TOYOTA RAV4 PLUG-IN HYBRID 2021 Owners Manual

439
5
5-5. Using the driving support systems
Driving
■E-Four (Electronic On-Demand
AWD system)
Automatically switches from front
wheel drive to all-wheel drive
(AWD) according to the driving con -
ditions, helping to ensure reliable
handling and stability. Examples of
conditions where the system will
switch to AWD are when cornering,
going uphill, start ing off or acceler-
ating, and when the road surface is
slippery due to snow, rain, etc.
■Emergency brake signal
When the brakes are applied sud -
denly, the emergency flashers
automatically flash to alert the vehi -
cle behind.
■The Secondary Collision
Brake (if equipped)
When the SRS airbag sensor
detects a collision and the system
operates, the brakes and brake
lights are automatically controlled
to reduce the v ehicle speed and
help reduce the possibility of further
damage due to a secondary colli -
sion.
■When the TRC/VSC/ABS/Trailer Sway Control syst ems are operat-
ing
The slip indicator light will flash while the TRC/VSC/ABS/Traile r Sway Control
systems are operating.
■Disabling the TRC system
If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt or snow, the TRC system may reduce
power from the hyb rid system to the
wheels.
Pressing to turn t he system off may
make it easier for you to rock the vehicle
in order to free it.
To turn the TRC system off, quickly
press and release .
“Traction Control Tu rned OFF” will be
shown on the multi-information display.
Press again to turn the system back
on.
■Turning off the TRC/VSC/Trailer
Sway Control systems
To turn the TRC/VS C/Trailer Sway Con-
trol systems off, press and hold for
more than 3 seconds wh ile the vehicle is
stopped.
The VSC OFF indicator light will come
on and the “Tractio n Control Turned
OFF” will be shown on the multi-infor-
mation display.*
Press again to turn the systems
back on.
*: On vehicles with PCS (Pre-Collision

4405-5. Using the driving support systems
System), PCS will also be disabled
(only Pre-Collision warning is avail -
able). The PCS warning light will
come on and a message will be dis -
played on the multi-information dis -
play. ( →P.361)
■When the message is displayed on
the multi-information display show -
ing that TRC has been disabled
even if has not been pressed
TRC is temporary deactivated. If the information continues to show, contact
any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota
authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.
■Operating conditions of hill-start
assist control
When the following four conditions are met, the hill-start as sist control will oper-
ate:
●The shift lever is in a position other
than P or N (when starting off for-
ward/backward on an upward incline).
●The vehicle is stopped.
●The accelerator pedal is not
depressed.
●The parking brake is not engaged.
■Automatic system cancelation of
hill-start assist control
The hill-start assist control will turn off in any of the following situations:
●The shift lever is shifted to P or N.
●The accelerator pedal is depressed.
●The parking brak e is engaged.
●No more than 2 seconds have elapsed after the brake pedal is
released.
■Sounds and vibrations caused by
the ABS, brake assist, VSC, Trailer Sway Control, TRC and hill-start
assist control systems
●A sound may be heard from the
engine compartment when the brake
pedal is depressed repeatedly, when
the hybrid system i s started or just
after the vehicle beg ins to move. This sound does not indicate that a mal -
function has occurred in any of these
systems.
●Any of the followin g conditions may
occur when the a bove systems are operating. None of these indicates
that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard also
after the vehicle comes to a stop.
■ECB operating sound
ECB operating sound may be heard in
the following cases, but it does not indi-
cate that a malfun ction has occurred.
●Operating sound heard from the
engine compartment when the brake pedal is operated.
●Motor sound of the brake system heard from the front part of the vehicle
when the driver’ door is opened.
●Operating sound heard from the
engine compartment when one or two
minutes passed after the stop of the hybrid system.
■Active Cornering Assist operation
sounds and vibrations
When the Active Cornering Assist is operated, operation sounds and vibra -
tions may be generat ed from the brake
system, but thi s is not a malfunction.
■EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a
motor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard. This does not indicate a malfunc - tion.
■Automatic reacti vation of TRC,
Trailer Sway Control and VSC sys -
tems
After turning the TRC, Trailer Sway Control and VSC systems off, the sys -
tems will be automati cally re-enabled in
the following situations:
●When the power switch is turned off.
●If only the TRC syst em is turned off,

441
5
5-5. Using the driving support systems
Driving
the TRC will turn on when vehicle
speed increases. If both the TRC and VSC systems are
turned off, automa tic re-enabling will
not occur when vehicle speed increases.
■Operating conditions of Active Cor -
nering Assist
The system operates when the following occurs.
●TRC/VSC can operate
●The driver is attempting to accelerate
while turning
●The system detects that the vehicle is
drifting to the outer side
●The brake pedal is released
■Reduced effectiveness of the EPS
system
The effectiveness o f the EPS system is
reduced to prevent the system from
overheating when there is frequent steering input over an extended period
of time. The steering wheel may feel
heavy as a result. Should this occur, refrain from excessive steering input or
stop the vehicle and t urn the hybrid sys-
tem off. The EPS sys tem should return to normal within 10 minutes.
■Operating conditions of emergency
brake signal
When the following co nditions are met, the emergency brake signal will operate:
●The emergency fl ashers are off.
●Actual vehicle speed is over 55 km/h
(35 mph).
●The system judges from the vehicle
deceleration that it is a sudden brak -
ing operation.
■Automatic system cancelation of emergency brake signal
The emergency brake signal will be can -
celed in any of the following situations:
●The emergency flashers are turned
on.
●The system judges from the vehicle
deceleration that is not a sudden brak - ing operation.
■Secondary Collision Brake operat -
ing conditions (if equipped)
The system operates when the SRS air - bag sensor detects a collision while the
vehicle is in moti on. However, the sys-
tem does not operate in any of the fol - lowing situations.
●The vehicle speed is below 10 km/h (6 mph)
●Components are damaged
■Secondary Collision Brake auto - matic cancellation (if equipped)
The system is automa tically canceled in
any of the following situations.
●The vehicle speed drops below
approximately 10 km/h (6 mph)
●A certain amount of time elapses
during operation
●The accelerator pedal is depressed a
large amount
■If a message about AWD is shown on the multi-information displa y
Perform the following actions.

4425-5. Using the driving support systems
MessageDetails/Actions
“AWD System Over-
heated Switching to 2WD
Mode”
AWD system is overheating.
→ Drive the vehicle at low speeds and stop the
vehicle in a safe place with the hybrid system
operating until the message is cleared.
Once the display message on the multi-information dis -
play turns off, there is no p roblem continuing to drive.
If the message does not dis appear, have your vehicle
checked by any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota
authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer immedi-
ately.
“AWD System Over -
heated 2WD Mode
Engaged”
The vehicle switch ed from all-wheel drive (AWD) to
front wheel drive du e to overheating.
→ Drive the vehicle at low speeds and stop the
vehicle in a safe place with the hybrid system
operating until the message is cleared.
Once the display message on the multi-information dis -
play turns off, the AWD s ystem returns to normal.
If the message does not dis appear, have your vehicle
checked by any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota
authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer immedi-
ately.
“AWD System Malfunc -
tion 2WD Mode Engaged
Visit Your Dealer”
A malfunction occurr ed in the AWD system.
→ Have your vehicle checked by any authorized
Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or
any reliable repairer immediately.
WARNING
■The ABS does not operate effec -
tively when
●The limits of tire gripping perfor -
mance have been exceeded (such
as excessively worn tires on a snow covered road).
●The vehicle hydroplanes while driv - ing at high speed on wet or slick
roads.
■Stopping distance when the ABS
is operating may exceed that of normal conditions
The ABS is not desi gned to shorten
the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always maintain a safe distance from
the vehicle in fron t of you, especially
in the following situations:
●When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
●When driving wit h tire chains
●When driving over bumps in the
road

443
5
5-5. Using the driving support systems
Driving
WARNING
●When driving over roads with pot -
holes or uneven surfaces
■TRC/VSC may not operate effec -
tively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip -
pery road surfaces , even if the
TRC/VSC system is operating.
Drive the vehicle carefully in condi - tions where stabilit y and power may
be lost.
■Active Cornering Assist does not
operate effectively when
●Do not overly rely on Active Corner - ing Assist. Active Cornering Assist
may not operate effectively when
accelerating down slopes or driving on slippery road surfaces.
●When Active Cornering Assist fre - quently operates, Active Cornering
Assist may temporarily stop operat -
ing to ensure prop er operation of the brakes, TRC and VSC.
■Hill-start assist control does not operate effectively when
●Do not overly rely on hill-start assist
control. Hill-start assist control may not operate effectively on steep
inclines and roads covered with ice.
●Unlike the parking brake, hill-start
assist control is not intended to hold
the vehicle stationary for an extended period of time. Do not
attempt to use hill-start assist con -
trol to hold the vehicle on an incline, as doing so may lead to an acci-
dent.
■When the TRC/ABS/VSC/Trailer
Sway Control is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may
cause an accident. Exercise particular
care when the indicat or light flashes.
■When the TRC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a
speed appropriate t o the road condi- tions. As these ar e the systems to
help ensure vehicl e stability and driv-
ing force, do not turn the TRC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control sys -
tems off unle ss necessary.
Trailer Sway Control is part of the VSC system and will not operate if
VSC is turned off or experiences a
malfunction.
■Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, brand, tread pattern
and total load capac ity. In addition,
make sure that the tires are inflated to the recommended tire inflation pres -
sure level.
The ABS, TRC and VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems will not function cor -
rectly if different ti res are installed on
the vehicle. Contact any authorized Toyota
retailer or Toyota a uthorized repairer,
or any reliable repairer for further information when replacing tires or
wheels.
■Handling of tires and the suspen -
sion
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the driving assist systems, and may
cause a system to malfunction.
■Trailer Sway Control precaution
The Trailer Sway C ontrol system is not able to reduce tr ailer sway in all
situations. Depending on many fac -
tors such as the conditions of the
vehicle, trailer, road surface and driv - ing environment, the Trailer Sway
Control system may not be effective.
Refer to your traile r owner’s manual for information on how to tow your
trailer properly.

4445-5. Using the driving support systems
WARNING
■If trailer sway occurs
Observe the following precautions.
Failing to do so may cause death or serious injury.
●Firmly grip the steering wheel.
Steer straight ahead. Do not try to control trailer sw aying by turning
the steering wheel.
●Begin releasing the accelerator pedal immediately but very gradu -
ally to reduce speed.
Do not increase speed. Do not apply vehicle brakes.
If you make no extreme correction
with the steering or brakes, your vehi-
cle and trailer should stabilize.
( →P.308)
■Secondary Collision Brake (if
equipped)
Do not rely solely upon the Secondary Collision Brake. This system is
designed to help re duce the possibil-
ity of further damage due to a second - ary collision, however, that effect
changes according to various condi -
tions. Overly relyi ng on the system may result in death or serious injury.

445
5
5-6. Driving tips
Driving
5-6.Driving tips
 Use fluids that are appropriate to
the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Power control unit coolant
• Washer fluid
 Have a service technician
inspect the condition of the 12-
volt battery.
 Have the vehicle fitted with four
snow tires or purchase a set of
tire chains for the front tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size
and brand, and that chains match the
size of the tires.*
*: Tire chains cannot be mounted on
vehicles with 235/55R19 tires.
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary prepa -
rations and inspections before
driving the vehicle in winter.
Always drive the vehicle in a
manner appropriate to the pre -
vailing weather conditions.
Pre-winter preparations
WARNING
■Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in a loss of
vehicle control and cause death or serious injury.
●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 snow tires being
used.
●Use snow tires on all, not just some
wheels.
■Driving with tire chains (except
235/55R19 tires)
Observe the following precautions to
reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in the vehi - cle being unable to be driven safely,
and may cause death or serious
injury.
●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 sur -
faces or over potholes.
●Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt
steering, sudden br aking and shift-
ing operations that cause sudden engine braking.
●Slow down sufficiently before enter - ing a curve to ensure that vehicle
control is maintained.
●Do not use LTA (Lane Tracing
Assist) system (if equipped).
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs or replacement of snow tires from any authorized
Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized
repairer, or any reliable repairer or legitimate tire retailers.
This is because the removal and
attachment of snow tires affects the operation of the tire pressure warning
valves and transmitters.

4465-6. Driving tips
Perform the following according to
the driving conditions:
 Do not try to forcibly open a win-
dow or move a wiper that is fro -
zen. 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 sno w that has accu-
mulated 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 exte -
rior 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.
Accelerate the veh icle slowly, keep
a safe distance between you and
the vehicle ahead, and drive at a
reduced speed suitable to road
conditions.
 Park the vehicle and move the
s hif t le ve r to P w itho u t se tt ing th e
parking brake. The parking brake
may freeze up, preventing it from
being released. If the vehicle is
parked without setting the park -
ing brake, make sure to block the
wheels.
Failure to do so may be danger -
ous because it may cause the
vehicle to move unexpectedly,
possibly leading to an accident.
When the parking brake is in automatic
mode, release the parking brake after
shifting the shift lever to P. ( →P.326)
If the vehicle is left parked with
the brakes damp in cold tem -
peratures, there is a possibility of
the brakes freezing.
 If the vehicle is parked without
setting the parking brake, con -
firm that the shift lever cannot be
moved out of P*.
*: The shift lever will be locked if it is
attempted to be shifted from P to any
other position with out depressing the
brake pedal. If the shift lever can be
shifted from P, t here may be a prob-
lem with the shift lock system. Have
the vehicle inspected by any autho -
rized Toyota retailer or Toyota autho -
rized repairer, or any reliable repairer
immediately.
Before driving the vehicle
When driving the vehicle
When parking the vehicle
WARNING
■When parking the vehicle
When parking the vehicle without
applying the parki ng brake, make
sure to chock the wheels. If you do
not chock the wheels, the vehicle may move unexpectedly, possibly result-
ing in an accident.

447
5
5-6. Driving tips
Driving
Vehicles with 225/60R18 tires
Use the correct tire chain size when
mounting the tire chains. Chain size
is regulated for each tire size.
Side chain:
3 mm (0.12 in.) in diameter
10 mm (0.39 in.) in width
30 mm (1.18 in.) in length
Cross chain:
4 mm (0.16 in.) in diameter
14 mm (0.55 in.) in width
25 mm (0.98 in.) in length
Vehicles with 235/55R19 tires
Tire chains cannot be mounted.
Snow tires should be used instead.
Regulations regarding the use of
tire chains vary depending on loca -
tion and type of road. Always check
local regulations before installing
chains.
■Tire chain installation
Observe the following precautions when installing and removing chains:
●Install and remove tire chains in a safe location.
●Install tire chains on the front tires only. Do not install t ire chains on the
rear tires.
●Install tire chains on front tires as
tightly as possible. Retighten chains
after driving 0.5 - 1.0 km (1/4 - 1/2 mile).
●Install tire chains following the instruc - tions provided with the tire chains.
■Consumption of fuel and electricity
In cold temperatures, resistance of the
parts of a vehicle (tr ansmission, tires, etc.) generally incr eases, resulting in
increase of energy consumption. As a
result, fuel economy is likely to decrease.
Consumption of fuel and electricity of
this vehicle is als o likely to become worse in cold temperatures.
Selecting tire chains
Regulations on the use of
tire chains (except
235/55R19 tires)
A
B
C
D
E
F
NOTICE
■Fitting tire chains
The tire pressure w arning valves and
transmitters may not function cor - rectly when tire chains are fitted.

4485-6. Driving tips
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. And, 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 antici -
pate problems.
 It is not designed for cornering at
the same speeds as ordinary
passenger cars any more than
low-slung sports cars are
designed to perform satisfactorily
under off-road conditions. There -
fore, sharp turns at excessive
speeds may cause the vehicle to
rollover.
When driving your vehicle off-road,
please observe the following pre -
Utility vehicle precau-
tions
This vehicle belongs to the
utility vehicle class, which has
higher ground clearance and
narrower tread i n relation to
the height of its center of grav -
ity to make it capable of per -
forming in a wide variety of off-
road applications.
Utility vehicle feature
WARNING
■Utility vehicle precautions
Always observe the following precau -
tions to minimize the risk of death, serious injury or damage to your vehi-
cle:
●In a rollover crash, an unbelted per - son is significantly more likely to die
than a person wearing a seat belt.
Therefore, the driver and all pas -
sengers should alwa ys fasten their seat belts.
●Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneu - vers, if at all possible.
Failure to operate this vehicle cor-
rectly 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 cross -
winds. Because of its profile and higher center of gravity, your vehi -
cle 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 sim ilar off-road vehi-
cle) can tip over sideways much
more easily than forward or back- ward.
Off-road driving