Get Driving -> Driving procedures Guide for Toyota Rav4 SUV 2020

167

Driving

4

4-1. Before driving

4-5. Using the driving support

systems

Driving the vehicle....... 169

Cargo and luggage ..... 175

Vehicle load limits ....... 178

Trailer towing............... 179

Dinghy towing ............. 191

4-2. Driving procedures

Toyota Safety Sense 2.0

.................................. 223

PCS (Pre-Collision System)

.................................. 229

LTA (Lane Tracing Assist)

.................................. 237

Engine (ignition) switch

(vehicles without smart key

system)...................... 193

RSA (Road Sign Assist)

.................................. 247

Dynamic radar cruise con-

trol with full-speed range

.................................. 250

4

Engine (ignition) switch

(vehicles with smart key

system)...................... 194

BSM (Blind Spot Monitor)

Automatic transmission199

Turn signal lever.......... 202

Parking brake.............. 203

Brake Hold .................. 206

.................................. 260

Intuitive parking assist. 270

PKSB (Parking Support

Brake)........................ 277

Parking Support Brake func-

tion (static objects) .... 282

4-3. Operating the lights and

wipers

Parking Support Brake func-

tion (rear-crossing vehi-

cles)........................... 288

Headlight switch.......... 209

AHB (Automatic High

Beam)........................ 212

Rear view monitor system

.................................. 292

Fog light switch ........... 215

Windshield wipers and

washer....................... 215

Toyota parking assist moni-

tor .............................. 300

Rear window wiper and

washer....................... 218

Panoramic view monitor

.................................. 313

4-4. Refueling

Stop & Start system .... 345

Opening the fuel tank cap

.................................. 220

Driving mode select switch

.................................. 351

168

Multi-terrain Select (AWD

vehicles).................... 353

Snow mode switch (AWD

vehicles).................... 357

Downhill assist control sys-

tem ............................ 358

Driving assist systems 360

4-6. Driving tips

Winter driving tips ....... 367

Utility vehicle precautions

.................................. 370

169

4-1. Before driving

4-1.Before driving

2 Set the parking brake

Driving the vehicle

(P.203), and shift the shift

lever to P (P.199).

The following procedures

should be observed to

ensure safe driving:

3 Turn the engine switch to

OFF to stop the engine.

4 Lock the door, making sure

that you have the key on your

person.

Driving procedure

■ Starting the engine

P.193, 194

If parking on a hill, block the wheels

as needed.

■ Starting off on a steep

■ Driving

uphill

1 With the brake pedal

depressed, shift the shift

lever to D. (P.199)

1 With the brake pedal

depressed, shift the shift

lever to D. (P.199)

4

2 Release the parking brake.

(P.203)

2 Pull the parking brake switch

and parking brake is set man-

ually. (P.203)

If the parking brake is in automatic

mode, the parking brake is

released automatically when shift-

ing the shift lever to any position

other than P. (P.204)

3 Release the brake pedal and

gently depress the accelera-

tor pedal to accelerate the

vehicle.

3 Gradually release the brake

pedal and gently depress the

accelerator pedal to acceler-

ate the vehicle.

Parking brake automatic release

function (P.205)

■When starting off on a uphill

■ Stopping

The hill-start assist control will acti-

1 With the shift lever in D,

vate. (P.360)

depress the brake pedal.

■Driving in the rain

2 If necessary, set the parking

brake. (P.203)

●Drive carefully when it is raining,

because visibility will be reduced,

the windows may become fogged-

up, and the road could be slippery.

If the vehicle is to be stopped for an

extended period of time, shift the

shift lever to P. (P.199)

●Drive carefully when it starts to

rain, as the road surface could be

especially slippery.

■ Parking the vehicle

1 With the shift lever in D,

●Refrain from high speeds when

driving on an expressway in the

rain, because there may be a

layer of water between the tires

and the road surface, preventing

depress the brake pedal.

170

4-1. Before driving

the steering and brakes from

operating properly.

Drive-Start Control so that the

vehicle may be able to escape

from the mud or fresh snow.

■Engine speed while driving

●Drive-Start Control does not work

when Mud & Sand or Rock & Dirt

mode is selected for Multi-terrain

Select.

In the following conditions, the

engine speed may become high

while driving. This is due to auto-

matic up-shifting control or down-

shifting implementation to meet driv- ■Breaking in your new Toyota

ing conditions. It does not indicate

sudden acceleration.

To extend the life of the vehicle,

observing the following precautions

●The vehicle is judged to be driving

uphill or downhill

is recommended:

●For the first 200 miles (300 km):

Avoid sudden stops.

●When the accelerator pedal is

released

●For the first 500 miles (800 km):

Do not tow a trailer.

●When the brake pedal is

depressed while sport mode is

selected

●For the first 600 miles (1000 km):

• Do not drive at extremely high

speeds.

• Avoid sudden acceleration.

• Do not drive continuously in low

gears.

• Do not drive at a constant speed

for extended periods.

■Restraining the engine output

(Brake Override System)

●When the accelerator and brake

pedals are depressed at the same

time, the engine output may be

restrained.

■Operating your vehicle in a for-

eign country

●A warning message is displayed

on the multi-information display

while the system is operating.

(P.633)

Comply with the relevant vehicle

registration laws and confirm the

availability of the correct fuel.

(P.666)

■Restraining sudden start (Drive-

Start Control)

●When the following unusual oper-

ation is performed, the engine out-

put may be restrained.

WARNING

Observe the following precau-

tions.

Failure to do so may result in

death or serious injury.

• When the shift lever is shifted from

R to D, D to R, N to R, P to D, or P

to R (D includes S) with the accel-

erator pedal depressed, a warning

message appears on the multi-

information display. If a warning

message is shown on the multi-

information display, read the mes-

sage and follow the instructions.

• When the accelerator pedal is

depressed too much while the

vehicle is in reverse.

■When starting the vehicle

Always keep your foot on the

brake pedal while stopped with

the engine running. This prevents

the vehicle from creeping.

●While Drive-Start Control is being

activated, your vehicle may have

trouble escaping from the mud or

fresh snow. In such case, deacti-

vate TRAC (P.361) to cancel

171

4-1. Before driving

●During normal driving, do not

WARNING

turn off the engine. Turning the

engine off while driving will not

cause loss of steering or brak-

ing control, but the power assist

to these systems will be lost.

This will make it more difficult to

steer and brake, so you should

pull over and stop the vehicle as

soon as it is safe to do so.

However, in the event of an

emergency, such as if it

■When driving the vehicle

●Do not drive if you are unfamil-

iar with the location of the brake

and accelerator pedals to avoid

depressing the wrong pedal.

• Accidentally depressing the

accelerator pedal instead of the

brake pedal will result in sudden

acceleration that may lead to an

accident.

becomes impossible to stop the

vehicle in the normal way:

P.618

• When backing up, you may twist

your body around, leading to a

difficulty in operating the pedals.

Make sure to operate the pedals

properly.

●Use engine braking (downshift)

to maintain a safe speed when

driving down a steep hill.

Using the brakes continuously

may cause the brakes to over-

heat and lose effectiveness.

(P.659)

• Make sure to keep a correct

driving posture even when mov-

ing the vehicle only slightly. This

allows you to depress the brake

and accelerator pedals properly.

4

●Do not adjust the position of the

steering wheel, the seat, or the

inside or outside rear view mir-

rors while driving.

Doing so may result in a loss of

vehicle control.

• Depress the brake pedal using

your right foot. Depressing the

brake pedal using your left foot

may delay response in an emer-

gency, resulting in an accident.

●Do not drive the vehicle over or

stop the vehicle near flammable

materials such as leaves, paper

or rags.

The exhaust system and

exhaust gases can be

●Always check that all passen-

gers’ arms, head or other parts

of their body are not outside the

vehicle.

●Do not drive in excess of the

speed limit. Even if the legal

speed limit permits it, do not

drive over 85 mph (140 km/h)

unless your vehicle has high-

speed capability tires. Driving

over 85 mph (140 km/h) may

result in tire failure, loss of con-

trol and possible injury. Be sure

to consult a tire dealer to deter-

mine whether the tires on your

vehicle are high-speed capabil-

ity tires or not before driving at

such speeds.

extremely hot. These hot parts

may cause a fire if there is any

flammable material nearby.

172

4-1. Before driving

WARNING

●Do not shift the shift lever to a

driving position while the vehicle

is moving backward.

Doing so can damage the trans-

mission and may result in a loss

of vehicle control.

■When driving on slippery

road surfaces

●Sudden braking, acceleration

and steering may cause tire

slippage and reduce your ability

to control the vehicle.

●Moving the shift lever to N while

the vehicle is moving will disen-

gage the engine from the trans-

mission. Engine braking is not

available when N is selected.

●Sudden acceleration, engine

braking due to shifting, or

changes in engine speed could

cause the vehicle to skid.

●Be careful not to shift the shift

lever with the accelerator pedal

depressed.

●After driving through a puddle,

lightly depress the brake pedal

to make sure that the brakes

are functioning properly. Wet

brake pads may prevent the

brakes from functioning prop-

erly. If the brakes on only one

side are wet and not functioning

properly, steering control may

be affected.

Shifting the shift lever to a gear

other than P or N may lead to

unexpected rapid acceleration

of the vehicle that may cause an

accident and result in death or

serious injury. Doing so can

damage the transmission and

may result in a loss of vehicle

control.

■When shifting the shift lever

■If you hear a squealing or

scraping noise (brake pad

wear limit indicators)

●Do not let the vehicle roll back-

ward while the shift lever is in a

driving position, or roll forward

while the shift lever is in R.

Doing so may cause the engine

to stall or lead to poor brake and

steering performance, resulting

in an accident or damage to the

vehicle.

Have the brake pads checked and

replaced by your Toyota dealer as

soon as possible.

Rotor damage may result if the

pads are not replaced when

needed.

It is dangerous to drive the vehicle

when the wear limits of the brake

pads and/or those of the brake

discs are exceeded.

●Do not shift the shift lever to P

while the vehicle is moving.

Doing so can damage the trans-

mission and may result in a loss

of vehicle control.

■When the vehicle is stopped

●Do not race the engine.

●Do not shift the shift lever to R

while the vehicle is moving for-

ward.

Doing so can damage the trans-

mission and may result in a loss

of vehicle control.

If the vehicle is in any gear other

than P or N, the vehicle may

accelerate suddenly and unex-

pectedly, causing an accident.

●In order to prevent accidents

due to the vehicle rolling away,

always keep depressing the

brake pedal while the engine is

running, and apply the parking

brake as necessary.

173

4-1. Before driving

●Do not attach adhesive discs to

the windshield or windows. Do

not place containers such as air

fresheners on the instrument

panel or dashboard. Adhesive

discs or containers may act as

lenses, causing a fire in the

vehicle.

WARNING

●If the vehicle is stopped on an

incline, in order to prevent acci-

dents caused by the vehicle roll-

ing forward or backward, always

depress the brake pedal and

securely apply the parking

brake as needed.

●Do not leave a door or window

open if the curved glass is

coated with a metallized film

such as a silver-colored one.

Reflected sunlight may cause

the glass to act as a lens, caus-

ing a fire.

●Avoid revving or racing the

engine.

Running the engine at high

speed while the vehicle is

stopped may cause the exhaust

system to overheat, which could

result in a fire if combustible

material is nearby.

●Always apply the parking brake,

shift the shift lever to P, stop the

engine and lock the vehicle.

Do not leave the vehicle unat-

tended while the engine is run-

ning.

If the vehicle is parked with the

shift lever in P but the parking

brake is not set, the vehicle may

start to move, possibly leading

to an accident.

■When the vehicle is parked

●Do not leave glasses, cigarette

lighters, spray cans, or soft

drink cans in the vehicle when it

is in the sun.

Doing so may result in the fol-

lowing:

4

• Gas may leak from a cigarette

lighter or spray can, and may

lead to a fire.

●Do not touch the exhaust pipes

while the engine is running or

immediately after turning the

engine off.

• The temperature inside the

vehicle may cause the plastic

lenses and plastic material of

glasses to deform or crack.

Doing so may cause burns.

• Soft drink cans may fracture,

causing the contents to spray

over the interior of the vehicle,

and may also cause a short cir-

cuit in the vehicle’s electrical

components.

■When taking a nap in the vehi-

cle

Always turn the engine off. Other-

wise, if you accidentally move the

shift lever or depress the acceler-

ator pedal, this could cause an

accident or fire due to engine

overheating. Additionally, if the

vehicle is parked in a poorly venti-

lated area, exhaust gases may

collect and enter the vehicle, lead-

ing to death or a serious health

hazard.

●Do not leave cigarette lighters in

the vehicle. If a cigarette lighter

is in a place such as the glove

box or on the floor, it may be lit

accidentally when luggage is

loaded or the seat is adjusted,

causing a fire.

174

4-1. Before driving

WARNING

NOTICE

■When braking

■When driving the vehicle

●When the brakes are wet, drive

more cautiously.

●Do not depress the accelerator

and brake pedals at the same

time during driving, as this may

restrain the engine output.

Braking distance increases

when the brakes are wet, and

this may cause one side of the

vehicle to brake differently than

the other side. Also, the parking

brake may not securely hold the

vehicle.

●Do not use the accelerator

pedal or depress the accelera-

tor and brake pedals at the

same time to hold the vehicle on

a hill.

●If the brake booster device does

not operate, do not follow other

vehicles closely and avoid hills

or sharp turns that require brak-

ing.

■Avoiding damage to vehicle

parts

●Do not turn the steering wheel

fully in either direction and hold

it there for an extended period

of time.

Doing so may damage the

power steering motor.

In this case, braking is still pos-

sible, but the brake pedal

should be depressed more

firmly than usual. Also, the brak-

ing distance will increase. Have

your brakes fixed immediately.

●When driving over bumps in the

road, drive as slowly as possible

to avoid damaging the wheels,

underside of the vehicle, etc.

●Do not pump the brake pedal if

the engine stalls.

Each push on the brake pedal

uses up the reserve for the

power-assisted brakes.

■If you get a flat tire while driv-

ing

A flat or damaged tire may cause

the following situations.

●The brake system consists of 2

individual hydraulic systems; if

one of the systems fails, the

other will still operate. In this

case, the brake pedal should be

depressed more firmly than

usual and the braking distance

will increase. Have your brakes

fixed immediately.

●It may be difficult to control your

vehicle.

●The vehicle will make abnormal

sounds or vibrations.

●The vehicle will lean abnor-

mally.

■If the vehicle becomes stuck

Hold the steering wheel firmly and

gradually depress the brake pedal

to slow down the vehicle.

(AWD models)

Do not spin the wheels exces-

sively when any of the tires is up

in the air, or the vehicle is stuck in

sand, mud, etc. This may damage

the driveline components or pro-

pel the vehicle forward or back-

ward, causing an accident.

Information on what to do in case

of a flat tire (P.642)

175

4-1. Before driving

Cargo and luggage

NOTICE

■When encountering flooded

roads

Take notice of the following

information about storage

precautions, cargo capacity

and load.

Do not drive on a road that has

flooded after heavy rain, etc.

Doing so may cause the following

serious damage to the vehicle:

●Engine stalling

WARNING

●Short in electrical components

■Things that must not be car-

ried in the luggage compart-

ment

●Engine damage caused by

water immersion

The following things may cause a

fire if loaded in the luggage com-

partment:

In the event that you drive on a

flooded road and the vehicle is

flooded, be sure to have your Toy-

ota dealer check the following:

●Receptacles containing gaso-

line

●Brake function

4

●Aerosol cans

●Changes in quantity and quality

of oil and fluid used for the

engine, transaxle, transfer

(AWD vehicles), rear differen-

tial (AWD vehicles), etc.

■Storage precautions

Observe the following precau-

tions.

Failure to do so may prevent the

pedals from being depressed

properly, may block the driver’s

vision, or may result in items hit-

ting the driver or passengers, pos-

sibly causing an accident.

●Lubricant condition for the pro-

peller shaft (AWD models),

bearings and suspension joints

(where possible), and the func-

tion of all joints, bearings, etc.

●Stow cargo and luggage in the

luggage compartment when-

ever possible.

■When parking the vehicle

Always set the parking brake, and

shift the shift lever to P. Failure to

do so may cause the vehicle to

move or the vehicle may acceler-

ate suddenly if the accelerator

pedal is accidentally depressed.

●Do not stack anything in the lug-

gage compartment higher than

the seatbacks.

●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 (if

equipped)

• On the instrument panel

• On the dashboard

176

4-1. Before driving

WARNING

the available amount of cargo

and luggage load capacity.

●Secure all items in the occupant

compartment.

For example, if the “XXX”

amount equals 1400 lbs. and

there will be five 150 lb passen-

gers in your vehicle, the amount

of available cargo and luggage

load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 -

750 (5  150) = 650 lbs.)

●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 properly

fastened. Otherwise, they are

much more likely to suffer death

or serious bodily injury, in the

event of sudden braking, sud-

den swerving or an accident.

(5) Determine the combined

weight of luggage and cargo

being loaded on the vehicle.

That weight may not safely

exceed the available cargo and

luggage load capacity calcu-

lated in Step 4.

Capacity and distribution

(6) If your vehicle will be towing

a trailer, load from your trailer

will be transferred to your vehi-

cle. Consult this manual to

determine how this reduces the

available cargo and luggage

load capacity of your vehicle.

(P.178)

Cargo capacity depends on the

total weight of the occupants.

(Cargo capacity) = (Total load

capacity) - (Total weight of occu-

pants)

Steps for Determining Cor-

rect Load Limit 

WARNING

(1) Locate the statement “The

combined weight of occupants

and cargo should never exceed

XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your

vehicle’s placard.

■Capacity and distribution

●Do not exceed the maximum

axle weight rating or the total

vehicle weight rating.

●Even if the total load of occu-

pant’ weight and the cargo load

is less than the total load capac-

ity, do not apply the load

unevenly. Improper loading may

cause deterioration of steering

or braking control which may

cause death or serious injury.

(2) Determine the combined

weight of the driver and passen-

gers that will be riding in your

vehicle.

(3) Subtract the combined

weight of the driver and passen-

gers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.

(4) The resulting figure equals

177

4-1. Before driving

load

Calculation formula for

your vehicle

As shown in the example above,

if the number of occupants

increases, the cargo and lug-

gage 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 num-

ber 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.

A

Cargo capacity

B

Total load capacity (vehicle

capacity weight) (P.664)

4

When 2 people with the com-

bined weight of A lb. (kg) are rid-

ing in your vehicle, which has a

total load capacity (vehicle

capacity weight) of B lb. (kg),

the available amount of cargo

and luggage load capacity will

be C lb. (kg) as follows:

WARNING

■When loading cargo on the

roof luggage carrier (if

equipped)

Observe the following precau-

tions:

●Place the cargo so that its

weight is distributed evenly

between the front and rear

axles.

B^*2lb. (kg) - A^*1lb. (kg) = C^*3lb.

(kg)

●If loading long or wide cargo,

never exceed the vehicle overall

length or width. (P.664)

*1

:A = Weight of people

*2

:B = Total load capacity

●Before driving, make sure the

cargo is securely fastened on

the roof luggage carrier.

*3

:C = Available cargo and luggage

load

●Loading cargo on the roof lug-

gage carrier will make the cen-

ter of gravity of the vehicle

higher. Avoid high speeds, sud-

den 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 and result in death or

serious injury.

In this condition, if 3 more passen-

gers with the combined weight of D

lb. (kg) get on, the available cargo

and luggage load will be reduced E

lb. (kg) as follows:

C lb. (kg) - D^*4lb. (kg) = E^*5lb.

(kg)

*4

:D = Additional weight of people

*5

:E = Available cargo and luggage

178

4-1. Before driving

WARNING

Vehicle load limits

●If driving for a long distance, on

rough roads, or at high speeds,

stop the vehicle now and then

during the trip to make sure the

cargo remains in its place.

Vehicle load limits include

total load capacity, seating

capacity, TWR (Trailer

Weight Rating) and cargo

capacity.

●Do not exceed 176.4 lb. (80 kg)

cargo weight on the roof lug-

gage carrier.

 Total load capacity (vehicle

capacity weight): P.664

NOTICE

Total load capacity means the

combined weight of occu-

pants, cargo and luggage.

■When loading cargo on the

roof luggage carrier (if

equipped)

Be careful not to scratch the sur-

face of the moon roof (if

equipped) or the panoramic moon

roof (if equipped).

 Seating capacity: 5 occu-

pants (Front 2, Rear 3)

Seating capacity means the

maximum number of occu-

pants whose estimated aver-

age weight is 150 lb. (68 kg)

per person.

 TWR (Trailer Weight Rat-

ing): P.185, 664

TWR means the maximum

gross trailer weight (trailer

weight plus its cargo weight)

that your vehicle is able to tow.

 Cargo capacity

Cargo capacity may increase

or decrease depending on the

weight and the number of

occupants.

■Total load capacity and seating

capacity

These details are also described on

the tire and loading information

label. (P.595)

179

4-1. Before driving

Trailer towing

WARNING

■Overloading the vehicle

Your vehicle is designed pri-

marily as a passenger-and-

load-carrying vehicle. Tow-

ing a trailer can have an

adverse impact on handling,

performance, braking, dura-

bility, and fuel consumption.

For your safety and the

Do not overload the vehicle. It

may not only cause damage to

the tires, but also degrade steer-

ing and braking ability, resulting in

an accident.

safety of others, you must

not overload your vehicle or

trailer. You must also

ensure that you are using

appropriate towing equip-

ment, that the towing equip-

ment has been installed

correctly and used prop-

erly, and that you employ

the requisite driving habits.

4

Vehicle-trailer stability and

braking performance are

affected by trailer stability,

brake performance and set-

ting, trailer brakes, the hitch

and hitch systems (if

equipped).

To tow a trailer safely, use

extreme care and drive the

vehicle in accordance with

your trailer’s characteris-

tics and operating condi-

tions.

180

4-1. Before driving

Toyota warranties do not

apply to damage or mal-

function caused by towing a

trailer for commercial pur-

poses.

WARNING

■Trailer towing precautions

To tow a trailer safely, use

extreme care and drive the vehi-

cle in accordance with the trailer’s

characteristics and operating con-

ditions. 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.

Contact your Toyota dealer for

further information about addi-

tional requirements such as a

towing kit, etc.

■Before towing

Check that the following conditions

are met:

■To avoid accident or injury

●Ensure that your vehicle’s tires

are properly inflated. (P.671)

●Do not exceed the TWR,

unbraked TWR, GCWR, GVWR

or GAWR.

●Trailer tires are inflated according

to the trailer manufacturer’s rec-

ommendation.

●Vehicles with towing package: If

the gross trailer weight is over

2000 lb. (907 kg), a sway con-

trol device with sufficient capac-

ity is required.

●All trailer lights work as required

by law.

●All lights work each time you con-

nect them.

●Adjust the tongue weight within

the appropriate range. Place

heavier loads as close to the

trailer axle as possible.

●The trailer ball is set at the proper

height for the coupler on the

trailer.

●The trailer is level when it is

hitched.

Do not drive if the trailer is not

level, and check for improper

tongue weight, overloading, worn

suspension, or other possible

causes.

●Do not exceed 65 mph (104

km/h), the posted towing speed

limit or the speed limit for your

trailer as set forth in your trailer

owner’s manual, whichever is

lowest. Slow down sufficiently

before making a turn, in cross

winds, on wet or slippery sur-

face, etc. to help avoid an acci-

dent. If you experience a

vehicle-trailer instability from

reducing a certain speed, slow

down and make sure you keep

your vehicle speed under the

speed of which you experience

the instability.

●The trailer cargo is securely

loaded.

●The rear view mirrors conform to

all applicable federal, state/provin-

cial or local regulations. If they do

not, install rear view mirrors

appropriate for towing purposes.

●Do not make jerky, abrupt or

sharp turns.

181

4-1. Before driving

●If the gross trailer weight

WARNING

exceeds unbraked TWR, trailer

brakes are required. Toyota rec-

ommends trailers with brakes

that conform to all applicable

federal and state/provincial reg-

ulations.

●Do not apply the brakes sud-

denly as you may skid, resulting

in jackknifing and loss of vehicle

control. This is especially true

on wet or slippery surfaces.

●Do not exceed the trailer hitch

assembly weight, gross vehicle

weight, gross axle weight and

trailer tongue weight capacities.

●Never tap into your vehicle’s

hydraulic system, as this will

lower the vehicle’s braking

effectiveness.

●Do not use dynamic radar

cruise control with full-speed

range when towing.

●Never tow a trailer without using

a safety chain securely attached

to both the trailer and the vehi-

cle. If damage occurs to the

coupling unit or hitch ball, there

is danger of the trailer wander-

ing into another lane.

●Slow down and downshift

before descending steep or long

downhill grades. Do not make

sudden downshifts while

descending steep or long down-

hill grades.

4

Towing related terms

●Vehicle-trailer instability is more

likely on steep long downhills.

Before descending steep or

long downhill grades, slow

down and downshift. Do not

make sudden downshifts when

descending steep or long down-

hill grades. Avoid holding the

brake pedal down too long or

applying the brakes too fre-

quently. This could cause the

brakes to overheat and result in

reduced braking efficiency.

■ GCWR (Gross Combination

Weight Rating)

The maximum allowable gross

combination weight. The gross

combination weight is the sum

of the total vehicle weight

(including the occupants, cargo

and any optional equipment

installed on the vehicle) and the

weight of the trailer being towed

(including the cargo in the

trailer).

●Do not tow a trailer when the

compact spare tire is installed

on your vehicle.

■When towing a trailer

Toyota recommends trailers with

brakes that conform to any appli-

cable federal and state/provincial

regulations.

182

4-1. Before driving

 Vehicles without towing pack-

age

 Vehicles with towing package

■ GVWR (Gross Vehicle

■ GAWR (Gross Axle Weight

Weight Rating)

Rating)

The maximum allowable gross

vehicle weight. The gross vehi-

cle weight is the total weight of

the vehicle. When towing a

trailer, it is the sum of the vehicle

weight (including the occu-

The maximum allowable gross

axle weight. The gross axle

weight is the load placed on

each axle (front and rear).

pants, cargo and any optional

equipment installed on the vehi-

cle) and the tongue weight.

183

4-1. Before driving

 Vehicles without towing pack-

cargo in the trailer.

age

TWR is calculated assuming

base vehicle with one driver,

one front passenger, towing

package (if available), hitch and

hitch systems (if required).

Additional optional equipment, pas-

sengers and cargo in the vehicle

will reduce the trailer weight rating

so as not to exceed GCWR, GVWR

and GAWR.

Vehicles with towing package: If the

gross trailer weight exceeds 3000

lb. (1360 kg), it is recommended to

use a trailer with 2 or more axles.

A

Front GAWR

4

 Vehicles without towing pack-

age

B

Rear GAWR

 Vehicles with towing package

A

(With brakes)

 Vehicles with towing package

A

Front GAWR

B

Rear GAWR

■ TWR (Trailer Weight Rating)

The maximum allowable gross

trailer weight. The gross trailer

weight is the sum of the trailer

weight and the weight of the

A

(With brakes)

184

4-1. Before driving

■ Unbraked TWR (Unbraked

Weight limits

Trailer Weight Rating)

 The gross trailer weight must

never exceed the TWR

described below.

The trailer weight rating for tow-

ing a trailer without a trailer ser-

vice brake system.

 Without towing package

1500 lb. (680 kg)

 With towing package

3500 lb. (1590 kg)

 The gross combination weight

must never exceed the

GCWR described below.

 Without towing package

A

(Without brakes)

Vehicles without Dynamic Torque

Vectoring AWD system: 6110 lb.

(2770 kg)

■ Tongue Weight

The load placed on the trailer

hitch ball. (P.186)

Vehicles with Dynamic Torque Vec-

toring AWD system: 6205 lb. (2815

kg)

 Vehicles without towing pack-

age

 With towing package

8205 lb. (3725 kg)

 The gross vehicle weight

must never exceed the

GVWR indicated on the Certi-

fication Regulation Label.

 The gross axle weight on

each axle must never exceed

the GAWR indicated on the

Certification Regulation Label.

 Vehicles with towing package

185

4-1. Before driving

*

: These models meet the tow-vehi-

cle trailering requirement of SAE

International per SAE J2807.

 If the gross trailer weight is

over the unbraked TWR,

trailer service brakes are

required.

■ Unbraked TWR^*

 Vehicles with towing package:

If the gross trailer weight is

over 2000 lb. (907 kg), a sway

control device with sufficient

capacity is required.

1000 lb. (450 kg)

*

: These models meet the tow-vehi-

cle trailering requirement of SAE

International per SAE J2807.

Trailer Tongue Weight

GCWR, TWR and

Unbraked TWR

 A recommended tongue

weight varies in accordance

with the types of trailers or

towing as described below.

Confirm that the gross trailer

weight, gross combination

weight, gross vehicle weight,

gross axle weight and tongue

weight are all within the limits.

4

 To ensure the recommended

values shown below, the

trailer must be loaded by

referring to the following

instructions.

■ GCWR^*

 Without towing package

• Tongue Weight

Vehicles without Dynamic

Torque Vectoring AWD system:

6110 lb. (2770 kg)

The gross trailer weight should be

distributed so that the tongue

weight is 9% to 11%.

Vehicles with Dynamic Torque

Vectoring AWD system: 6205 lb.

(2815 kg)

(Tongue weight /Gross trailer

weight x 100 = 9% to 11%)

 Vehicles without towing pack-

 With towing package

age

8205 lb. (3725 kg)

*

: These models meet the tow-vehi-

cle trailering requirement of SAE

International per SAE J2807.

■ TWR^*

 Without towing package

1500 lb. (680 kg)

 With towing package

3500 lb. (1590 kg)

A

Gross trailer weight

186

4-1. Before driving

 Lubricate the hitch ball with a

B

Tongue weight

light coating of grease.

 Vehicles with towing package

 Remove the hitch ball when-

ever you are not towing a

trailer. Remove the trailer

hitch if you do not need it.

After removing the hitch, seal

any mounting holes in the

vehicle body to prevent entry

of any substances into the

vehicle.

A

Gross trailer weight

WARNING

B

Tongue weight

■Hitch

Trailer hitch assemblies have dif-

ferent weight capacities estab-

lished 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. Exceeding the

maximum weight rating set by the

trailer-hitch manufacturer can

cause an accident resulting in

death or serious personal injuries.

The gross trailer weight, gross

axle weight and tongue weight

can be measured with platform

scales found at a highway

weighing station, building supply

company, trucking company,

junk yard, etc.

Hitch

Trailer hitch assemblies have

different weight capacities. Toy-

ota recommends the use of Toy-

ota hitch/bracket for your

vehicle. For details, contact your

Toyota dealer.

NOTICE

■When installing a trailer hitch

Use only the position recom-

mended by your Toyota dealer.

Do not install the trailer hitch on

the bumper; this may cause body

damage.

 If you wish to install a trailer

hitch, contact your Toyota

dealer.

 Use only a hitch that con-

forms to the gross trailer

weight requirement of your

vehicle.

Selecting trailer ball (vehi-

cles with towing package)

Use the correct trailer ball for

your application.

 Follow the directions supplied

by the hitch manufacturer.

187

4-1. Before driving

Positions for towing hitch

receiver and hitch ball

A

Trailer ball load rating

Matches or exceeds the gross

trailer weight rating of the trailer.

A

Weight carrying ball position:

43.3 in. (1100 mm)

B

Shank length

Protrudes beyond the bottom of the

lock washer and nut by at least 2

threads.

B

Hitch receiver pin hole posi-

tion: 38.1 in. (969 mm)

4

C

Shank diameter

■Matching trailer ball height to

trailer coupler height

Matches the ball mount hole diame-

ter size.

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.

D

Ball diameter

Matches the size of the trailer cou-

pler. Most couplers are stamped

with the required trailer ball size.

Typical trailer

Trailer class

ball size

IV

2 5/16 in.

2 in.

II and III

I

1 7/8 in.

A

Coupler

B

Trailer ball

188

4-1. Before driving

increases. Exceeding speed

limits may cause loss of con-

trol.

Connecting trailer lights

Please consult your dealer

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 install-

ing trailer lights.

 Before starting out, check the

trailer lights, tires and the

vehicle-trailer connections.

Recheck after driving a short

distance.

 Practice turning, stopping and

reversing with the trailer

NOTICE

attached in an area away

from traffic until you become

accustomed to the feel of the

vehicle-trailer combination.

■Do not directly splice trailer

lights

Do not directly splice trailer lights.

Directly splicing trailer lights may

damage your vehicle’s electrical

system and cause a malfunction.

 Reversing with a trailer

attached is difficult and

requires practice. Grip the

bottom of the steering wheel

and move your hand to the

left to move the trailer to the

left. Move your hand to the

right to move the trailer to

right. (This is generally oppo-

site to reversing without a

trailer attached.) Avoid sharp

or prolonged turning. Have

someone guide you when

reversing to reduce the risk of

an accident.

Trailer towing tips

Your vehicle will handle differ-

ently 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 prov-

ince. Do not exceed the

posted towing speed limit.

 Toyota recommends that the

vehicle-trailer speed limit is 65

mph (104 km/h) on a flat,

 As stopping distance is

increased when towing a

trailer, vehicle-to vehicle dis-

tance should be increased.

For each 10 mph (16 km/h) of

speed, allow at least one

vehicle and trailer length.

straight, dry road. Do not

exceed this limit, the posted

towing speed limit or the

speed limit for your trailer as

set forth in your trailer owner’s

manual, whichever is lowest.

Instability of the towing vehi-

cle-trailer combination (trailer

sway) increases as speed

 Avoid sudden braking as you

may skid, resulting in the

trailer jackknifing and a loss of

189

4-1. Before driving

vehicle control. This is espe-

cially true on wet or slippery

surfaces.

Before descending, slow

down and downshift. Do not

make sudden downshifts

while descending steep or

long downhill grades.

 Avoid jerky starts or sudden

acceleration.

 Avoid holding the brake pedal

down too long or applying the

brakes too frequently. This

could cause the brakes to

overheat and result in

 Avoid jerky steering and

sharp turns, and slow down

before making turn.

 Note that when making a turn,

the trailer wheels will be

reduced braking efficiency.

closer than the vehicle wheels

to the inside of the turn. Com-

pensate by making a wider

than normal turning radius.

 Due to the added load of the

trailer, your vehicle’s engine

may overheat on hot days (at

temperatures over 85°F

4

 Slow down before making a

turn, in cross winds, on wet or

slippery surfaces, etc.

[30°C]) when driving up a long

or steep grade. If the engine

coolant temperature gauge

indicates overheating, imme-

diately turn off the air condi-

tioning (if in use), pull your

vehicle off the road and stop

in a safe spot. (P.659)

Increasing vehicle speed can

destabilize the trailer.

 Take care when passing other

vehicles. Passing requires

considerable distance. After

passing a vehicle, do not for-

get the length of your trailer,

and be sure you have plenty

of room before changing

lanes.

 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 park-

ing on a slope, but if unavoid-

able, do so only after

 To maintain engine braking

efficiency and charging sys-

tem performance when using

engine braking, do not put the

transmission in D. If in the S

mode, the transmission shift

range position must be in 6 or

lower.

performing the following:

1 Apply the brakes and keep

them applied.

2 Have someone place wheel

blocks under both the vehi-

cle’s and trailer’s wheels.

 Instability happens more fre-

quently when descending

steep or long downhill grades.

190

4-1. Before driving

avoid full throttle acceleration.

3 When the wheel blocks are in

place, release the brakes

slowly until the blocks absorb

the load.

■Maintenance

●If you tow a trailer, your vehicle

will require more frequent mainte-

nance due to the additional load.

(See “Scheduled Maintenance

Guide” or “Owner’s Manual Sup-

plement”.)

4 Apply the parking brake

firmly.

5 Shift into P and turn off the

●Retighten the fixing bolts of the

towing ball and bracket after

approximately 600 miles (1000

km) of trailer towing.

engine.

 When restarting after parking

on a slope:

■If trailer sway occurs

1 With the transmission in P,

start the engine. Be sure to

keep the brake pedal

depressed.

One or more factors (crosswinds,

passing vehicles, rough roads, etc.)

can adversely affect handling of

your vehicle and trailer, causing

instability.

●If trailer swaying occurs:

• Firmly grip the steering wheel.

Steer straight ahead.

2 Shift into a forward gear. If

reversing, shift into R.

Do not try to control trailer sway-

ing by turning the steering wheel.

• Begin releasing the accelerator

pedal immediately but very gradu-

ally to reduce speed.

3 If the parking brake is in man-

ual mode, release the park-

ing brake. (P.203)

4 Release the brake pedal, and

slowly pull or back away from

the wheel blocks. Stop and

apply the brakes.

Do not increase speed. Do not

apply vehicle brakes.

If you make no extreme correction

with the steering or brakes, your

vehicle and trailer should stabilize (if

enabled, Trailer Sway Control can

also help to stabilize the vehicle and

trailer.).

5 Have someone retrieve the

blocks.

■Break-in schedule

●After the trailer swaying has

stopped:

• Stop in a safe place. Get all occu-

pants out of the vehicle.

• Check the tires of the vehicle and

the trailer.

• Check the load in the trailer.

Make sure the load has not

shifted.

If your vehicle is new or equipped

with any new power train compo-

nents (such as an engine, transmis-

sion, differential or wheel bearing),

Toyota recommends that you do not

tow a trailer until the vehicle has

been driven for over 500 miles (800

km).

Make sure the tongue weight is

appropriate, if possible.

• Check the load in the vehicle.

Make sure the vehicle is not over-

loaded after occupants get in.

After the vehicle has been driven for

over 500 miles (800 km), you can

start towing. However, for the next

500 miles (800 km), drive the vehi-

cle at a speed of less than 45 mph

(72 km/h) when towing a trailer, and

If you cannot find any problems, the

191

4-1. Before driving

speed at which trailer swaying

occurred is beyond the limit of your

particular vehicle-trailer combina-

tion. Drive at a lower speed to pre-

vent instability. Remember that

swaying of the towing vehicle-trailer

increases as speed increases.

Dinghy towing

Your vehicle is not designed

to be dinghy towed (with 4

wheels on the ground)

behind a motor home.

4

NOTICE

■To avoid serious damage to

your vehicle

Do not tow your vehicle with 4

wheels on the ground.

■To prevent causing serious

damage to the transmission

and AWD system (AWD mod-

els)

2WD models: Never tow this vehi-

cle from the rear with the front

wheels on the ground. This may

cause serious damage to the

transmission.

192

4-1. Before driving

NOTICE

AWD models: Never tow this vehi-

cle with any of the wheels on the

ground. This may cause serious

damage to the transmission and

AWD system.

193

4-2. Driving procedures

4-2.Driving procedures

Engine (ignition)

sw itch (vehicles with-

out smart key system)

WARNING

■When starting the engine

Always start the engine while sit-

ting in the driver’s seat. Do not

depress the accelerator pedal

while starting the engine under

any circumstances.

Starting the engine

1 Pull the parking brake switch

to check that the parking

brake is set. (P.203)

Doing so may cause an accident

resulting in death or serious injury.

The parking brake indicator will

come on.

NOTICE

■When starting the engine

2 Check that the shift lever is

●Do not crank the engine for

more than 30 seconds at a time.

This may overheat the starter

and wiring system.

set in P.

3 Firmly depress the brake

pedal.

4

●Do not race a cold engine.

4 Turn the engine switch to

●If the engine becomes difficult to

start or stalls frequently, have

your vehicle checked by your

Toyota dealer immediately.

START to start the engine.

■If the engine does not start

The engine immobilizer system may

not have been deactivated. (P.70)

Contact your Toyota dealer.

Changing the engine

switch positions

■When the steering lock cannot

be released

When starting the engine, the

engine switch may seem stuck in

OFF. To free it, turn the key while

turning the steering wheel slightly

left and right.

A

OFF (“LOCK” position)

The steering wheel is locked and

the key can be removed. (The key

can be removed only when the shift

lever is in P.)

■When “Check Fuel Cap” is dis-

played on the multi-information

display

P.221

B

ACC (“ACC” position)

Some electrical components such

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