economy.

CAUTION:
When driving on slippery road surfaces Do not accelerate or shift gears suddenly.

Sudden changes in engine braking may cause the vehicle to spin or skid, resulting in
an accident.

Caution while driving
When driving in EV drive mode, pay special attention to the area around the vehicle.

Because there is no engine noise, pedestrians, people riding bicycles or other people and vehicles in the area may not be aware of the vehicle starting off or approaching them, so take extra care while driving.

NOTICE:
Hybrid battery (traction battery) charge precaution If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will not be charged even
when the engine is running. Therefore, if the vehicle is left with the shift lever in N for
a long period of time, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will discharge, and this
may result in the vehicle not being able to start.