Lexus NX (2023 year). Manual in english - page 6

 

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Lexus NX (2023 year). Manual in english - page 6

 

 

2

Turn the headlight switch to the [AUTO] or

[

] position.

When the headlight switch lever is in the low
beam position, the AHS system will be enabled
and the AHB indicator will illuminate.

INFORMATION

Automatic operating conditions of the high beams

When all of the following conditions are met, the high beams will illuminate automati-
cally:

The vehicle speed is approximately 30 km/h (19 mph) or more

The area ahead of the vehicle is dark.

There are no vehicles ahead with lights on.

There are few streetlights or other lights on the road ahead.

If any of the following conditions are met, the headlights will change to the low beams:

Vehicle speed drops below approximately 25 km/h (16 mph).

The area ahead of the vehicle is not dark.

There is a vehicle ahead with lights on.

There are many streetlights or other lights on the road ahead.

Front camera detection

In the following situations, the high beams may not be automatically changed to the
low beams:

When a vehicle cuts in front of your vehicle

When another vehicle crosses in front of the vehicle

When vehicles ahead are repeatedly detected and then hidden due to repeated
curves, road dividers or roadside trees

When a vehicle ahead approaches from a far lane

When a vehicle ahead is far away

When a vehicle ahead has no lights

When the lights of a vehicle ahead are dim

When a vehicle ahead is reflecting strong light, such as own headlights

Situations in which the sensors may not operate properly: 

 P.321

3-1. Driving when the surrounding area is dark

181

3

Driving accor

ding to the conditions

The headlights may change to the low beams if a vehicle ahead that is using fog lights
without its headlights turned on is detected.

House lights, street lights, traffic signals, and illuminated billboards or signs may cause
the high beams to change to the low beams, or the low beams to remain on.

he following may change the the timing at which the headlights change to the low
beams:

The brightness of lights of vehicles ahead

The movement and direction of vehicles ahead

The distance between the vehicle and a vehicle ahead

When a vehicle ahead only has lights illuminated on one side

When a vehicle ahead is a two-wheeled vehicle

The condition of the road (gradient, curve, condition of the road surface, etc.)

The number of passengers and amount of luggage

The headlights may change between the high beams and low beams unexpectedly.

Bicycles and other small vehicles may not be detected.

In the following situations, the system may not be able to correctly detect the bright-
ness of the surroundings. This may cause the low beams to remain on or the high
beams to flash or dazzle pedestrians or vehicles ahead. In such a case, it is necessary
to manually change between the high beams and low beams.

When there are lights similar to headlights or tail lights in the surrounding area

When headlights or tail lights of vehicles ahead are turned off, dirty, changing color,
or not aimed properly

When the headlights are repeatedly changing between the high beams and low
beams.

When use of the high beams is inappropriate or when the high beams may be
flashing or dazzling pedestrians or other drivers.

When the vehicle is used in an area in which vehicles travel on the opposite side
of the road of the country for which the vehicle was designed, for example using a
vehicle designed for right-hand traffic in a left-hand traffic area, or vice versa

When it is necessary to disable the system: 

 P.316

Situations in which the sensors may not operate properly: 

 P.321

3-1. Driving when the surrounding area is dark

182

Turning the high beams on/off manually

Changing to the high beams

Push the lever forward.

The Automatic High Beam indicator will turn off
and the high beam indicator will turn on.
Pull the lever to its original position to enable the
Automatic High Beam system again.

Changing to the low beams

Press the Automatic High Beam switch.

The Automatic High Beam indicator will turn off.
Press the switch to enable the Automatic High
Beam system again.

Temporarily changing to the low beams

It is recommended to switch to the low beams when use of the high beams is
inappropriate or when the high beams may cause problems or distress to other
drivers or pedestrians nearby.

Pull the lever rearward and then return it to its
original position.

The high beams will illuminate while the lever
is pulled, however, after the lever is returned to
its original position, the low beams will remain
on for a certain amount of time. After this, the
Automatic High Beam system will operate.

3-1. Driving when the surrounding area is dark

183

3

Driving accor

ding to the conditions

Driving when the sun or headlights of other vehicles are bright

Using the sun visors

 

1

To set the visor in the forward position, flip it
down.

2

To set the visor in the side position, flip
down, unhook, and swing it to the side.

3-2. Driving when the sun or headlights of other vehicles are bright

184

Inside rear view mirror anti-glare function (vehicles with auto anti-glare
inside rear view mirror)

Responding to the level of brightness of the headlights of vehicles behind, the
reflected light is automatically reduced.
This function turns on each time the engine switch is turned to ON.

INFORMATION

When the anti-glare function of the inside rear view mirror is set to automatic mode, the
outside rear view mirrors will activate in conjunction with the anti-glare inside rear view
mirror to reduce reflected light.

Push the switch to turn the automatic anti-glare
function on/off

When the automatic anti-glare function is on, the indi-
cator

 will be illuminated.

Pressing the switch again will turn the function off.
(The indicator

 will also turn off.)

INFORMATION

To prevent sensor malfunction

Do not touch or cover the sensors. Doing so may cause the sensor to malfunction.

3-2. Driving when the sun or headlights of other vehicles are bright

185

3

Driving accor

ding to the conditions

Digital Rearview Mirror anti-glare function (optical mirror mode)

The automatic anti-glare function in the optical mirror mode can be enabled/disa-
bled.
The automatic anti-glare function is enabled each time the engine switch is
changed to ON.

1

Press the menu button.

The setting display will be displayed.

2

Press the menu button repeatedly and select

 .

The setting display will be displayed.

3

Press [

 ] or [

 ] to enable (ON)/disable (OFF) the automatic

anti-glare function.

The icons will disappear if a button is not operated for approximately 5 seconds or
more.

3-2. Driving when the sun or headlights of other vehicles are bright

186

Driving in the rain

Precautions for driving in the rain

Observe the following precautions when driving in the rain.

Drive carefully when it is raining, because visibility will be reduced, the windows
may become fogged-up, and the road will be slippery.

Drive carefully when it starts to rain, because the road surface will be especially
slippery.

Refrain from high speeds when driving on an expressway in the rain, as there
is a risk of a layer of water forming between the tires and the road surface,
preventing the steering and brakes from operating properly.

3-3. Driving in the rain

187

3

Driving accor

ding to the conditions

Ensuring visibility in the rain

Operate the wiper lever to change the operation of wipers between manual and
automatic operation or to operate the washers.

Using the front wipers

WARNING

Take care that your fingers, etc. do not become caught in the windshield wipers.
The windshield wipers may operate unexpectedly in AUTO mode if the sensor is touched
or the windshield is subject to vibration.

NOTICE

Observe the following precautions when using the front wipers.

Do not leave the front wipers on longer than necessary with the engine off. Doing so
may lead to discharge of the battery.

Do not use the front wipers when the windshield is dry, as they may damage the
windshield.

Operating the 

 lever operates the wipers or washer as follows.

 

1

 Off

2

 Rain-sensing operation

The wipers operate automatically if the sensor
detects rain. The system automatically adjusts
the speed of the wipers in accordance with rain
volume and vehicle speed.

3

 Low speed operation

4

 High speed operation

5

 Temporary operation

INFORMATION

The front window wiper and washer can be operated when

The engine switch is in ON.

3-3. Driving in the rain

188

Using the voice control system

*

The front wipers can be operated one sweep using the voice control system.
For details, refer to the "Multimedia owner's manual".

Changing the speed of the wipers

When 

 is selected, the wipers will operate automatically when the sensor

detects falling rain. The system automatically adjusts wiper timing in accordance
with rain volume and vehicle speed.

 

1

Increases the sensitivity

2

Decreases the sensitivity

INFORMATION

Effects of vehicle speed on wiper operation

Vehicle speed affects the intermittent wiper speed.

Raindrop sensor

The raindrop sensor determines the amount of raindrops that contact the windshield.
As an optical sensor is used, it may not operate properly when sunlight from the rising
or setting of the sun intermittently strikes the windshield, or if bugs, etc. are present on
the windshield.

If the temperature of the raindrop sensor is 90°C (194°F) or higher, or -15°C (5°F) or
lower, automatic operation may not occur.
In this case, operate the wipers in any mode other than AUTO mode.

* : 

If equipped

3-3. Driving in the rain

189

3

Driving accor

ding to the conditions

Using the front washers

WARNING

When it is cold, do not use the washer fluid until the windshield is warm.
The fluid may freeze on the windshield, decreasing visibility, possibly leading to an
accident.

NOTICE

If a washer nozzle is blocked, contact any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized
repairer, or any reliable repairer.
Do not try to clear it with a pin or other object. The nozzle will be damaged.

 Pull the lever.

The front wipers and washers will operate.
The front wipers will automatically operate a cou-
ple of times after the front washers operate.
Vehicles with headlight cleaners: When the
headlights are on and the lever is pulled and held,
the headlight cleaners will operate once. After
this, the headlight cleaners will operate every 5th time the lever is pulled.

NOTICE

If washer fluid does not spray, do not operate the switch continuously as doing so may
damage the washer fluid pump.

INFORMATION

The windshield wipers and washer can be operated when

The engine switch is in ON.

Drip prevention wiper sweep

After the washers have operated and the wipers operate several times, they will operate
one more time after a short delay to prevent drips.
However, this function will not operate while driving.

If no windshield washer fluid sprays

If there is washer fluid in the washer fluid tank, check if the washer nozzles are blocked.

3-3. Driving in the rain

190

Using the voice control system

*

The front washer can be operated using the voice control system. (Operation is possible
only when the vehicle is stopped.)
For details, refer to the "Multimedia owner's manual".

Using the rear wipers

NOTICE

Observe the following precautions when using the rear wipers.

Do not leave the rear wiper on longer than necessary with the engine off. Doing so
may lead to discharge of the battery.

When the rear window is dry, do not use the wiper, as it may damage the rear window.

INFORMATION

The rear window wiper and washer can be operated when

The engine switch is in ON.

Using the voice control system

*

The rear wiper can be operated one sweep using the voice control system.
For details, refer to the "Multimedia owner's manual".

Operating the 

 switch operates the rear wiper as follows:

 

1

 Off

2

 Intermittent operation

3

 Normal operation

* : 

If equipped

3-3. Driving in the rain

191

3

Driving accor

ding to the conditions

Using the rear washer

NOTICE

If a washer nozzle is blocked, contact any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized
repairer, or any reliable repairer.
Do not try to clear it with a pin or other object. The nozzle will be damaged.

 Push the lever.

The rear wiper and washer will operate.
The washer will automatically operate and clean
the camera for Lexus parking assist monitor.
The rear wiper will automatically operate a cou-
ple of times after the rear washer operates.

NOTICE

If washer fluid does not spray, do not operate the switch continuously as doing so may
damage the rear washer fluid pump.

INFORMATION

The rear window wiper and washer can be operated when

The engine switch is in ON.

If no windshield washer fluid sprays

If there is washer fluid in the washer fluid tank, check if the washer nozzles are blocked.

Using the voice control system

*

The rear washer can be operated using the voice control system. (Operation is possible
only when the vehicle is stopped.)
For details, refer to the "Multimedia owner's manual".

* : 

If equipped

3-3. Driving in the rain

192

Driving when the windows or mirrors are fogged up

Defog the windshield

Defoggers are used to defog the windshield and front side windows.

WARNING

Do not use the windshield defogger in extremely humid areas when the air condition-
ing system is set to a low temperature.
The difference between the temperature of the outside air and that of the windshield
can cause the outer surface of the windshield to fog up, blocking your vision.

Do not place anything on the instrument panel which may cover the air outlets.
Otherwise, air flow may be obstructed, preventing the windshield defoggers from
defogging.

Press the windshield defogger switch.

The dehumidification function will operate and the air flow will increase.
Set the outside/recirculated air mode switch to outside air mode if the recirculated air
mode is used. (It may switch automatically.)
To defog the windshield and the side windows quickly, turn the air flow and temperature up.
To return to the previous mode, press the front windshield defogger switch again when the
windshield is defogged.

3-4. Driving when the windows or mirrors are fogged up

193

3

Driving accor

ding to the conditions

INFORMATION

Fogging up of the windows

The windows will easily fog up when the humidity in the vehicle is high.
Pressing “A/C” button or selecting “A/C” will dehumidify the air from the outlets and
defog the windshield effectively.

If you turn “A/C” off, the windows may fog up more easily.

The windows may fog up if the recirculated air mode is used.

3-4. Driving when the windows or mirrors are fogged up

194

Defog the rear window

Press the rear windshield and outside rear view mirror defogger switch.
The rear window defogger and outside rear view mirror defoggers will operate and defog
the rear window and outside rear view mirrors.
The defoggers will automatically turn off after a period of time.

WARNING

Do not touch the surface of the outside rear view mirrors when the rear window
defogger and outside rear view mirror defoggers are operating, as the surface of the
mirrors will become extremely hot and may cause burns.

3-4. Driving when the windows or mirrors are fogged up

195

3

Driving accor

ding to the conditions

Defog the outside rear view mirrors

Press the rear windshield and outside rear view mirror defogger switch.

The rear window defogger and outside rear view mirror defoggers will operate and defog
the rear window and outside rear view mirrors.
The defoggers will automatically turn off after a period of time.

WARNING

Do not touch the surface of the outside rear view mirrors when the rear window
defogger and outside rear view mirror defoggers are operating, as the surface of the
mirrors will become extremely hot and may cause burns.

3-4. Driving when the windows or mirrors are fogged up

196

Driving when it is cold

Preparing for cold weather

Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the vehicle in
cold weather. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the prevailing
weather conditions.

Necessary inspection items

Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside temperatures.

Engine oil

Engine coolant

Washer fluid

Have a service technician inspect the condition of the battery.

Mounting winter tires

Have the vehicle fitted with four winter tires.
Ensure that all of the tires are the same size and brand.

WARNING

Observe the following precautions when winter tires are mounted to the vehicle.
Failure to do so may lead to loss of control of the vehicle.

Use tires of the specified size.

Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.

Do not drive at speeds in excess of the speed limit or the speed limit specified for the
winter tires mounted.

When using winter tires, mount them to all four wheels.

NOTICE

When having winter tires repaired or replaced, contact any authorized Lexus retailer or
Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer or legitimate tire retailer.
This is because the removal and mounting of winter tires affects the operation of the tire
pressure warning valves and transmitters.

When using tire chains

Install the tire chains to the front two tires.

*1

Make sure to use tire chains which match the tire size.

3-5. Driving when it is cold

197

3

Driving accor

ding to the conditions

INFORMATION

Observe the following precautions when installing, removing, and handling tire chains:

Install and remove tire chains in a safe location.

Install tire chains to the front tires only.
Do not install tire chains to the rear tires.

Install tire chains following the instructions provided with the tire chains.

Install tire chains to the front tires as tightly as possible. Retighten the chains after
driving 0.5 - 1.0 km (1/4 - 1/2 mile).

WARNING

Observe the following precautions when tire chains are installed to the vehicle.
Failure to do so may lead to the vehicle not being able to be driven safely.

Do not drive in excess of the speed limit specified for the tire chains being used, or 50
km/h (30 mph), whichever is lower.

Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.

Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt steering, sudden braking and shifting operations
that cause sudden engine braking.

Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle control is
maintained.

Do not use LTA (Lane Tracing Assist).

Do not use LDA (Lane Departure Alert).

NOTICE

Fitting tire chains

The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly when tire
chains are fitted.

Selecting tire chains

Use the correct tire chain size when mounting the tire chains. Chain size is
regulated for each tire size.

Vehicles with 235/60R18 tires

*1 : 

Tire chains cannot be mounted on 235/50R20 tires.

3-5. Driving when it is cold

198

 

A

Side chain (3 mm [0.12 in.] in diameter)

B

Side chain (10 mm [0.39 in.] in width)

C

Side chain (25 mm [0.98 in.] in length)

D

Cross chain (4 mm [0.16 in.] in diameter)

E

Cross chain (14 mm [0.55 in.] in width)

F

Cross chain (25 mm [0.98 in.] in length)

Vehicles with 235/50R20 tires
Tire chains cannot be mounted on the 235/50R20 tires.
Snow tires should be used instead.

Regulations on the use of tire chains

Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary depending on location and type of
road. Always check local regulations before installing chains.

3-5. Driving when it is cold

199

3

Driving accor

ding to the conditions

Cold weather driving tips

Things to check before driving in cold weather

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 accumulated 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.

Precautions for driving in cold weather

Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle
ahead, and drive at a reduced speed suitable to road conditions.

Precautions for parking in cold weather

Turn automatic mode of the parking brake off. Otherwise, the parking brake
may freeze and not be able to be released automatically.
Also, avoid using the following as the parking brake may operate automatically,
even if automatic mode is off.

Brake hold system

Park the vehicle and shift the shift position to P without setting the parking
brake. The parking brake may freeze up, preventing it from being released. If
the vehicle is parked without setting the parking brake, make sure to block the
wheels.

Failure to do so may be dangerous because it may cause the vehicle to move unexpect-
edly, possibly leading to an accident.

When the parking brake is in automatic mode, release the parking brake after
change the shift position to P.

If the vehicle is parked without setting the parking brake, confirm that the shift
lever cannot be moved out of P.

Park the vehicle and change the shift podition to P without setting the parking
brake.

3-5. Driving when it is cold

200

If the vehicle is parked without setting the parking brake, make sure to block the
wheels. Failure to do so may be dangerous because it may cause the vehicle to
move unexpectedly, possibly leading to an accident.

If the vehicle is left parked with the brakes damp in cold temperatures, there is a
possibility of the brakes freezing.

INFORMATION

Linked mirror function when reversing

When used in cold weather during reverse driving, the door mirror could be frozen and
may not automatically point the mirror surface downward. In this event, remove any ice
and snow from the mirror surface.

Warming the windshield to allow frozen wipers to be moved

*

Vehicles with Heated Windshield Defroster:
Use the Heated Windshield Defroster to help prevent the windshield wiper blades
from freezing to the windshield.
Select the [Deicer]switch.

The Heated Windshield Defroster will not operate if the outside temperature is 5°C (41°F)
or higher.
The Heated Windshield Defroster will automatically turn off in 4 minutes.

Vehicles with windshield wiper de-icer:
Use the windshield wiper de-icer to help prevent the windshield wiper blades from
freezing to the windshield.
Select the [Deicer] switch on the option screen.

The windshield wiper de-icer will automatically turn off after a period of time.

WARNING

Vehicles with windshield wiper de-icer: Do not touch the lower part of the windshield or
parts along the front pillars when the windshield wiper de-icer is on, as they will be hot
and may cause burns.

* : 

If equipped

3-5. Driving when it is cold

201

3

Driving accor

ding to the conditions

Driving when in the fog or on a mountain road and visibility is poor

Fog light illumination

When driving in inclement weather, such as in rain and fog, turn on the front fog
lights to ensure forward visibility and turn on the rear fog lights to make your
vehicle more visible to following vehicles.

Using the fog lights

NOTICE

To prevent battery discharge, do not leave the lights on longer than necessary with the
engine stopped.

 

▶ 

Rear fog light switch

1

 Turns the rear fog light off

2

 Turns the rear fog light on

Releasing the switch ring returns it to 

.

Operating the switch ring again turns the rear
fog light off.

INFORMATION

Fog lights can be used when

The headlights are on.

3-6. Driving when in the fog or on a mountain road and visibility is poor

202

 

▶ 

Front and rear fog light switch

1

 Turns the front and rear fog lights off

2

 Turns the front fog lights on

3

 Turns both the front fog lights and the

rear fog light on

Releasing the switch ring returns it to

.

Operating the switch ring again turns only the
rear fog light off.

INFORMATION

Fog lights can be used when

Front fog lights: The front position lights are turned on.
Rear fog light: The front fog lights are turned on.

3-6. Driving when in the fog or on a mountain road and visibility is poor

203

3

Driving accor

ding to the conditions

Sounding the horn

Press on or close to the 

 mark.

3-6. Driving when in the fog or on a mountain road and visibility is poor

204

Utility vehicle precautions

Utility vehicle precautions

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. Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate
than other types of vehicles.

An advantage of the higher ground clearance is a better view of the road
allowing you to anticipate problems.

It is not designed for cornering at the same speeds as ordinary passenger
cars any more than low-slung sports cars designed to perform satisfactorily
under off-road conditions. Therefore, sharp turns at excessive speeds may cause
rollover.

WARNING

Utility vehicle precautions

Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of death or serious injury
or damage to your vehicle:

In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person
wearing a seat belt. Therefore, the driver and all passengers should always fasten their
seat belts.

Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers, if at all possible. Failure to operate this vehicle
correctly may result in loss of control or vehicle rollover causing death or serious
injury.

Loading cargo on the roof luggage carrier (if equipped) will make the center of the
vehicle gravity higher. Avoid high speeds, sudden starts, sharp turns, sudden braking
or abrupt maneuvers, otherwise it may result in loss of control or vehicle rollover due
to failure to operate this vehicle correctly.

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.

3-7. Utility vehicle precautions

205

3

Driving accor

ding to the conditions

Off-road driving

Your vehicle is not designed to be driven off-road. However, in the event that
off-road driving cannot be avoided, please observe the following precautions to
help avoid the areas prohibited to vehicles.

Drive your vehicle only in areas where off-road vehicles are permitted to travel.

Respect private property. Get owner’s permission before entering private prop-
erty.

Do not enter areas that are closed. Honor gates, barriers and signs that restrict
travel.

Stay on established roads. When conditions are wet, driving techniques should
be changed or travel delayed to prevent damage to roads.

WARNING

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 danger-
ous 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.

Always check your brakes for effectiveness immediately after driving in sand, mud,
water or snow.

After driving through tall grass, mud, rock, sand, water, etc., check that there is no
grass, bush, paper, rags, stone, sand, etc. adhering or trapped to the underbody. Clear
off any such matter from the underbody. If the vehicle is used with these materials
trapped or adhering to the underbody, a breakdown or fire could occur.

When driving off-road or in rugged terrain, do not drive at excessive speeds, jump,
make sharp turns, strike objects, etc. This may cause loss of control or vehicle rollover
causing death or serious injury. You are also risking expensive damage to your
vehicle’s suspension and chassis.

NOTICE

To prevent water damage

Take all necessary safety measures to ensure that water damage to the engine or other
components does not occur.

3-7. Utility vehicle precautions

206

NOTICE

Water entering the engine air intake will cause severe engine damage.

Water entering the transmission will cause deterioration in shift quality, locking up of
your transmission accompanied by vibration, and ultimately damage.

Water can wash the grease from wheel bearings, causing rusting and premature
failure, and may also enter the differentials, transmission and transfer case, reducing
the gear oil’s lubricating qualities.

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 riverbed 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 efficiency
and may damage brake system components.

Always perform a maintenance inspection after each day of off-road driving that has
taken you through rough terrain, sand, mud, or water.

3-7. Utility vehicle precautions

207

3

Driving accor

ding to the conditions

Changing the driving characteristics

Driving modes

The following driving modes can be used according to the driving/usage condi-
tions.

Characteristics of each driving mode

Vehicles without Adaptive Variable Suspension System:

Normal mode

Suitable when driving in the city, for good fuel consumption efficiency, silence, and
drive-ability.

Eco mode

In contrast with Normal mode, torque generation is slower when stepping on the
accelerator pedal, air conditioning operations (heating/cooling) are restrained,
and driving becomes suited for improved fuel consumption.

Sport mode

Helps to ensure steering feel and accelerator response by controlling the engine
and transmission. Suitable for sporty, fun driving, such as when driving on mountain
roads.
Vehicles with Adaptive Variable Suspension System:

Normal/Custom mode

Normal mode
Suitable when driving in the city, for good fuel consumption efficiency, silence,
and drive-ability.

Custom mode
Driving is possible by setting the desired function for power train control, chassis
control or air conditioning operations. Custom mode settings can only be
changed on the drive mode customization display of the center display.

Eco mode

In contrast to Normal mode when stepping on the accelerator pedal, torque
generation becomes slower, air conditioning operations (heating/cooling) are
restrained, and driving is suited for improved fuel consumption.

Sport mode

Sport S mode

3-8. Changing the driving characteristics

208

Through control of the engine and transmission, the generated torque when the
accelerator pedal is depressed is increased. Making this mode suitable for when
powerful acceleration is desired.

Sport S+ mode
Through control of the engine and transmission, the generated torque when
the accelerator pedal is depressed is further increased, and excellent stability
is provided through comprehensive control of the steering and suspension.
Making this mode suitable for sporty driving.

INFORMATION

Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco mode

In the Eco mode, the air conditioning system is controlled as follows to prioritize fuel
efficiency.

Engine speed and compressor operation controlled to restrict heating/cooling
capacity

Fan speed restricted when automatic mode is selected

To improve air conditioning performance, perform the following operations.

Adjust the fan speed

Adjust the temperature setting

Turn off Eco mode

When the driving mode is set to Eco mode, the air conditioning system may automati-
cally change to Eco mode. To cancel eco mode, press [Eco heat/cool].

3-8. Changing the driving characteristics

209

3

Driving accor

ding to the conditions

Changing the driving mode

 

▶ 

Vehicles without Adaptive Variable Suspension System

1

Eco mode
When not in Eco mode, turn the driving
mode select switch to the left to change
the driving mode to Eco mode. The Eco
drive mode indicator will be displayed on
the multi-information display.

2

Sport mode
When not in Sport mode, turn the driving
mode select switch to the right to change
the driving mode to Sport mode. The Sport
mode indicator will be displayed on the
multi-information display.

3

Normal mode
Press the driving mode select switch to
change the driving mode to Normal mode
when Eco mode or Sport mode is selected.

 

▶ 

Vehicles with Adaptive Variable Suspension System

1

Eco mode
When not in Eco mode, turn the driving
mode select switch to the left to change
the driving mode to Eco mode. The Eco
drive mode indicator will be displayed on
the multi-information display.

2

Sport mode

Sport S mode
When not in Sport S mode, turn the
driving mode select switch to the right
to change the driving mode to Sport S
mode. The Sport S mode indicator will
be displayed on the multi-information
display.

Sport S+ mode
When Sport S mode, turn the driving
mode select switch to the right to change

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210

the driving mode to Sport S+ mode.
The Sport S+ mode indicator will be dis-
played on the multi-information display.

3

Normal/Custom mode
Press the switch to select Normal mode
or Custom mode. Each time the switch is
pressed, the system changes between Nor-
mal mode and Custom mode.
When Custom mode is selected, the Cus-
tom mode indicator will be displayed on the
multi-information display.
If the switch is pressed when in Eco mode
or Sport mode, the system will return to
Normal mode.

INFORMATION

Canceling Sport/Custom mode

Select another driving mode. Sport mode and Custom mode will be canceled auto-
matically when the engine switch is turned off.

Normal mode and Eco mode will not be canceled automatically until another driving
mode is selected, even if the engine switch is turned off.

Display of the multi-information display according to selected driving mode

According to the driving mode selected, the gauges displayed on the multi-information
display may change.

 Related Links 

Customizable features(P. 650)

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3

Driving accor

ding to the conditions

Trail Mode (AWD vehicles)

Trail Mode is designed to control the spinning of the drive wheels by integradely
controlling 4WD, brake and drive force control systems. Use the Trail Mode when
driving bumpy roads, etc.

Press the Trail Mode switch.

Press the Trail Mode switch, to turn the Trail Mode
on. The Trail Mode indicator light will come on the
multi-information display. To turn the system off,
press the Trail Mode switch again.
If the tires are spinning, the slip indicator flashes to
indicate that the Trail Mode is controlling the spin-
ning of the tires.

INFORMATION

Trail Mode

Trail Mode controls the vehicle so that it can use the maximum amount of drive
force when driving on rough roads. As a result, fuel efficiency may diminish when
compared to driving with Trail Mode off.

If Trail Mode is continuously used for a long period of time, depending on the
driving conditions, the load on related parts increases and the system may not
function correctly. In this case, "Traction Control Turned OFF" will be shown on
the multi-information display but the vehicle can be driven normally. The "Traction
Control Turned OFF" on the multi-information display will turn off after a short
while and the system will operate properly.

When Trail Mode is canceled

In the following situations, Trail Mode is automatically canceled even if it is selected:

When the driving mode is changed.

When the engine is restarted.

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