sport mode LEXUS RX350 2021 User Guide

1554-1. Before driving
4
Driving
●When the accelerator pedal is released
●When the brake pedal is depressed while
sport mode is selected
■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.
●A warning message is displayed on the
multi-information display and head-up
display (if equipped) while the system is
operating.
■Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start
Control)
●When the following unusual operation is
performed, the engine 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 M) with the accelerator pedal
depressed, a warning message appears
on the multi-information display and
head-up display (if equipped). If a warn-
ing message is shown on the multi-infor-
mation display and head-up display (if
equipped), read the message and follow
the instructions.
• When the accelerator pedal is depressed
too much while the vehicle is in reverse.
●While Drive-Start Control is being acti-
vated, your vehicle may have trouble
escaping from the mud or fresh snow. In
such case, deactivate TRAC ( P.276) to
cancel Drive-Start Control so that the
vehicle may become able to escape from
the mud or fresh snow.
■Breaking in your new Lexus
To extend the life of the vehicle, observing
the following precautions is recommended:
●For the first 200 miles (300 km):
Avoid sudden stops.
●For the first 500 miles (800 km):
Do not tow a trailer.
●For the first 1000 miles (1600 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.
■Operating your vehicle in a foreign
country
Comply with the relevant vehicle registra-
tion laws and confirm the availability of the
correct fuel. ( P.444)
■Eco-friendly driving
 P.83
WARNING
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or
serious injury.
■When starting the vehicle
Always keep your foot on the brake
pedal while stopped the engine running.
This prevents the vehicle from creeping.
■When driving the vehicle
●Do not drive if you are unfamiliar with
the location of the brake and accelera-
tor pedals to avoid depressing the
wrong pedal.
• Accidentally depressing the accelera- tor pedal instead of the brake pedal
will result in sudden acceleration that
may lead to an accident.
• When backing up, you may twist your body around, leading to a difficulty in
operating the pedals. Make sure to
operate the pedals properly.
• Make sure to keep a correct driving posture even when moving the vehicle
only slightly. This allows you to depress
the brake and accelerator pedals
properly.
• 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.

1794-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
because dynamic radar cruise control with
full-speed range will not be canceled.
●While driving in D position, downshifting
to 7, 6, 5 or 4. ( P.227)
●When switching the driving mode to
sport mode while driving in the D position
( P.271)
■Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start
Control)
 P.155
■AI-SHIFT
●The AI-SHIFT automatically selects the
suitable gear accordin g to driver perfor-
mance and driving conditions.
The AI-SHIFT automatically operates
when the shift lever is in D. (Shifting the
shift lever to the M position cancels the
function.)
●G AI-SHIFT automatically selects a suit-
able gear for sporty driving according to
driver’s input and driving conditions. G
AI-SHIFT operates automatically when
the shift lever is in D and sport mode is
selected for the driving mode. (Selecting
normal mode with the driving mode
select switch or shifti ng the shift lever to
the M position cancels this function.)
While the engine switch is in IGNI-
TION ON mode, move the shift lever
with the brake pedal depressed.
When shifting the shift lever between P
and D, make sure that the vehicle is com-
pletely stopped.
■Shift lock system
The shift lock system is a system to prevent
accidental operation of the shift lever in
starting.
The shift lever can be shifted from P only
when the engine swit ch is in IGNITION
ON mode and the brake pedal is being
depressed.
■If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
First, check whether the brake pedal is
being depressed.
If the shift lever cannot be shifted with your
foot on the brake pedal, there may be a
problem with the shift lock system. Have the
vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.
The following steps may be used as an
WARNING
■When driving on slippery road sur-
faces
Be careful of downshifting and sudden
acceleration, as this could result in the
vehicle skidding to th e side or spinning.
Shifting the shift lever

2114-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
■Enabling/disabling the pre-colli-
sion system
The pre-collision system can be
enabled/disabled on ( P.81) of
the multi-information display.
The system is automatically enabled each
time the engine switch is turned to IGNI-
TION ON mode.
If the system is disabled, the PCS warn-
ing light will turn on and a message will
be displayed on the multi-information
display.
■Changing the pre-collision warn-
ing timing
The pre-collision warning timing can
be changed on ( P.81) of the
multi-information display.
The warning timing setting is retained
when the engine switch is turned off. How-
ever, if the pre-collision system is disabled
and re-enabled, the operation timing will
return to the default setting (middle).
1 Early
2 Middle
This is the default setting.
3Late
■Operational conditions
The pre-collision system is enabled and the system determines that the possibility of a frontal
WARNING
●If the vehicle cannot be driven in a sta-
ble manner, such as when the vehicle
has been in an accident or is malfunc-
tioning
●When the vehicle is driven in a sporty
manner or off-road
●When the tires are not properly
inflated
●When the tires are very worn
●When tires of a size other than speci-
fied are installed
●When tire chains are installed
●When a compact spare tire or an
emergency tire puncture repair kit is
used
●If equipment (snow plow, etc.) that may
obstruct the radar sensor or front cam-
era is temporarily installed to the vehi-
cle
Changing settings of the pre-col-
lision system

2704-5. Using the driving support systems
Except F SPORT models
1 Normal mode
Provides an optimal ba lance of fuel econ-
omy, quietness, and dynamic performance.
Suitable for city driving.
Press the switch to change the driving
mode to normal mode when Eco drive
mode or sport mode is selected.
2 Eco drive mode
Helps the driver accelerate in an
eco-friendly manner and improve fuel
economy through moderate throttle char-
acteristics and by controlling the operation
of the air conditioning system (heat-
ing/cooling).
When not in Eco drive mode, if the driving mode select switch is
turned to the left, the
Eco drive mode indicator will come on.
3 Sport mode
Controls the transmission and engine to
provide quick, powerful acceleration. This
mode also changes the steering feel, mak-
ing it suitable for when agile driving
response is desired, such as when driving
on roads with many curves.
When not in sport mode, if the driving
mode select switch is turned to the right,
the “Sport” indicator will comes on.
F SPORT models (vehicles with
Adaptive Variable Suspension Sys-
tem)
1 Normal mode/Custom mode
Normal mode and custom mode are
selected by pressing the driving mode
select switch. Each time the switch is
pressed, the driving mode changes
between normal mode and custom mode.
When custom mode is selected, the “Cus-
tom” indicator will be illuminated.
When Eco drive mode or sport mode is
Driving mode select switch
The driving modes can be selected
to suit driving conditions.
Selecting a drive mode

2714-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
selected, pressing the switch changes the
driving mode to normal mode.
•Normal mode
Provides an optimal ba lance of fuel econ-
omy, quietness, and dynamic performance.
Suitable for city driving.
•Custom mode
Allows you to drive with the following func-
tions set to your preferred settings. Cus-
tom mode settings can only be changed on
the drive mode customization display of
the Center Display. ( P.288)
2 Eco drive mode
Helps the driver accelerate in an
eco-friendly manner and improve fuel
economy through moderate throttle char-
acteristics and by controlling the operation
of the air conditioning system (heat-
ing/cooling).
When not in Eco drive mode, if the driving
mode select switch is turned to the left, the
Eco drive mode indicator will come on.
3Sport mode
•Sport S mode
Controls the transmission and engine to
provide quick, powerful acceleration. This
mode is suitable for when agile driving
response is desired, such as when driving
on roads with many curves.
When not in Sport S mode, if the driving mode select switch is turned to the right,
the “Sport S” indicator will come on.
•Sport S+ mode
Helps to ensure stee
ring performance and
driving stability by simultaneously con-
trolling the steering and suspension in
addition to the transmission and engine.
Suitable for sportier driving.
When in Sport S mode, if the driving mode
select switch is turned to the right, the
“Sport S+” indicator will come on.
F SPORT models (vehicles without
Adaptive Variable Suspension Sys-
tem)
1 Normal mode
Provides an optimal ba lance of fuel econ-
omy, quietness, and dynamic performance.
Suitable for city driving.
Press the switch to change the driving
mode to normal mode when Eco drive
mode or sport mode is selected.
2 Eco drive mode
Helps the driver ac celerate in an
eco-friendly manner and improve fuel
FunctionSetting
Powertrain
Normal
Power
Eco
ChassisNormal
Sport
Air conditioning sys-
temNormal
Eco

2724-5. Using the driving support systems
economy through moderate throttle char-
acteristics and by controlling the operation
of the air conditioning system (heat-
ing/cooling).
When not in Eco drive mode, if the driving
mode select switch is turned to the left, the
Eco drive mode indicator will come on.
3Sport mode
Controls the transmission and engine to
provide quick, powerful acceleration. This
mode also changes the steering feel, mak-
ing it suitable for when agile driving
response is desired, such as when driving
on roads with many curves.
When not in sport mode, if the driving
mode select switch is turned to the right,
the “Sport” indicator will comes on.
■Operation of the air conditioning sys-
tem in Eco drive mode
Eco drive mode controls the heating/cool-
ing operations and fan speed of the air con-
ditioning system to enhance fuel efficiency.
To improve air condit ioning performance,
adjust the fan speed or turn off Eco drive
mode.
■Automatic deactivation of sport mode
and custom mode
If the engine switch is turned off after driv-
ing in sport mode or custom mode, the
drive mode will be changed to normal
mode.
■Driving mode pop-up display (12.3-inch
display only)
When the driving mode is changed, the
selected driving mode will be temporarily
displayed on the side display. ( P.288)
Press the switch.
The torque of the engine is distributed
to the rear wheels to the maximum
extent possible in accordance with
driving conditions.
Pressing the switch again cancels
all-wheel drive lock mode and returns
the Dynamic Torque Control AWD
system to normal mode. ( P.275)
■All-wheel drive lock mode can be oper-
ated when
The engine switch is in IGNITION ON
mode.
■Automatic release for the all-wheel
drive lock mode
●All-wheel drive lock mode is canceled
when the brakes are applied to ensure
the ABS and VSC systems operate effec-
tively.
All-wheel drive lock switch
(AWD models)
All-wheel drive lock mode can be
used when a large amount of drive
power needs to be applied to all the
wheels, such as when the vehicle
gets stuck in mud and you need to
free it.
Using All-wheel drive lock mode

2744-5. Using the driving support systems
■Trailer Sway Control (if equipped)
Helps the driver to control trailer sway
by selectively applying brake pressure
for individual wheels and reducing
driving torque when trailer sway is
detected.
■TRAC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and pre-
vent the drive wheels from spinning
when starting the vehicle or accelerat-
ing on slippery roads
■Active Cornering Assist (ACA)
Helps to prevent the vehicle from drift-
ing to the outer side by performing
inner wheel brake control when
attempting to accelerate while turning
■Hill-start assist control
Helps to reduce the backward move-
ment of the vehicle when starting on an
uphill
■EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce
the amount of effort needed to turn the
steering wheel
■Dynamic Torque Control AWD
system (AWD models)
Automatically switches from
front-wheel drive to all-wheel drive
(AWD) according to the driving condi-
tions, helping to ensure reliable han-
dling and stability. Examples of
conditions where the system will switch
to AWD are when cornering, going
uphill, starting off or accelerating, and
when the road surface is slippery due
to snow, rain, etc.
■Adaptive Variable Suspension Sys-
tem (if equipped)
Controls the damping force of the
shock absorber of each wheel accord-
ing to the road and driving conditions,
helping achieve a comfortable ride,
excellent driveability and a high level of
stability.
If Sport S+ mode is selected using the
driving mode select switch, the damp-
ing force will become more suitable for
sporty driving. ( P.271)
■VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Inte-
grated Management) (if equipped)
Provides integrated control of the
ABS, brake assist, TRAC, VSC,
hill-start assist control and EPS systems
Helps to maintain vehicle stability when
swerving on slippery road surfaces by
controlling the brakes, engine output
and steering assist.
■The Secondary Collision Brake
When the SRS airbag sensor detects a
collision and the system operates, the
brakes and brake lights are automati-
cally controlled to reduce the vehicle
speed and help reduce the possibility
of further damage due to a secondary
collision.
■When the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway
Control systems are operating
The slip indicator light will flash while the
TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems
are operating.

3977-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
7-2.Steps to take in an emergency
If your vehicle needs to be
towed
If towing is necessary, we recom-
mend having your vehicle towed by
your Lexus dealer or commercial
towing service, using a wheel-lift
type truck or flatbed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all
towing, and abide by all state/pro-
vincial and local laws.
2WD models: If towing your vehicle
with a wheel-lift type truck from the
front, the vehicle's rear wheels and
axles must be in good conditions.
(  P.398, 397)
If they are damaged, use a towing
dolly or flatbed truck.
AWD models: If towing your vehi-
cle with a wheel-lift type truck, use
a towing dolly. ( P.398, 397)
WARNING
Observe the following precautions.Fail-
ure to do so may result in death or seri-
ous injury.
■When towing the vehicle
2WD models
Be sure to transport the vehicle with the
front wheels raised or with all four wheels
raised off the ground. If the vehicle is
towed with the front wheels contacting
the ground, the drivetrain and related
parts may be damaged.
AWD models
Be sure to transport the vehicle with all
four wheels raised off the ground. If the
vehicle is towed with the tires contacting
the ground, the driv etrain or related
parts may be damaged, the vehicle may
fly off the truck.
■While towing
●When towing using cables or chains,
avoid sudden starts, etc. which place
excessive stress on the towing eyelets,
cables or chains. The towing eyelets,
cables or chains may become dam-
aged, broken debris may hit people,
and cause serious damage.

3997-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
Turn automatic mode off. (P.184)
From the front (AWD models)
Use a towing dolly under the rear
wheels.
From the rear
Use a towing dolly under the front
wheels. When using a flat-bed truck to trans-
port the vehicle, use tire strapping
belts. Refer to the owner's manual of
the flat-bed truck for the tire strapping
method.
In order to suppress vehicle movement
during transportation, set the parking
brake and turn the engine switch off.
If a tow truck is not available in an
emergency, your vehicle may be tem-
porarily towed using cables or chains
secured to the emergency towing eye-
lets. This should only be attempted on
hard surfaced roads for at most 50
miles (80 km) at under 18 mph (30
km/h).
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer
and operate the brakes. The vehicle’s
wheels, drive train, axles, steering and
brakes must be in good condition.
To have your vehicle towed by another
NOTICE
■Towing with a sling-type truck
Do not tow with a sling-type truck to pre-
vent body damage.
2WD models
AWD models
Using a flatbed truck
Emergency towing (vehicles
with towing eyelets)
Emergency towing procedure
(vehicles with towing eyelets)

4007-2. Steps to take in an emergency
vehicle, the towing eyelet must be
installed to your vehicle. Install the tow-
ing eyelet using the following proce-
dure.
1Take out the towing eyelet.
(P.417)
2 Remove the eyelet cover.
Except F SPORT models
F SPORT models
3 Insert the towing eyelet into the
hole and tighten partially by hand. 4
Tighten down the towing eyelet
securely using a wheel nut wrench
or hard metal bar.
5 Securely attach cables or chains to
the towing eyelet.
Take care not to damage the vehicle body.
6Enter the vehicle being towed and
start the engine.
If the engine does not start, turn the engine
switch to ON.
7Shift the shift lever to N and release
the parking brake.
Turn automatic mode off. ( P.184)
When the shift lever cannot be shifted:
 P.179
■While towing
If the engine is not running, the power assist
for the brakes and steering will not function,
making steering and braking more difficult.
■Wheel nut wrench
Wheel nut wrench is installed in luggage
compartment. ( P.417)