engine LEXUS NX300h 2018 Owner's Manual

1594-1. Before driving
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 4
Driving
Contact your Lexus dealer for further
information about additional require-
ments such as a towing kit, etc. ■
Matching trailer ball height to trailer
coupler height
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. Coupler
Trailer ball ■
Before towing
Check that the following conditions are
met: ●
Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are prop-
erly inflated. ( → P.406)●
Trailer tires are inflated according to the
trailer manufacturer’s recommendation. ●
All trailer lights work as required by law. ●
All lights work each time you connect
them. ●
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, over-
loading, worn suspension, or other possi-
ble causes.
●
The trailer cargo is securely loaded.
●
The rear view mirrors conform to all
applicable federal, state/provincial or
local regulations. If they do not, install
rear view mirrors appropriate for towing
purposes.
■
Break-in schedule
If your vehicle is new or equipped with any
new power train components (such as an
engine, transmission, di fferential or wheel
bearing), Lexus recommends that you do
not tow a trailer until the vehicle has been Trailer towing (vehicles with
towing package) Your vehicle is de signed primarily
as a passenger-and-load-carrying
vehicle. Towing a trailer can have an
adverse impact on handling, per-
formance, braking, durability, and
fuel consumption. For your safety
and the 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 equipment
has been installed correctly and
used properly, and that you employ
the requisite driving habits.
Vehicle-trailer stability and braking
performance are affected by trailer
stability, brake performance and
setting, trailer brakes, the hitch and
hitch systems (if equipped).
To tow a trailer safely, use extreme
care and drive the vehicle in accor-
dance with your trailer’s character-
istics and operating conditions.
Lexus warranties do not apply to
damage or malfunction caused by
towing a trailer for commercial pur-
poses. A
B

1654-1. Before driving
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 4
Driving Your vehicle will handle differently
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 province. Do not exceed
the posted towing speed limit.
 Lexus recommends that the vehicle-
trailer speed limit is 65 mph (104
km/h) on a flat, 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 increases.
Exceeding speed limits may cause
loss of control.
 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 attached in
an area away from traffic until you
become accustomed to the feel of
the vehicle-trailer combination.
 Reversing with a tr ailer 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
opposite to reversing without a
trailer attached.) Avoid sharp or prolonged turning. Have someone
guide you when reversing to reduce
the risk of an accident.
 As stopping distance is increased
when towing a trailer, vehicle-to
vehicle distance should be
increased. For each 10 mph (16 km/
h) of speed, allow at least one vehi-
cle and trailer length.
 Avoid sudden braking as you may
skid, resulting in the trailer jackknif-
ing and a loss of vehicle control. This
is especially true on wet or slippery
surfaces.
 Avoid jerky starts or sudden accel-
eration.
 Avoid jerky steering and sharp
turns, and slow down before making
turn.
 Note that when making a turn, the
trailer wheels will be closer than the
vehicle wheels to the inside of the
turn. Compensate by making a
wider than normal turning radius.
 Slow down before making a turn, in
cross winds, on wet or slippery sur-
faces, etc.
Increasing vehicle speed can desta-
bilize the trailer.
 Take care when passing other vehi-
cles. Passing requires considerable
distance. After pass ing a vehicle, do
not forget the length of your trailer,
and be sure you have plenty of room
before changing lanes.
 To maintain engine braking effi-
ciency and charging system perfor-
mance when using engine braking, Trailer towing tips

166 4-1. Before driving
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U do not put the transmission in D.
( → P.176)
 Instability happens more frequently
when descending steep or long
downhill grades. Before descend-
ing, slow down and downshift. Do
not make sudden downshifts while
descending steep or long downhill
grades.
 Avoid holding the brake pedal down
too long or applying the brakes too
frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat and result in
reduced braking efficiency.
 Due to the added load of the trailer,
your vehicle’s engine may overheat
on hot days (at temperatures over
85°F [30°C]) when driving up a
long or steep grade. If the engine
coolant temperature gauge indi-
cates overheating, immediately turn
off the air conditioning (if in use),
pull your vehicle off the road and
stop in a safe spot. ( → P.394)
 Always place wheel blocks under
both the vehicle’s and the trailer’s
wheels when parking. Put the trans-
mission in P and apply the parking
brake. Avoid parking on a slope, but
if unavoidable, do so only after per-
forming the following:
1 Apply the brakes and keep them
applied.
2 Have someone place wheel blocks
under both the vehicle’s and trailer’s
wheels. 3 When 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 hybrid system.
 When restarting after parking on a
slope:
1 With the transmission in P, start the
hybrid system. 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.179)
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.

1714-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 4
Driving ods of time when the hybrid system is not
operating. ■
When stopping the hybrid system with
the shift lever in a po sition other than P
If the hybrid system is stopped with the shift
lever in a position ot her than P, the power
switch will not be turned off but instead be
turned to ACCESSORY mode. Perform
the following procedure to turn the switch
off:
1 Check that the parking brake is set.
2 Shift the shift lever to P.
3 Check that “Turn Off Vehicle” is dis-
played on the multi-information display
and then press the power switch once.
4 Check that “Turn Off Vehicle” on the
multi-information display is off.
Turns EV drive mode on/off When EV drive mode is turned on, the EV
drive mode indicator will come on.
Pressing the switch wh en in EV drive mode
will return the vehicle to normal driving
(using the gasoline engine and electric
motor [traction motor]).
■
Situations in which EV drive mode can-
not be turned on
It may not be possible to turn EV drive
mode on in the following situations. If it can-
not be turned on, a buzzer will sound and a
message will be shown on the multi-infor-
mation display.
●
The temperature of the hybrid system is
high.
The vehicle has been left in the sun, NOTICE■
To prevent 12-volt battery discharge●
Do not leave the power switch in
ACCESSORY or ON mode for long
periods of time without the hybrid sys-
tem on.●
If “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION
ON” is displayed on the multi-informa-
tion display while the hybrid system is
not operating, the power switch is not
off. Exit the vehicle after turning the
power switch off.
●
Do not stop the hybrid system when
the shift lever is in a position other than
P. If the hybrid sy stem is stopped in
another shift lever position, the power
switch will not be turned off but instead
be turned to ACCESSORY mode. If
the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY
mode, 12-volt battery discharge may
occur. EV drive mode In EV drive mode, electric power is
supplied by the hybrid battery
(traction battery), and only the
electric motor (traction motor) is
used to drive the vehicle.
This mode allows you to drive in res-
idential areas early in the morning
and late at night, or in indoor park-
ing lots, etc., without concern for
noises and gas emissions.
Operating instructions

172 4-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U driven on a hill, driven at high speeds, etc.●
The temperature of the hybrid system is
low.
The vehicle has been left in temperatures
lower than about 32 °F (0 °C) for a long
period of time, etc.●
The gasoline engine is warming up.●
The hybrid battery (traction battery) is
low.
The remaining battery level indicated in
the “Energy Monitor” display is low.
( → P.95)●
Vehicle speed is high.●
The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly
or the vehicle is on a hill, etc.●
The windshield defogger is in use.■
Switching to EV drive mode when the
gasoline engine is cold
If the hybrid system is started while the gas-
oline engine is cold, the gasoline engine will
start automatically after a short period of
time in order to warm up. In this case, you
will become unable to switch to EV drive
mode.
After the hybrid system has started and the
“READY” indicator has illuminated, press
the EV drive mode switch before the gaso-
line engine starts to switch to EV drive
mode. ■
Automatic cancelation of EV drive
mode
When driving in EV drive mode, the gaso-
line engine may automatically restart in the
following situations. When EV drive mode
is canceled, a buzzer will sound, the EV
drive mode indicator w ill go off after flash-
ing, and a message is displayed on the
multi-information display.
●
The hybrid battery (traction battery)
becomes low.
The remaining battery level indicated in
the “Energy Monitor” display is low.
( → P.95)
●
Vehicle speed is high.
●
The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly
or the vehicle is on a hill, etc. ■
Possible driving distan ce when driving in
EV drive mode
EV drive mode’s possible driving distance
ranges from a few hundred meters to
approximately 0.6 mile (1 km). However,
depending on vehicle conditions, there are
situations when EV drive mode cannot be
used. (The distance that is possible depends
on the hybrid battery [traction battery] level
and driving conditions.) ■
Fuel economy
The hybrid system is designed to achieve
the best possible fuel economy during nor-
mal driving (using the gasoline engine and
electric motor [tractio n motor]). Driving in
EV drive mode more than necessary may
lower fuel economy.
WARNING■
Caution while driving
When driving in EV drive mode, pay spe-
cial attention to the area around the vehi-
cle. Because there is no engine noise,
pedestrians, people riding bicycles or
other people and vehicles in the area
may not be aware of the vehicle starting
off or approaching them, so take extra
care while driving.

1734-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 4
Driving *1
: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce
noise, shift the shift lever to D for normal
driving.
You can choose gear range suitable for
your driving situation by operating the
paddle shift switches. *2
: By selecting shift ra nges using S mode,
you can control accelerating force and
engine braking force.
■
S mode●
When the shift range is 4 or lower, hold-
ing the shift lever towa rd “+” sets the shift
range to 6.
●
Automatically selects a higher shift range
before the engine speed becomes too
high.
■
When driving with dynamic radar cruise
control with full-speed range activated
Even when performing the following
actions with the intent of enabling engine
braking, engine braking will not activate
because dynamic radar cruise control with
full-speed range will not be canceled. ●
While driving in S mode, downshifting to
5 or 4. ( → P.176)●
When switching the driving mode to
sport mode while driving in D position.
( → P.249)■
Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start
Control)
When the following unusual operation is
performed, the hybrid system output may
be restrained. ●
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 accelerator pedal
depressed, a warning message appears
on the multi-information display. If a
warning message is shown on the multi-
information display, read the message
and follow the instructions. ●
When the accelerator pedal is depressed
too while the vehicle is in reverse.Hybrid transmission Select the shift position depending
on your purpose and situation.
Shift position purpose and func-
tions Shift posi-
tion Objective or function
P Parking the vehicle/starting
the hybrid system
R Reversing
N Neutral
D Normal driving *1
S S mode driving *2
( → P.176)
WARNING■
When driving on slippery road sur-
faces
Be careful of downsh ifting and sudden
acceleration, as this could result in the
vehicle skidding to the side or spinning.
NOTICE■
Hybrid battery (t raction battery)
charge
If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery
(traction battery) will not be charging,
even when the engine is running. There-
fore, if the vehicle is left with the shift
lever in N for a long period of time, the
hybrid battery (traction battery) will dis-
charge, and this may re sult in the vehicle
not being able to start.

1754-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 4
Driving To drive using temporary shift range
selection, operate the “-” paddle shift
switch while the shift lever in D. Chang-
ing the shift range enables the level of
engine braking force to be selected.
The shift range can then be selected by
operating the “-” and “+” paddle shift
switches.
1 Upshifting
2 DownshiftingThe selected shift range, from 1 to 6, will be
displayed on the multi-information display.
The initial shift range is 4 when the “-” pad-
dle shift switch is operated.
To return to normal D position driving, the
“+” paddle shift switch must be held down
for a period of time.
■
Shift ranges and their functions
 You can choose from 6 levels of
engine braking force.
 A lower shift range will provide
greater engine braking force than a
higher shift range, and the engine
revolutions will also increase. ■
When the “-” paddle shift switch is oper-
ated with the shift le ver in the D position
A shift range will be au tomatically selected. The highest gear of the first shift range will
be one gear lower than the gear in use
during normal D position driving. ■
Automatic deactivation of shift range
selection in the D position
Shift range selection in the D position will
be deactivated in the following situations: ●
When the vehicle comes to a stop ●
If the accelerator pe dal is depressed for
more than a certai n period of time●
When the shift lever is shifted to a posi-
tion other than D
To enter S mode, shift the shift lever to
S. Shift ranges can be selected by
operating the shift lever or paddle shift
switches, allowing you to drive in the
shift range of your choice. The shift
range can be selected by operating the
shift lever or the “-” and “+” paddle shift
switches.
1 UpshiftingSelecting shift ranges in the D
position
Selecting shift ranges in the S
position

176 4-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 2 DownshiftingThe selected shift range, from 1 to 6, will be
displayed.
The initial shift range in S mode is 4. ■
Shift ranges and their functions
 You can choose from 6 levels of
accelerating force and engine brak-
ing force.
 A lower shift range will provide
greater accelerating force and
engine braking force than a higher
shift range, and the engine revolu-
tions will also increase. ■
Downshifting restriction warning
buzzer
To help ensure safety and driving perfor-
mance, downshifting operation may some-
times be restricted. In some circumstances,
downshifting may not be possible even
when the shift lever or paddle shift switch is
operated. (A buzzer will sound twice.)
1 Right turn
2 Lane change to the right (move the
lever partway and release it)
The right hand signals will flash 3
times.
3 Lane change to the left (move the
lever partway and release it)
The left hand signals will flash 3
times.
4 Left turn ■
Turn signals can be operated when
The power switch is in ON mode.
■
If the indicator flashes faster than usual
Check that a light bulb in the front or rear
turn signal lights has not burned out.
■
Customization
→ P.425Turn signal lever
Operating instructions

1814-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 4
Driving the instructions. ■
If the brake hold operated indicator
flashes
→ P.368 *
: If equipped
1 Louder
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 WARNING■
When the vehicle is on a steep incline
When using the brake hold system on a
steep incline, exercise caution. The brake
hold function may not hold the vehicle in
such a situation. ■
When stopped on a slippery road
The system cannot stop the vehicle when
the gripping ability of the tires has been
exceeded. Do not use the system when
stopped on a slippery road.
NOTICE■
When parking the vehicle
The brake hold system is not designed
for use when parking the vehicle for a
long period of time. Turning the power
switch off while the system is holding the
brake may release the brake, which
would cause the vehicle to move. When
operating the power switch, depress the
brake pedal, shift the shift lever to P and
set the parking brake. 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 through the speakers
inside the instrument panel.
The vehicle’s response to the
driver’s acceleration 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

2294-5. Using the driving support systems
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 4
Driving ■
Muting the buzzer sound●
To mute the buzzer sound
The buzzer can be temporarily muted by
pressing of the meter control
switches while an obstacle detection dis-
play is shown on the multi-information
display.●
To cancel the mute
Mute will be automatically cancelled in
the following situations.
• When the shift position is changed
• When the vehicle speed has reached or
exceeded approximately 6 mph (10 km/
h) with the shift lever in D
• When the intuitive par king assist is turned
off once and turned on again
• When the power switch is turned off once
and turned to ON mode again
• When a sensor is malfunctioning ■
Certification 
For vehicles sold in the U.S.A.
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the fol-
lowing two conditions; (1) this device may
not cause harmful interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation. 
For vehicles sold in Canada
This ISM device complies with Canadian
ICES-001.
Cet appareil ISM est conforme a la norme
NMB-001 du Canada. ■
Intuitive parking assist display
When an obstacle is detected while the
Lexus parking assist monitor is in use, the
warning indicator will appear in the upper
corner of the screen even if the display set-
ting has been set to off.
■
If “Clean Parking Assist Sensor” is dis-
played on the multi-information display
A sensor may be dirty or covered with snow
or ice. In such cases, if it is removed from
the sensor, the system should return to nor-
mal.
Also, due to the sensor being frozen at low
temperatures, a malfunction display may
appear or an obstacle may not be detected. If the sensor thaws out, the system should
return to normal. ■
If “Parking Assist Malfunction” is dis-
played on the multi-information display
Depending on the malf unction of the sen-
sor, the device may not be working nor-
mally. Have the vehicle inspected by your
Lexus dealer. ■
Sensor detection information ●
The sensor’s detectio n areas are limited
to the areas around the vehicle’s bumper. ●
Certain vehicle conditions and the sur-
rounding environment may affect the
ability of a sensor to correctly detect an
obstacle. Particular instances where this
may occur are listed below.
• There is dirt, snow or ice on the sensor.
(Wiping the sensors will resolve this
problem.)
• The sensor is frozen. (Thawing the area
will resolve this problem.)
In especially cold weather, if a sensor is
frozen the screen may show an abnormal
display, or obstacles may not be
detected.
• The sensor is covered in any way.
• The vehicle is leaning considerably to one
side.
• On an extremely bumpy road, on an
incline, on gravel, or on grass.
• The vicinity of the vehicle is noisy due to
vehicle horns, motorcycle engines, air
brakes of large vehicles, or other loud
noises producing ultrasonic waves.
• There is another vehicle equipped with
parking assist sensors in the vicinity.
• The sensor is coated with a sheet of spray
or heavy rain.
• The vehicle is equipped with a fender
pole or wireless antenna.
• Towing eyelets are installed.
• The bumper or sensor receives a strong
impact.
• A backlit license plate, license plate
holder, etc., are installed.
• The vehicle is approaching a tall or
curved curb.
• In harsh sunlight or intense cold weather.
• The area directly under the bumpers is
not detected.
• If obstacles draw too close to the sensor.
• A non-genuine Lexus suspension (low-