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Hybrid system features

Your vehicle is a hybrid vehicle. It has characteristics different fromconventional vehicles. Be sure you are closely familiar with the char-acteristics of your vehicle, and operate with care.

The hybrid system combines the use of a gasoline engine and anelectric motor (traction motor) according to driving conditions,improving fuel efficiency and reducing exhaust emissions.

Gasoline engineElectric motor (traction motor)

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■ When stopped/during start off The gasoline engine stops* when the vehicle is stopped. Duringstart off, the electric motor (traction motor) drives the vehicle. Atslow speeds or when traveling down a gentle slope, the engineis stopped* and the electric motor (traction motor) is used.

When shift position is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery)will not be charged. Thus, shift to P when the vehicle is stopped.In addition, when driving in heavy traffic, use D or B.

*: However, when the hybrid battery (traction battery) need to becharged or while the engine is being warmed up, the gasolineengine may not stop automatically. (→P. 33)

■ During normal drivingThe gasoline engine is predominantly used. The electric motor(traction motor) charges the hybrid battery (traction battery) asnecessary.

■ When accelerating sharplyWhen the accelerator pedal is depressed heavily, the power ofthe hybrid battery (traction battery) is added to that of the gaso-line engine via the electric motor (traction motor).

■ When braking (regenerative braking)The electric motor (traction motor) charges the hybrid battery(traction battery).

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Vehicle proximity notification system

When driving with the gasoline engine stopped, a sound, whichchanges in accordance with the driving speed, will be played in orderto warn people nearby of the vehicle’s approach. The sound will stopwhen the vehicle speed exceeds approximately 15 mph (25 km/h).

■Regenerative brakingIn the following situations, kinetic energy is converted to electric energy anddeceleration force can be obtained in conjunction with the recharging of thehybrid battery (traction battery).

●The accelerator pedal is released while driving with the shift position in Dor B.

●The brake pedal is depressed while driving with the shift position in D orB.

■Hybrid System Indicator

Hybrid System Indicator represents thehybrid system power output and regener-ative charging. (→P. 225)

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■Conditions in which the gasoline engine may not stopThe gasoline engine starts and stops automatically. However, it may not stopautomatically in the following conditions*:

●During gasoline engine warm-up

●When the temperature of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is high orlow

●During hybrid battery (traction battery) charging

●When the heater is switched on

*: Depending on the circumstances, the gasoline engine may also not stopautomatically in situations other than those above.

■Charging the hybrid battery (traction battery)●As the gasoline engine charges the hybrid battery (traction battery), the

battery does not need to be charged from an outside source. However, ifthe vehicle is left parked for a long time the hybrid battery (traction bat-tery) will slowly discharge. For this reason, be sure to drive the vehicle atleast once every few months for at least 30 minutes or 10 miles (16 km). If the hybrid battery (traction battery) becomes fully discharged and youare unable to jump-start the vehicle with the 12-volt battery, contact yourToyota dealer.

● If the shift position is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will not becharged. Always shift the shift position in P when the vehicle is stopped.When driving in heavy traffic, operate the vehicle with the shift position inD or B to avoid discharging the hybrid battery (traction battery).

■Charging the 12-volt battery→P. 546

■After the 12-volt battery has discharged or has been changed orremoved The gasoline engine may not stop even if the vehicle is running on the hybridbattery (traction battery). If this continues for a few days, contact your Toyotadealer.

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■Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicleThere may be no engine sounds or vibration even though the vehicle is ableto move. For safety, apply the parking brake and make sure to shift the shiftposition to P when parked.

The following sounds or vibrations may occur when the hybrid system isoperating and are not a malfunction:

●The brake system operation sound heard from the front of the vehiclewhen the driver’s door is opened.

●Motor sounds may be heard from the engine compartment.

●Sounds may be heard from the hybrid battery (traction battery) when thehybrid system starts or stops.

●Sounds may be heard from the transmission when the gasoline enginestarts or stops, when driving at low speeds, or during idling.

●Engine sounds may be heard when accelerating sharply.

●Sounds may be heard due to regenerative braking when the brake pedalis depressed and accelerator is loosened.

●Other sounds, such as motors and mechanical noises, may be heardfrom the brake system when the brake pedal is depressed.

●Vibration may be felt when the gasoline engine starts or stops.

●Cooling fan sounds may be heard from the air intake vent. (→P. 37)

●The operation sound of the air conditioning system (air conditioning com-pressor, blower motor).

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■Vehicle proximity notification systemIn the following cases, the vehicle proximity notification system may be diffi-cult for surrounding people to hear.

● In very noisy areas

● In the wind or the rain

Also, as the vehicle proximity notification system is installed on the front ofthe vehicle, it may be more difficult to hear from the rear of the vehicle com-pared to the front.

■Maintenance, repair, recycling, and disposalContact your Toyota dealer regarding maintenance, repair, recycling and dis-posal. Do not dispose of the vehicle yourself.

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Hybrid system precautions

Take care when handling the hybrid system, as it contains a highvoltage system (about 650V at maximum) as well as parts thatbecome extremely hot when the hybrid system is operating. Obeythe caution labels attached to the vehicle.

Air conditioning compressorHigh voltage cables (orange)Power control unit and DC/DC converterCaution label

Service plugElectric motor (tractionmotor)Hybrid battery (traction bat-tery)

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Hybrid battery (traction battery) air vent

There is an air intake vent on theright side of the rear seatback forthe purpose of cooling the hybridbattery (traction battery). If thevent becomes blocked, thehybrid battery (traction battery)may overheat, leading to areduction in hybrid battery (trac-tion battery) output.

Emergency shut off system

When a certain level of impact is detected by the impact sensor, theemergency shut off system blocks off the high voltage current andstops the fuel pump to minimize the risk of electrocution and fuelleakage. If the emergency shut off system activates, your vehicle willnot restart. To restart the hybrid system, contact your Toyota dealer.

Hybrid warning message

A message is automatically displayed when a malfunction occurs inthe hybrid system or an improper operation is attempted.

If a warning message is shownon the multi-information display,read the message and follow theinstructions. (→P. 507)

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■ If a warning light comes on, a warning message is displayed or the 12-volt battery is disconnectedThe hybrid system may not start. In that case, try to start the system again. Ifthe “READY” indicator does not come on, contact your Toyota dealer.

■Running out of fuelWhen the vehicle has run out of fuel and the hybrid system cannot bestarted, refuel the vehicle with at least enough gasoline to make the low fuellevel warning light (→P. 498) go off. If there is only a small amount of fuel,the hybrid system may not be able to start. (The minimum amount of fuel toadd to make the low fuel level warning light go out is about 1.9 gal. [7.1 L,1.6 Imp.gal.], when the vehicle is on a level surface. This value may varywhen the vehicle is on a slope.)

■Electromagnetic waves●High voltage parts and cables on the hybrid vehicles incorporate electro-

magnetic shielding, and therefore emit approximately the same amountof electromagnetic waves as conventional gasoline powered vehicles orhome electronic appliances.

●Your vehicle may cause sound interference in some third party-producedradio parts.

■Hybrid battery (traction battery)The hybrid battery (traction battery) has a limited service life. The lifespan ofthe hybrid battery (traction battery) can change in accordance with drivingstyle and driving conditions.

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CAUTION

■High voltage precautionsThe vehicle has high voltage DC and AC systems as well as a 12-volt sys-tem. DC and AC high voltage is very dangerous and can cause severe burnsand electric shock that may result in death or serious injury.

●Never touch, disassemble, remove or replace the high voltage parts,cables or their connectors.

●The hybrid system will become hot after starting as the system uses highvoltage. Be careful of both the high voltage and the high temperature, andalways obey the caution labels attached to the vehicle.

●Never try to open the service plugaccess hole located in the luggagecompartment. The service plug is usedonly when the vehicle is serviced and issubject to high voltage.

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CAUTION

■Road accident cautionsIf your vehicle is involved in an accident, observe the following precautionsto reduce the risk of death or serious injury:

●Stop the vehicle in a safe place to prevent subsequent accidents. While depressing the brake pedal, apply the parking brake, shift the shiftposition to P and turn the hybrid system off. Then, slowly release the brakepedal.

●Do not touch the high voltage parts, cables and connectors.

● If electric wires are exposed inside or outside your vehicle, an electricshock may occur. Never touch exposed electric wires.

● If a fluid leak occurs, do not touch the fluid as it may be strong alkalineelectrolyte from the hybrid battery (traction battery). If it comes into contactwith your skin or eyes, wash it off immediately with a large amount of wateror, if possible, boric acid solution. Seek immediate medical attention.

● If a fire occurs in the hybrid vehicle, leave the vehicle as soon as possible.Never use a fire extinguisher that is not meant for electric fires. Using evena small amount of water may be dangerous.

● If your vehicle needs to be towed, do so with front wheels raised. If thewheels connected to the electric motor (traction motor) are on the groundwhen towing, the motor may continue to generate electricity. This maycause an electricity leakage leading to a fire. (→P. 485)

●Carefully inspect the ground under the vehicle. If you find that liquid hasleaked onto the ground, the fuel system may have been damaged. Leavethe vehicle as soon as possible.

■Hybrid battery (traction battery)Your vehicle contains a sealed nickel-metal hydride battery. If disposed ofimproperly, it is hazardous to the environment and there is a risk of severeburns and electrical shock that may result in death or serious injury.

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NOTICE

■Hybrid battery (traction battery) air vent●Do not put foreign objects near the air vent. The hybrid battery (traction

battery) may overheat and be damaged.

●Clean the air vent regularly to prevent the hybrid battery (traction battery)from overheating.

●Do not wet or allow foreign substances to enter the air vent as this maycause a short circuit and damage the hybrid battery (traction battery).

●Do not carry large amounts of water such as water cooler bottles in thevehicle. If water spills onto the hybrid battery (traction battery), the batterymay be damaged. Have the vehicle inspected by your Toyota dealer.

● If the rear seat belt becomes separated from the guide (→P. 103), it couldobstruct the hybrid battery (traction battery) air vent. Set the rear seat beltinto the guide to use.

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Energy monitor/consumption screen

Energy monitor

Displays the flow of energy as it changes in accordance with drivingconditions.

Display Audio systemPress “CAR”.

If the “Consumption” screen isdisplayed, touch “Energy”.

You can view the status of your hybrid system on the Display Audiosystem screen, the navigation system screen or the multi-informa-tion display.

Display Audio systemscreen or navigation systemscreenMulti-information display

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Condition Display

When the vehicle is powered by the electric motor (traction motor)

When the vehicle is powered by both the gasoline engine and the electric motor (traction motor)

When the vehicle is powered by the gasoline engine

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These images are examples only, and may vary slightly from actual conditions.

Condition Display

When the vehicle is charging the hybrid battery (traction battery)

When there is no energy flow

Hybrid battery (traction battery) status

Low Full

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Navigation systemPress “INFO APPS” or “INFO”.

Touch “Fuel Consumption” onthe “Information” screen.

If the “Consumption” screen isdisplayed, touch “Energy”.

STEP 1

STEP 2

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Condition Display

When the vehicle is powered by the electric motor (traction motor)

When the vehicle is powered by both the gasoline engine and the electric motor (traction motor)

When the vehicle is powered by the gasoline engine

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These images are examples only, and may vary slightly from actual conditions.

Condition Display

When the vehicle is charging the hybrid battery (traction battery)

When there is no energy flow

Hybrid battery (traction battery) status

Low Full

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Multi-information displayPress the “DISP” button to dis-play the energy monitor.

■ Names and meaning of each icons

Gasoline engineHybrid battery (traction bat-tery)Electric motor (traction motor)

Condition Display

When the vehicle is powered by the electric motor (traction motor)

When the vehicle is powered by both the gasoline engine and the electric motor (traction motor)

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Before driving

These images are examples only, and may vary slightly from actual conditions.

Condition Display

When the vehicle is powered by the gasoline engine

When the vehicle is charging the hybrid battery (traction battery)

When there is no energy flow

Hybrid battery (traction battery) status

Low Full

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Consumption screen

Display Audio systemPress “CAR”.

If the “Energy Monitor” screen is displayed, touch “Consumption”.

Fuel consumption in the past30 minutesCruising range (→P. 55)Regenerated energy in thepast 30 minutes

One symbol indicates 30 Wh. Upto 4 symbols are shown.

The image is example only, and may vary slightly from actual conditions.

Navigation system

Press “INFO APPS” or “INFO”.

Touch “Fuel Consumption” on the “Information” screen.If the “Energy Monitor” screen is displayed, touch “Consumption”.

Fuel consumption in the past30 minutesRegenerated energy in thepast 30 minutes

One symbol indicates 30 Wh. Upto 4 symbols are shown.

Cruising range (→P. 55)

The image is example only, and may vary slightly from actual conditions.

STEP 1

STEP 2

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Multi-information display

Press the “DISP” button to dis-play the 5-minute or 1-minutefuel consumption display.

Press and hold the “DISP” buttonto switch between 5-minute and1-minute fuel consumption dis-plays.

The display will alternate witheach press of the button.

5-minute interval fuel consumption

Fuel consumption

Displays the average fuel con-sumption for the last 30 minutesin intervals of 5 minutes or thelast 15 minutes in intervals of 1minute.

Regenerated energy

Displays the amount of energygenerated over the last 30 min-utes in intervals of 5 minutes orthe last 15 minutes in intervals of1 minute.

One symbol indicates 50 Wh (5-minute interval display) or 30 Wh(1-minute interval display).Up to 8 symbols are shown.

1-minute interval fuel consumption

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EV indicator*1

Eco Driving Indicator Light*1

Average speed*2

Average fuel consumption/ecosavings*2

Use the displayed average fuelconsumption as a reference.

*1: →P. 225

*2:The current amount since the tripmeter was reset will be displayed.These functions can be reset bypressing and holding the “TRIP”button when either the 5-minuteor 1-minute interval fuel con-sumption display is being shown.

The display can be switchedbetween average fuel consump-tion/average speed and eco sav-ings. (→P. 232)

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Monthly fuel consumption record/Eco savings record (multi-information display only)

Press the “DISP” button to dis-play the monthly fuel consump-tion record or eco savingsrecord.

Press and hold the “DISP” buttonto switch the display betweenmonthly fuel consumption recordand eco savings record.

The display will alternate witheach press of the button.

Monthly fuel consumption record displayDisplays the average fuel consumption for the previous 6 months.

Average fuel consumption forthe previous 6 monthsEV indicator*Eco Driving Indicator Light*Driving distance for eachmonth

*: →P. 225

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Eco savings record displayBy setting the comparison consumption and the gasoline valuebeforehand (→P. 231), the difference is calculated when the actualconsumption is less than the comparison consumption, and theamount of money saved is displayed*1.

If the comparison consumption is set to 0, the consumption cost isdisplayed*1.

*1: The displayed amount is intended only as a guide and may differ fromthe actual amount.

Savings or consumption costsfor the previous 6 monthsEV indicator*2

Eco Driving Indicator Light*2

Driving distance for eachmonth

*2: →P. 225

■Remaining hybrid battery (traction battery) charge displayThe charge amount of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is automaticallycontrolled by the hybrid system. For this reason, even if electricity is recov-ered via the regenerative braking, or electricity is generated via the gasolineengine, the displayed hybrid battery (traction battery) charge amount maynot reach the highest level (level 8). However, this does not indicate a mal-function.

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■Resetting the consumption dataDisplay Audio systemSelecting “Clear” on the “Consumption” screen will reset the fuel consump-tion and the regenerated energy for the past 30 minutes.Selecting “Yes” on the following screen will confirm resetting of all the data.

Navigation systemSelecting “Clear” on the “Consumption” screen will reset the fuel consump-tion and the regenerated energy for the past 30 minutes.Selecting “Yes” on the following screen will confirm resetting of all the data.

Multi-information displayIf the “POWER” switch is turned OFF, average fuel consumption and regen-erated energy data will be reset.

■Resetting the monthly fuel consumption/eco savings recordPress and hold the “TRIP” button while the monthly fuel consumption/ecosavings record is displayed.A confirmation message will be displayed. Press and hold the “TRIP” button to reset the data.Press the “DISP” button to cancel the reset operation. The screen will returnto the previous display if no buttons are pressed for approximately 10 sec-onds.

■Cruising rangeDisplays the estimated maximum distance that can be driven with the quan-tity of fuel remaining.

This distance is computed based on your average fuel consumption. As a result, the actual distance that can be driven may differ from that dis-played.

■Odometer/trip meter/distance to emptyThe odometer/trip meter/distance to empty will not be displayed while themonthly fuel consumption record or the eco savings record is being dis-played.

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Hybrid vehicle driving tips

For economical and ecological driving, pay attention to thefollowing points:

■ Using Eco drive modeWhen using Eco drive mode, the torque corresponding to theaccelerator pedal depression amount can be generated moresmoothly than it is in normal conditions. In addition, the opera-tion of the air conditioning system (heating/cooling) will be mini-mized, improving the fuel economy. (→P. 204)

■ Use of Hybrid System IndicatorEco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the indicate of HybridSystem Indicator within Eco area. (→P. 225)

■ When braking the vehicleMake sure to operate the brakes gently and in good time. Agreater amount of electrical energy can be retained when slow-ing down.

■ DelaysRepeated acceleration and deceleration, as well as long waits attraffic lights, will lead to bad fuel consumption. Check trafficreports before leaving and avoid delays as much as possible.When encountering a delay, gently release the brake pedal toallow the vehicle to move forward slightly while avoiding overuseof the accelerator pedal. Doing so can help control excessivegasoline consumption.

■ Highway drivingControl your speed and keep at a constant speed. Also, beforestopping at a toll booth or similar, allow plenty of time to releasethe accelerator and gently apply the brakes. A greater amount ofelectrical energy can be retained when slowing down.

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■ Air conditioning on/off

Switch the air conditioning ( ) to off when it is not needed.Doing so can help control excessive gasoline consumption.

In summer: In high temperatures, use the recirculated air mode.Doing so will help to reduce the burden on the air conditionerand reduce fuel consumption as well.

In winter: Because the gasoline engine will not automatically cutout until the gasoline engine and the interior of the vehicle arewarm, it will consume fuel. Also, fuel consumption can beimproved by avoiding overuse of the heater.

■ Checking tire inflation pressureMake sure to check the tire inflation pressure frequently.Improper tire inflation pressure can cause poor fuel consump-tion.Also, as snow tires can cause large amounts of friction, their useon dry roads can lead to poor fuel consumption. Use a tire that isappropriate for the season.

■ LuggageCarrying heavy luggage can lead to poor fuel consumption.Avoid carrying unnecessary luggage. Installing a large roof rackcan also cause poor fuel consumption.

■ Warming up before drivingSince the gasoline engine starts up and cuts out automaticallywhen cold, warming up the engine is unnecessary. Moreover,frequently driving short distances will cause the engine torepeatedly warm up, which can lead to poor fuel consumption.