2-5. Driving information Utility vehicle precautions (RX350) This vehicle belongs to the utility vehicle class, which has higher ground clearance and narrower tread in relation to the height of its center of gravity to make it capable of performing in a wide variety of off-road applications. Off-road vehicle feature ● Specific design characteristics give it a higher center of gravity than ordinary passenger cars. This vehicle design feature causes this type of vehicle to be more likely to rollover.
-5. Driving information CAUTION ● Always slow down in gusty crosswinds. Because of its profile and higher center of gravity, your vehicle is more sensitive to side winds than an ordinary passenger car. Slowing down will allow you to have better control. ● Do not drive horizontally across steep slopes. Driving straight up or straight down is preferred. Your vehicle (or any similar off-road vehicle) can tip over sideways much more easily than forward or backward.
2-5. Driving information CAUTION ■ Off-road driving precautions Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of death or serious injury or damage to your vehicle: ● Drive carefully when off the road. Do not take unnecessary risks by driving in dangerous places. ● Do not grip the steering wheel spokes when driving off-road. A bad bump could jerk the wheel and injure your hands. Keep both hands and especially your thumbs on the outside of the rim.
2-5. Driving information NOTICE ■ When you drive through water If driving through water, such as when crossing shallow streams, first check the depth of the water and the bottom of the stream for firmness. Drive slowly and avoid deep water. ■ Inspection after off-road driving ● Sand and mud that has accumulated around brake discs may affect braking effi- ciency and may damage brake system components.
2-5. Driving information Utility vehicle precautions (RX450h) This vehicle belongs to the utility vehicle class, which has higher ground clearance and narrower tread in relation to the height of its center of gravity. Utility vehicle feature ● Specific design characteristics give it a higher center of gravity than ordinary passenger cars. This vehicle design feature causes this type of vehicle to be more likely to rollover.
2-5. Driving information CAUTION ● Always slow down in gusty crosswinds. Because of its profile and higher center of gravity, your vehicle is more sensitive to side winds than an ordinary passenger car. Slowing down will allow you to have better control. ● Do not drive horizontally across steep slopes. Driving straight up or straight down is preferred. Your vehicle (or any similar off-road vehicle) can tip over sideways much more easily than forward or backward.
2-5. Driving information ■ Additional information for off-road driving For owners in U.S. mainland, Hawaii and Puerto Rico: To obtain additional information pertaining to driving your vehicle off-road, consult the following organizations. ● State and Local Parks and Recreation Departments ● State Motor Vehicle Bureau ● Recreational Vehicle Clubs ● U.S.
2-5. Driving information NOTICE ■ To prevent water damage Take all necessary safety measures to ensure that water damage to the hybrid battery, hybrid system or other components does not occur. ● Water entering the engine compartment may cause severe damage to the hybrid system. Water entering the interior may cause the hybrid battery stowed under the rear seats to short circuit.
2-5. Driving information Cargo and luggage Take notice of the following information about storage precautions, cargo capacity and load. ● Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever possible. ● Be sure all items are secured in place. ● Be careful to keep the vehicle level. Placing the weight as far forward as possible helps maintain vehicle balance. ● For better fuel economy, do not carry unnecessary weight.
2-5. Driving information (6)If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle. (→P. 944) Example based on your vehicle 2 Cargo capacity Total load capacity When driving When 2 people with the combined weight of 366 lb.
2-5. Driving information As shown in the example above, if the number of occupants increases, the cargo and luggage load will be reduced by an amount that equals the increased weight due to the additional occupants. In other words, if an increase in the number of occupants causes an excess of the total load capacity (combined weight of occupants plus cargo and luggage load), you must reduce the cargo and luggage on your vehicle.
2-5. Driving information CAUTION ● 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 properly fastened. Otherwise, they are much more likely to suffer death or serious bodily injury, in the event of sudden braking, sudden swerving or an accident. ■ Capacity and distribution ● Do not exceed the maximum axle weight rating or the total vehicle weight rating.
2-5. Driving information NOTICE ■ When loading cargo Be careful not to scratch the surface of the moon roof.
2-5. Driving information Vehicle load limits Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity, TWR (Trailer Weight Rating) and cargo capacity. ■ Total load capacity RX450h 2WD models: 825 lb. (370 kg) RX350 and RX450h AWD models: 885 lb. (400 kg) Total load capacity means the combined weight of occupants, cargo and luggage. 2 ■ Seating capacity: 5 occupants (Front 2, Rear 3) ■ TWR (Trailer weight rating) (RX350) Without a towing package: 2000 lb. (907 kg) With a towing package: 3500 lb.
2-5. Driving information CAUTION ■ 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.
2-5. Driving information Winter driving tips Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions. ■ Pre-winter preparations ● Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside temperatures. ● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of tire chains for the front tires.
2-5. Driving information ■ When driving the vehicle Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle ahead, and drive at a reduced speed suitable to road conditions. ■ When parking the vehicle Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to P without setting the parking brake. The parking brake may freeze up, preventing it from being released. If necessary, block the wheels to prevent inadvertent sliding or creeping.
2-5. Driving information ■ Tire chain installation Observe the following precautions when installing and removing chains: ● Install and remove tire chains in a safe location. ● Install tire chains on the front tires only. Do not install tire chains on the rear tires. ● Install the tire chains on front tires as tightly as possible. Retighten chains after driving 1/4 ⎯ 1/2 mile (0.5 ⎯ 1.0 km). ● Install tire chains following the instructions provided with the tire chains.
2-5. Driving information NOTICE ■ Repairing or replacing snow tires Request repairs or replacement of snow tires from Lexus dealers or legitimate tire retailers. This is because the removal and attachment of snow tires affects the operation of the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters. ■ Fitting tire chains The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly when tire chains are fitted.
2-5. Driving information Trailer towing (RX350 and RX450h AWD models with towing package) Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger-and-load-carrying vehicle. Towing a trailer can have an adverse impact on handling, performance, braking, durability, and fuel consumption. For your safety and the safety of others, you must not overload your vehicle or trailer.
2-5. Driving information ■ GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) The maximum allowable gross vehicle weight. The gross vehicle weight is the total weight of the vehicle. When towing a trailer, it is the sum of the vehicle weight (including the occupants, cargo and any optional equipment installed on the vehicle) and the tongue weight. ■ GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) The maximum allowable gross axle Front GAWR weight. The gross axle weight is the load placed on each axle (front and rear).
2-5. Driving information ■ TWR (Trailer Weight Rating) (With brakes) The maximum allowable gross trailer weight. The gross trailer weight is the sum of the trailer weight and the weight of the cargo in the trailer. Additional optional equipment, passengers and cargo in the vehicle will reduce the trailer weight rating so as not to exceed GCWR, GVWR and GAWR. If the gross trailer weight exceeds 3000 lb. (1360 kg), it is recommended to use a trailer with 2 or more axles.
2-5. Driving information Weight limits ● The gross trailer weight must never exceed the TWR described in the table. (→P. 377) ● The gross combination weight must never exceed the GCWR described in the table. (→P. 377) ● The gross vehicle weight must never exceed the GVWR indicated on the Certification Label. ● The gross axle weight on each axle must never exceed the GAWR indicated on the Certification Label. ● If the gross trailer weight is over the unbraked TWR, trailer service brakes are required.
2-5. Driving information GCWR, TWR, Unbraked TWR, Fifth wheel and Gooseneck towing TWR Confirm that the gross trailer weight, gross combination weight, gross vehicle weight, gross axle weight and tongue weight are all within the limits. ■ GCWR* and TWR* Towing type RX350 with towing package RX450h with towing package GCWR 2WD 7560 lb. (3429 kg) AWD 7650 lb. (3470 kg) 2WD 9060 lb. (4109 kg) AWD 9150 lb. (4150 kg) AWD 9480 lb. (4297 kg) TWR 2 2000 lb.
2-5. Driving information Trailer Tongue Weight ● A recommended tongue weight varies in accordance with the types of trailers or towing as described below. ● To ensure the recommended values shown below, the trailer must be loaded by referring to the following instructions. • Tongue Weight The gross trailer weight should be distributed so that the tongue weight is 9% to 11%.
2-5. Driving information Hitch Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities. Lexus recommends the use of Lexus hitch/bracket for your vehicle. For details, contact your Lexus dealer. ● If you wish to install a trailer hitch, contact your Lexus dealer. ● Use only a hitch that conforms to the gross trailer weight requirement of your vehicle. ● Lubricate the hitch ball with a light coating of grease. ● Remove the trailer hitch whenever you are not towing a trailer.
2-5. Driving information Selecting trailer ball Use the correct trailer ball for your application. Trailer ball load rating Matches or exceeds the gross trailer weight rating of the trailer. Ball diameter Matches the size of the trailer coupler. Most couplers are stamped with the required trailer ball size. Trailer class Typical trailer ball size IV 2 5/16 in. II and III 2 in. I 1 7/8 in. Shank length Protrudes beyond the bottom of the lock washer and nut by at least 2 threads.
2-5. Driving information Positions for towing hitch receiver and hitch ball Weight carrying ball position: 45.1 in. (1145 mm) 2 4 pin connector Use the wire harness stored in the rear end under body.
2-5. Driving information ■ Auto current cut-off function In case of over current, the auto cut-off function stops the power flowing to the trailer lights to prevent damage to the vehicle’s electrical system. This function is activated when the rated current of any of the following trailer light circuit components is exceeded: ● Tail lights: maximum 7.8 A ● Stop/turn signal light (right): maximum 4.5 A ● Stop/turn signal light (left): maximum 4.
2-5. Driving information Trailer towing tips Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. Help to avoid an accident, death or serious injury, keep the following in mind when towing: ● Speed limits for towing a trailer vary by state or province. Do not exceed the posted towing speed limit. ● Before starting out, check the trailer lights, tires and the vehicle-trailer connections. Recheck after driving a short distance.
2-5. Driving information ● Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns, and slow down before making 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 making a wider than normal turning radius. ● Slow down before making a turn, in cross winds, on wet or slippery surfaces, etc. Increasing vehicle speed can destabilize the trailer. ● Take care when passing other vehicles. Passing requires considerable distance.
2-5. Driving information ● Always place wheel blocks under both the vehicle’s and the trailer’s wheels when parking. Apply the parking brake firmly, and put the transmission in P. Avoid parking on a slope, but if unavoidable, do so only after performing the following: Apply the brakes and keep them applied. STEP 2 Have someone place wheel blocks under both the vehicle’s and trailer’s wheels. STEP 3 When the wheel blocks are in place, release the brakes slowly until the blocks absorb the load.
2-5. Driving information ■ Matching trailer ball height to trailer coupler height No matter which class of tow hitch applies, for a more safe trailer hookup, the trailer ball setup must be the proper height for the coupler on the trailer. Coupler Trailer ball ■ Before towing Check that the following conditions are met: ● Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. (→P. 957, 960) ● Trailer tires are inflated according to the trailer manufacturer’s recommenda- tion.
2-5. Driving information ■ Break-in schedule If your vehicle is new or equipped with any new power train components (such as an engine, transmission, differential or wheel bearing), Lexus recommends that you do not tow a trailer until the vehicle has been driven for over 500 miles (800 km). After the vehicle has been driven for over 500 miles (800 km), you can start towing.
2-5. Driving information CAUTION ■ Trailer towing precautions To tow a trailer safely, use extreme care and drive the vehicle in accordance with the trailer’s characteristics and operating conditions. Failure to do so could cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury. Vehicle stability and braking performance are affected by trailer stability, brake setting and performance, and the hitch. Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer.
2-5. Driving information CAUTION ■ Hitch Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities established by the hitch manufacturer. Even though the vehicle may be physically capable of towing a higher weight, the operator must determine the maximum weight rating of the particular hitch assembly and never exceed the maximum weight rating specified for the trailer-hitch.
2-5. Driving information Trailer towing (RX450h 2WD models and RX450h AWD models without towing package) Lexus does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle. Lexus also does not recommend 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.
2-5. Driving information Dinghy towing Your vehicle is not designed to be dinghy towed (with 4 wheels on the ground) behind a motor home. NOTICE ■ To avoid serious damage to your vehicle Do not tow your vehicle with four wheels on the ground. 2 When driving ■ To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission and Active Torque Con- trol 4WD system (RX350 AWD models) 2WD models: Never tow this vehicle from the rear with the front wheels on the ground.
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