ECO mode LEXUS NX300 2020 Owner's Guide

1604-1. Before driving
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
Confirm that the gross trailer weight,
gross combination weight, gross vehi-
cle weight, gross axle weight and
tongue weight are all within the limits.
■GCWR*
2WD models: 6306 lb. (2860 kg)
AWD models: 6416 lb. (2910 kg)
■TWR*
2000 lb. (910 kg)
■Unbraked TWR*
1000 lb. (450 kg)
*: These models meet the tow-vehicle trail-
ering requirement of SAE International
per SAE J2807.
 A recommended tongue weight
varies in accordance with the types
of trailers or towing as described
below.
 To ensure the recommended values
shown below, the trailer must be
loaded by referring to the following
instructions.
• Tongue Weight
The gross trailer weight should be distrib-
uted so that the tongue weight is 9% to
11%.
(Tongue weight /Gross trailer weight x 100
= 9% to 11%)
The gross trailer weight , gross axle weight
and tongue weight can be measured with
platform scales found at a highway weigh-
ing station, building supply company, trucking company, junk yard, etc.
Gross trailer weight
Tongue weight
Trailer hitch assemblies have different
weight capacities. Lexus recommends
the use of Lexus hitch/bracket for your
vehicle. For details, contact your Lexus
dealer.
If you wish to install a trailer hitch,
contact your Lexus dealer.
 Use only a hitch that conforms to
the gross trailer weight requirement
of your vehicle.
 Follow the directions supplied by the
hitch manufacturer.
 Lubricate the hitch ball with a light
coating of grease.
 Remove the hitch ball whenever you
are not towing a trailer. Remove the
trailer hitch if you do not need it.
After removing the hitch, seal any
mounting hole in the vehicle body to
prevent entry of any substances into
the vehicle.
GCWR, TWR and Unbraked
TWR
Trailer Tongue Weight
Hitch
A
B

1634-1. Before driving
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
4
Driving
3When the wheel blocks are in
place, release the brakes slowly
until the blocks absorb the load.
4 Shift into P and apply the parking
brake.
5 Turn off the engine.
 When restarting after parking on a
slope:
1 With the transmission in P, start the
engine. Be sure to keep the brake
pedal depressed.
2 Shift into a forward gear. If revers-
ing, shift into R.
3 If the parking brake is in manual
mode, release the parking brake.
(P.173)
4 Release the brake pedal, and slowly
pull or back away from the wheel
blocks. Stop and apply the brakes.
5 Have someone retrieve the blocks.Trailer towing (vehicles with-
out towing package)
Lexus does not recommend towing
a trailer with your vehicle. Lexus
also does not recommend the
installation of a tow hitch or the use
of a tow hitch carrier for a wheel-
chair, scooter, bicycle, etc. Your
vehicle is not desi gned for trailer
towing or for the use of tow hitch
mounted carriers.

1654-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
4
Driving
4-2.Driving procedures
1Check that the parking brake is set.
2 Check that the shift lever is in P.
3 Firmly depress the brake pedal.
and a message will be displayed on the
multi-information display.
If it is not displayed, the engine cannot be
started.
4 Press the engine switch shortly and
firmly.
When operating the engine switch, one
short, firm press is enough.
It is not necessary to press and hold the
switch.
The engine will crank until it starts or for up
to 30 seconds, whichever is less.
Continue depressing the brake pedal until
the engine is completely started.
The engine can be started from any engine
switch mode.
■If the engine does not start
●The engine immobilizer system may not
have been deactivated. ( P.68) Contact your Lexus dealer.
●Check that the shift leve
r is securely set in
P. The engine may not start if the shift
lever is displaced out of P. “To Start Vehi-
cle, Put Shift Lever into P” will be dis-
played on the multi-information display.
●The smart access system with push-but-
ton start may not be operating properly.
(  P.398)
■Electronic key battery depletion
 P.96
■Conditions affecting operation
 P.118
■Note for the entry function
 P.118
■Steering lock function
●After turning the engine switch off and
opening and closing the doors, the steer-
ing wheel will be lock ed due to the steer-
ing lock function. Operating the engine
switch again automatically cancels the
steering lock.
●When the steering lock cannot be
released, “Steering Wheel Lock Press
Engine Switch while Turning Wheel” will
be displayed on the multi-information dis-
play.
Check that the shift lever is in P. Press the
engine switch while turning the steering
wheel left and right.
●To prevent the steering lock motor from
overheating, operation of the motor may
be suspended if the engine is turned on
and off repeatedly in a short period of
time. In this case, refrain from running the
engine. After about 10 seconds, the
steering lock motor will resume function-
ing.
Engine (ignition) switch
Performing the following opera-
tions when carryin g the electronic
key on your person starts the
engine or changes engine switch
modes.
Starting the engine

1664-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
■If “Smart Access System Malfunction
See Owner’s Manual” is displayed on
the multi-information display
The system may be malfunctioning. Have
the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.
■Electronic key battery
 P.356
■Operation of the engine switch
●If the switch is not pressed shortly and
firmly, the engine switch mode may not
change or the engine may not start.
●If attempting to restart the engine imme-
diately after turning the engine switch off,
the engine may not start in some cases.
After turning the engine switch off, please
wait a few seconds before restarting the
engine.
■If the smart access system with push-
button start has been deactivated by a
customized setting
 P.427
1Stop the vehicle completely.
2
Set the parking brake ( P.173),
and shift the shift lever to P
( P.168).
3
Press the engine switch.
4
Release the brake pedal and check
that the display on the instrument
cluster is off.
Modes can be changed by pressing
the engine switch with brake pedal
WARNING
■When starting the engine
Always start the engine while sitting in
the driver’s seat. Do not depress the
accelerator pedal while starting the
engine under any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident result-
ing in death or serious injury.
■Caution while driving
If engine failure occurs while the vehicle
is moving, do not lock or open the doors
until the vehicle reaches a safe and com-
plete stop. The steering lock function will
activate and this may lead to an accident,
resulting in death or serious injury.
NOTICE
■When starting the engine
●Do not race a cold engine.
●If the engine becomes difficult to start
or stalls frequently, have your vehicle
checked by your Lexus dealer immedi-
ately.
■Symptoms indicating a malfunction
with the engine switch
If the engine switch seems to be operat-
ing somewhat differently than usual, such
as the switch sticking slightly, there may
be a malfunction. Contact your Lexus
dealer immediately.
Stopping the engine
WARNING
■Stopping the engine in an emergency
If you want to stop th e engine in an emer-
gency while driving the vehicle, press
and hold the engine switch for more than
2 seconds, or press it briefly 3 times or
more in succession. ( P.366)
However, do not touch the engine switch
while driving except in an emergency.
Turning the engine off while driving will
not cause loss of steering or braking con-
trol, 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.
Changing engine switch modes

1744-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
the switch again. (P.379)
■Parking brake operation
●When the engine switch is not in IGNI-
TION ON mode, the parking brake can-
not be released using the parking brake
switch.
●When the engine switch is not in IGNI-
TION ON mode, automatic mode (auto-
matic brake setting and releasing) is not
available.
■If “Parking Brake Overheated Parking
Brake Unavailable” is displayed on the
multi-information display
If the parking brake is operated repeatedly
over a short period of time, the system may
restrict operation to prevent overheating. If
this happens, refrain from operating the
parking brake. Normal operation will return
after about 1 minute.
■Parking brake operation sound
When the parking brake operates, a motor
sound (whirring sound) may be heard. This
does not indicate a malfunction.
■Parking brake indicator light and park-
ing brake lamp
●Depending on the engine switch mode,
the parking brake indicator light and
parking brake lamp will turn on and stay
on as described below:
IGNITION ON mode: Comes on until
the parking brake is released.
Not in IGNITION ON mode: Stays on
for approximately 15 seconds.
●When the engine switch is turned off with
the parking brake set, the parking brake
indicator light and parking brake lamp
will stay on for about 15 seconds. This
does not indicate a malfunction.
■Changing the mode
When changing the automatic mode on/off,
the message will be shown on the multi-
information display and the buzzer sounds.
■Parking the vehicle
 P.146
■Parking brake engaged warning buzzer
A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is driven with the parking brake engaged. “Release
Parking Brake” is displayed on the multi-
information display.
■Warning messages and buzzers
Warning messages and buzzers are used to
indicate a system malfunction or to inform
the driver of the need for caution. If a warn-
ing message is shown on the multi-informa-
tion display, read the message and follow
the instructions.
■If the brake system warning light comes
on
 P.376
■Usage in winter time
 P.267
WARNING
■When parking the vehicle
Do not leave a child in the vehicle alone.
The parking brake may be released unin-
tentionally and there is the danger of the
vehicle moving that may lead to an acci-
dent resulting in death or serious injury.
■Parking brake switch
Do not set any objects near the parking
brake switch. Objects may interfere with
the switch and may lead the parking
brake to unexpectedly operate.
NOTICE
■When parking the vehicle
Before you leave the vehicle, shift the
shift lever to P, set the parking brake and
make sure that the vehicle does not
move.
■When the system malfunctions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and
check the warning messages.

1774-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
4
Driving
*:If equipped
1Louder
2 Lower
The indicator comes on when the ASC
system is on.
When the dial is turned to the lowest
volume, the ASC system will be turned
off and the indicator will go off.
■Operating conditions
When the driving mode select switch is not in Eco mode.
■Temporary cancelation of the ASC sys-
tem functions
The ASC system may be temporarily can-
celed depending on the driving conditions,
such as when the tires slip due to sudden
acceleration.ASC (Active Sound Con-
trol)*
The ASC system is an electronic
sound system that generates
engine sound, conveying the
kinetic situations of the vehicle’s
acceleration and deceleration to
the driver throug h the speakers
inside the instrument panel.
The vehicle’s response to the
driver’s accelerati on behavior and
shift operations are also conveyed
in sound.
When Sport mode is selected, the
sound conveyed to the driver will be
louder.
Controlling volume

1794-3. Operating the lights and wipers
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
4
Driving
turn on. (P.179)
■AUTO mode can be used when
The engine switch is in IGNITION ON
mode.
■Daytime running light system
●The daytime running lights illuminate
using the same lights as the parking lights
and illuminate brighter than the parking
lights.
●To make your vehicle more visible to
other drivers during daytime driving, the
daytime running lights turn on automati-
cally when all of the following conditions
are met. (The daytime running lights are
not designed for use at night.)
• The engine is running
• The parking brake is released
• The headlight switch is in the
(type B), or
* position
*: When the surroundings are bright
The daytime running lights remain on after
they illuminate, even if the parking brake is
set again.
●For the U.S.A.: Dayt ime running lights
can be turned off by operating the switch.
●Compared to turning on the headlights,
the daytime running light system offers
greater durability and consumes less
electricity, so it can help improve fuel
●If a turn signal light is in use, the daytime
running light, on the same side, is turned
off. For emergency flashers, both are
turned off.
■Headlight control sensor
The sensor may not function properly if an
object is placed on th e sensor, or anything
that blocks the sensor is affixed to the wind-
shield.
Doing so interferes with the sensor detect-
ing the level of ambient light and may cause
the automatic headlight system to malfunc-
tion.
■Automatic light off system
●When the headlights come on: The head-
lights and tail lights turn off 30 seconds
after a door is opened and closed if the
engine switch is turned to ACCESSORY
mode or turned off. (The lights turn off
immediately if on the key is
pressed after all the doors are locked.)
●When only the tail lights come on: The tail
lights turn off automatically if the engine
switch is turned to ACCESSORY mode
or turned off and the driver’s door is
opened.
To turn the lights on again, turn the engine
switch to IGNITION ON mode, or turn the
light switch off once and then back to or .
■Light reminder buzzer
A buzzer sounds when the engine switch is
turned off or turned to ACCESSORY
mode and the driver’s door is opened while
the lights are turned on.
■Automatic headlight leveling system (if
equipped)
The level of the headlights is automatically
adjusted according to the number of pas-
sengers and the loadin g condition of the
vehicle to ensure that the headlights do not
interfere with other road users.
■Battery-saving function
In order to prevent the battery of the vehicle
from discharging, if the headlights and/or
tail lights are on when the engine switch is
turned off the battery saving function will
operate and automatically turn off all the
lights after approximately 20 minutes.
When the engine switch is turned to IGNI-
TION ON mode, the battery-saving func-

1894-3. Operating the lights and wipers
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
4
Driving
Operating the switch operates
the rear wiper as follows:
Type A
1
Off
2
Intermittent operation
3
Normal operation
WARNING
■Caution regarding the use of wind-
shield wipers in AUTO mode (vehi-
cles with rain-sen sing windshield
wipers)
The windshield wipers may operate
unexpectedly if the sensor is touched or
the windshield is subject to vibration in
AUTO mode. Take care that your fingers,
etc. do not become caught in the wind-
shield wipers.
■Caution regarding the use of washer
fluid
When it is cold, do not use the washer
fluid until the windshield becomes warm.
The fluid may freeze on the windshield
and cause low visibility. This may lead to
an accident, resulting in death or serious
injury.
NOTICE
■When the washer fluid tank is empty
Do not operate the switch continually as
the washer fluid pump may overheat.
■When a nozzle becomes blocked
In this case, contact your Lexus dealer.
Do not try to clear it with a pin or other
object. The nozzle will be damaged.
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the wipers on longer than
necessary when the engine is off.
Rear window wiper and
w
asher
NOTICE
■When the rear window is dry
Do not use the wiper, as it may damage
the rear window.
Operating the wiper lever

1904-3. Operating the lights and wipers
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
4 Washer/wiper dual opera-
tion
Pushing the lever operates the wiper and
washer.
The wiper will automatically operate a cou-
ple of times after the washer squirts.
Type B
1
Off
2
Intermittent operation
3
Normal operation 4
Washer/wiper dual opera-
tion
Pushing the lever oper ates the wiper and
washer.
The wiper will automatically operate a cou-
ple of times after the washer squirts.
■The rear window wiper and washer can
be operated when
The engine switch is in IGNITION ON
mode.
NOTICE
■When the washer fluid tank is empty
Do not operate the switch continually as
the washer fluid pump may overheat.
■When a nozzle becomes blocked
In this case, contact your Lexus dealer.
Do not try to clear it with a pin or other
object. The nozzle will be damaged.
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the wiper on longer than
necessary when the engine is off.

2134-5. Using the driving support systems
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
4
Driving
lowing conditions are met in addition to the
operation conditions for the lane departure
alert function.
•Setting for “Steering Assist” in of the
multi-information display is set to “On”.
( P.82)
• Vehicle is not accelerated or decelerated
by a fixed amount or more.
• Steering wheel is not operated with a
steering force level su itable for changing
lanes.
• ABS, VSC, TRAC and PCS are not oper-
ating.
• TRAC or VSC is not turned off.
• Hands off steering wheel warning is not displayed. ( P.214)
●Vehicle sway warning function
This function operates when all of the fol-
lowing conditions are met.
• Setting for “Sway Warning” in of the
multi-information display is set to “On”.
( P.82)
• Vehicle speed is approximately 32 mph
(50 km/h) or more.
• Width of traffic lane is approximately 9.8
ft. (3 m) or more.
• No system malfunctions are detected. ( P.214)
●Lane centering function
This function operates when all of the fol-
lowing conditions are met.
• LTA is turned on.
• Setting for “Steering Assist” and “Lane
Center” in of th e multi-information
display are set to “On”. ( P.82)
• This function recognizes white (yellow)
lane lines or the position of a preceding
vehicle (except when the preceding vehi-
cle is small, such as a motorcycle).
• The dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range is operating in vehicle-
to-vehicle distance control mode.
• Width of traffic lane is approximately 10 to 13 ft. (3 to 4 m).
• Turn signal lever is not operated.
• Vehicle is not being driven around a sharp curve.
• No system malfunctions are detected. (
 P.214)
• Vehicle does not ac celerate or deceler-
ate by a fixed amount or more.
• Steering wheel is not operated with a steering force level su itable for changing
lanes.
• ABS, VSC, TRAC and PCS are not oper- ating.
• TRAC or VSC is not turned off.
• Hands off steering wheel warning is not
displayed. ( P.214)
• The vehicle is being driven in the center
of a lane.
• Steering assist function is not operating.
■Temporary cancelation of functions
●When operation condit ions are no longer
met, a function may be temporarily can-
celed. However, when the operation con-
ditions are met again, operation of the
function is automatically restored.
(  P.212)
●If the operation conditions ( P.212) are
no longer met while the lane centering
function is operating, the steering wheel
may vibrate and the buzzer may sound to
indicate that the function has been tem-
porarily canceled. Howe ver, if the “Alert”
customization setting is set to ,
the system will notify the driver by vibrat-
ing the steering whee l instead of sound-
ing the buzzer.
■Steering assist function/lane centering
function
●Depending on the vehicle speed, lane
departure situation, road conditions, etc.,
the driver may not feel the function is
operating or the function may not oper-
ate at all.
●The steering control of the function is
overridden by the driver’s steering wheel
operation.
●Do not attempt to test the operation of
the steering assist function.
■Lane departure alert function
●The warning buzzer may be difficult to
hear due to external noise, audio play-
back, etc. Also, it may be difficult to feel
steering wheel vibrations due to the road